The Meaning of "Christian"
The term "Christian" literally means "follower of Christ" or "one belonging to Christ." In the New Testament, believers were first called Christians at Antioch (Acts 11:26), marking a significant moment when the early church was recognized as a distinct community. To be a Christian is fundamentally to have entered into a personal relationship with Jesus Christ through faith. This is not merely intellectual agreement with Christian doctrine, but rather a transformative commitment where Christ becomes the centre of one's life.
Scripture makes clear that becoming a Christian begins with faith in Jesus Christ. Paul writes in Romans 10:9, "If you declare with your mouth, 'Jesus is Lord,' and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved." This involves acknowledging Jesus as both Lord and Saviour, recognizing His authority over our lives and trusting in His finished work on the cross. A Christian is someone who has repented of sin and embraced Christ's grace, experiencing the forgiveness and new life that comes through His resurrection.
The Christian Life and Identity
Being a Christian is not simply a one-time event, but the beginning of a lifelong journey of spiritual growth and transformation. Jesus teaches in John 15:5, "I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing." This beautiful image shows that Christians are connected to Christ as our source of spiritual life and purpose. As we abide in Christ through prayer, Scripture study, and obedience, we grow in spiritual maturity and increasingly reflect His character.
The apostle Paul describes this transformation as being "in Christ"—a fundamental shift in identity and allegiance. In 2 Corinthians 5:17, he declares, "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!" Christians are called to live out this new identity by loving God with all their hearts and loving their neighbours as themselves (Matthew 22:37-39). We are called to share the gospel with others, grow in holiness, and demonstrate Christ's love through our words and actions.
The Practical Outworking of Faith
Genuine Christian faith produces visible fruit in our lives. Jesus said in Matthew 7:16, "By their fruit you will recognize them," reminding us that authentic faith demonstrates itself through obedience, love, and changed character. This means Christians are called to live differently—pursuing holiness, showing compassion, seeking justice, and extending grace to others.
If you sense the Holy Spirit's call upon your heart, you can become a Christian today by sincerely confessing Jesus as Lord and committing your life to Him. True Gospel Canada encourages you to find a local church community where you can grow in faith, connect with other believers, and serve God's kingdom together. Being a Christian is the greatest adventure—one that begins now and continues eternally.
"I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me." — Galatians 2:20