Introduction
A Christian is someone who believes in Jesus Christ, acknowledges that he is the Son of God, who died and rose again for them, and chooses to follow him. The word means “belonging to Christ.” People do not become Christians through their family, their country, or their culture, but through personal faith.
The word Christian is used all over the world, yet it is often misunderstood. For some, it refers to a culture, a family tradition, or a nationality. The Bible offers a simpler and more personal definition. This page explains where the word comes from, what the texts say about a Christian, what a Christian is not, and how anyone can become one.
What does the word “Christian” mean?
The word comes from Christ, a title of Greek origin meaning “the anointed one,” that is, the Messiah promised by God. Adding the ending “-ian” means “belonging to Christ,” or “follower of Christ.” It describes a relationship with a person, Jesus, before it describes a religion.
The word first appears in the book of Acts, in the city of Antioch, today in Turkey. The people of the city probably coined it to describe those who spoke constantly about Christ.
Acts 11:26
"When he had found him, he brought him to Antioch. For a whole year they were gathered together with the assembly, and taught many people. The disciples were first called Christians in Antioch."
This account dates from about ten years after Jesus' death. The word was not chosen by the disciples themselves but by those around them. It shows that the first believers were recognized through their connection to Christ, and that this connection was visible from the outside. Read all of Acts 11.
What the Bible says about a Christian
The New Testament texts describe the Christian through a few simple traits: a faith, a new life, a bond with God, and a visible love for others.
John 1:12
"But as many as received him, to them he gave the right to become God’s children, to those who believe in his name:"
John explains that those who receive Jesus and believe in his name receive the right to become children of God. Being a Christian therefore begins with a welcome, not with an effort: you receive a place in God's family. Read all of John 1.
John 3:3
"Jesus answered him, “Most certainly, I tell you, unless one is born anew, he can’t see God’s Kingdom."
Jesus speaks here with a religious and learned man. He tells him that one must be born again, that is, receive from God a new inner beginning. No religious knowledge, however great, replaces this birth. Read all of John 3.
Ephesians 2:8-9
"for by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, that no one would boast."
Paul stresses that salvation is a gift of God received through faith, and not the result of our efforts. A Christian is therefore defined not by his merits but by the grace he has received. Read all of Ephesians 2.
Romans 10:9
"that if you will confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved."
This verse describes the two acts that go with faith: saying that Jesus is Lord, and believing that God raised him. Christian faith rests on a fact, the resurrection, and not only on ideas. Read all of Romans 10.
2 Corinthians 5:17
"Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old things have passed away. Behold, all things have become new."
Paul affirms that whoever is in Christ is a new creation: the old things have passed away. This does not mean the Christian becomes perfect, but that his life takes a new direction. Read all of 2 Corinthians 5.
John 13:35
"By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another."
Jesus tells his disciples that the love they have for one another will be the sign by which they are recognized. The criterion is not a garment or a label, but the way one loves. Read all of John 13.
Christian, believer, practicing: what is the difference?
Believer is a very broad word: it designates anyone who believes in a god, whatever their religion. A Christian is a believer who places his trust in Jesus Christ, especially in his death and resurrection. The word practicing, for its part, describes how often someone performs religious acts, such as going to a place of worship.
One can therefore practice without being a Christian in the biblical sense, and live one's faith in Christ without taking part in every rite. Christian traditions place different emphasis on baptism, community, or the sacraments, but all recognize that Jesus Christ is at the center.
Common misconceptions about Christians
First confusion: being a Christian would be a matter of nationality or culture. A country may have a Christian history without each of its inhabitants following Jesus, and one can be a Christian in any country, without that changing one's nationality or traditions.
Second confusion: a Christian would be someone perfect. The Bible says the opposite: a Christian is someone who acknowledges his failings and receives God's forgiveness. He grows over time, and sometimes he falls and gets back up.
Third confusion: being a Christian would mean following a list of rules. Rules exist, but they flow from the relationship with God. The starting point is the love received, not the obligation.
How to become a Christian?
The Bible describes the path simply: recognize that you need God, believe that Jesus died and rose again for us, then entrust your life to him. This can be done through a very simple prayer, said sincerely, in your own words, at any moment and in any place.
Then, Christian life is built over time: reading the Bible, praying, joining a community of believers near you, and marking this decision through baptism, which is the public sign of this new beginning.
How to live as a Christian day to day
Take a few minutes each day to speak with God and read a passage of the Bible, for example a chapter of the Gospel of John. This simple habit nourishes faith better than grand resolutions.
Seek to love concretely: listen, forgive, help, speak the truth with gentleness. This is the sign that Jesus himself gave.
Surround yourself with other believers. Faith is lived better together, to encourage one another, pray together, and go through difficult moments. Finally, be patient with yourself: growing in faith is a journey of a lifetime.
Further reading
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a Christian and a believer?
A believer is anyone who believes in a god, whatever their religion. A Christian is a believer who places his trust in Jesus Christ, who died and rose again, and chooses to follow him. All Christians are believers, but not all believers are Christians.
What must one believe to be a Christian?
The essentials fit in a few words: Jesus is the Son of God, he died for our sins, God raised him, and we are saved through faith in him. From there, the Christian discovers the rest by reading the Bible and living in community.
Can someone become a Christian at any age?
Yes. The Bible sets no age limit and no limit based on past or nationality. A child, an adult, or an older person can believe in Jesus and follow him. The text of John 3:16 speaks of whoever believes: the invitation is open to everyone.
Must one be baptized to be a Christian?
In the Bible, baptism follows faith and is its public sign. Christian traditions differ on its form and timing, but all recognize it as an important step. It is not the act that saves: it is faith in Jesus Christ.