The Meaning of “Christian”: More Than a Name, It’s a Life
The word “Christian” literally means “like Christ” or “belonging to Christ.” Interestingly, this wasn’t originally a compliment. It started as a derogatory label used by outsiders to mock the early followers of Jesus, essentially calling them “little Christs” because they mimicked His every move. But instead of shying away from it, those believers embraced the term, finding honor in being identified so closely with their Savior. Though the word “Christian” only appears a couple of times in the Bible (Acts 26:28 and 1 Peter 4:16), its significance runs incredibly deep.
So, what does it truly mean to be a Christian in an age of labels and shifting identities? At its heart, to be a Christian is to be a disciple. You cannot have one without the other. It’s a lifelong commitment to believe in Jesus, follow His example, and actively transform into His likeness.
Belief in Christ: The Foundation of Discipleship
Being a Christian, a disciple, begins with unwavering faith—believing that Jesus is truly the Son of God. In John 14:11, Jesus urged His followers to trust in His unique connection with the Father, saying they could believe His words or, at the very least, trust Him based on everything they had witnessed Him do. This isn’t just a suggestion; trusting in who Jesus is forms the absolute bedrock of the Christian life. Without this foundational belief, genuine discipleship cannot exist.
Christ-like Behavior: Living as a Disciple
Belief alone is never the complete picture. Christians are called to actively reflect Jesus through their daily lives and actions. In John 13:15, Jesus explicitly reminded His disciples that He had shown them how to live—and that they were meant to follow in His footsteps. This means a disciple lives with compassion, serves others selflessly, and chooses humility, just as Jesus consistently did. Every choice we make, big or small, should reveal His heart to the world around us. This isn’t optional; it’s the evidence of true discipleship.
Becoming Like Christ: The Ongoing Journey of Discipleship
To be a Christian is also to be someone who allows God to continuously shape and mold them to become more and more like Jesus. Hebrews 3:14 tells us that we genuinely participate in all that Christ offers if we hold tightly to our faith all the way to the finish line. The original Greek word for “end” here speaks to the completion of a journey, not just the passage of time. In other words, the Christian life is a lifelong walk of deepening faith and steadfast loyalty to Christ. It’s an active process of growth, refinement, and transformation—the very essence of discipleship.
The Eternal Consequence: Discipleship Matters
Jesus made it abundantly clear that our response to Him carries eternal weight. In John 3:18, He explained that those who trust in Him are no longer under condemnation, but
those who reject Him have already chosen separation from God by refusing to believe in the only Son He sent. And in Matthew 7:21–23, Jesus issued a stark warning: not everyone who merely says the right words will enter God’s Kingdom—only those who genuinely do what God desires.
In the powerful parable of the sheep and goats (Matthew 25:32–46), Jesus taught that those who failed to live out their faith through real, loving actions would be turned away. This serves as a vital reminder that being a Christian is far more than claiming a title; it’s a life that actively demonstrates its belief through consistent obedience, sacrificial love, and genuine discipleship.
Closing Thoughts: Living as True Disciples
Being a Christian isn’t about wearing a label or simply agreeing with religious truths. It is fundamentally about a life that has been radically changed by Jesus and is actively, continuously growing in Him. It means trusting Him with everything, diligently following His example, and allowing our hearts and actions to fully reflect His Word. When we grasp this profound reality—that to be a Christian is to be a disciple—we can walk in faith with unwavering confidence and live with certain hope for eternity.
