The "Redemption Changes Everything" sermon series in May was both challenging and clarifying. In recent years, Christianity has increasingly become a subculture in the American mainstream. It is now common to see people wearing crosses, listening to Christian music, or self-identifying as Christian.
But this raises an important question: What is a Christian?
Christians are Forgiven
At its core, a Christian is someone who has been forgiven and restored to God through Jesus Christ. This happens by repenting of sin and trusting in Christ's perfect life, sacrificial death, and victorious resurrection (Ac 3:19; Ro 5:8-11).
This transformation begins with a recognition of one's spiritual bankruptcy-- reaching the end of one's own moral resources and acknowledging the need for God's grace and forgiveness (Ro 3:10-12, 23, 7:18-19; Eph 2:1-5).
Christians are Made Free
When a person places their faith and trust in Jesus Christ and His substitutionary work, they are freed from the power of sin (Ro 6:6-7, 14). Through the Holy Spirit, they are given both the ability and the desire to turn away from sin (repentance) and to submit to Christ's rule in their life (Eze 36:26-27; Gal 5:16).
This is an important distinction: Christian salvation is more than intellectual agreement. A true Christian has been born again spiritually by God and now lives under the transforming power of that new life in Christ (Jn 3:3-8; 2Co 5:17).
Christians are Reconciled
Forgiveness, restoration, repentance, and freedom from sin result in reconciliation-- first with God, and then with others (2Co 5:18-19; Ro 5:1). Through faith in Christ, the believer is brought into the family of God as a child of God (Jn 1:12; Ro 8:15-17).
Furthermore, salvation is not merely vertical (between the individual and God); it is also horizontal (between believers). A genuine Christian is identified by their demonstration of love for others and a growing obedience to God's Word (Jn 13:34-35; 1Jn 2:3-5).
Those indwelt by the Holy Spirit share a spiritual unity that transcends differences in background, ethnicity, culture, or circumstance (Gal 3:28). Simply put, Christians love one another.
Christians are Devoted to a Local Church
The New Testament presents participation in a local church not as optional, but as essential to Christian identity and practice. Early believers devoted themselves to biblical teaching, fellowship, and prayer, gathering together regularly in both public and private settings (Ac 2:42-47). The author of Hebrews likewise explicitly warns believers not to neglect meeting together (Heb 10:24-25).
In 1 Corinthians 12:12-27, the apostle Paul describes the church as a body with many members united as one. The imagery assumes an active, connected, and interdependent relationship-- something that cannot exist in isolation. Christianity was never intended to be lived alone.
Additionally, the New Testament assumes an identifiable church structure, where pastors shepherd a particular, local gathering of people (flock) (1Pe 5:1-3; Ac 20:28). This implies both the responsibility of pastors as well as the devoted commitment from members.
Beyond biblical instruction, there are practical blessings to being a devoted member of a local church. Local church membership provides opportunities to receive pastoral care, participate in the Lord's Supper (1Co 11:23-26), serve according to one's gifts (1Pe 4:10), and build deep, Christ-centered relationships. Lives shared in love, fellowship, and accountability make the gospel visible to a watching world (Mt 5:14-16).
Conclusion
So, what is a Christian? A Christian is someone who has been forgiven by Christ, freed from sin's power, reconciled to God and His people, and committed to living out their faith within a local church.
In a culture where Christianity is often reduced to a label or lifestyle, Scripture calls us to something far deeper-- a transformed life lived in community under the lordship of Jesus Christ (Lk 9:23; Col 2:6-7).
If you identify as a Christian but are not meaningfully connected to a local church, consider what Scripture teaches and what God intends for your good. The church is not merely an institution to attend; it is a family to belong to, a body to serve, and a means through which God shapes His people.
To follow Christ is to follow Him together with His people.
Post tenebras lux,
Pastor Dan | Ps. 46
