What Does It Really Mean to Be a Christian?
Why I'm a Christian?
All of my life I’ve been a follower of Jesus Christ. I gave my life to Christ when I was eight years old. Ever since then, I’ve been careful with the phrase, “I’m a Christian.”
That care comes from a simple but necessary question:
What does that actually mean?
When people are asked, “Why are you a Christian?” the most common response is, “I believe in God.” But belief alone—at least as we often use the word—is not the same thing as biblical faith.
Affirmation is not the same as wholehearted belief. A person can acknowledge God’s existence, speak positively about Jesus, or use religious language without submitting to Christ as Lord. Scripture is clear that mere acknowledgment falls short of saving faith.
James puts it bluntly:
“You believe that God is one. You do well; the demons also believe, and shudder.” (James 2:19, NASB)
Belief that stops at affirmation—even correct affirmation—is not enough. Biblical faith involves trust, repentance, obedience, and allegiance. Christianity is not simply agreeing that God exists; belongs to Jesus Christ.
The Great Commission and the Weight of Our Answer
Jesus gives His marching orders in Matthew 28:19:
“Go, therefore, and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.”
This command—often called the Great Commission—makes something clear:
our task is not merely to carry a label or hold a vague spiritual belief.
Our calling is to make disciples of Jesus Christ.
That reality should shape how we answer the question, “Why are you a Christian?”
A more faithful answer sounds like this:
“I’m a Christian because I believe Jesus Christ is my Lord and Savior. I believe He lived a perfect life, died on the cross for my sins, rose again, and now calls me to follow Him in obedience.”
That answer carries gospel weight. It points directly to Christ, His work, and His authority over our lives.
When “Christian” Becomes a Vague Label
A recent event illustrates how easily the word Christian can be used in a way that blurs its biblical meaning.
On January 18, a group of anti-ICE protesters disrupted a worship service at Cities Church in St. Paul, Minnesota. Among those present was former CNN anchor Don Lemon.
Lemon has spoken publicly about his religious background—growing up Baptist, attending Catholic school, and describing himself as a “person of faith.” During the church disruption, he pressed the preacher with questions about Jesus and acceptance and stated: “I’m a practicing Christian.”
It’s important to be clear: this is not a declaration about Don Lemon’s eternal standing before God. Scripture alone judges the heart, and only God knows the full story of any individual’s faith.
The concern here is not personal condemnation. The concern the definition.
Profession, Faith, and Biblical Clarity
When people publicly attach the word Christian to beliefs, actions, or moral frameworks that contradict clear biblical teaching, confusion follows—not only for the church, but for the watching world.
Scripture never defines Christianity by self-identification alone. It defines it by:
Repentance from sin
Faith in Jesus Christ
Submission to God’s revealed Word
Cultural pressure does not define Christianity. Personal preference does not define Christianity. Affirming language does not define Christianity.
Christ does.
Jesus Himself said:
“If you love Me, you will keep My commandments.” (John 14:15)
That statement does not deny grace—it defines love.
Biblical love and acceptance never require rewriting what God has called sin. True love tells the truth. True grace invites people to come to Christ as they are—but never promises they will remain unchanged.
Holding Fast to the Gospel
In a culture where Christian can mean almost anything, the church must be clear about what Scripture says it means.
The issue is not whether someone uses Christian language.
The issue is whether there is:
Repentance from sin
Faith in Christ alone
A growing desire to submit to God’s Word
So when we answer the question, “Why are you a Christian?” we must refuse shallow answers.
Our response should clearly proclaim:
Who Jesus is — Lord and Savior
What Jesus has done — lived perfectly, died for sinners, rose again
What that means — we turn from sin and trust Him with our lives
Not merely:
“I believe in God.”
But with clarity and conviction:
“I belong to Jesus Christ—and my life is His.”
