A True Christian
Throughout the four decades plus I’ve been a Christian I’ve heard many people, non-Christians say,
“Why should I become a Christian? I know people who claim to be Christian but outside of church they are worse than me.”
That may be true. However Jesus said,
“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.
Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?’
Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’”
Matthew 7:21-23.
Many that attend Church that are not Christians. They may claim to be but they are not.
Some got to church for social reasons. Some because it’s what their parents and grandparents did and they are carrying on the tradition. Others for a myriad of reasons.
Like a someone has said “going to church makes you no more a Christian than standing in a fire station makes you a fire truck”.
There are many out there especially in the media claiming to be Christians that are not. They quote the bible but still that does not make them a Christian.
It can be hard especially for a non-believer to tell a true Christian.
Still I as a Christian have several ways to tell a true Christian.
A true Christian has had his or her sins forgiven. The apostle John stating,
“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.
If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word has no place in our lives.”
1John 1:9-10
The apostle Paul stating,
“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast.”
Ephesians 2:8,9.
A true Christian has accepted the saving grace of Jesus and has had his or her life transformed. Perhaps slowly at first. Still ultimately they become more like Christ. The apostle Paul noting that once the Holy Spirit starts working in a persons life they start to change.
Paul writing,
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,
gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.”
Galatians 5:22,23.
These are traits of a true Christian.
The writer of Hebrews tells Christians,
“Make every effort to live in peace with all men and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord.”
Hebrews 12:14
The Apostle Paul echos those words writing,
“If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.”
Romans 12:18
I believe a true Christian is a Peace maker.
Jesus saying
“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God.”
Matthew 5:9.
A Christian wants people to know about Jesus who said,
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.
Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.
For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
Matthew 11:28-30.
A true Christian knows that no matter the circumstance. Faith in Christ will bring you through. That you can have peace even through the darkest moments of your life.
Please think about it.
Throughout the four decades plus I’ve been a Christian I’ve heard many people, non-Christians say,
“Why should I become a Christian? I know people who claim to be Christian but outside of church they are worse than me.”
That may be true. However Jesus said,
“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.
Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?’
Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’”
Matthew 7:21-23.
Many that attend Church that are not Christians. They may claim to be but they are not.
Some got to church for social reasons. Some because it’s what their parents and grandparents did and they are carrying on the tradition. Others for a myriad of reasons.
Like a someone has said “going to church makes you no more a Christian than standing in a fire station makes you a fire truck”.
There are many out there especially in the media claiming to be Christians that are not. They quote the bible but still that does not make them a Christian.
It can be hard especially for a non-believer to tell a true Christian.
Still I as a Christian have several ways to tell a true Christian.
A true Christian has had his or her sins forgiven. The apostle John stating,
“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.
If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word has no place in our lives.”
1John 1:9-10
The apostle Paul stating,
“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast.”
Ephesians 2:8,9.
A true Christian has accepted the saving grace of Jesus and has had his or her life transformed. Perhaps slowly at first. Still ultimately they become more like Christ. The apostle Paul noting that once the Holy Spirit starts working in a persons life they start to change.
Paul writing,
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,
gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.”
Galatians 5:22,23.
These are traits of a true Christian.
The writer of Hebrews tells Christians,
“Make every effort to live in peace with all men and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord.”
Hebrews 12:14
The Apostle Paul echos those words writing,
“If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.”
Romans 12:18
I believe a true Christian is a Peace maker.
Jesus saying
“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God.”
Matthew 5:9.
A Christian wants people to know about Jesus who said,
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.
Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.
For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
Matthew 11:28-30.
A true Christian knows that no matter the circumstance. Faith in Christ will bring you through. That you can have peace even through the darkest moments of your life.
Please think about it.
