When asked the question, “Are you a Christian?” do you respond, “I’m an Evangelical; I’m a Baptist; I’m a Presbyterian; I’m a Protestant; I’m a Catholic?” And when pressed with the issue, do you conclude with, “Well, I guess that I’m a Christian; I must be a Christian; I’m really not too sure.”

What is a Christian? The Bible tells us that Christianity is more than just a religion. It is an experience, a lifestyle, a fellowship. The most important part, the absolutely essential part of Christianity, is belief in Jesus Christ.

Believing that Jesus was a man who started a new religion 2000 years ago is not enough. Responding to his invitation to initiate and develop a personal, continual, and loving relationship with the son of God is the Biblical instruction for becoming a Christian!

In describing natural, spiritual, and carnal people in I Corinthians, the Apostle Paul writes that the natural person does not understand spiritual things. To him, they are foolishness. Without a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, there can be no spirituality in a person’s life.

Paul goes on to say that a “religious” person is only going through the motions of being a Christian. Even though he may consider himself to be a Christian, he criticizes and derides others for their spiritual experiences and their devotion to serving the Lord in their church and community.

However, attending church, becoming a member, or being baptized does not automatically make a person a Christian. The personal commitment to Jesus, the change of heart brought about by his holy spirit, the evidence of a new and genuine love for God and neighbor are some of the essential elements defining Christianity.

Paul provides a pretty clear definition of what a Christian is and is not in Galations 5:16-6:10. I encourage you to pick up a Bible and read that scripture portion right now. Do you see that a Christian is not one who is simply endeavoring to live a moral life and do good works? A Christian is one who has had an experience with the Lord, and then is led by the holy spirit to do what God wants him to do.

How can we know that we are Christians? How do we answer the person who says, “No one can know for sure in this life?” John tells us in I John 5:13, “These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life.” Christianity is not a guessing game. God’s spirit witnesses with our spirits that we are his children.

Jesus describes his followers as sheep who hear their shepherd’s voice and follow him. Paul writes that we are sealed with his spirit. Peter encourages us that we are kept by the power of God!

The next time someone asks you, “Are you a Christian?” it is my hope and prayer that you will be able to respond with confidence, “Yes, I am a Christian!” And, when they ask you, “How do you know for sure?” that you will tell them, “I simply prayed a prayer to God, expressing my faith in Jesus Christ as the resurrected son of God. I asked him to forgive my sins, and invited him to live within my heart. I’m not perfect yet, but everyday I experience his holy spirit giving me guidance and direction in both my personal and spiritual life. If you would like to be a Christian, too, I would be happy to show you how to become one through his word!”

Remember, read your Bible, pray everyday, and attend church as often as you can. You will be eternally glad that you did!

 ( Campbell is the pastor of New Zion Evangelical Church at RD1 Emlenton.)