Many people consider themselves good, moral, or even religious—but is that enough to be called a Christian? The Bible paints a clear picture that goes beyond mere morality or religious practice. Let’s explore what it truly means to wear the name of Christ:
You Can Be a Good Moral Person and Not Be a Christian
While living a moral life is important, morality alone does not make one a Christian. Titus 2:11-12 (NASB) says, “For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all men, instructing us to deny ungodliness and worldly desires and to live sensibly, righteously, and godly in the present age.” Good morals are essential, but they do not replace salvation through Christ.
You Can Be Religious and Not Be a Christian
Cornelius, described in Acts 10:2 (NASB), was “a devout man and one who feared God with all his household”—yet he still needed to hear the words of salvation through Jesus. Being religious, like Cornelius, or as Paul observed about the Athenians in Acts 17:22, doesn’t make someone a Christian. True faith comes from obedience to the Gospel.
You Can Believe and Not Be a Christian
Even belief in God alone is not enough. “You believe that God is one. You do well; the demons also believe, and shudder” (James 2:19, NASB). Faith requires action, as shown in the story of Nicodemus, who sought understanding but needed to be born again (John 3:3-5, NASB).
You Can Repent and Not Be a Christian
Repentance is essential, but by itself, it does not complete the process of becoming a Christian. In Acts 26:20 (NASB), Paul says, “They should repent and turn to God, performing deeds appropriate to repentance.” Repentance is only the beginning of a transformed life in Christ.
You Can Be Baptized and Not Be a Christian
Baptism is a critical step in salvation, but it must be accompanied by true faith and obedience. “Corresponding to that, baptism now saves you—not the removal of dirt from the flesh, but an appeal to God for a good conscience—through the resurrection of Jesus Christ” (1 Peter 3:21, NASB). Baptism alone, without faith, repentance, and a life lived in obedience, does not make one a Christian.
Conclusion: What Is a Christian?
A Christian is more than someone who is moral, religious, or even someone who believes in God. A Christian is someone who has believed, repented, and been baptized in obedience to God’s Word (Acts 2:38, NASB). They have put on Christ and are striving to live faithfully according to His will. “For all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ” (Galatians 3:27, NASB).
Are you truly living as a Christian, or are you relying on being a good person or religious?
The Simple Gospel 