A Christian is a follower of Jesus. “Then Jesus said to his disciples, ‘If anyone desires to come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me,’” Matthew 16:24.

In order to do this, a person must first recognize he is a sinner, then believe Jesus died for him. Finally, he must sacrifice his whole life and will to do God’s will. If God accepts his commitment, then God begets him to a new life with the holy spirit (God’s power and influence). The person becomes a “new creature” in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17).

Jesus, himself, sacrificed his own will in favor of his Father’s will. Hebrews 10:7, “Then said I, Lo, I come (in the volume of the book it is written concerning me,) to do thy will, O God.” This is self-denial.

Obeying God in this present world brings opposition and suffering. This was even applicable to Jesus as the perfect son of God. Hebrews 5:8 (NLT), “Though he was a son, he learned obedience by the things which he suffered.” In the same manner, a Christian’s obedience and suffering will change him. He will develop the fruit of the spirit and a Christlike character.

Some believe a Christian is anyone who worships Jesus and lives a good life. But this is not what the Bible teaches. Faithful Christians referred to as the “bride” of Christ, the “elect,” “holy nation,” and many others, become saints. Psalm 50:5, “Gather my saints together unto me; those that have made a covenant with me by sacrifice.” 

Additional Resource:
Christian Questions Podcast
Episode #1170: “Does Being a Christian Have to Be Difficult?”
Examining what discipleship is and what it is not
Preview Video
CQ Rewind Show Notes

Are Christians required to read the Bible daily? There is no scriptural requirement for this. Yet, true Christians long to read God’s word. They also study to learn God’s truths (doctrines), understand His will for us and to live obediently. 2 Timothy 3:16-17, “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: that the man of God may be perfect (complete, mature) thoroughly furnished unto all good works.”

We are not Roman Catholics, so we cannot accurately represent that denomination. However, there are important doctrinal differences between the Roman Catholic faith and what is taught in the Bible.

Additional Resources:
PDF Booklet: “Why Are You a Christian?”

Christian Questions Podcast
Episode #1170: “Does Being a Christian Have to Be Difficult?”
Examining what discipleship is and what it is not
Preview Video
CQ Rewind Show Notes