“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.” — Matthew 7:21
In a world where the term “Christian” is used loosely, sometimes to mean a churchgoer, a moral person, or even just someone from a certain culture, it’s crucial to ask a simple but weighty question:
Who is really a Christian?
Is it the person who goes to church every Sunday?
The one who prays occasionally or owns a Bible?
Someone who believes Jesus existed?
According to Jesus and the teachings of the New Testament, being a Christian is far deeper than appearances, words, or religious routines.
1. A Christian Is Born Again, Not Just Raised in Church
Jesus said in John 3:3, “No one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again.”
This means something supernatural must happen inside a person. Christianity isn’t inherited, it’s experienced.
Being raised in a Christian home or attending services regularly doesn’t automatically make someone a follower of Christ. Being “born again” means there’s been a personal decision to turn away from sin and trust Jesus as Lord and Saviour.
2. A Christian Knows Jesus, Not Just Knows About Him
“Now this is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent.” — John 17:3
There’s a big difference between knowing about someone and actually knowing them.
You can know facts about Jesus, His miracles, His teachings, His death and resurrection, and still not know Him personally.A Christian is someone who talks to Jesus, listens to Him, and walks with Him daily. It’s a real relationship, not a distant religious concept.
3. A Christian Shows Evidence of a Changed Life
“ Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.” — 2 Corinthians 5:17
True faith always leads to transformation. Not perfection, but progression.
This doesn’t mean Christians never sin. But it does mean their heart has changed direction. There’s a new desire to follow Jesus, to obey His Word, and to live in a way that reflects His love and truth.
4. A Christian Trusts in Christ Alone for Salvation
“It is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God.” Ephesians 2:8
Many people think being a Christian is about being “good enough.” But the gospel says no one is good enough on their own. Salvation isn’t earned, it’s received.
A real Christian has stopped trusting in their own efforts and has placed their trust in the finished work of Jesus on the cross. He is the only way to the Father (John 14:6).
5. A Christian Lives It Out, Not Just Talks About It
Jesus warned in Matthew 7:21 that not everyone who calls Him “Lord” will enter the Kingdom of Heaven, only those who do the will of the Father.
Real Christians live out their faith. They forgive, love others, seek justice, reject sin, and stand for truth, even when it’s costly. Their actions don’t save them, but they reflect the reality of their salvation.
So Who Isn’t Necessarily a Christian?
- Someone who attends church but has never surrendered their heart to Jesus
- Someone who says “I believe in God” but lives with no evidence of transformation
- Someone who knows the Bible but has no personal relationship with Christ
- Someone who performs religious duties but doesn’t walk in obedience or faith
Examine Your Heart
“Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith.” 2 Corinthians 13:5
This isn’t meant to spark fear, but clarity. Jesus invites us not to empty religion, but to abundant, eternal life in Him.
So take a moment to ask:
- Have I truly surrendered my life to Jesus?
- Do I know Him personally, or just know about Him?
- Is there evidence of His work in my life?
If not, it’s not too late. The door is still open. He’s calling you, not to religion, but to relationship.
Not everyone who says they’re a Christian truly is, but everyone who calls on the name of the Lord with a sincere heart can be. “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” — Romans 10:13 It’s not about pretending. It’s about pursuing.
Not about performance, but about knowing the One who gave His life for yours.