The dictionary defines the word Christian as:
“One who believes in the promise of Jesus as Lord or in a religion based on the teachings of Jesus”, this is a good starting point, like other dictionaries, it also fails to define the word Christian according to biblical truth. The word “Christian” is used 3 times in the New Testament (Acts 11:26; 26:28; 1 Peter 4:16). The disciples of Jesus Christ were first called “Christians” in Antioch (Acts 11:26) because their behavior, actions, and speech were Christlike. The word “Christian” specifically means “belonging to the fellowship of Christ” or “following Christ.”
Unfortunately, with the passage of time, the term Christian has become less important and is often used by someone who has religious and high moral values but may or may not be a true disciple of Jesus Christ. Many people who do not trust and believe in Jesus Christ, usually call themselves Christians, because they go to church, or because they live in a “Christian” country. But you don’t become a Christian just by going to church, serving those weaker than you, or being a good person. Just as you cannot build an automobile by going to a garage, no one becomes a Christian just by going to church. You cannot become a Christian just by being a member of a church, regularly attending services, and assisting in the work of the church.
The Bible teaches us that good works cannot make us acceptable to God. Titus 3:5 says, “Then he saved us, not by our own works of righteousness, but according to his own grace, by the washing of regeneration and renewal by the Holy Spirit.” Therefore, a Christian is one who has been born again of God (John 3:3; John 3:7; 1 Peter 1:23) and has put his faith and trust in Jesus Christ. Ephesians 2:8 says, “For by grace you have faith.” We have been saved – and it is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God.”
A true Christian is one who trusts and believes in the person of Jesus Christ that He died on the cross to pay the wages of our sins and rose again on the third day to conquer death. John 1:12 says, “But as many as received him, and believed on his name, to them gave he the right to become children of God.” The mark of a true Christian is to love others and trust God’s word (1 John 2:4, 10). A true Christian is actually a child of God, a part of God’s true family, and one who has been given new life by Christ.