In the quest to understand the essence of Christianity, one might ask, “What is a Christian?”
The answer to this question is deeply rooted in Faith’s core:
Jesus Christ.
A Christian, at the most fundamental level, is someone who has encountered the grace of God in a profound and life-altering way.
This encounter is not merely an intellectual assent to a set of doctrines but a personal and spiritual awakening to the reality of God’s mercy as revealed in Jesus Christ.
The Recognition of Divine Justice
A Christian begins their spiritual journey with the recognition of their own sinfulness and the just wrath of God that such sin deserves.
It is a sobering acknowledgment that, left to their own devices, they stand condemned before a holy and righteous God.
This realization is not meant to crush the spirit but to prepare the heart for the reception of grace.
The Mercy of Jesus Christ
Central to the Christian identity is the mercy of Jesus Christ.
Christians hold that it is only through the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross that they are saved from the wrath they deserve.
This salvation is not something that can be earned through good deeds or personal righteousness; it is a gift of grace, freely given and unmerited.
The Rejection of Self-Righteousness
A Christian is one who casts aside all illusions of self-righteousness.
They understand that their best efforts and most noble deeds cannot bridge the gap between God’s perfection and human imperfection.
This humility is not self-deprecation but a realistic appraisal of the human condition in light of divine holiness.
Spiritual Bankruptcy and the Riches of Christ
Embracing the concept of spiritual bankruptcy, a Christian admits to being a “poor sinner” in need of the riches of Christ’s grace and righteousness.
This admission is not a cause for despair but a reason for hope, as it leads to the treasure of a restored relationship with God through Christ.
Gratitude and Allegiance
The grace that a Christian experiences results in a heart overflowing with gratitude.
This gratefulness is not passive but active, manifesting in allegiance to Jesus as Lord and sovereign.
The Christian life is thus characterized by a joyful obedience and a desire to honor God in all aspects of life.
Glorying in Christ
Finally, a Christian is someone who “glories in Christ Jesus and has no confidence in the flesh,” as the apostle Paul writes in Philippians 3:3.
This means that a Christian finds their ultimate joy and satisfaction not in personal achievements or worldly accolades but in their relationship with Christ and the transformation He brings.
A Christian is one who has come to the end of themselves and found the beginning of true life in Jesus Christ.
It is a life marked by humility, gratitude, and a profound sense of purpose rooted in the love and mercy of God.
