¿QUÉ ES UN CRISTIANO? | La Puerta CFM

WHAT IS A CHRISTIAN?

The term "Christian" literally means "Christ-like," specifically in reference to Jesus Christ. The term was first used as a derision against early New Testament believers, implying they were nothing more than mindless followers of Jesus Christ. As any true follower of Christ would be, "Christians" embraced the derogatory term as a compliment to their faith, and the title eventually became quite common, even though it is only mentioned twice in the Bible itself (Acts 26:28 and 1 Peter 4:16). With this understanding of the term's origin, the question must be asked again, "So, what is a Christian?" A Christian is simply a person who behaves, believes, and is becoming like Jesus Christ.

First, is behavior important? Yes! As Jesus said in John 13:5, "For I have given you an example, that you also should do as I have done to you." This is imperative for being a Christian, according to Christ himself. Second, a Christian must believe that Christ was the Son of God, for Jesus said in John 14:11, "Believe in me that I am in the Father and the Father is in me; or else believe on account of the works themselves."

Ultimately, a Christian is someone who continually lives for God, striving to become more like Christ. Hebrews 3:14 says, “For we have become partakers of Christ, if indeed we hold fast the original conviction firm to the end.” Therefore, a Christian must remain so “to the end.” The original Greek word for “end” is “telos.” Telos specifically means the end of a state (i.e., death) as opposed to the end of time. This is important because it means that a Christian is someone who truly lives their life for God “to the very end of their life state,” not just “to the end of a time” when they decide to live differently.

Jesus explained unequivocally that being a genuine Christian was crucial, especially when entering eternity. He made it clear that after death, a soul would either be joyfully welcomed into Heaven or judged and sent to Hell. Jesus said in John 3:18, “Whoever believes in him (speaking of himself) is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because they have not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son.” This is the judgment for those who did not believe in Jesus. In Matthew 25:32-46, Jesus told the parable of the sheep and the goats, where people who considered themselves “Christians” are sent to “eternal fire” (Hell) because they did not behave like Christians or perform the works of a Christian. Therefore, it is not enough to believe in Christ alone; it must be backed up by good works. And in Matthew 7:21-23 Jesus said, “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. Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?’ Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’” Therefore, it is not enough to believe and behave like a Christian if you do not become like Christ to the very end.