What Makes A Christian?

1. The Holy Spirit makes a Christian. John 3:3 says "Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdon of God." John 3:5 says "Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God."

Jesus revealed that the only way to be a part of the kingdom was to be born again. The kingdom is personal, not national or ethnic and its entrance requirements are repentance and spiritual rebirth. God's kingdom has already begun in the hearts of believers. It will be fully realized when Jesus returns to judge the world and abolish evil forever (Rev 21,22) Jesus is explaining the importanceof a spiritual rebirth, saying we don't enter the kingdom by living a better life but by being spiritually reborn.

Who is the Holy Spirit? God is three persons in one; the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. God became a man in Jesus so that Jesus could die for our sins. Jesus rose from the dead to offer salvation to all people through spiritual rebirth. When Jesus ascended into heaven, his physical presence left the earth, but he promised to send the Holy Spirit so his spiritual presence would still be among mankind. (Luke 24:49)

2. Faith in Christ unites a Christian to the Father. John 1:12 says "But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name"

All who welcome Jesus Christ as Lord of their lives are reborn spiritually, receiving new life from God. Through faith in Christ, this new birth changes us from the inside out, rearranging our attitudes, desires and motives. Being born makes you physically alive and places you in your parents family. Being reborn makes you spiritually alive and puts you in God's family.

3. Holiness of life proves a Christian. 1 Peter 3:16 says "Having a good conscience; that, whereas they speak evil of you, as of evildoers, they may be ashamed that falsely accused your good conversation in Christ."

You may not be able to keep people from attacking you, but you can at least stop supplying them ammunition. As long as you do what is right, their accusations will be empty and will only embarass them. Keep your conduct above criticism.

4. Trial confirms a Christian. 1 Peter 1:7 says "That the trail of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:"

All believers face such trials when they let their light shine into the darkness. We must accept trials as part of the refining process that burns away impurities, preparing us to meet Christ. Trials teach us patience (Rom 5:3-4; James 1:2-3) and help us grow to be the kind of people God wants us to be.

As gold is heated, impurities float to the top and can be skimmed off. Steel is tempered or strengthened by heating it in fire. Likewise, our trials, struggles and persecutions strenghten our faith and make us useful to God.

5. Service for Christ helps a Christian. Eph. 4:16 says "From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love."

Some Christians fear that any mistake will destroy their witnes for the Lord. They see their own weaknesses and they know that many non-Christians seem to have stronger character than they do. How can they be new and different persons, holy and good? The good news is that Jesus forms us into a body; into a group of individuals who are united in their purpose and in their love for one another and for Christ. If an individual stumbles, the rest of the group is there to pick him up and help him walk with his Lord again. If an individual sins, he can find restoration through the church (Gal 6:1) even as the rest of the body continues to witness to God's truth. As part of Christ body, you will reflect part of Christ's character and do part of his work. As you grow to be more like him, you will be able to better appreciate your brothers and sisters in Christ, without whom you could not adequately represent the Lord.

6.Prayer to Christ strengthens a Christian. John 14:13-14 says "And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it."

When Jesus says we can ask for anything, we must remember that our asking must be in his name; that is, according to God's character and will. God will not grant requests contrary to his nature or his will, and we cannot use his name as a magic formula to fulfill our selfish desires. If we are sincerely following God and seeking to do his will, then our requests will be in line with what he wants, and he will grant them.

7. Glory with Christ crowns a Christian. Col 3:4 says "When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory."

Christ gives us power to help us live now, and he gives us hope for the future; he will return again. For those who want to read it, in the rest of this chapter Paul explains how Christians should act now in order to be prepared for Christ's return.

This fresh start in life is available to all who believe in Christ. Have you asked Christ to make you a new person? If not then why not today?