Who is a Christian?

Recently, Lance Wallnau made an interesting observation. He said, the Democrats have caught on to the idea, religion wins elections. The Democrats acknowledge how Christians helped Pres. Trump, win the 2016 and 2024 elections. Now, they are trying to pretend they are Christians.

I remember former President Obama saying, “Jesus Christ my Lord and Savior”. I was shocked! How can he call himself a Christian, when the things he does are opposite to what the Bible teaches?

It is important to consider all verses in the Bible when forming our doctrine, so what does the Bible say? The book of 1 John, was written so we will know if we are a Christian and have eternal life, 1 John 5:13. Conversely, we can use these same verses to determine if someone is a Christian.

It is essential we do not become judgemental, but discerning, knowing Christians are not perfect. In the book of 1 John, we can see the Apostle is talking about people, who continually sin. He is not talking about people, who may sin or slip up occasionally.

There are seven things to look for to determine if someone is a Christian. First, the person will have a change in character and do righteously, 1 John 1:6-8, 2:29. We won’t be perfect, however we will not continually sin but work with the Holy Spirit to overcome sin and weaknesses in our lives.

Next, a Christian keeps God’s word, 1 John 2:3-4. Third, a person who loves other Christians, 1 John 2:9-10. Also, a Christians does not love the world nor the things of the world, 1 John 2:15-16.

Fifth, people who deny Jesus is the Savior of the world, are not Christians, 1 John 2:22, 4:2-3. This point distinguishes between Christians and cults. All cults deny, Jesus is the savior.

Christians who are born-again will have a clear conscience, 1 John 3:19-20. Finally, we will also have a witness in our spirit, 1 John 3:24. When we are born again, Christ’s spirit comes into us. It is a spiritual experience which we cannot mistake. Our lives will change, and it will be visible to others.

So the seven points which prove someone is a Christian are:

1. a change of character and doing righteously, 1 John 1:6-8, 2:29
2. keeping God’s word, 1 John 2:3-4
3. loving other Christians, 1 John 2:9-10
4. not loving the world nor the things of the world, 1 John 2:15-16
5. denying Jesus is the Savior of the world, 1 John 2:22, 4:2-3
6. having a clear conscience, 1 John 3:19-20
7. having a witness in their spirit, 1 John 3:24

Careful not to become judgemental when assessing others. Remember, we do not look at Christians as we do other people. Christians are a work in progress, so be gracious. If someone claims to be a Christian but are not, show mercy, pray for them and share the gospel with them.

Any thoughts? Write them in the comments below.

Watching over the Body

Tim & Faith