📖 2 Corinthians 5:17
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.”

The question of who is a Christian is crucial today because, over time, many words lose their original essence, meaning, and value. This has been the case with the word “Christian.” So, who is a Christian?

In the first century (40-100 AD), the term “Christian” referred to someone who was a true follower of Jesus Christ—one who believed in and accepted the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross for their sins, repented from their former way of life, and actively lived by the teachings of the Bible. A Christian was known as someone who had experienced new birth—a new creation in Christ, where old things pass away and everything becomes new. This transformation was radical, leading to a life committed to Christ’s mission, holiness, and righteousness.

But today, if you ask people who a Christian is, you will hear many definitions that hardly align with the original meaning. Some believe that simply attending church on Sunday qualifies them as Christians, regardless of how they live the rest of the week. Others think being born into a Christian family makes them one. Some even assume that having a “Christian” name like Paul, John, Mary, or Martha makes them believers. This confusion is partly due to historical practices where European missionaries encouraged indigenous converts to adopt Bible names at baptism.

However, none of these things make someone a Christian. True Christianity begins with genuine repentance and a transformed life in Christ. Only true Christians are children of God and will enter His Kingdom. So, which kind of Christian are you—a true Christian or just a nominal one? It is never too late to truly turn to Christ and become a new creation.

📖 1 John 5:4-5 NKJV
“For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith. [5] Who is he who overcomes the world, but he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?”

Unfortunately, many believers today have inherited a version of Christianity that is more about religion than the true power and purpose of God’s kingdom. To many, Christianity is just about attending church services—a routine without any kingdom impact. Some Christians appear strong in church but powerless in everyday life. They struggle with fear, intimidation, and hopelessness, fulfilling Paul’s prophecy in 2 Timothy 3:5:
“Having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away!”

This is not the Christianity we see in the Bible. Romans 1:16 tells us:
“For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes.”

Again, in Acts 1:8, we read:
“But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me… to the end of the earth.”

So, who is a Christian?
1️⃣ A Christian is someone who is born of God.
John 1:13 says:
“Who were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.”

2️⃣ A Christian is someone who overcomes the world.
Because we are born of God, we overcome the world! Hallelujah! Declare this over yourself:
“I am born of God; I overcome the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—my faith. I believe that Jesus is the Son of God!”

Romans 8:37 echoes this truth:
“Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.”

More than conquerors in what things? Romans 8:35, 38-39 explains:
“Tribulation, distress, persecution, famine, nakedness, peril, sword… neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing can separate us from the love of God.”

Even over death and the devil, we are victorious! (Hebrews 2:14-15; Revelation 12:11).

Friends, Christians are not victims; we are winners, overcomers, and more than conquerors. Hallelujah!

Do not let anyone or anything intimidate you. As true Christians, we always win in Christ!