In a world where “Christian” is often used loosely, many claim the name without understanding its true implications. True Christianity is far more than a cultural label or personal preference. It demands radical transformation and total allegiance to Christ. Few who profess Christ truly grasp what it means to take up their cross and follow Him—to abandon self-reliance and surrender fully to God. True Christianity is not about blending in with societal norms or cherry-picking values that feel good; it is a call to radical transformation, rooted in the Word of God.
Christianity is the most transformative faith in human history, rooted in the person and work of Jesus Christ. For many, “Christian” simply means they aren’t Buddhist, Muslim, or atheist. However, the difference between cultural Christianity and true Christian faith is stark. While many claim the name of Christ, their lives show little evidence of transformation or obedience to His Word. True Christianity demands more than lip service—it calls for a life wholly surrendered to the Lordship of Christ, as defined by Scripture.
It is not Roman Catholicism, which elevates tradition alongside Scripture. It is not Mormonism, which distorts the person and work of Christ. Nor is it Spiritualism, which denies the authority of God’s Word, replacing truth with subjective emotion. It is specific to what the Bible explains as a disciple of Christ. Moreover, prefix-laden terms like ‘gay Christian’ or ‘trans-Christian’ are incompatible with biblical truth. True followers of Christ submit every part of their identity to Him, abandoning all attempts to mold the gospel to fit personal desires or cultural trends.
At its core, Christianity is not merely a set of beliefs or moral guidelines but a life-altering relationship with the living God through His Son, Jesus Christ. It is the story of God’s sovereign grace and redemptive plan for humanity, a story that leaves no room for self-defined spirituality or half-hearted allegiance. True Christianity demands the whole of our hearts and lives.
God at the Center
Christianity begins with God. The Bible opens with the declaration, “In the beginning, God…” (Genesis 1:1). This foundational truth underscores the centrality of God in all things. God’s sovereignty is a cornerstone of the Christian faith. He has complete authority over all creation, orchestrating every historical event for His purposes and glory. As Psalm 115:3 declares, “Our God is in the heavens; He does all that He pleases.” Nothing happens outside His will, demonstrating His unmatched power and wisdom.
God is also infinitely holy. Isaiah 6:3 proclaims, “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts; the whole earth is full of His glory!” His holiness sets Him apart from His creation, revealing a purity and perfection that demands reverence. This holiness underscores our need for redemption, as no one can stand before a holy God without being cleansed of sin.
Furthermore, God’s ultimate plan is to obtain glory from all His creation. Every aspect of the universe—from the smallest atom to the vast galaxies—exists to reflect His majesty. As Herman Bavinck explains in Reformed Dogmatics, “Everything exists to glorify God.” The heavens declare His glory (Psalm 19:1), and humanity is called to worship and magnify Him. Christianity, then, is the story of how God redeems fallen humanity and restores creation to fulfill this purpose.
Christianity begins and ends with God. He is the Author of creation and the finisher of redemption.
The Problem of Sin
At the heart of Christianity is the acknowledgment of humanity’s greatest problem: sin. Sin is not just wrong actions but a condition of rebellion against God. As Romans 3:23 states, “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” This truth underscores the universal nature of human sinfulness. Every thought, word, and deed of humanity is tainted by sin, leaving no one righteous (Romans 3:10). Jonathan Edwards, in Religious Affections, described sin as “a corruption that affects every part of our being, leaving us unable to reconcile ourselves to a holy God.” Sin is not just what we do; it is who we are without Christ.
This sin separates humanity from God and places us under His just judgment, making us deserving of eternal punishment. It is a dire reality affecting every aspect of human existence, from our thoughts to our actions. As R.C. Sproul famously stated in The Holiness of God, “Sin is cosmic treason against a holy God.” Yet this bleak reality sets the stage for the greatest act of love in history: God’s provision of salvation through Jesus Christ.
The Solution: Jesus Christ
The good news of Christianity is that God provided the solution to humanity’s sin through Jesus Christ. Jesus, fully God and fully man, lived a sinless life, perfectly fulfilling the law of God that humanity could not. His perfect obedience demonstrated His worthiness as the spotless Lamb of God. Jesus willingly went to the cross, bearing the punishment for the sins of those who would believe in Him, taking upon Himself the wrath of God that we deserved. Through His death, He made atonement for sin, satisfying God’s justice.
Jesus’s burial signified the reality of His death, and His resurrection on the third day declared His victory over sin and death. His resurrection is the cornerstone of the Christian faith, providing believers with the assurance of eternal life and reconciliation with God. As 1 Corinthians 15:17 states, “If Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins.” Through His life, death, burial, and resurrection, Jesus Christ offers forgiveness of sins and the hope of eternal glory for all who place their faith in Him. Jesus Christ is not just the answer; He is the only answer to humanity’s greatest problem.
The Church: A Community of Believers
Christianity is not a solitary faith. It is lived out in the context of the Church, the body of Christ. The Church gathers regularly to glorify God through corporate worship, where the Word is preached, sacraments are observed, and prayers are lifted together. This assembly is not optional but essential for Christian growth. As Hebrews 10:25 reminds us, “Do not neglect to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encourage one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.”
Beyond worship, the Church functions as a family of faith where believers support and encourage one another. The apostle Paul describes the Church as the body of Christ, where each member has a unique role, working together for the good of the whole (1 Corinthians 12:12-27). The Church is not a building; it is a people called by God to proclaim His glory.
The Hope of Eternity
Christianity offers a glorious hope. Believers live with the assurance that Jesus will return to judge the living and the dead, and that God will create a new heaven and a new earth where righteousness dwells (2 Peter 3:13). This eternal perspective shapes how Christians live today, providing strength and courage to endure trials, knowing that present sufferings are not worth comparing to the glory that will be revealed (Romans 8:18).
Heaven is not merely a place of rest but the fulfillment of God’s promise to dwell with His people forever. Revelation 21:3-4 declares, “Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be His people, and God Himself will be with them as their God. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more.” Christianity is a faith that looks beyond the grave to the eternal glory of God.
Conclusion
Christianity is the good news of what God has done through Jesus Christ to redeem sinners and restore creation. It is a faith rooted in God’s grace, revealed in Scripture, and centered on Christ. As Charles Spurgeon once declared, “Christians are people who live by Christ, live in Christ, live for Christ, and live with Christ. He is their all.”
If you’re reading this and haven’t fully embraced the gospel of Jesus Christ, now is the time. Open the Bible, start with the Gospel of John, and see who Jesus is for yourself. For believers, let this be a call to action: live boldly, proclaim the gospel fearlessly, and let your life be a testament to the transforming power of Christ. Share this good news with others—it is the hope the world desperately needs.
