Many people today assume that they are Christians. Nations call themselves “Christian countries”. People introduce themselves during job interviews or in casual conversations as "Christians". But pause for a moment!!! Put aside opinions, cultural labels, and certificates of church membership. I am asking this piercing question in the light of Jesus’ own teaching: Are you truly a Christian? Or. Are you NOT a non-Christian? I am not trying to confuse, but I kindly ask, 'are you a Christian?'
The believers at Antioch from the book of Acts were the first to be called “Christians” by their surrounding community (Acts 11:26). The name was not self-given; it was observed in their conduct, in their confession, and in their Christ-centred way of life. So, the question must be asked again, or maybe precisely: Is your Christianity recognisable in light of Christ’s teaching—or is it merely a name?
Who is Then a Non-Christian?
A non-Christian is not only someone who openly rejects Christ. Scripture shows that a non-Christian is:
- Anyone indifferent to Christ—treating Him (Christ) as irrelevant.
- Anyone opposing Christ—resisting His (Christ) Word and will.
To disregard Jesus is to deny His Lordship. To oppose His teaching is to live as an enemy of His cross (Philippians 3:18).
Paul himself once thought he was serving God by persecuting Christ’s church: “I verily thought with myself that I ought to do many things contrary to the name of Jesus of Nazareth” (Acts 26:9). Likewise, the rulers of this age crucified the Lord of glory because they lacked true understanding (1 Corinthians 2:8). Zeal without knowledge may become a dangerous pathway (Romans 10:2).
The True Nature of a Christian
Scripture is clear: a Christian is not one who merely professes with the lips, but one whose life bears the mark of obedience.
- “Hereby we know that we know Him, if we keep His commandments” (1 John 2:3).
- “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: all those who practice it have a good understanding. His praise endures forever. (Psalm 111:10).
True knowledge of God is never abstract. Jeremiah reminds us that to know the Lord is to hate sin and to do what is right: “Was not this to know Me? saith the LORD” (Jeremiah 22:16).
A Christian, then, is one who:
- Hates sin from the heart.
- Walks in obedience to Christ’s Word.
- Practices what they know, not merely talks about it.
Faith that is only verbal is lifeless. James warns: “Faith without works is dead” (James 2:26). It is not baptism certificates, denominational uniforms, or church attendance that prove one alive in Christ, but the daily evidence of repentance, holiness, and obedience.
The Danger of False Peace
Many today make contracts and covenants with the enemies of Christ’s kingdom. They are secretly cherishing sins rather than forsaking them. As Israel left Canaanites in the land, those sins later became thorns (Judges 2:3). So too, “hidden” sins will prick the soul until they destroy it.
When King Jehoshaphat allied himself with those whom the Lord hated, God’s wrath was stirred: “Should you help the wicked and love those who hate the LORD? Because of this, wrath has gone out against you from the LORD” (2 Chronicles 19:2). Therefore, to call oneself Christian while making peace with sin is a contradiction.
Christians Feed and Digest the Word
Just as the body cannot live by food alone unless it is digested, so the soul cannot thrive unless it takes in and obeys God’s Word. “My son, be attentive to my words; incline your ear to my sayings. Let them not escape from your sight; keep them within your heart” (Proverbs 4:20–21). The Word must not merely be heard on Sundays and forgotten by Monday. It must be hidden in the heart (Psalm 119:11), meditated upon, and obeyed. Otherwise, we risk believing “in vain” (1 Corinthians 15:2).
A Call to Self-Examination
So, are you not a non-Christian? Or rather, are you a Christian in truth?
- Do you hate sin and love holiness?
- Do you live in obedience to Christ’s commands?
- Does your community, like Antioch, recognise you as a follower of Jesus?
True Christianity is not measured by certificates, outward forms, or eloquent words. It is measured by a heart that delights in God, a life that practises His Word, and a walk that reflects Christ Himself.
Let this be your prayer and pursuit: “Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me, and know my thoughts. And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting” (Psalm 139:23–24).
