by Cindy Whittington

Created on: November 21, 2009   Last Updated: November 23, 2009

First of all, a Christian is not just simply someone who attends church or other religious activities. To become a Christian or Christ like, an individual must first realize they are a sinner and are destined to eternal damnation. Sin initially entered the world when the first man (Adam) and the first woman (Eve) ate of the forbidden fruit. God told Adam he may eat of every tree in the garden of Eden, except for the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. God informed Adam and Eve that if they ate of this tree they would die. In this instance, God was speaking of the these two individuals allowing sin to enter the world and thereby condemning all men to death/hell. However, the serpent entered the garden and tempted Eve telling her that she would not die, but rather she would become as a god knowing both good and evil. Eve gave into temptation and ate of the fruit. She then presented the fruit unto Adam telling him what the serpent said. Adam chose to eat the fruit as well. This is noted as the first incident whereby sin entered into the world. Because of their choice to ignore God's commandment and give into temptation, we are all born into sin. We do, however, have a hope of redemption. We have been given the choice to repent of our sins and free ourselves from hell and eternal damnation.

God gave his son, Jesus, to provide all people alike the opportunity to forgo death and spend eternity with him. Jesus allowed himself to be sacrificed on the cross and shed his precious blood that it may cover our sins. Through the blood he shed on the cross our sins may be blotted out. In order for this to happen, we must realize and admit we are sinners. Then we must pray repenting of our sins and asking Jesus forgive us of our sins. When we accept Jesus into our hearts, we become Christians. No one truly knows the heart of another person in this sense. We can not say if this person or that person is saved. Only you and Jesus truly know if you are saved. So, how do you know if you are Christian? The answer is really a question you have to ask yourself. Are you saved by God's glorious grace? You are the only person who can answer this question. If you are saved, you are a Christian.

A person's works do not determine Christianity. A person can be good all their lives and not be a Christian. They may give to the poor, help with various charities, and truly have other people's best interests at heart, but that does not make that person a Christian. The Bible says, For by grace are ye saved not of works lest any man should boast. (The Holy Bible, King James Version). Good works simply do not make us Christians. In an effort to clarify, I do not mean that only Christians do good works. Rather, Christians, saved by God's grace, will live in eternity with Jesus. Once a person becomes a Christian, they should desire and strive to become Christ like. However, this does not mean that a Christian will not make mistakes. It does not mean that a Christian will live a perfect life. They will falter and fail at times. A person who is a Christian should want to live a life that is pleasing unto God. Once we become Christians, we are changed and should truly desire to live a life exemplified by Christ's own life. In the sense of being a Christian, good works should follow faith. However, one should not be confused thinking works define whether one is a Christian or not. A Christian is one who has accepted Jesus Christ as their risen savior. It is then and only then that one may be assured they are a Christian. I know Christ as my personal savior and will boldly claim I am a Christian!

Learn more about this author, Cindy Whittington.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.