3 Irrefutable Marks of a True Christian According to the Bible

According to statistics, as of 2010, there are about 2.2 billion adherents of the Christian faith worldwide. It is also estimated that there are over 30,000 Christian denominations. While these figures are debatable, it shows how DIVIDED the Christian faith is.

Christianity should be a source of clarity and truth, and yet, it has caused more confusion among believers and non-believers. Most of the Christian denominations would even argue that they are the right church, and the rest are bogus.

Of course, all of us have our opinions. Nevertheless, all our opinions are nothing if it does not agree with what the Bible truly says. In the midst of the confusion, it is important to ask the question, “What are the true signs of a true Christian?” There are many answers to this question, but allow me to share at least three of them.

3 Irrefutable Marks of a True Christian According to the Bible

1. True Christians love one another

“A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this ALL will know that you are My disciples, IF YOU HAVE LOVE FOR ONE ANOTHER” (John 13:34-35).

Obviously, it is impossible to be a Christian without demonstrating love for one another. However, the word “love” may mean differently to other people. So it is crucial that we let the Bible define what love is.

You can find some of the Biblical definitions of love in I Corinthians 13:4-8, I John 5:3, II John 1:6.

2. True Christians are led by the Holy Spirit

“But you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you. Now if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, HE IS NOT HIS” (Romans 8:9).

“For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God” (Romans 8:14).

The Holy Spirit is the power of God (Luke 1:35; Acts 1:8), and it is a gift that He gives for those who have repented of their sins and are baptized (Acts 2:38).

The Holy Spirit is very crucial for us to be successful in our Christian walk. By on our own, we can NEVER overcome sin. However, with God’s help and Holy Spirit, we will be able to bear godly fruits (Galatians 5:22). The Holy Spirit can transform us from carnally minded individuals to spiritually minded Christians.

3. True Christians obey the commandments of God

“If you love Me, keep My commandments” (John 14:15).

“In this the children of God and the children of the devil are manifest: Whoever does not practice righteousness is not of God, nor is he who does not love his brother” (I John 3:10).

“And the dragon was enraged with the woman, and he went to make war with the rest of her offspring, who keep the commandments of God and have the testimony of Jesus Christ” (Revelation 12:17).

“Here is the patience of the saints; here are those who keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus” (Revelation 14:12).

“Blessed are those who do His commandments, that they may have the right to the tree of life, and may enter through the gates into the city” (Revelation 22:14).

With all these clear verses, there is no doubt that keeping the commandments of God are still needed to be called Christians. So many teachers and pastors argue that keeping the commandments are vain practice and that accepting Christ is enough for us to be saved. Just pray the sinner’s prayer and you will go to heaven when you die.

This teaching is clearly not found in the Bible. It is a GREAT insult to the magnitude and seriousness of Christ’s sacrifice for all of the humanity.

No amount of commandment-keeping will save us. It is also equally true that we cannot be saved without keeping the commandments.Of course, no amount of commandment-keeping will save us. Our works cannot save us. This is the main reason that Christ had to die for us to redeem us from the penalty of sin, which is death (Romans 6:23). However, it is equally important to realize as well that we cannot be saved without keeping the commandments of God.

If we believe and worship God, we need to demonstrate it through our works and actions. Thus, James stated that faith without works is dead (James 2:17).

Are you a true Christian?

If you want to know the true Biblical definition of a Christian, you should not go to any other sources but the Bible. It is the very word of God, and it is the instruction manual that God gave to mankind.

It is crucial that you know these three signs of a true Christian. It will guide you through your Christian walk and tell you what God expects of His followers.

Therefore, let us all strive to be true Christians by having these undeniable and important marks.

2 thoughts on “3 Irrefutable Marks of a True Christian According to the Bible

  1. nobody can keep all the commandments of God, are you Holy and perfect? saved by grace, not our own doing so no one can boast

    • That’s right. No one can perfectly keep God’s law that’s why we are saved by grace. However, does that mean that just because we can’t keep God’s law perfectly, we just ignore and not keep it anymore?

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