Introduction
Over the years that I have been involved in pastoral ministry in the church one question keeps coming up: How do I know that I’m a Christian? It isn’t always put as simply as this but in essence this is an issue that keeps cropping up and it’s an issue of great pastoral importance in the church and for the individual. And it is an issue that is closely related to another important issue, assurance.
It is very important in the church and for individuals that we have a clear understanding of what it is to be a Christian. Both inside and outside the church there can be false ideas about what a Christian is. For instance, some people think that a Christian is a do-gooder. However, the fact is you don’t need to be a Christian to be a do-gooder. Christians do good works but the good works are not in themselves proof that someone is a Christian. It is the reason why they do the good works that we need to look at. As I say, it is important in the church and for individuals that we have a true and clear understanding of what it is to be a Christian. Without a true understanding of what it means to be a Christian an individual can all too easily delude themselves into thinking that they are a Christian when they are not. And this is really tragic because in such a deluded state they will not recognise their need of salvation. On the other hand a person can be a true Christian but be dogged with doubts because they don’t know what they should be looking for in themselves. This too is tragic because a lack of assurance like this will hold them back from living the Christian life to the full. And for the local church, a lack of understanding about what it means to be a Christian can lead to problems within the fellowship. For instance it can lead to non-Christians holding important positions in the church. The whole church suffers when a non-Christian is given the responsibility of leading the fellowship in worship. Our fellowships or congregations are meant to worship in Spirit and truth but a non-Christian is incapable of doing this. So, if they are asked to lead us in worship all they will produce is a counterfeit version of true worship. Jesus warned us about wolves in sheep’s clothing. Those in leadership and those with pastoral responsibility in the church must be able to recognise unbelievers masquerading as Christians. They must also be able to identify those who are deluded and those who are having misguided doubts about themselves and use the ‘Authentic Marks of a Christian’ to help them.
Therefore, for the reasons already stated I would like to put before you the main marks or measures of a true Christian. But before I do that we need to understand some important principles first. Christianity is experiential; it is something that we experience; it is life-changing; it is something that is lived out. It’s not a philosophy or a set of rules or codes of conduct. Christianity is something that happens to us. A Christian is someone that God has taken hold of and has changed them. You don’t become a Christian by your own efforts; it is God who takes the initiative and provides the means of you becoming a Christian and living the Christian life. Christianity is all about relationships; relationship with God and relationships with others. Christianity is a journey of growth. A Christian is someone who is constantly growing more and more into the likeness of Christ. And finally, Christians bear fruit. Jesus said that a Christian is recognised by their fruit. An apple tree can only truly be called an apple tree when it has apples on it. An apple tree without apples is not much use as an apple tree. Its whole purpose is to produce apples. So, what fruit do Christians produce? Well that’s what I’m about to look at but I’m calling them marks. And, as I show you the fruit or marks, you need to bear in mind that, just like apple trees, the fruit takes time to grow; it doesn’t happen instantly. When we look for the fruits of being a Christian we have to give it time. We need to examine our lives over a number of years to see signs of growth and to be sure that we are producing lasting fruit.
Listed below are what I consider to be the main authentic marks of a Christian which distinguish them from non-Christians. The list is not exhaustive and the marks might not always be evident at the same time in the life of a Christian but over a number of years you should be able to see evidence of all of them. They are in no particular order and there is no hierarchy of importance.
Believes in God
This might seem obvious but it is possible for someone to think of themselves as a Christian without believing in God. Furthermore, even if they believe in God which god is it? A true Christian is someone who believes in the Trinitarian God who is revealed to us in the Bible. And they believe in everything that is revealed about him.
A Worshipper of God
This is one of the most significant marks of a Christian but we must be clear about what we mean by worshipping God. The first thing we must be clear about is that it is not the same as being religious. A person can be religious without worshipping God. And you don’t have to be a Christian to worship. Sometimes non-Christians can be found worshipping certain things such as celebrities or sports teams. This is what the Bible calls idol worship. No, the true Christian worships God and does so in a certain way. They worship him in the Spirit. They worship God alone and with other Christians.
The key point is that true Christians worship in the Spirit. But what does this mean? True worship is not merely external or formal. It is not ritualistic. It is not confined to places or times. It is not done out of habit or duty. Worshipping in the Spirit is personal and is based on a real desire for God, a desire to speak to God, to experience God, to engage with God, to experience God’s presence.
No Confidence in the Flesh
A true Christian is someone who has no confidence in the flesh. A true Christian does not rely on who they are, what they are, what position or status they hold. A person does not become a Christian by being christened or baptised. They do not become a Christian through church membership or attendance. A true Christian does not rely on their good deeds or good behaviour.
Confidence in Christ
A true Christian is someone who has confidence in Christ alone and not in themselves.
Rejoices in Christ
A true Christian rejoices or boasts in Christ alone.
Believes in Jesus
A true Christian believes in Jesus as he is revealed in the Bible. For example, that he is truly God and truly man.
Led by the Holy Spirit
True Christians are led by the Holy Spirit. See Romans 8:14.
Not Grieving the Holy Spirit
A true Christian does not want to grieve the Holy Spirit.
Sensitive to the Presence of the Holy Spirit
A true Christian is sensitive to the presence of the Holy Spirit. They are aware of when the Holy Spirit withdraws from involvement in their life and doesn’t like it.
Growth in the Fruits of the Holy Spirit
A true Christian will grow in the fruits of the Holy Spirit. See Galatians 5:22-23.
Amazement
A true Christian is aware at the same time that they are a terrible sinner (they are appalled at some of the things they do) and a person who exhibits the fruits of the Holy Spirit. They are amazed that God could love and choose them.
All God’s Work
A true Christian is aware that they are showing the fruit of the Holy Spirit but knows that it’s not down to their efforts. It’s just happened without any intention or will of theirs.
Loves God
A true Christian doesn’t just believe in God; they love him.
Loves Others
A true Christian loves their fellow Christians and their enemies.
Joy Unspeakable
A true Christian experiences joy. This is different from happiness. Spiritual joy is not dependent on circumstances or experiences. Spiritual joy can be experienced in the midst of suffering, persecution or hardship.
Peace
A true Christian experiences peace. Peace is not dependent on circumstances or experiences. Peace can be experienced in the midst of conflict, crises and despite one’s own failings.
Personal Conversion
A true Christian is someone who has experienced a personal conversion.
Personal Relationship
A true Christian is someone who has a personal relationship with God.
Conviction
A true Christian is someone who has been convicted of their sinfulness.
Changed
A true Christian is a changed person. They have a changed outlook and their behaviour has changed. And the changes are not man made; they are miraculous.
Seeing the Truth
A true Christian is someone who can see and understand the spiritual truths in the Bible.