A Real Christian

In some countries and in certain circles it is fashionable to call yourself a Christian. This thinking has led to many people describing themselves as Christians without understanding what it really means. Romans chapter 10, verse 9 explains simply and clearly what a real Christian is.

The Challenge

The text commences as follows: “That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth Jesus as Lord” (JND). Jesus is the lovely name of the only One in the universe who is able to save us from the eternal consequences which our sins deserve. He is the One who loved us and was willing to suffer, “the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God” (1Pe 3:18 KJV). He is the only Saviour and the only way to heaven. In order to become a real Christian, the sinner must repent of sins and trust in Jesus Christ alone for eternal salvation.

Many people would be prepared to take this step of accepting Him as Saviour; however, to confess “Jesus as Lord” is a different matter. If He is to be Lord of our lives, we must submit to His authority in every aspect of our daily life. This means that life before our salvation is different from life after our conversion. “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new” (2Co 5:17 KJV). A real Christian is a person whose life is transformed completely by the power of God. In other words, true Christianity is not only what we say we are but what we really are.

The Cost

The second part of the verse says, “And shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved” (KJV). The good news is that it is possible to be saved eternally and have the guarantee given by God that we will be in heaven. While this great salvation is free to all who receive Christ as Saviour and Lord, there was a great cost involved in order to provide it. The Lord Jesus Christ suffered on the cross for six hours, and just before He died He declared, “It is finished.” The work which He came to earth to do was completed, and the way was opened for repentant sinners to enter heaven through faith alone in Him.

However, the big question is this: Was God also satisfied with what His Son did on the cross? When God raised the Lord Jesus Christ from the dead on the third day, He put His stamp of approval on the work accomplished on the cross. God is so satisfied with His Son and His work that He promises eternal salvation to all who trust Christ with all their heart.

Once again, it is not merely something we say superficially, but a real experience of the heart, a full reliance on the only Saviour of sinners. We gladly accept Him as Lord of our lives because we owe all that we have to Him.

Dear reader, if you are not sure that you will be in heaven, repent of your sins and receive Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour without delay.