Five essential characteristics of an Authentic Christian?


Apparently many of us who call ourselves Christians are not authentic at all. Jesus implies this crucial point in Matthew 7:21-23 when He tells His disciples the following: “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord’, will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we, not prophesy in your name? Did we not cast out demons in your name, and did many powerful deeds in your name?’ And then will I declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness’”.

According to Greg Laurie of Jesus.org, there are five essential characteristics which a person must display before he or she can call them self an authentic Christian.

Firstly, an authentic Christian confesses Jesus Christ as Lord (1 John 4:15). Christianity must begin with a verbal acknowledgment of Jesus Christ as the Lord of your life. The Bible says that even the demons believe and tremble (James 2:19). True Christians should be able to say that Jesus Christ is their Lord.

Secondly, if a person is a true Christian, one will be unhappy or miserable when one is sinning (1 John 3:9). This does not means Christians are immune to sin. (1 John 1:8). A true child of God will have a sense of discomfort when he or she sin; because you know in your heart of hearts that what you are doing is wrong.

Thirdly, an authentic Christian enjoys fellowship with other believers. (1 John 5:1). A true Christian will want to be around other Christians. Those who isolate themselves from other believers do so at their own peril, because the Bible tells us that it is important to get together, encourage one another, and correct one another (Hebrews 10:24-25).

Fourthly, an authentic Christian obeys the commands of Jesus Christ. If you are a true believer, then you will obey the commands of Jesus Christ (1 John 5:3). The person who blatantly and continually breaks the commandments of God simply does not know Him.

Finally, an authentic Christian loves and obeys the Word of God (1 John 2:5). You cannot effectively live the Christian life without a love for, and obedience to, God’s Word. All true disciples of Jesus Christ will be students of Scripture and will walk according to its teaching. This is vital to authentic Christian living, because the Bible is indeed the very textbook of life (2 Timothy 3:16).

29 comments

      1. You are welcome Noel….your posts are very encouraging for me as well.

        Oh thank you, my mailing address is 1226A Orchard Road, Bloomington, IL 61704. I am so grateful, also I have a job interview this coming Tuesday at Sears….I’m believing God for this or any job!
        Minister Glenda

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  9. Noel, thanks so much for sharing this list with us! Each item was so exact and on point! One could call this a concise set of “litmus test” responses for authentic Christians, indeed! May the Lord bless you!

    Paulette

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  10. Myalgic Encephalomyelitis is the culprit that brought me deeper into the word of God. Jesus was the one who gave me the miracle of sleep five years ago and I haven’t taken a sleeping pill since. I cried out to Him for sleep. He heard me. He healed me of my insomnia which is the biggest symptom of my illness. He also used me as a tool to write a Christian fiction novel for people to want to know Him. He is my all and my everything. My life is lived in near seclusion but I have a peace and joy within me that cannot be improved upon by anyone or anything. Celebrate my book, my love for my new Christian husband that He also guided me to. Celebrate our gratefulness to have something soooo big on our side. Celebrate everlasting life with Him. Amen!

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      1. Thank you for your kind words. Yes, He blesses in so many ways. I see Him in my life daily. So enriching to share testimonials with others. Can you share one with me please?

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  13. I don’t see that much of your posts anymore. Any way I read this one today, and immediately I am reminded my girlfriend’s sons in law. One is long divorced. But neither have any desire to talk about the things of God. One, his fruit absolutely stinks, the other at least tries to be decent. But overall neither meets any of those traits, and yet they both knelt, and did the big alligator tears thing. Oh well, God is the judge, not me.
    Good to hear from you again.

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