What is Christianity?

This post is courtesy of the comment section of a reel I posted on Instagram that says “If Christianity is man made, why does everything about it go against mans desires?” This sparked a huge debate about the meaning of the term Christianity. What is Christianity?

Is Christianity man made or is it being a Christ follower? Is the term Christian even in the bible? Are you a Christian upon salvation or are you a Christian upon salvation in addition to continuously walking with Christ?

There are some who believe in God (saved or unsaved) and refer to themselves as Christians. Heck, even some cults say they are Christian. It’s clear that there are many opinions and some confusion.

What I intend on putting together here is a basic overview to answer some of these murky understandings.

Christianity is the religion based on the person and teachings of Jesus of Nazareth, or it’s beliefs and practices. Christianity is broadly split into three major branches: Catholic, Protestant and (Eastern) Orthodox. Followers of Jesus span the globe. But the global body of more than 2 billion Christians is separated into thousands of denominations. Pentecostal, Presbyterian, Lutheran, Baptist, Apostolic, Methodist — the list goes on. Estimations show there are more than 200 Christian denominations in the U.S. and a staggering 45,000 globally, according to the Center for the Study of Global Christianity.

So why are there so many Christian denominations? I found an excellent read with an easy to read explanation and I encourage you to check it out here!

Denomination and Religion

A denomination is a recognized autonomous branch of the Christian Church. Non-denominational Christianity consists of churches which typically distance themselves from the confessionalism or creedalism of other Christian communities by not formally aligning with a specific Christian denomination. Non-denominational is a Christian church that holds no connection with the recognized denominations and mainline churches such as the Baptist, Catholic, Presbyterian, Lutheran or Methodist churches. Church denominations are larger organizations that hold a particular identity, set of beliefs and traditions.

Religion is the belief in and worship of a superhuman controlling power especially a personal God or gods which tells us that not all religions fall under the Christian belief in the gospel, such as Buddhism, Hinduism, etc.

Furthermore, a cult is “a religious group that denies one or more of the fundamentals of biblical truth.” Specifically, it is a group that claims to be Christian, but whose teaching, if believed, would prevent someone from having a saving relationship with Jesus Christ. They’re particularly dangerous because they may use the same language and claim to be Christian, but their teachings pull people away from God instead of drawing people toward Him. Their words sound right, their adherents are sincere, but their way leads to death (Galatians 1:6-9)

What is a Christian?

The word Christian is referenced three times in the bible. The first mentioning of the word Christian is found in Acts 11:26.

“And when he had found him, he brought him to Antioch. So it was that for a whole year they assembled with the church and taught a great many people. And the disciples were first called Christians in Antioch.” Acts 11:26

The context of this chapter and verse is that Peter was sharing the gospel to folks such as the Gentiles and the Hellenists whom in turn were being saved by grace through faith in the gospel. This is where the church of Antioch was began with Barnabas and Paul (Saul) preaching the gospel or Christianity perhaps. This story makes me think about Galatians 3:28 that there is neither Jew nor Greek, but we are all one in Christ Jesus. It’s truly a beautiful beginning for the Christian church.

The second mention of the word Christian is found in Acts 26:28.

Then Agrippa said to Paul, “You almost persuade me to become a Christian.” Acts 26:28

Here, Paul is on trial before King Agrippa and we see King Agrippa’s response to Paul after he told him all about his conversion on the road to Damascus and what he’s been sent to do since his conversion.

Finally, mentioned in 1 Peter 4:16

Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in this matter. 1 Peter 4:16

Peter is talking about our attitudes in the last days and the difference between suffering as a Christian or an evil-doer.

What is Christianity?

In a culture that redefines things, we must hold fast to the Holy Scriptures. Based on the text, it’s safe to conclude that Christianity is the practice of a believer who is follower of Christ.

It’s also possible to fall away from Christ and walk with Him no more so I think to practice Christianity means to continuously walk with the Lord. Consider what Paul said in 2 Timothy 4:7 “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.”

As a believer in the gospel, I’ve accepted Jesus Christ, meaning, I’ve come to terms with the fact that I am a sinner in need of a Savior. I’ve repented and turned away from my sinful nature. Moving forward, each and every single day, I decide to take up my cross and follow Jesus. That makes me a Christian.

You see, it’s not just the belief in God rather belief in the gospel unto salvation. It’s not just a cross necklace but the finished work on the cross. It’s our sins on that cross that we crucified with Christ and now walk in the newness of Christ. We put off the old person and now walk in the new person which is being sanctified by the Holy Spirit. That’s Christianity.

Maybe for you this wasn’t a questionable topic, maybe it was. Either way, I hope it brought some clarification. I’d love to hear from you in the comments!

You might also like:

“What the Bible says about being born again”

“Repent, the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand”

“Top 5 Misconceptions of the Church”

I highly recommend an unintimidating book of theology called “The Theology Handbook” get yours here. This book will allow you to recognize some of the theological teachings or doctrines where Bible believing Christians disagree, hence varying denominations.

“The primary issues of the Christian faith are doctrines that are essential to the gospel of Jesus Christ. They are essential for salvation, and they are rooted in Scripture. Doctrinal issues that fall into this category include the Trinity, the deity of Jesus, the incarnation, the resurrection, salvation by grace alone through faith alone in Christ alone, etc.” – The Theology Handbook

Bible verses

And he said to them, “Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation. Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned. Mark 16:15-16

Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. John 14:6

If anyone thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his heart, this person’s religion is worthless. Religion that is pure and undefiled before God, the Father, is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world. James 1:26-27

Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” Mark 28:19-20

Then Jesus told his disciples, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. Matthew 16:24

And whoever does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me. Matthew 10:38

My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. John 10:27

So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed in him, “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” John 8:31-32

Jesus replied, “If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word. My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our home with him. Whoever does not love Me does not keep My words. The word that you hear is not My own, but it is from the Father who sent Me. All this I have spoken to you while I am still with you. But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have told you. John 14:23-26

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