The Composition of a True Christian

In a world full of people who consider themselves Christians, people on the outside wonder what distinguishes Christians from everyone else. The hope for Christians is that others will see the differences in the behavior and attitudes. If not, one could question how Christian that person is. Conversely, viewing Christians who exemplify Christian qualities provides a strong example of Christian life is like. From an examination of consummate Christians such as William Wilberforce, Saint Augustine, and Mother Theresa, one can see the qualities that good Christians possess. Specifically, the fundamental characteristics of Christianity are the acceptance of Christ, a marked change in behavior and attitude, standing up for what is right, putting others first, and largely by imitating Christ in daily living.

The most important factor in becoming a Christian is the acceptance of Christ. First and foremost, a Christian has to take accountability for a life of sin and ask God for forgiveness and welcome Christ into his life. The bible says, “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16). Wilberforce said, “All men must be regenerated by the grace of God before they are fit to be inhabitants of heaven before they are possessed of that holiness without which no man shall see the Lord” (Metaxas, 221). Saint Augustine considered his transformation a “conversion and regeneration” by God’s baptism (Augustine, 158). Mother Theresa “gave herself to Christ, and through Him, to her neighbor (Muggeridge, 16). From this starting point, a Christian grows further in his faith by growing in the knowledge of Christ. In Him, Wilberforce says, “whom to know i...

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...Christian. It takes the admittance of sin, followed by the acceptance of Christ. Conversion leads to the transformation of behavior and outlook. Likewise, the changes in attitude bring forth conviction. Standing up for what is morally correct often brings others to the forefront. It is the summation of all of these qualities that ultimately makes one a Christian. While many claim to be Christian, it is the proverbial “walking the walk” that makes a person a true Christian.

Works Cited

Augustine, and Henry Chadwick. Confessions. Oxford: Oxford UP, 2008. Print.

Metaxas, Eric. Amazing Grace: William Wilberforce and the Heroic Campaign to End Slavery. New York, NY: HarperOne, 2008. Print.

Muggeridge, Malcolm. Something Beautiful for God: Mother Teresa of Calcutta. New York: Harper & Row, 1986. Print.

New American Standard Bible. Anaheim: Foundation, 1997. Print.