King Agrippa thought becoming a Christian meant adopting Christianity as his religion. Most people today think the same way, but becoming a Christian means much more.

A true Christian is first of all a child of God by new birth. All who receive Christ are children of God through new birth, birth from above, from God Himself (1 Peter 1:23; 1 John 5:1). It is not the adoption of a dogma, but a divine work that creates a new person.

Secondly, a true Christian is one who has received complete forgiveness of sins. In Christ "we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace" (Ephesians 1:7). "There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus" (Romans 8:1).

Thirdly, Christians are justified. This is more than being forgiven. A person may be forgiven for a crime but still be a criminal before the law and society. But God has chosen us in Christ to "be holy and without blame before Him in love" (Ephesians 1:4). One day He will present us faultless before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy (Jude 1:24).

Fourthly, a true Christian is sealed by the Holy Spirit who indwells him, producing the fruit of the Spirit and enabling him to mortify the deeds of the flesh (Ephesians 1:13; Galatians 5:16-25).

Fifthly, every Christian is a member of the Church, which is Christ’s body and His bride for whom He gave Himself (1 Corinthians 12:12; Ephesians 5:25).

Sixthly, a Christian is a heavenly citizen and must behave accordingly, while waiting for the Lord from heaven "who will transform our lowly body that it may be conformed to His glorious body" (Philippians 3:20-21). Truly, a Christian is blessed with every spiritual blessing in the heavenlies in Christ.

A. M. Behnam