What exactly is “The True Christian Life?” The word “Christian” is used quite freely today, as people seem to think that doing things such as attending church or going on mission trips or socializing with other like-minded folks automatically marks them as “Christian.”

 

But what does the Bible say? The first time the word “Christian” is found was in the days of the early church, detailed in the book of Acts: “And the hand of the Lord was with them, and a great number who believed turned to the Lord. The report of this came to the ears of the church in Jerusalem, and they sent Barnabas to Antioch. When he came and saw the grace of God, he was glad, and he exhorted them all to remain faithful to the Lord with steadfast purpose, for he was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith. And a great many people were added to the Lord. So Barnabas went to Tarsus to look for Saul, and when he had found him, he brought him to Antioch. For a whole year they met with the church and taught a great many people. And in Antioch the disciples were first called Christians.” (Acts 11:21-26)

     

These verses tell us great numbers of people were turning from their pagan lives and errant beliefs to the Lord; that Barnabas was witnessing the grace of God at work in people’s lives; that great numbers were added to the Church; and that it was in Antioch where the disciples were first called “Christians.”

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We can conclude therefore, at a minimum, that people were called Christians because they repented of their sin and placed their faith in the Lord Jesus Christ for salvation, and have became disciples or followers of Jesus Christ.

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The term “Christian” comes from the Greek word Christianos (Χριστιανός), meaning “follower of Christ” or “belonging to Christ.”

Thus, a “Christian” is a person who is first and foremost, someone who turns to Christ for salvation, and secondly, is “Christ-like” in most or all aspects of their lives. And it shows.

      

What then, according to the Bible, is the “True Christian Life?” It is simply a life modeled after the life of Christ, beginning with salvation, continuing with sanctification and holiness, and ending with eternal life in heaven with Jesus Christ.

Interestingly enough, from the outside, a True Christian can be challenging to identify by their looks, just like a sophisticated alcoholic can be hard to recognize. (See the parable of the Wheat and the Weeds in Matthew 13:24-30). But in reality, the True Christian Life is not about claiming religious associations—it’s about atransformed life that reflects Christ in behavior, character, and purpose. The Bible outlines what a genuine Christian life consists of, not only in belief but in how one lives day to day.

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BUT WHAT ABOUT A “CARNAL CHRISTIAN?” Since the word “carnal” means “fleshly,” “sensual,” or “lascivious;” there is no such thing as a “carnal Christian.” These terms are diametrically opposed; that is, a person is either “carnal,” or they are a “Christian.” Not both.

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WHAT ABOUT A “LUKEWARM CHRISTIAN?” Someone who wants both the indulgences of this world and heaven; someone who can’t decide whether to commit fully to Christ, or to enjoy the pleasures of this life. What does the Bible say? “And to the angel of the church in Laodicea write: ‘The words of the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of God’s creation. “‘I know your works: you are neither cold nor hot. Would that you were either cold or hot! So, because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth. For you say, I am rich, I have prospered, and I need nothing, not realizing that you are wretched, pitiable, poor, blind, and naked. I counsel you to buy from me gold refined by fire, so that you may be rich, and white garments so that you may clothe yourself and the shame of your nakedness may not be seen, and salve to anoint your eyes, so that you may see. Those whom I love, I reprove and discipline, so be zealous and repent. Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me. The one who conquers, I will grant him to sit with me on my throne, as I also conquered and sat down with my Father on his throne. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.’” (Revelation 3:14-22)

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Everything about “The True Christian Life” can be found in the Bible. Anyone can read and, with the help of the Holy Spirit, understand what God says about this transformed life of following Jesus Christ.

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Some people will say the Christian life is no fun; or the Christian life has too many rules; or the Christian life is impossible. Let’s take a moment to review each of these.

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THE CHRISTIAN LIFE IS NO FUN.

Are Christians not permitted to have fun? To enjoy life? To laugh with friends? To go on holiday? To drink too much and act crazy?

The Bible does not explicitly forbid Christians from eating, drinking, and being merry. In fact, there are several Bible passages that suggest enjoying life is a good thing. However, it's important to understand the context of these passages and how they fit into a broader Christian worldview.

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Here are some key points to consider:

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  • Moderation: While enjoying life is encouraged, it's important to do so in moderation. Overindulgence in food, drink, or other pleasures can lead to negative consequences, both physically and spiritually.

• Purposeful Living: Christians are called to live a life that glorifies God. This means using our time, talents, and resources to serve others and make a positive impact on the world. While enjoying life is important, it should not be our primary focus.

• Eternal Perspective: Christians believe in an afterlife, and this should inform our choices in this life. We should not live as if this life is all there is, but rather focus on building a strong relationship with God and preparing for eternity.

 

Yes, Christians are allowed to “eat, drink, and be merry,” but this concept should be understood in light of biblical principles. The phrase “eat, drink, and be merry” appears in the Bible, particularly in the parable of the rich fool (Luke 12:19), where a man plans to enjoy life based on his material wealth. However, the message in the parable is a warning against selfishness, materialism, and neglecting spiritual priorities, as the man’s life is abruptly taken, and his riches (to him) are worthless and mean nothing.

In a broader Christian context, enjoying life—including food, drink, and celebration—is not prohibited, but it is meant to be done in a way that honors God, with gratitude and moderation. The Apostle Paul, for instance, encourages believers to do everything to the glory of God, including eating and drinking (1 Corinthians 10:31). Christians are also urged to live with joy but to be mindful of others, avoid excess, and ensure their actions reflect their faith and values (Galatians 5:22, Ephesians 5:18-19).

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So, while Christians are free to enjoy life, the emphasis is on living responsibly, with a heart of thankfulness, and within the framework of faith and love.

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THE CHRISTIAN LIFE HAS TOO MANY RULES.

The Christian life is often perceived as rule-heavy, but a biblical examination shows that it is primarily about a relationship with God, not a rigid system of regulations. While moral guidance and commands exist, they flow from love, grace, and freedom, not legalism.

 

Key Biblical Insights

Obedience Is Rooted in Love

“If you love me, you will keep my commandments.”

— John 14:15

Christian obedience is motivated by love for Christ, not fear or obligation.

   

Christ Fulfilled the Law

“I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them.”

— Matthew 5:17

Jesus fulfilled the Old Testament law, freeing believers from its ceremonial and legal burdens.

The Law Is Summed Up in Love

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“You shall love the Lord your God... You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”
— Matthew 22:37–40

All commandments are grounded in love for God and others.

Grace, Not Works, Saves

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“For by grace you have been saved through faith... not a result of works.”
— Ephesians 2:8–9

Salvation is a gift, not earned by rule-keeping.

Freedom with Purpose

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“Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.”
— Galatians 5:13

Christian freedom is not lawlessness, but a call to serve others in love.

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Summary

The Christian life is not defined by having “too many rules” but by a transformed heart that seeks to love God and others. The commands found in Scripture are expressions of that love and freedom—not burdensome regulations. As Jesus said, His “yoke is easy” and His “burden is light” (Matthew 11:30).

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THE CHRISTIAN LIFE IS IMPOSSIBLE.

The entertainment world is filled with professional actors, models, and skilled artists who have one goal: to temporarily be someone they are not. The better they are, the more they are recognized, the greater they are rewarded. Many of these performers have made a very lucrative living at being someone they are not.

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Sadly, within the realm of religion, there are many people who will act like Christians, but are not. There are various reasons for this, ranging from a desire for social belonging, to outright infiltration and deception. Whatever the case, and I have said this many times over the years, it is impossible to live a True Christian Life without the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit comes to live in a person at salvation; that is, repentance and belief on the name of Jesus Christ. Without Him, we have many “good people” who are also “good actors.” This aligns with the multiple teachings of Jesus on the “wide gate leading to destruction vs the narrow gate which leads to life.” (For more on this, see Volume 8 of this series: The Many & the Few).

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Before we continue on what the True Christian Life is, we should review what the true Christian life isn’t.

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IT ISN’T:

•  Spending hours every day watching secular television (this is ungodly and influences rebellion and worldly thoughts, and is in complete contrast to many Bible teachings).

•  Spending hours each day on social media, posting pictures and stories about yourself, hoping to gain followers and “likes” for attention and self-glory.

•  Consuming alcohol or chemical substances on a regular basis to relieve stress or to feel good. (This is nowhere in the Bible).

•  Spending hours every day playing video games, killing imaginary enemies, scrolling social media and you-tube, wasting time, while doing absolutely nothing to advance God’s Kingdom.

•  Smoking cigarettes or cigars for social or nicotine purposes. Consuming tobacco in any form is addictive and damaging to the human body, and will likely result in some form of illness.

•  Overeating with no consideration of the Temple of God (which is your body).

•  Listening to ungodly music with murder or sexual language which dishonors God, and thwarts the Holy Spirit.

•  Not caring for, or helping the less fortunate in this broken world, especially those who God brings across your path. Here is a warning from Jesus about that very topic: “For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me.’ Then the righteous will answer him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink? And when did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you? And when did we see you sick or in prison and visit you?’ And the King will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.’ “Then he will say to those on his left, ‘Depart from me, you cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. For I was hungry and you gave me no food, I was thirsty and you gave me no drink, I was a stranger and you did not welcome me, naked and you did not clothe me, sick and in prison and you did not visit me.’ Then they also will answer, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and did not minister to you?’ Then he will answer them, saying, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to me.’” (Matthew 25:35-45)

  

Someone once said that Jesus left to go and prepare a place for us; He then sent the Holy Spirit to prepare us for that place. What then is our obligation while we wait?

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Living out a True Christian Life is about embodying the teachings of Jesus Christ in everyday actions, relationships, and decisions. It involves a combination of faith, personal transformation, and active engagement with our environment in ways that reflect God’s love and truth. The best way for a follower of Jesus to live out their Christian life can be distilled into several key principles that are rooted in Scripture:

1. LOVE GOD WITH ALL YOUR HEART, SOUL, MIND, AND STRENGTH

• The Greatest Commandment: Jesus summed up the law with two commandments: love God and love your neighbor (Matthew 22:37-39). Loving God includes prioritizing Him above all else, placing Him at the center of your life, and seeking to know Him more intimately through prayer, worship, and the study of Scripture.

• Worship and Relationship: A Christian life begins with a personal relationship with God, made possible through Jesus Christ. This relationship involves regular prayer, worship, and aligning your heart with God’s will.

 

2. LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF

• Practice Compassion and Mercy: Jesus taught us to love others as ourselves (Matthew 22:39), meaning we should show the same care and concern for others that we would want for ourselves. This includes being empathetic, forgiving, and kind to others.

• The Parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37) teaches us that our “neighbor” is anyone in need, not just those who are close to us. True Christian love transcends boundaries of race, religion, and social status, reaching out to the marginalized and those who might be considered “enemies.”

• Serve Others: Jesus modeled servant leadership (Mark10:45), so a Christian life involves serving others selflessly. Acts of service, whether in your home, church, or community, should be done with the humility and compassion that Jesus demonstrated.

 

3. LIVE ACCORDING TO THE TEACHINGS OF JESUS

(See Volume 16 of this series: The Commandments of Christ)

• Obey God’s Commands: Jesus said, “If you love me, keep my commandments” (John 14:15). A Christian life is one marked by obedience to God’s Word. This means living in a way that aligns with biblical principles, whether it’s in how we handle money, relationships, sexuality, or speech.

• The Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7) is a key part of Jesus’ teaching on how to live the Christian life. It includes the benefits of being poor in spirit, hungering and thirsting for righteousness, showing mercy, being peacemakers, and loving our enemies.

• Christlikeness: Christians are called to be imitators of Christ (1 Corinthians 11:1), striving to reflect His character in every aspect of life. This means living out virtues like humility, patience, kindness, truthfulness, and holiness in the power of the Holy Spirit.

  4. PURSUE HOLINESS AND PERSONAL TRANSFORMATION

• Be Transformed by the Spirit: The Christian life is a life of continual growth and transformation. As followers of Jesus, we are called to become more like Him. This transformation is powered by the Holy Spirit, who works within us to sanctify us and produce the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23).

• Repentance and Forgiveness: A key part of living out the Christian life is ongoing repentance, acknowledging where we fall short of God’s standards, seeking forgiveness, and striving to live according to His will. Jesus frequently emphasized the importance of forgiveness, both receiving it from God and extending it to others (Matthew 6:14-15).

• Purity and Holiness: Christians are called to live lives of purity, avoiding sin and pursuing righteousness. This includes controlling our thoughts, our speech, and our actions, aligning them with God’s will (1 Thessalonians 4:3-7, Romans 12:1-2).

 

5. SHARE THE GOSPEL AND MAKE DISCIPLES

• Great Commission: Jesus commands His followers to “go and make disciples of all nations” (Matthew 28:19). Living out the Christian life involves actively sharing the good news of Jesus with others, both through words and actions. This can include evangelism, supporting missions, and being a witness to the hope that is in you (1 Peter 3:15).

• Be a Light to the World: Jesus calls His followers to be the “light of the world” (Matthew 5:14-16). This means living in a way that points others to God—through acts of kindness, living with integrity, and reflecting His love. Our actions should make others curious about the hope we have in Christ.

 

6. TRUST IN GOD’S SOVEREIGNTY AND LIVE BY FAITH

• Trusting God in All Circumstances: A Christian life involves trusting God with every area of life—finances, relationships, health, career, and future. Trusting God’s sovereignty means believing He is in control, even in difficult circumstances, and that He works all things for good for those who love Him (Romans 8:28).

• Live by Faith, Not by Sight: Christians are called to live by faith (2 Corinthians 5:7). This means trusting in God’s promises, even when we can’t see the outcome, and relying on His provision and guidance in every decision we make.

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7. CULTIVATE COMMUNITY AND FELLOWSHIP

• The Body of Christ: The Christian life is not meant to be lived in isolation. Believers are called to be part of the community of faith, the Church, where they can be encouraged, equipped, and held accountable. The early church devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, fellowship, breaking of bread, and prayer (Acts 2:42).

• Love and Support Each Other: The New Testament emphasizes the importance of loving and supporting one another in the body of Christ (John 13:34-35, Galatians 6:2). Living out a Christian life involves being part of a local church, serving, praying for one another, and bearing each other’s burdens.

 

8. WORK WITH INTEGRITY AND EXCELLENCE

• Work as for the Lord: Jesus teaches that everything we do, whether work or leisure, should be done to the glory of God (Colossians 3:23-24). Living out the Christian life means pursuing excellence and integrity in our jobs, relationships, and responsibilities.

Live Out Biblical Ethics: Whether at work, school, or in the marketplace, Christians are called to uphold biblical ethics in their dealings—being honest, ethical, and fair, showing respect for others, and caring for creation.

 

9. ENGAGE IN SOCIAL JUSTICE AND CARE FOR THE MARGINALIZED

• Defend the Oppressed: The Bible teaches that God cares deeply for the poor, the oppressed, children, widows, and the marginalized. Jesus Himself was often found ministering to those on the fringes of society. Living out a Christian life means working for justice, mercy, and the welfare of others, especially the poor, the sick, the orphaned, and the immigrant (Isaiah 1:17, Matthew 25:35-40).

         

• Be Agents of Change: Christians are called to bring about positive change in the world by advocating for justice, peace, and reconciliation. This may involve addressing systemic injustice, standing up for the voiceless, and engaging in efforts that bring the love of Christ to all people.

 

10. ENDURE SUFFERING WITH HOPE

• Perseverance in Trials: A faithful Christian life is not without challenges. Jesus told His followers that they would face trials and persecution (John 16:33). A key part of living out the Christian life is enduring suffering with hope, trusting that God will use trials to refine our character and that our ultimate hope is in the eternal glory to come (Romans 5:3-5, 2 Corinthians 4:16-18).

 

SUMMARY

Living out the Christian life involves embracing the teachings and example of Jesus, allowing His Spirit to transform us, and faithfully following Him in all areas of life. It is not a one-time decision but a lifelong journey of becoming more like Christ and actively engaging in His mission in the world. By loving God and others, seeking holiness, living with faith, and sharing the gospel, a follower of Jesus can truly live out the life He calls them to, bringing glory to God and blessing to others.

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The following is an overview of this book’s contents. There are eight chapters focusing on both inner character and outward behavior, all supported with Scripture:

1. A LIFE OF HUMILITY AND REPENTANCE

A true Christian is not perfect but is constantly repenting— acknowledging sin and seeking to walk in obedience. Humility is central to the Christian walk.

2. A LIFE OF FAITH & THE NEW BIRTH

Faith is the foundation of the Christian life. A true Christian lives in daily dependence on Jesus—not just for forgiveness, but for direction, strength, and hope.

3. A LIFE OF LOVE FOR GOD AND OTHERS

Love is the primary evidence of a transformed heart. A Christian seeks to love not only those who are easy to love but also enemies, following Jesus’ example.

4. A LIFE OF OBEDIENCE TO GOD’S WORD

Obedience is not a way to earn salvation—it’s the fruit of salvation. A True Christian delights in God’s law and strives to live according to His will.

5. A LIFE OF HOLINESS AND PURITY

Holiness is the reflection of God’s nature. A Christian pursues purity in thoughts, words, and actions—not out of legalism, but out of love for God.

6. A LIFE OF MINISTRY & SERVING OTHERS

A true Christian follows the example of Christ, who served others even to the point of death. This includes humility in relationships and a heart to serve.

7. A LIFE OF JOY, PEACE, AND CONTENTMENT

The Christian life is not free of suffering, but the believer has access to unshakable peace and joy through Christ. Contentment is a sign of trust in God’s sovereignty.

8. A LIFE OF AMBASSADORS FOR JESUS

A Christian life is mission-oriented. True believers proclaim Christ and live in light of eternity—anticipating His return and helping others to be ready for it.

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May our Lord Jesus Christ be praised and honored and glorified by all that we say, all that we think, and all that we do.