In today’s world, the term “Christian” is often used loosely because many people identify with it due to cultural, familial, social, or national associations rather than a genuine, transformative relationship with Jesus Christ.
Surveys (such as recent Pew Research data showing around 62% of U.S. adults still identifying as Christian in 2023-2025) reveal high self-identification rates, yet this frequently includes nominal or cultural Christianity.
Usually, individuals claim the label through childhood upbringing, occasional church attendance, moral traditions, or simply not identifying with another religion…
without the biblical hallmarks of true faith.
The Bible defines a Christian as someone who has repented, believed in Jesus as Lord and Savior (Romans 10:9-10), been born again by the Spirit (John 3:3-7), and shows evidence of a new life marked by obedience, fruit of the Spirit, and love for God and others (2 Corinthians 5:17; Galatians 5:22-23).
In contrast, many people who consider themselves “Christian” lack this personal commitment, repentance, or life change, leading to what is commonly called “Christian in name only.”
This disconnect arises from secular influences, diluted teachings, convenience, and a societal tendency to treat Christianity as a broad cultural identity rather than an exclusive, surrendered devotion to Christ.
As a result, while millions claim the name, far fewer align with the biblical definition of a true, born-again believer.
Sadly, many of these people will be shocked when they appear before Jesus, saying Lord, Lord, and he tells them, ‘I never knew you. Get away from me, you who break God’s laws.’ Matthew 7:21-23
Don’t let that happen to you!
What does the Bible say about what a true believer is and the importance of Bible Study and Prayer? The tables below highlight key verses in the Bible emphasizing not only what a true believer is, but they also provide verses that play a vital role in regularly engaging with God’s Word (for growth, wisdom, equipping, and transformation) and maintaining a consistent prayer life (for communion with God, guidance, and spiritual growth).
These practices are essential for new believers to mature in faith, resist temptation, and abide in Christ.
Center your cursor over each verse below to read the entire Bible verse!
|
Bible Verse Reference
|
The Defining Aspect of a True Believer
|
|---|---|
|
John 1:12
|
Receiving Christ and believing in His name (becoming children of God)
|
|
Romans 10:9-10
|
Confessing Jesus as Lord with the mouth and believing in the heart that God raised Him from the dead (leading to salvation and justification)
|
|
Ephesians 2:8-9
|
Saved by grace through faith, not of works (God’s gift, so no one can boast)
|
|
John 3:3 (with John 3:5-7)
|
Being born again (born of the Spirit) to see/enter the kingdom of God
|
|
2 Corinthians 5:17
|
Becoming a new creation in Christ (the old has passed away, the new has come)
|
|
1 John 5:1
|
Believing that Jesus is the Christ (born of God)
|
|
John 3:16
|
Believing in Jesus for eternal life (God’s love giving His Son so that whoever believes shall not perish)
|
|
Bible Verse Reference
|
|
|---|---|
|
2 Timothy 3:16-17
|
All Scripture is God-breathed and profitable for teaching, reproof, correction, and training in righteousness, so the believer may be complete and equipped for every good work
|
|
Joshua 1:8
|
Keep the Book of the Law on your lips; meditate on it day and night to prosper and have success in obeying God’s will
|
|
Psalm 119:105
|
Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path (guidance through Scripture)
|
|
Psalm 1:1-3
|
Blessed is the one who delights in the law of the Lord and meditates on it day and night; they will be like a tree planted by streams of water, yielding fruit in season
|
|
Hebrews 4:12
|
The word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to divide soul and spirit, discerning thoughts and intentions
|
|
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
|
Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you
|
|
Philippians 4:6-7
|
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God will guard your hearts and minds
|
|
Colossians 4:2
|
Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving
|
|
James 5:16
|
The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working (encouraging effective, fervent prayer)
|
|
Matthew 6:9-13 (The Lord’s Prayer)
|
Jesus teaches His disciples how to pray, modeling communion with the Father
|
|
Bible Verse Reference
|
Character Quality
|
|---|---|
|
Galatians 5:22
|
Love (selfless, sacrificial love for God and others)
|
|
Galatians 5:22
|
Joy (deep delight in God, even amid trials)
|
|
Galatians 5:22
|
Peace (inner calm and reconciliation with God and others)
|
|
Galatians 5:22-23
|
Patience (longsuffering and forbearance toward others)
|
|
Galatians 5:22-23
|
Kindness (compassionate and gracious actions)
|
|
Galatians 5:22-23
|
Goodness (moral integrity and generosity)
|
|
Galatians 5:22-23
|
Faithfulness (reliability and steadfast loyalty to God)
|
|
Galatians 5:23
|
Gentleness (meekness and humility in strength)
|
|
Galatians 5:23
|
Self-Control (discipline over desires and impulses)
|
|
Colossians 3:12
|
Humility (lowliness of mind and putting others first)
|
|
Philippians 2:3-8
|
Humility & Obedience (following Christ’s example of servant-hearted submission)
|
|
Ephesians 4:2
|
Humility, Gentleness & Patience (bearing with one another in love)
|
|
Colossians 3:23-24
|
Strong Work Ethic / Diligence (work heartily as for the Lord, not for men)
|
|
Proverbs 6:6-11
|
Diligence & Initiative (learn from the ant; avoid laziness and sloth)
|
|
Ephesians 4:28
|
Honest Labor & Generosity (work hard to have something to share with those in need)
|
|
1 Peter 4:10
|
Good Stewardship (use your gifts to serve others as faithful stewards of God’s grace)
|
|
Matthew 25:14-30 (Parable of the Talents)
|
Faithful Stewardship (responsibly manage and multiply what God entrusts to us)
|
|
Luke 16:10-11
|
Faithful in Little (good steward in small things leads to greater responsibility)
|
|
Ephesians 4:32
|
Kindness & Forgiveness (be kind, tenderhearted, forgiving one another as Christ forgave you)
|
|
Colossians 3:12-13
|
Compassion, Kindness & Forgiveness (bear with one another and forgive as the Lord forgave you)
|
|
Romans 12:10
|
Brotherly Love & Honor (love one another with affection; outdo one another in showing honor)
|
|
Matthew 22:39 (with Mark 12:31)
|
Love Your Neighbor (love others as yourself, fulfilling the royal law)
|
|
Luke 6:27-28
|
Love for Enemies (love, do good, bless, and pray for those who mistreat you)
|
Would you like to receive Jesus Christ as your Savior?
Pray this simple prayer:
Dear Lord Jesus,
I know that I am a sinner, and I ask for Your forgiveness.
I believe You died for my sins and rose from the dead.
I turn from my sins and invite You to come into my heart and life.
I want to trust and follow You as my Lord and Savior. In Your Name, amen.
This simple, heartfelt prayer expresses repentance, faith in Christ’s death and resurrection, and a desire to surrender your life to Him.
Evangalist Billy Graham always emphasized that it’s not the exact words that save you, it’s the faith in your heart toward Jesus Christ. If you pray this (or something like it) sincerely, trusting in Jesus alone for salvation, you can have assurance of eternal life based on God’s promises in the Bible! (like John 3:16 and Romans 10:9-10).
“This article was researched using the assistance of Grok, an AI built by xAI.”
Latest from Our Blog
Discover a wealth of expert insights on digital media and branding trends, articles, and tips for an enriching experience.
-
Are you really a Christian? What does the Bible say?
Millions claim the name Christian, far fewer align with the biblical definition of a true, born-again believer.
-
–
Why Intelligent Design Requires Less Faith Than the Theory of Evolution: A Biblical Perspective
One requires more faith than the other…
-
–
A World Living Contrary to the Will of God
How Modern Culture Fuels the Works of the Flesh and How We Can Cultivate the Fruit of the Spirit
-
–
Anchoring Your Moral Compass: Embracing a Biblical Worldview in an Age of Media-Driven Relativism
Media’s relative truth can confuse and divide, but a biblical worldview offers clarity and freedom.
Leave a Reply