The word Christian is one of the most sacred titles that can be given to a person. It was first used to describe followers of Jesus in Antioch (Acts 11:26), and ever since, it has stood as a name filled with divine purpose and eternal promise. But what does it truly mean to be a Christian? Not merely in name, but in nature, in character, in hope, and in love?

This series seeks to answer that question by highlighting eight biblical portraits of the Christian. Each reveals a different aspect of the believer’s identity in Christ: a believer in faith, a child in relationship, a saint in character, a friend in fellowship, a soldier in conflict, a pilgrim in experience, a promise-believer in hope, and a Christ-lover in practice.

As you journey through these devotionals, may the Holy Spirit stir your heart to rejoice in who you are in Christ and call you to walk more fully in the reality of His transforming grace. This is not merely a study about Christianity—it is a celebration of Christ living in His people.

Eight Descriptions of a Spirit-Filled Life in Christ.

Let’s begin with Day 1.

A Christ is a person who is a desciple of Jesus Christ. He or she walks by Faith. Their faith is in what God has done for them and not the other way around.

John 3:16

“For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.”

To be a Christian is to be a believer—one who receives and rests in the gift of Jesus Christ. Faith is not merely intellectual agreement, nor is it wishful optimism. It is confident, joyful trust in a Savior who died and rose again. Believing means more than acknowledging God’s existence; it means entrusting your entire soul to the mercy and power of His Son.

The New Testament presents faith as the doorway into eternal life. It is by faith we are justified (Romans 5:1), made children of God (Galatians 3:26), and united with Christ. But faith is not something we muster; it is a gift (Ephesians 2:8), the Spirit’s work in our hearts enabling us to see Christ as our only hope.

The Christian life begins in faith and continues by faith. From the first moment we believe, to the final breath we take, faith holds fast to Jesus. When storms come and trials test us, it is faith that sees the unseen and clings to the promises of God. The believer says, “Christ is enough,” and finds peace in that confession.

Application

Let today be a day of renewed trust. Examine whether your heart is relying on your performance, your circumstances, or the approval of others—or whether it is resting solely in Christ. Ask God to deepen your faith, to anchor your hope in His Word, and to teach you what it means to live as one who truly believes.

Cross References

• Romans 5:1 – “Therefore, since we have been made right in God’s sight by faith, we have peace with God…”
• Galatians 3:26 – “For you are all children of God through faith in Christ Jesus.”
• Hebrews 11:6 – “And it is impossible to please God without faith…”
• Ephesians 2:8-9 – “God saved you by his grace when you believed…”

Suggested Prayer

Lord Jesus, I thank You for the gift of faith. I believe in You because You first loved me and opened my eyes to see Your glory. Keep me from trusting in anything but You. Strengthen my faith when I grow weak, and remind me daily that I am Yours—not by works, but by grace. I rest in You today and every day. Amen.