How do you know you are Truly Christian?

Jesus the Christ

What does it mean to be truly Christian?  Does it mean you have to dedicate 20 hours a week to service?  Does it mean you have to serve the poor in India like Mother Teresa?  Does it mean you have to preach the gospel to others as a missionary?

My opinion, and I'd love to hear if someone feels different, the requirements for counting yourself a Christian are:
1) You believe that Jesus Christ is our Savior and Redeemer, and that He is the Son of God.  That He came into this world to save it, and it is only through him that we can be saved.
2) You have to try to follow Him.

That's it.  You believe (#1), and you continually try to follow him (#2).  I say try because we will all at times find we are not following him, and we need to get back on track.  But if you are constantly trying to follow his teachings, and continually trying to be better, then I believe that is all that is required for #2.

There is an argument to be made that "by their fruits ye shall know them".  But I believe that is a natural outcome of #2.  If you are trying to following Him, then naturally you will be performing good works, at some point.

I would love to hear your thoughts?


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