Description
Print Length
16
Language
English
The booklet opens by defining what it truly means to be a Christian—not merely someone who believes in Christ or is born into a Christian society, but a dedicated follower of Jesus, called out from the world to serve God with their whole heart. The term “Christian” originated in Antioch (Acts 11:26), used to describe those who modeled their lives after Christ’s teachings. Jesus never promised comfort, popularity, or wealth; instead, He offered discipleship through sacrifice and obedience. True Christians, the booklet emphasizes, are part of the “little flock” (Luke 12:32), a select group who are chosen for a special role in God's future Kingdom.
According to the booklet, real Christians live lives of self-denial and total dedication. This includes surrendering personal ambitions and worldly attachments to follow Christ wherever He leads. Referencing Luke 14:26–33, it stresses the seriousness of the call: a Christian must love Christ more than family, possessions, and even their own life. Christians engage in daily Bible study, prayer, service to others, and spiritual development. They are not driven by emotional hype or outward signs but by the inward conviction to be faithful to God’s will, even in hardship or obscurity.
This section addresses the contrast between today’s often superficial, materialistic Christianity and the sacrificial path of true discipleship. Many modern Christians, the booklet argues, are motivated by what they can receive—peace, wealth, healing—while Christ calls us to give: time, energy, resources, and life itself. The Apostle Paul’s description of the apostles’ suffering in 1 Corinthians 4:8–14 is presented as the true pattern: they were poor, rejected, and persecuted, yet faithful. The booklet calls for a return to authentic Christianity that is centered on Christ’s example, not personal comfort.
Here, the booklet answers the central question by explaining that the ultimate reason for being a Christian is not for personal reward, but to join in Christ’s redemptive mission. Christians are baptized into Christ’s death (Romans 6:3), meaning they symbolically die to the world and dedicate themselves fully to God’s purpose. This includes suffering, serving, and sacrificing for others—especially for “the dead,” or the world of mankind who are still in sin and ignorance. Just as Jesus gave His life for others, so too must His followers walk in His steps for the benefit of all humanity.
Contrary to popular belief, the booklet argues that God is not attempting to convert the entire world during this age. Instead, He is choosing a “people for His name” (Acts 15:14)—a group who will be trained now to later help bless all people during Christ’s future reign. Scriptures such as 1 Timothy 2:6 and Isaiah 11:9 are cited to show that full knowledge of God and universal opportunity for salvation will come during the Millennial Kingdom, not before. The Christian’s role now is preparatory: learning obedience, cultivating compassion, and developing the character needed for future service.
Christians are called to become kings, priests, and judges in God’s future government (Revelation 20:6; 1 Peter 2:9). Their present experiences are not meaningless trials but spiritual training. Like soldiers, they must endure hardship, fight the good fight of faith, and stay loyal in the face of opposition. The reward is not earthly comfort but a share in Christ’s glory and the privilege of helping to uplift the entire human race. Their trials produce endurance, humility, and a deep understanding of grace and justice—tools essential for their future roles in the Kingdom.
In the next age, these faithful Christians will serve as judges, helping restore and educate humanity during their probation period (John 5:28–29). They will guide people with love and fairness, understanding what it's like to struggle because they themselves endured tribulation. As priests, they will offer spiritual instruction and healing, helping reconcile humanity with God. As kings, they will administer justice and uphold righteousness. Their combined roles fulfill the promise of being “a royal priesthood” prepared for God’s plan of universal restoration.
The Christian life is ultimately about transformation into the likeness of Christ. This does not happen overnight but is a lifelong process of spiritual development, guided by Scripture, prayer, and life’s trials. The goal is not perfection in the flesh but growth in the spirit. As Christians daily strive to embody Christ’s character—his humility, patience, love, and faithfulness—they are being shaped into vessels fit for God’s use in the coming Kingdom. This Christ-likeness will prepare them to reign with Jesus and be agents of healing for a broken world.
Why Am I a Christian? presents Christianity as a high and holy calling—not a label, but a way of life modeled after Jesus. It invites believers to see their discipleship as a journey of transformation, sacrifice, and service in preparation for future glory. The Christian’s purpose is not self-fulfillment, but participation in God’s redemptive plan to restore all mankind through Christ’s Kingdom. Through faithfulness now, Christians will become instruments of grace and truth for the world to come.
