What does it mean to be a Christian?

Contemporary culture has a very broad, fluid definition--one that easily adapts and conforms to changing norms and sensibilities. Numerous studies and polls attest to this by the high number of people who profess and identify as "Christians" while, at the same time, deny and reject basic doctrines of the Christian faith. Knowing, embracing, and living out essential, unchanging, non-negotiable truths is radically out of step with the world. Yet, this last statement is the one that truly defines and shapes what it means to be a Christian. It is with this in mind that To Be Like Jesus has been written.

The church must be forthcoming and biblically thorough with our children and students about the true meaning of the Christian life. We must provide intelligible and biblically sound explanations regarding the truth about: who God is, what He is like, our identity as God's image bearers, our duty to glorify God, the nature and purpose of God's law, the depths of our depravity and condemnation, the person and work of Christ, the essence of salvation, and the necessity of holiness in the Christian life evidenced by a growing conformity to Jesus and His ways. Apart from knowing and embracing these essential truths, our children and students will never experience true, lasting joy. Yes, eternal joy is at stake. The command "to be like Jesus" (Romans 8:29, Ephesians 4:24) is a call to know, honor, and treasure God through Christ, so that we might glorify God and enjoy Him forever. That is what it means to be a Christian!

May our students, our children, come to know and embrace this immeasurable and glorious reality.

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