Biblical Answer

In our discussion of what it means to be a Christian, we've touched on the idea of being a "good Christian" versus a "bad Christian." However, before we dive into the specifics of what it means to be a good Christian, let's first address the question of what it means to be a Christian in the first place. As we've established, being a Christian isn't just about behaving morally or doing good things. Rather, it's about having a personal relationship with Jesus Christ and believing in the essential truth claims of Christianity. This means that a Christian must believe in the authority of the Bible, the divinity of Jesus, and the importance of living a life that reflects Christian values and teachings.

Now, when it comes to the question of what makes a good Christian, we must first acknowledge that there is no such thing as a "good non-Christian." The Bible teaches us that all people are sinful and in need of salvation (Romans 3:23). However, when we look at the lives of people who claim to be Christians, we often see a range of behaviors and attitudes. Some Christians may be kind, compassionate, and loving, while others may be self-centered, prideful, or even cruel. So, what sets a good Christian apart from a bad one? A good Christian is someone who has a deep and abiding love for God and for others, and who seeks to live their life in a way that reflects this love. They are not perfect, but they are striving to follow Jesus' teachings and to live a life of obedience to God's Word.

In contrast, a bad Christian is someone who claims to be a Christian but does not live a life that reflects this claim. They may go through the motions of attending church, reading their Bible, or participating in Christian activities, but their heart is not in it. They may be motivated by a desire for social status, personal gain, or a sense of moral superiority, rather than a genuine desire to follow Jesus. Ultimately, a bad Christian is someone who is not living up to the standards of the Christian faith, and who is not demonstrating the love, compassion, and kindness that should characterize a true follower of Christ. As Jesus himself said, "By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another" (John 13:35). A good Christian is someone who loves God and loves others, while a bad Christian is someone who is failing to live up to this fundamental principle of the Christian faith.