30 Dec What Are the Benefits of Being a Christian?

Perhaps you grew up in the Christian church and never really understood the blessing of your upbringing. Or maybe you have found this article in search of something more, wondering how becoming a Christian could change your life. Becoming a Christian is the single most important decision you could make in this life. Throughout the Bible, we learn the many benefits of committing our lives to follow Christ Jesus. 

So, what are the benefits of being a Christian? The most important benefit of becoming a Christian is securing your eternal destination in heaven through the gift of Salvation. In addition to this, there are countless other benefits such as knowing your true purpose, receiving forgiveness of your sins, having a relationship with God, finding peace and hope, and gaining a caring community. 

Regardless of where you stand with Christianity today, it is important to understand the many ways that this important decision could forever alter the course of your life. In this post, we will take a look at what being a Christian really means. We will also discuss a few of the benefits of becoming a Christian. We hope that this post provides you with answers to your questions regarding the Bible, Christianity, and salvation. 

Understanding the Benefits of Being a Christian

As someone who grew up in the Christian church, it can be easy to overlook what truly sets Christians apart. Many believers struggle to put into words how becoming a Christian has changed their lives. As Christians, we must educate ourselves on the benefits of being a Christian so that we can boldly share our faith with the people around us. This is our greatest calling and our true mission in this lifetime.

What is a Christian?

Before we discuss the benefits of being a Christian, we must establish what defines a Christian. The word Christian can be broken down into two parts: Christ followed by the suffix ‘-ian’. This suffix simply means related to, like, or belonging to. Simply stated, Christian means an individual that belongs to Christ.

Christians are individuals who have admitted their need for a Savior, repented of their sins, and accepted the gift of salvation. Christians seek to live to glorify Christ in everything they think, say, or do. 

Biblical Use of the Term Christian

Many people, both believers and unbelievers, assume that the term Christian was a name that the disciples gave themselves. However, this is not true. In fact, ‘Christian’ is only used to describe followers of Christ in three verses in the Bible

The very first time we find the word Christian used in the Bible is in the Old Testament book of Acts. In this first use, the society in Antioch viewed the disciples and followers of Christ as different from members of other religious groups of the day. Because of this, they found the need to use a new word to define this group of individuals.

We find the first use of the term Christian in Acts 11:25-26 which reads as follows, “So Barnabas went to Tarsus to look for Saul, and when he had found him, he brought him to Antioch. For a whole year they met with the church and taught a great many people. And in Antioch, the disciples were first called Christians.” 

Following the first use of this term in Acts 11:26, Christian was only used in two other places: Acts 26:28 and 1 Peter 4:16. 

Dictionary Definition of the Term Christian

The term Christian is defined by the Merriam-Webster dictionary as “one who professes belief in the teachings of Jesus Christ; of or relating to Christianity; of, relating to, or being a Christian; professing Christianity.” 

Benefits of Becoming a Christian

Now that we understand what the term ‘Christian’ means, we can take a closer look at some of the benefits of becoming a Christian. It is important to note that because this process is incredibly personal, each individual will experience how Christianity uniquely changes their lives. The benefits, however, are universal.

Christians Have Eternal Life in Heaven Through Salvation

The primary benefit, and the one that deserves the most attention, is that Christians are given eternal life in heaven through the gift of salvation. Without this gracious gift, we are all deserving of an eternity of punishment in hell, forever separated from the glory of God. 

Many people question why God made hell. If, in fact, He is a gracious and loving God, why would He want people to suffer for eternity? While God is gracious and perfectly loving, He is also perfectly just. He can not let anything less than perfection in His presence. 

As sinners, we are undeserving of an eternity in heaven by His side. The greatest benefit of being a Christian is that, through Jesus’ death on the cross, we are granted forgiveness of our sins. Through this selfless act, we are granted salvation and receive assurance of our eternal destination. Even if this was the only “benefit” of being a Christian, it would be much greater than anything we deserve. 

This truth is clearly outlined in John 3:16 which reads, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.”

Christians Can Know Their True Life Purpose

Almost everyone struggles to identify their true purpose in life. We first struggle with this conundrum when deciding on a career path. While this may satisfy us for a few years, we will always find ourselves searching for the reason we were put on this earth. Christians know their true life purpose as it is outlined in the Bible. 

1 Corinthians 10:31 states, “So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” 

In everything we think, say, and do, our ultimate purpose in life is to glorify God and enjoy Him. We are called to share the love of Christ with the people around us and point others to Him through the way we live our lives.

Christians Have Been Forgiven of Their Sins

1 John 1:8 says, “If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.” Even the “best” person is dreadfully sinful. When we accept Christ into our hearts and become a Christian, we are forgiven of our sins – past, present, and future. 

Although Christians will continue to struggle with both intentional and unintentional sin, we know that Jesus’ death on the cross has freed us from slavery to our sins. Our sins no longer hold power over us. In Romans 8:2 we read, “For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death.”

Christians Are Given a Relationship With God

As Christians, we receive the benefit of a personal relationship with God. We have the ability to communicate with God throughout the day, both through prayer and worship. The Bible also provides us with a way of communicating with God and deepening our understanding of and relationship with Him. 

Christians Have a New Perspective on Life

Before you become a Christian, you are living with a skewed perspective of life. Without hope for eternity, you are tricked into believing that this life is all there is – after death, nothing matters. Once you pass away, you will simply cease to exist. This thought pattern puts incredible amounts of pressure on the life you live on earth. 

However, when you become a Christian, you are given a new perspective on life. You no longer believe that this life on earth is all that matters. With a new, eternal perspective, you begin to look outside yourself. Your thoughts should no longer dwell on this present life but on the eternal life that awaits you in heaven. Everything you do and say should be done through this frame of mind. 

Christians Can Find True Peace in Christ

Our world is in a constant state of turmoil. Coming from both external and internal sources, this turmoil can greatly disrupt the life of an unbeliever. Christians, however, find true peace in Christ. He is our source of strength in trying times. In times of turmoil, Christians can hold fast to the truth that He has not forsaken or forgotten their needs.

Christians Have Hope in The Future Beyond This Life

As we mentioned previously, Christians have hope in a future beyond this life on earth. This eternal hope and destiny help us view our lives from a new perspective. Placing our hope in heaven allows us to live our lives on earth to the fullest, working towards the day when we are united with God forever.

Christians Find Themselves in a Caring Community

Finally, an additional benefit of being a Christian is that Christians find themselves in a caring community. Whether through their local church, a ministry, or like-minded believers, this community can encourage them in trying times. There is no better place to find this much-needed support than in a community of believers.

How to Become a Christian

Becoming a Christian is the biggest decision you could make while on earth. When you become a Christian, you are given the gift of salvation, you will go to heaven when you die. If you have questions about how to become a Christian, reach out to your local church, contact a pastor, or reach out to us! The Liberty Justice HQ team would love to direct you to additional resources on this important topic.