What are the distinguishing traits of an authentic Christian? Many profess to be Christians but without the character to back it up. Politicians may advocate ethics while embroiled in scandals; activists may call for justice but lack tolerance; celebrities may promote health while battling substance abuse; pastors may preach fidelity while engaging in affairs; and corporate leaders may tout ethics while implicated in fraud.
In Jesus’ day, the Pharisees, who claimed to be devout followers of God, were like pristine storefronts with nothing of value inside. They appeared righteous, but beneath the surface, their lives were hollow, filled with hypocrisy and pride. They maintained a façade of goodness while their hearts were far from God, embodying the emptiness of a life focused on appearances rather than true spiritual transformation.
What are the characteristics of a steadfast Christian—grounded, firm, and sure? Let’s explore four ways that identify a genuine Christian - justification, sanctification, obedience, and faithfulness. Before we dive into those key areas, consider two men who both profess to be Christians, James and Robert.
James, despite facing many hardships, remained steadfast in his faith. He lost his job but still tithed, trusting God’s provision. His neighbors knew his kindness; he would help anyone in need, often without being asked. James forgave without hesitation when his friend betrayed him, reflecting on God’s grace toward him. His life was a quiet testimony of love, obedience, and gratitude.
Robert was quick to proclaim his faith, but slow to show it. He attended church, but his words were harsh, and he often spoke ill of others. In difficulties, he blamed God rather than trusting Him, and more concerned with others’ perception of his faith than with living it out. His actions reflected a person who wore the title of Christian but lacked the heart of one.
Some who call themselves Christians live close to the world’s culture, dishonoring God and disobeying His commands. True Christians have thrown off the former way of life, “put off the old self,” and “put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness,” as described in Ephesians 4: 22-24.
Jesus said many call themselves Christians, but the proof is in the way a person lives following justification.
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1. Justification
Each person who receives the gift of salvation through faith is justified by the work of Jesus on the cross, by paying sin’s penalty of death and separation from God. Justification is God’s immediate, miraculous work of grace that declares a right standing before God - just as if I never sinned. “Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ” (Romans 5:1). Jesus took our punishment of sin, and in exchange, at the moment of faith, justification, and peace became ours.
Further assurance comes in knowing we are justified, forgiven, and blameless. “God made him who had no sin to be sin for us so that in him we might become the righteousness of God” (2 Corinthians 5:21). Our sins are forgiven, “As far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us” (Psalm 103:12). Therefore, there is “no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus” (Romans 8:1),
God’s work of justification starts the next phase of sanctification—the ongoing process of becoming like Jesus. This involves pursuing purity and living a holy life that pleases God, remaking us in God’s image.
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2. Sanctification
Sanctification begins at the moment of salvation. It involves turning away from sin and towards God. Sanctification is growing into the identity of Christ, aligning our daily lives with the righteousness we’ve received through Him. Christian Counselor David Powlison said, “Sanctification is the process of becoming who you already are in Christ.”
Becoming holy takes time and effort. It’s not instantaneous like God’s work of justification. For example, Lori used to struggle with anger, often lashing out when things didn’t go her way. After committing her life to Christ, she began praying for patience and immersing herself in Scripture. Over time, she noticed a change—where she once reacted with frustration. She now responded with calm and understanding. Her transformation wasn’t overnight, but she grew a little more patient and loving each day, reflecting God’s word in her heart.
The Holy Spirit reshapes a believer’s heart, steering it away from unrighteous thoughts. Where impulsive actions once prevailed, the Spirit now whispers, “Be careful; that’s not a good idea.” Red flags and checkpoints become clearer as we willingly yield to being conformed to God’s image. Instead of arguing, the Spirit prompts us to choose kindness over harshness. The old self begins to give way to the new self, reflecting God’s values of purity, integrity, and love for others.
Sanctification is becoming holy, rooted in the Spirit’s work and refined by God’s Word, which instructs and trains us in righteousness (2 Timothy 3:16-17).
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3. Obedience
The Bible serves as the ultimate guidebook for instruction in righteousness, offering a comprehensive roadmap for living a life that aligns with God’s will. Consider Julia, who turned down a lucrative job offer because it required her to compromise her values by engaging in unethical practices. Although it was enticing — bigger income, better place to live, travel—-Julia held fast to honesty and honoring God, knowing God had a righteous path for her work and a promotion that would honor Him. She believed in God’s word, “Trust God with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways submit to Hi, and He will make your paths straight.” (Proverbs 3:5-6).
The new self develops new attitudes: “But now you must also rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips. Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator” (Colossians 3:8-10).
It’s easy to be swayed by the world’s temptations and selfish desires. Regular reading and application of Scripture act as guardrails against sin, embodying the saying, “Sin will keep you from the Word, and the Word will keep you from sin.”
Scripture, like a compass, directs us through the journey of faith. As Dr. George Guthrie notes, “The One who laid the foundations of the world and universe with words also lays the foundation of our lives with His Word.”
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4. Faithfulness
Thankfulness is the springboard of genuine faith. The immense gift of Jesus' substitutionary death on the cross, combined with the Holy Spirit’s guidance despite our unworthiness, forms the foundation of true faith. God’s generosity far exceeds what we deserve, shifting our focus from what we lack to the countless ways He has blessed us. By continually acknowledging and giving thanks for these undeserved gifts, we cultivate a heart that is more receptive to His love and steadfast in faith.
I've been facing a challenging time, unable to walk without pain for four months due to a foot injury. Despite prayers, exercises, and prescribed remedies, I've questioned, "Will I ever walk again pain-free?"
We often overlook everyday blessings—good health (and yes, I believe I will walk again without pain), stable relationships, and basic necessities—assuming they are owed to us rather than cherished as gifts. We tend to focus on what’s missing or going wrong, letting frustration overshadow gratitude and forgetting how God has guided us through past trials. Faithfulness means trusting that God will remain faithful, regardless of our circumstances. As Scripture says, “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus” (1 Thessalonians 5:18).
Trusting in God, staying committed to His Word, and persevering through challenges strengthen our faith. As John Maxwell wisely noted, “Doing the right thing daily compounds over time.”
What Marks of Salvation Do Authentic Christians Bear?
1. Justification is the starting point where God declares us righteous.
2. Sanctification transforms our nature (attitudes, choices, actions) to become more like Jesus.
3. Obedience out of love for God and His Word; “If you love me, keep my commands” (John 14:15).
4. Faithfulness is steadfast and unshakable, which means always trusting God’s love despite the circumstances.
As Oswald Chambers puts it, “Serving Jesus is not about grand gestures, but about being faithful in the small, daily acts of obedience and love.”
Together, these elements define a steadfast Christian life, rooted in grace and dedicated to reflecting God’s glory in all aspects of living.
“For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ” - 2 Peter 1:8-9
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Originally published Wednesday, 04 September 2024.