The common notion of being a Christian is for one to admit that he or she is a sinner; and that the only way to be saved to accept that Christ died on the cross to pay for our sins. But can one really be saved by a passive declaration of a belief? Jesus himself counseled a more dynamic approach that emphasizes strong self-effort based on our Divine nature (“The Kingdom of God is within you”), rather than an admission of defeat.
Jesus was a fully self-realized soul who was in perfect attunement with God; so he had the power to take on the karma (sins) of others in his body. But passive dependence of grace doesn’t have the magnetism to attract it into our lives. Self-effort, in the form of good works and right spiritual attitudes are required.
A true Christian embodies the qualities of selfless love, forgiveness, and a deep desire to please God above all else. True Christianity transcends formal religious boundaries and can be found in individuals of various faiths who live by these principles.