What is a Christian?
To understand what a Christina is, let’s travel back in the Bible, and you’ll discover the followers of Christ were first called Christian at Antioch. “… and when he found him, he brought him back to Antioch. For an entire year; they met [with others] in the church and instructed large numbers; it was in Antioch that the disciples were first called Christians. (Acts 11:26, AMP). The definition of a Christian is a follower of Christ. (1). It’s used merely three times in the New Testament. Agrippa referred to it when he allowed Paul to speak on his defense. “Then Agrippa said to Paul, “In a short time [and with so little effort] you [almost] persuade me to become a Christian.” (Acts 26:28). And we are told in 1 Peter 4:16 how honorable it is to suffer because of being a Christian. “… but if anyone suffers [ill-treatment] as a Christian [because of his belief], he is not to be ashamed but is to glorify God [because he is considered worthy to suffer] in this name.
But some believe that if you are good, treat people right, and go to church you are a Christian. But going to church, doing good, and serving the underprivilege doesn’t make you a Christian. Even if you hold a position at church, give your tithes and offerings, serve in a particular ministry, and attend services regularly, it doesn’t make you a Christian. Your good works don’t qualify you as a follower of Jesus. “He saved us, not because of any works of righteousness that we have done, but because of His own compassion and mercy, by the cleansing of the new birth (spiritual transformation, regeneration) and renewing by the Holy Spirit.” (Titus 3:5). A Christian means you have confessed and repented of your sins and accepted Jesus as your Savior. “… 9 because if you acknowledge and confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord [recognizing His power, authority, and majesty as God], and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For with the heart, a person believes [in Christ as Savior] resulting in his justification [that is, being made righteous—being freed of the guilt of sin and made acceptable to God]; and with the mouth he acknowledges and confesses [his faith openly], resulting in and confirming [his] salvation. (1 John 1:9, Romans 10:9-10). You are born again by the grace of God and live a life to please Him. To put it differently, you become Christ-like. You have a new life in Christ. “For it is by grace [God’s remarkable compassion and favor drawing you to Christ] that you have been saved [actually delivered from judgment and given eternal life] through faith. And this [salvation] is not of yourselves [not through your own effort], but it is the [undeserved, gracious] gift of God.” (Ephesians 2:8). So, a Christian is about trusting in God and being His follower.
You believe in His works He did and the gift of salvation He graciously gave us. You obey His Word and build a relationship with Him and a love for others. Also, fellowship with other Christians and allow your light to shine so others would glorify God. “Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good deeds and moral excellence, and [recognize and honor and] glorify your Father who is in heaven.” (Matthew 5:16). Your life is different because you have been transformed by the renewing of your mind. “And do not be conformed to this world [any longer with its superficial values and customs], but be transformed and progressively changed [as you mature spiritually] by the renewing of your mind [focusing on godly values and ethical attitudes], so that you may prove [for yourselves] what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect [in His plan and purpose for you].” (Romans 12:2). Therefore, all things are new, and you’re no longer a slave to sin. You are a child of God, redeemed by the blood of the lamb. Please answer the questions using scriptures.
NEW BOOK RELEASE DECEMBER 11, 2019 - View the BOOK TRAILER BELOW
ENDNOTES: The New Combined Bible Dictionary and Concordance
Though attending church regularly doesn’t make you a Christian, why does God place such emphasis on such fellowship?
How should you respond to someone who says they are a good person and do not need to be saved?
What should our response be from someone who causes hardships in our life?
Can you share a testimonial about a time when you choose to forgive and not seek revenge?
Bless yourself and others with a gift that encourages and inspires your heart, mind, and soul.
FOLLOW Mel
DONATE to these worthy causes
Comments