What is a Christian?


(from 2005)


Introduction


Ask several people what is a Christian and you might get several answers. The primary reason is that most people think that if you attend church that makes you a Christian, while others will say that if you believe in God and Jesus, that makes you a Christian.




As Found in the Bible

        The word, ‘Christian’ is only used three times in scripture (Acts 11:26; 26:18; 1 Pet. 4:16). It is referenced to those who were/are followers of Christ. The Sanhedrin wrongfully referred to it as a denomination of Judaism; calling it a sect of the Nazarenes (Acts 24:5) Paul defends the faith by saying it is referred to as The Way (Acts 24:14; 9:2; Jn. 14:6) and is separate and apart from Judaism.

        Christians are to be separate and apart from ALL denominations (2 Cor. 6:17; 1 Cor. 1:10; 1 Cor. 4:6). No true New Testament Christian would align themselves with any man-made institution calling itself a church. If you cannot find the name of your church in scripture, then you are assembling with the wrong group of people.





The following are several references to what a Christian is and what we believe.


 


The Christian…




…Hears the Word of God and obeys (Rom. 10:17; John 14:15)

…Believes Jesus Christ is the Son of God (John 8:24)

…Openly and publicly confesses Jesus as The Son of God (Rom. 10:9-10)



…Repents of their sins.  (Acts 17:30)

…Is baptized into Christ for the remission of sins.  (Acts 2:38)

…Lives faithfully unto death (Rev. 2:9)

…Openly and publicly defends the truth (Jude 3)

…Preaches the whole counsel of God (Acts 20:27)

…Gives as prospered (1 Cor. 16:1-2)

…Attends worship as often as possible (Heb. 10:24-25)

…Worships God in Spirit and Truth (John 4:24; Mt. 15:7-9)

…Is not connected to a church of human origin (Rom. 16:16; 1 Cor. 1:10; Jn. 17:17)



…Knows that Jesus willingly gave his life for all (Lk. 23:46; Jn. 19:33, 36)



…Knows Jesus is the head of the Church (Eph. 1:22; Col. 1:18)

…Knows the body of Christ is the Church (Eph. 1:23)

…Knows that Jesus has all authority (Mt. 28:18)

…Knows that Jesus is our high priest and rules from Heaven (Heb. 2:17; 4:14)



…Does not call anyone “Father” or “Pastor” (Mt. 23:9)



As you have already noted, everything stated above is supported by scripture. A Christian should not do or believe anything that isn’t written in the scriptures (1 Cor. 4:6).





Conclusion

In the next few weeks, I will focus certain articles on The Christian and: their lifestyle, their worship, and their interaction with the World. We sometimes forget how the rest of the world views Christians and how freely those of the denominational churches bandy about the word “Christian”. I hope from these both you, and I, can have a better appreciation for what a Christian is, according to scripture, and what they truly represent.


 


 

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