The Bible Christian

 

Introduction

A lot of people have a misconception when it comes to describing a Christian. The 1828 Webster’s dictionary has these two definitions:

3. A real disciple of Christ; one who believes in the truth of the Christian religion, and studies to follow the example, and obey the precepts, of Christ; a believer in Christ who is characterized by real piety.

4. In a general sense, the word Christians include all who are born in a Christian country or of Christian parents

Most people believe definition number 4 but, unlike the Jews under the Old Law, there is more to becoming a Christian than being born one. The bible uses the word, ‘Christian’ only three times in the New Testament. Each has a distinct meaning to show what a true bible Christian really is.

 

A Christian is a Disciple

In Acts 11:26 Luke writes, And when he had found him, he brought him to Antioch. So it was that for a whole year they assembled with the church and taught a great many people. And the disciples were first called Christians in Antioch. This is the first time the word appears in the New Testament. It refers to the disciples.

Disciples, in general, are anyone who are followers of another and learn the doctrine by that individual. In scripture, disciples were followers of Christ and, therefore, were called Christians. The doctrine that they followed is what is now called The Bible. Following any other doctrine; creed books, disciplines, etc. makes you a disciple of a man and not God.

The original twelve followers of Jesus were the first disciples and then they became apostles. The rest of us are considered disciples as no apostles can be created today (Galatians 1:1).

 

A Christian is One who is Persuaded

In Acts 26:28-29, we see the second use of the word, Christian, in which Paul is defending himself against King Agrippa. Here’s the passage with verse 27 added, “King Agrippa, do you believe the prophets? I know that you do believe.” Then Agrippa said to Paul, “You almost persuade me to become a Christian.” And Paul said, “I would to God that not only you, but also all who hear me today, might become both almost and altogether such as I am, except for these chains.”

As stated before, no one is born a Christian or simply decides to “be a Christian”. One has to investigate via the scriptures (Acts 17:11) to determine what is being said is true. Given that the bible is inspired (2 Tim. 3:16-17), you can trust that it will tell you how to become a Christian.

Paul wrote in 2 Corinthians 5:10-11, For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad. Knowing, therefore, the terror of the Lord, we persuade men; but we are well known to God, and I also trust are well known in your consciences. Once again, Paul states that you need to be persuaded. This means there’s more to be done than simply believing that Jesus is The Christ (Mt. 7:21-23).

 

A Christian is One who Suffers

The apostle wrote in 1 Peter 4:14-16, If you are reproached for the name of Christ, blessed are you, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. On their part He is blasphemed, but on your part He is glorified. But let none of you suffer as a murderer, a thief, an evildoer, or as a busybody in other people's matters. Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in this matter. Here, Peter states that the life of a Christian is not all rainbows and lollipops. One will suffer for the cause of Christ simply because it’s contrary to the “norm of society”.

At the start of this chapter, Peter had this to say, Therefore, since Christ suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves also with the same mind, for he who has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin, that he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh for the lusts of men, but for the will of God. For we have spent enough of our past lifetime in doing the will of the Gentiles--when we walked in lewdness, lusts, drunkenness, revelries, drinking parties, and abominable idolatries. In regard to these, they think it strange that you do not run with them in the same flood of dissipation, speaking evil of you. (1 Peter 4:1-4)

We are to arm ourselves with the same mind. If Christ suffered, we, as Christians, will also suffer. Don’t get me wrong, this is not something that Christians should desire or get look forward to, it’s something that will happen in everyday life because we are different (2 Cor. 6:17).

 

Conclusion

People don’t like the military phrases used in scripture, but it is a fact that we are in a war against Satan and his worldly behaviors. Arm yourself, as described in Ephesians 6:10-17. If you call yourself a Christian, know that you go to war, daily, from the moment you get up in the morning.

If you don’t see life this way, then you most likely are not a Bible Christian. But you can be one today! Read this article, What Must I do to be Saved? and get started on the path of become a true New Testament Christian. If there’s anything I can do to help, please post in the comments below.