WHO IS A CHRISTIAN?

“…And the disciples were first called CHRISTIANS in Antioch” – Acts 11:26a

It is absolutely important to accurately answer the question, “WHO IS A CHRISTIAN?”: “…And the disciples were first called CHRISTIANS in Antioch” (Acts 11:26b). This is the first record of people being called Christians; those who believed in Jesus and chose to live like Him. People in Antioch teasingly applied Jesus’ title of Christ as a label for His followers – “little Christs”! By the preaching of the Word, “the hand of the Lord was with them” to believe and turn to the Lord (v.19-21). On them also was “seen the grace of God” to “continue with the Lord” (v.23). And the name “Christian” has ‘stuck’ to this day!

There is much confusion in the world over the issue of being a Christian. Some people think the term “Christian” refers to a political view. Others use the term to describe someone born into a nominal Christian family, a moral person or someone who attends church. They picture a benevolent, all-powerful Deity who accepts everyone for who they are on their own terms, with unconditional love. They usually see themselves as being morally superior to the atheist who openly denies the existence of God. But to simply believe that God exists and that automatically makes one a Christian, is to be deceived.

Today, over one billion people on planet Earth call themselves some variety of “Christian.” It is easy to look at this huge numbers and be confused about who a Christian is. There are also those who, following the idea of ‘Universalism’, believe that all human beings are God’s children! Nothing could be farther from the truth. Jesus’ response to a Syro-Phoenician woman was to the effect that “It is not good to take the children’s bread and throw it to the dogs” (Mt.15:26-28). God knows His children! Elsewhere, Jesus inferred that some Jews actually had the devil as father, whereas they erroneously thought they were Abraham’s seeds (Jh.8:33-44). The parable in Matthew 13:25-30 also illustrates how the tares (deceived Christians) grow up with the wheat (believing Christians) until the harvest!

The word “Christian” is less important than the spiritual reality it depicts. The Bible differentiates those who call themselves children of God from those who actually are. The gospel must not be watered down to make it easier for people to join the Church without faith, sincerity or repentance! Many call themselves “Christians” who despise the teachings of Jesus; live “contrary to sound doctrine” (1Tim. 1:10); and introduce dangerous practices, teachings and deceptions (2 Pet. 2:1). Scripture states succinctly who has any ‘right’ or claim before Heaven’s Throne to call themselves the legal heirs of the King of Kings: “But as many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on His name” (Jh.1:12). Only those who receive Jesus by faith and abide in Him have the “right” to be called Christians.

Being a Christian is not about being christened as a baby, keeping moral rules and regulations, performing religious rites, or even going to church. It’s about a relationship with God through Jesus Christ – friendship with Him and submission to His Will. The Christian testifies of the assurance of salvation, the indwelling Presence and guidance of the Holy Spirit, and certainty of eternal life now and in eternity, and Heaven as eternal Home!

By the Grace of God, I AM A CHRISTIAN! I am born-again! I know that God created me and loves me. I recognise that sin separated me from God. I believe that Jesus came to earth, died, and resurrected to offer me redemption through His blood and forgiveness of sins (Eph.1:7). I have responded to His offer by making a choice to stop living for myself and allow Him make me who He wants me to be. I have been saved by Grace through faith (Eph.2:8-9). I didn’t have to behave a certain way to become a Christian. But now that I am a Christian, my relationship with God is changing and empowering me to behave differently – to walk in “newness of life” and demonstrate virtues pertaining to life and godliness (Rom.6:4; 2Pet.1:3).