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What Is a Christian?

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The following is adapted from the works of F.E. Marsh, an old commentary coming soon to the BLB.

WE find that the word “Christian” only occurs three times in the New Testament. First, “Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed…” (1 Peter 4:16). Second, “In a short time would you persuade me to be a Christian?” which was spoken in contempt by Agrippa to Paul (Acts 26:28). Third, “And in Antioch the disciples were first called Christians” (Acts 11:26).

It has been a matter of contention as to who called them Christians, whether it was a name applied to them in ridicule by the world, or whether God called them by that name. We believe God called them Christians, from the simple fact that the word “called” in the eight instances where it is recorded, has reference to God Himself speaking and acting. The wise men, “And being warned in a dream,” did not return to Herod (Matthew 2:12); Joseph, “being warned in a dream,” turned aside to Galilee (Matthew 2:22); it was revealed unto Simeon by the Holy Ghost that he “would not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Christ” (Luke 2:26); Cornelius “was directed by a holy angel” (Acts 10:22); she “will be called an adulteress” (Romans vii. 3), that is because God calls her so; Moses “was instructed by God” (Hebrews 8:5); “Noah, being warned by God” (Hebrews 11:7); “For if they did not escape when they refused him who warned them on earth” (Hebrews 12:25). Thus in every case where the Holy Spirit uses this word, it has reference to a communication from God, and hence we assume that the title “Christian” is God-given.

We give an acrostic on the word “Christian,” as illustrating what he is—

  • Child of God, as to his relationship to the Lord (John1:12, 13).
  • Heir of God, as to his inheritance in the Lord (1 Peter 1:3, 4).
  • Redeemed one, as to his being freed by the Lord (Romans
    8:2; Ephesians 1:7).
  • Influence, as to his responsibility to the Lord (Matthew 5:14-16).
  • Soldier, as to fighting for the Lord (2 Timothy 2:3).
  • Temple, as to being occupied by the Lord (1 Corinthians 3:16).
  • Instrument, to be used by the Lord (Romans 6:13).
  • Ambassador, as to his representation of the Lord (2 Corinthians 5:20).
  • New man in Christ, as to his attitude towards the Lord and the world (2 Corinthians 5:17).

Comments

  1. Regarding the occurrence in Romans 7:3, you said it was because God calls her an adulteress. I don’t see how you concluded that. It seems to me that, not God, but rather, the people who accuse her would call her “adulteress.” In the Talmud, there is an entire massekhet dedicated to the subject, and it is called, “Sotah,” the term for “adulteress.” Let me put it this way. If a man finds his wife fornicating with another man, the man and his fellow people (i.e., the Jews) would shame her by calling her “adulteress” (sotah). That would probably last until the point she was stoned (if they decided to punish her in such a manner).

  2. I have not found any place where God calls anyone a Christian(s). It is only found 3 times in the Bible, yet its used as broad to cover major religions that believe we are all following the same Jesus. Do ALL Christians have God’s Spirit (Holy Spirit) – NO. Do all disciples have the Holy Spirit – NO. Perfect example of this is in Acts 19 when Paul comes along and finds some disciples who did not know about the Holy Spirit let alone have it. But they were baptized in the Name of Jesus Christ (received the Holy Spirit within) and had hands laid upon them (to receive the Holy Spirit upon). God calls someone that has His Spirit His son – or a son of God. Romans 8 says “all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God.” A Christian is simply someone that is following after Jesus. This does not necessarily mean they have the Holy Spirit within them which is what Jesus wants.

    • It’s anachronistic to interpret a word used in the 1st century according to a 21st century perspective. Sure, the English word “Christian” is used today in a certain sense (members of cults call themselves “Christians”), but is that the same sense Paul and Peter used the Greek word *christianos*? Did Paul and Peter really believe that anyone was a Christian but those who did indeed follow Jesus and did indeed possess the Holy Spirit? I doubt it. A Christian back then was a true believer. None other.

      • I meant: “Did Paul and Peter believe that anyone but those who truly followed Jesus and possessed the Holy Spirit were Christians?” The answer is actually no. They only believed genuine believers were Christians. Others were heretics, the ol’ wolves in sheep’s clothing.

    • Thank you Steve, it’s nice to find another Christian that understands that that the Holy Spirit is a gift given by God; and that everybody does not get it without the grace and mercy of God.

  3. I seriously do not see how you arrived at this conclusion. The Scripture references you have quoted, have absolutely nothing to do with God calling believers “christains”. If that was the case, we might as well say that God endorses a “particular” religion, right? It seems that the key to your argument is “we assume”, not a good assumption, sorry Chris, love you!

  4. Excellent question. I’m with “itisfinished” on your answer though; the path to your conclusion is a stretch. You focus on only one of the three verses where the English word Christian is used. The eight instances using the Greek word (chrēmatizō) do not all connect to God as “hammer” points out. I notice in the Hbr. 12:25 verse there are three different Greek words that are translated to English as “speak”, (laleō, chrēmatizō, apo) of the three in this verse (apo) is the one connected to words from above, (chrēmatizō) seems to deal in legal matters of speech.

    The Greeks were not aware of the Hebrew concept of GOD, Act 17:23. Go past the Greek language thru the Septuagint to the Hebrew language. These are Hebrew concepts, Messiah had no meaning to a Greek prior to the “Good News” being brought outside the borders of Israel. Is “Christian” supposed to mean “Little Christ’s”? The Greek word “Christos” (Christ) had no connection to the Hebrew concept of a Messiah until the Septuagint writers made an attempt to describe it using Greek words. It is connected now thru 2000 years of history, but not when it was first written. So why would Messiah believing, Hebrew speaking Jews use a Gentile word to describe themselves? I don’t know.

    Focus on the word (Christianos). I do not have reference material with me and this comment is getting long, but I have read that the letter (i) was changed from the original letter (e) in what may have been a sincere attempt to correct the use of the derogatory word you mention and it may very well be with one simple stroke of a pen, we have a religion.

    (p.s. let’s do the word “church” next.)

    J.

    • I agree, deny your self, even your own opinions. Peace be with you!

    • Right on! Why waste time with trying to figure out the “why” of being a dicsiple of Jesus. One a disciple or a fan. If one is a fan he/she doesn’t understand.

  6. Sounds accurate to me, “Me” (Galatians 2:20 that you referred to)

    I don’t like disputes about who we are in Christ or what is what or who is who.

    All I know is: Jesus called me, He encouraged me to respond, I responded and accepted His death and resurrection by faith and here I am about 32 years later still trusting Him for my salvation.

    We are all running the race, all fighting the good fight according to the faith that the Lord has given us.

    It is an awesome thing.

    D.

  7. I am deeply saddened O LORD at the absence of reverence and the absence of love constantly being displayed by those who would call themselves your children or your ambassadors
    HELP US LORD JESUS THAT WE —WOULD BE YOUR CHILDREN—IN YOUR NAME O LORD WE PRAY

    2 Timothy 3:16
    —ALL— SCRIPTURE is given by inspiration of GOD and is profitable for doctrine for reproof for correction for instruction in righteousness

    1 Thessalonians 2:13
    For this cause also thank we GOD without ceasing because when you received the word of GOD which you heard of us you received it —NOT AS THE WORD OF MEN—but as it is in truth—
    THE WORD OF GOD—which effectually worketh also in you that believe

    1 John 3:10
    In this the —CHILDREN OF GOD ARE MANIFEST—and the children of the devil
    WHOSOEVER DOETH NOT RIGHTEOUSNESS IS NOT OF GOD
    neither he that loveth not his brother

    1 John 2:18
    LITTLE CHILDREN it is the last time and as you have heard that antichrist shall come even now are there many antichrists whereby we know that it is the last time

    Proverbs 18:2 ESV
    A fool takes no pleasure in understanding
    But only in expressing his opinion

    Psalm 119:104
    Through thy precepts I get understanding
    THEREFORE I hate every false way

    Proverbs 8:14
    Counsel is mine and sound wisdom
    I am understanding I have strength

    Proverbs 2:6
    For the LORD giveth wisdom
    Out of HIS mouth cometh knowledge and understanding

    Proverbs 3:5
    Trust in the LORD with—ALL—THINE HEART—
    and lean not unto thine own understanding

    Proverbs 3:7
    Be not wise in thine own eyes
    Fear the LORD and depart from evil

    Psalm 19:9
    The fear of THE LORD is clean enduring forever
    The judgements of THE LORD are true and righteous altogether

    Proverbs 4:20-24
    MY son attend to —MY WORDS—
    incline thine ear unto—MY—sayings
    (21) let them —NOT— depart from thine eyes
    keep them in the midst of thine —HEART–
    (22)For —THEY ARE LIFE—unto those that find them
    and health to all their flesh
    (23) Keep thy heart with all diligence
    for out of it are the issues of life
    (24)Put away from thee a —FROWARD—mouth and —PERVERSE— lips put far from thee

    Proverbs 1:23
    Turn you at MY reproof
    BEHOLD I WILL POUR OUT MY SPIRIT UNTO YOU
    I WILL MAKE KNOWN MY WORDS UNTO YOU

    Proverbs 8:8&9
    —ALL—the words of MY mouth are in righteousness
    There is nothing froward or perverse in them
    (9)They are all plain to him that understandeth
    and right to them that find knowledge

    John 14:23&24
    JESUS answered and said unto him
    —IF— a man love ME he will keep MY words and MY FATHER will love him and we will come unto him and make our abode with him
    (24)He that loveth ME not —KEEPETH NOT MY SAYINGS—
    and the word which you hear is not mine
    BUT THE FATHERS WHICH SENT ME

    LOVING YOU LORD JESUS
    HELP US O LORD HELP US

      • EL SHADDAI EL SHADDAI

        Isaiah 2:22
        Cease ye from —MAN— whose breath is in his nostrils
        For wherein is he to be accounted of

        Isaiah 8:20
        To the law and to the testimony
        —IF—they speak not according to this word
        IT IS BECAUSE THERE IS NO LIGHT IN THEM

        John 3:20&21
        For everyone that doeth evil hateth the light
        neither cometh to the light lest his deeds should be reproved
        (21)But he that doeth truth cometh to the light
        that his deeds may be made manifest that they are wrought in GOD

        Psalm 119:130
        The entrance of thy words giveth light
        IT GIVETH UNDERSTANDING UNTO THE SIMPLE

        Proverbs 1:22
        How long you simple ones will you love
        simplicity and the scorners delight in their scorning and fools hate knowledge

        Matthew 13:15
        FOR THIS PEOPLES HEART IS WAXED GROSS AND THEIR EARS ARE DULL OF HEARING AND THEIR EYES THEY HAVE CLOSED LEST AT ANY TIME THEY SHOULD SEE WITH THEIR EYES AND HEAR WITH EARS AND SHOULD BE CONVERTED AND I SHOULD HEAL THEM

        Luke 8:14
        And that which fell among the thorns are they which when they have heard go forth and are choked with cares and riches and pleasures of this life and bring no fruit to perfection

        Acts 5:29
        Then peter and the other apostles answered and said —WE OUGHT TO OBEY GOD RATHER THAN MEN—

        WHY O LORD IS MAN SO INTENT ON DISOBEYING YOU

        EL SHADDAI EL SHADDAI

        LOVING THE LORD

  8. I would like to say that A Christian is someone who believes in Christ and follows and obeys his commandments. He is Christ like = meaning he is attempting to imitate in word and deed the Lord Jesus. He is baptized in water in Jesus name and he is full of the Holy Spirit and trying to walk daily with the Lord as a new born again son of God. (John 3:3-8, Acts 2:38, Acts 19:1-6, Acts 10:42-48, Acts 2:1-4)

  9. A Christian is a true believer in Jesus, not a make believer or a want to be believer but a genuine believer in Jesus, who is the only covering and atonement for sin, Jesus is the Lamb of God, provided for us, slain from before the foundation of this world.

    Jesus said “follow me” and I will make you “fishers of men” (Matt 4:19.) A disciple believes, does and teaches what the master teaches.

    If I believe the room I’m in is on fire I’m going to act on that belief. I’m going to jump up, try to put it out, warn others if need be because I am unable to put it out and certainly rescue others if possible. It should be the same way if we are followers, believers, true disciples of Jesus. This is what it means to be a Christian.

    To be a Christian is to believe in the risen LORD Jesus Christ and to follow Him. “No man can serve two masters”. (Matt. 6:24) We cannot love the things of things world and love God. God desires our trust, faithfulness and love. We love Him because He first loved us. (1 John 4:19) There is no greater love than this, that a man lay down His life for another. (John 15:13) This is what God, through Jesus has done for us. The grave could not hold Jesus and the Spirit of God which raised Jesus from the dead (Acts 3:15, 4:10) is available to and for us to raise us to new life as well.

    He didn’t die for us because we were or are good enough. He died for us while we were and are yet sinners (Romans 5:8) “For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.” (John 3:17) Jesus came to seek and to save that which was lost (Luke 19:10) That is each and every one of us. (Romans 3:23, 5:10) So too as sin entered this world through Adam, we might be saved through the life and blood offering of Jesus. (Romans 5:19)

    Jesus said “I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this?” (John 11:25-26) If you do truly believe this then you are a Christian, a disciple or follower of Jesus, for to truly believe this means we have been born of the Spirit. (John 3:1-21)

    As believers we will act on our faith, as surely as we might act as if a building is on fire. Not in self righteousness, but as others who have been rescued from the fire by Jesus’ grace, love and mercy. If we believe in Jesus we will learn to do the things He taught and we will eventually teach others to teach the things He taught.

    In view of Gods mercies for us we are to present our bodies as living sacrifices, dying to our flesh daily and walking in the Spirit, the “born again” new man. This is what it means to be crucified with Christ.

    Great news here, Jesus is both the author and the finisher of our salvation, and not ourselves! (Hebrews 12:2) and there is nothing that can separate us from the love of God. (Romans 8:39) We don’t have to know everything to be saved, just one thing…Jesus (John 14:6) But we must know Him for there is no other name given among men whereby we must be saved. (Acts 4:12)

    Jesus blood covers all our sins. Without the shedding of blood there is no remission of sins. (Lev. 17:11, Hebrews 9:22) Christ is the covering for our sins, hence those who truly believe in this sacrifice, freely offered and given for us, poor sinners, we may be called Christians. The price has been paid, it is finished, (John 19:30) we must only believe (Acts 16:31)

    Thank you LORD Jesus. Help us to be better followers of You. Forgive us when and where we fall short help us learn to forgive others. Thanks you for everything You have given us, help us to share it all with all those around us. Take us and use us upon this earth to accomplish Your will. Amen!

  10. I would rather be a believer than a christian. The promises of the Lord by faith in Christ Jesus is promised to those that believe.

  12. My Pastor’s sermon on Sunday was about being a believer vs being a follower of Christ.
    He used the story of Nicodemus, in John 3.

    Don’t just believe, follow Jesus.

  13. Matthew 4:4
    But HE answered and said
    It is written that MAN SHALL NOT LIVE BY BREAD ALONE
    BUT BY EVERY WORD THAT PROCEEDETH OUT OF THE MOUTH OF GOD

    Philippians 1:29
    For unto you it is given in the behalf of CHRIST
    —NOT ONLY TO BELIEVE ON HIM—
    But also to suffer for his sake

    1 Peter 4:1&2
    For as much then as CHRIST hath suffered for us in the flesh
    arm yourselves likewise with the same mind for he that has suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin
    (2)That he —NO LONGER—should live the rest of his time
    in the flesh to the lusts of men—BUT TO THE WILL OF GOD—

    Matthew 7:21
    Not everyone that saith unto ME LORD LORD shall enter into the kingdom of heaven but he that doeth —THE WILL OF MY FATHER—
    WHICH IS IN HEAVEN

    Matthew 7:22
    Many will say to ME in that day LORD LORD have we not prophesied in thy name and in thy name have cast out devils
    and in thy name done many wonderful works

    Matthew 7:23
    And then I will profess unto them
    depart from ME you that work iniquity

    2 Timothy 2:19
    Nevertheless the foundation of GOD standeth sure having this seal The LORD knoweth them that are HIS and let everyone that nameth the name of the CHRIST depart from iniquity

    Luke 8:21
    And HE answered and said unto them MY mother and MY brethren are these —WHICH HERE THE WORD OF GOD AND DO IT—

    James 1:22
    But be ye doers of the word and not hearers only
    —DECEIVING YOUR OWN SELVES—

    HELP US O LORD THAT WE WOULD NOT IGNORE THE ONE AND ONLY TRUE GOD FOR YOU ARE THE WAY THE TRUTH AND THE LIFE AND YOU LEAD IN THE WAY OF RIGHTEOUSNESS AND YOUR WORDS COMMANDS AND TESTIMONIES
    ARE RIGHTEOUSNESS AND EVERYTHING YOU HAVE TAUGHT HAS COME FROM THE FATHER IN YOUR NAME JESUS AMEN

    LOVING THE LORD

    • Steve,

      I, like Larry Jefferson, am trying to figure out what you are trying to express in both of your blog posts.

      I can see some of what you are saying that their is a lack of respect and love for God and that you love Him and want to follow His word and want the rest of the churches to do like wise.

      May I suggest you put a comment or two on what your trying to get across to those of us who read these blog posts? An introduction to your list of scriptures and a concluding remark would be helpful.

      Thank you dear brother!

      Agape,
      AB

      • LORD HAVE YOU INSTRUCTED US TO ABIDE IN OUR OWN WICKED IMAGINATIONS OR TO ABIDE IN YOUR WORDS AND IN YOUR TRUTH
        ARE WE TAUGHT TO FOLLOW YOUR EXAMPLE OR MANS
        ARE WE TO FOLLOW YOUR WAYS OF RIGHTEOUSNESS OR GO ABOUT WITH THOSE WHICH MAN HAS MADE UP ARE WE TO DO THOSE WORKS THAT COME FROM MAN OR THAT WHICH COMES FROM YOU A HOLY HOLY HOLY GOD
        HELP US O LORD I ASK AND PRAY IN YOUR NAME AS YOU HAVE INSTRUCTED ME —THANK YOU LORD JESUS

        Revelation 2:4
        Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee
        Because thou hast left thy first love

        Revelation 2:5
        Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen and repent—AND DO THE FIRST WORKS—OR ELSE I WILL COME UNTO THE QUICKLY AND WILL REMOVE THY CANDLESTICK OUT OF HIS PLACE EXCEPT THOU REPENT

        Revelation 2:26
        And he that overcometh —AND KEEPETH MY WORKS—
        unto the end to him will I give power over the nations——-CONTINUANCE/ENDURANCE——–

        Revelation 3:15&16
        I know thy works that thou art neither cold nor hot I would thou were cold or hot
        (16)So then because thou art lukewarm and neither cold nor hot I will spew thee out of MY mouth

        Revelation 22:18&19
        For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book
        —IF—ANY MAN— shall add unto these things
        GOD shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book
        (19)And—IF—ANY MAN— shall take away from the words of this book
        GOD shall take away his part out of the book life
        and out of the holy city and from the things which are written in this book

        2 John 1:4 I rejoiced greatly that I found of thy children walking in truth as we have received a commandment from the FATHER

        1 Kings 2:4
        That the LORD may continue HIS word which HE spake concerning me saying
        —IF—thy children take heed to their way
        to walk before ME in truth with all their heart and with all their soul there shall not fail thee said HE a man on the throne of Israel

        Titus 1:7-9
        For a bishop —MUST— be blameless as the— STEWARD OF GOD —NOT SELFWILLED— not soon angry not given to wine no striker not given
        to filthy lucre
        (8) But a lover of hospitality a lover of good men —SOBER —JUST—HOLY—TEMPERATE
        (9)—HOLDING FAST THE FAITHFUL WORD—as he hath been taught that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers

        Ephesians 5:22-26
        Wives submit unto your own husbands as unto the LORD
        (23) For the husband is the head of the wife even as CHRIST is the head of the church and HE is the savior of the body
        (24)THEREFORE as the church is subject unto CHRIST so let the wives be to their own husbands
        in —EVERY THING—
        (25)—HUSBANDS—love your wives even as CHRIST
        also loved the church and gave himself for it
        (26)That HE might sanctify and cleanse it with washing of water by the word

        1 Timothy 2:11-13
        Let the woman learn in silence with all subjection
        (12)But —I— suffer not a woman to teach or usurp authority over the man but to be in silence
        (13) For Adam was first formed and then Eve

        Acts 2:44-46
        And all that —BELIEVED—were together and had all things common
        (45) And sold their possessions and goods and parted them to all men as every man had need
        (46)And they —CONTINUING— daily with one accord in the temple and breaking bread from house to house did eat their meat with gladness and—SINGLENESS OF MIND—

        2 Corinthians 8:13&14
        For I mean not that other men be eased and you burdened
        (14) —BUT BY AN EQUALITY—that now at this time your abundance may be a supply for their want that their abundance also may be a supply for your want that there may be equality

        Acts 20:35 I have showed you all things how that so —LABORING—you ought to support the weak and to remember the—WORDS OF THE LORD JESUS—
        HOW HE SAID—IT IS MORE BLESSED TO GIVE THAN TO RECEIVE

        1 John 3:7
        LITTLE CHILDREN LET—NO MAN DECEIVE YOU—
        He that doeth righteousness is righteous even as HE is righteous

        1 John 3:10
        In this the children of GOD are manifest and the children of the devil whosoever doeth not righteousness—IS NOT OF GOD—neither he that loveth not his brother

        Proverbs 8:8
        All the words of MY mouth are in righteousness
        there is—NOTHING— froward or perverse in them

        HELP US O LORD THAT WE WOULD NOT IGNORE YOU BUT RATHER REVERE YOU AS WE SHOULD

        EL SHADDAI EL SHADDAI

        LOVING THE LORD

  14. Christ means anointing. Our anointing is the blood of Jesus. The life of the flesh is in the blood. (Lev. 17:11) For it is in the blood to make atonement for the soul.

    This was pictured in the covering for Adam and Eve. (Gen. 3:21) Noah and the ark (Genesis 6:14) The ram provided in place of Isaac,(Genesis 22:1-18) Moses and the ark of bulrushes (Ex. 2:3) The Passover (Ex. 12:22) Rahab and the scarlet thread (Joshua 2:18) and many, many, many other places throughout scripture.

    If one has been washed in the blood of the Lamb, (Rev. 1:5, 7:14) then it would be accurate (Theologically speaking) to indeed call that person a “Christian”, or believer, or follower or disciple of Jesus.

    Jesus said “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any [man] pluck them out of my hand.” (John 10:27-28)

    May God bless each of you! He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him! (Hebrews 11:6)

    • 1 John 2:27
      But the anointing which you have received of HIM abideth in you and you need not that any man teach you
      But the same anointing teacheth you of all things and is truth and is no lie and even as it has taught you
      you shall abide in HIM

      Ecclesiastes 12:11
      The words of the wise are as goads and as nails fastened by the masters of assemblies
      —WHICH ARE GIVEN FROM ONE SHEPARD—

      Matthew 23:8
      But be ye not called Rabbi for one is your master
      even CHRIST and all ye are brethren

      Matthew 23:12
      And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased
      And he that shall humble himself shall be exalted

      1 Timothy 2:5
      For there is one GOD and one mediator between GOD and men THE MAN JESUS CHRIST

      John 6:68
      Then Simon Peter answered HIM LORD to whom shall we go —THOU HAST THE WORDS OF ETERNAL LIFE—

      EL SHADDAI EL SHADDAI

      LOVING AND TRUSTING THE LORD

  15. It matters little whether it was from God or from people.Does it have any other meaning than what it means? I think this title is an earthly title and will have no significance in eternity. It is what the earthly men use to refer to us and God does not use it.

    God uses names that will have eternal value, like his children – eternal relationship e.t.c

    This title is only for earthly identity to those who follow christ i think.

  16. The Christian means “Christ’s one”. A Christian no longer belongs to herself/himself, the world, or to the devil. That new Saint-Creation belongs forever to Jesus,indwelt, baptized, and sealed by and with the Holy Spirit. As “Christ’s one”, you are commissioned to be a reconciler,and salt and light so others may experience the Lord through you. Thus, they, too, would be drawn, humbled, convicted and called unto salvation. May Hell be robbed of souls normally defaulted to going there. And may Heaven be filled because you delighted in the Lord and nothing else. Joel 2:32, “All who call on the name of the Lord will be saved.”

    • 1 Timothy 3:16
      And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness
      GOD was manifest in the flesh
      ——JUSTIFIED IN THE SPIRIT——
      seen of angels
      PREACHED UNTO THE GENTILES
      RECEIVED UP INTO GLORY

      John 6:63
      It is the spirit that quickeneth
      the flesh profiteth nothing
      the words that I speak unto you
      they are spirit and they are life

      John 19:30
      When JESUS therefore had received the vinegar HE said it is finished and HE bowed HIS head and gave up the spirit

      Ecclesiastes 12:7
      Then shall the dust return to the earth as it was
      AND THE SPIRIT SHALL RETURN UNTO GOD WHO GAVE IT

      2 Timothy 2:19
      Nevertheless the foundation of GOD standeth sure
      —HAVING THIS SEAL—the LORD knoweth them that are HIS and let everyone that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity

      Psalm 66:18
      —IF—I regard iniquity in my heart
      —THE LORD WILL NOT HEAR ME—

      Isaiah 59:6
      Their webs shall not become garments
      neither shall they cover themselves with their works
      Their works are works of iniquity
      And the act of violence is in their hands

      Proverbs 16:6
      By mercy and truth iniquity is purged
      AND BY THE FEAR OF THE LORD MEN DEPART FROM EVIL

      Psalm 94:16
      Who will rise up for ME against the evildoers
      Or who will stand up for ME against the workers of iniquity

      Psalm 92:5
      O LORD how great are thy works and thy thoughts are very deep

      Psalm 33:4
      For the word of the LORD is right
      And all HIS works are done in truth

      Titus 1:16
      They profess that they know GOD but in works they deny HIM being abominable and disobedient and unto every good work reprobate

      2 Timothy 2:12
      If we suffer we shall also reign with HIM
      If we deny HIM —HE WILL ALSO DENY US—

      LOVING THE LORD

  17. I, personally, do not use the term “Christian” for myself when asked what I believe. I will say I am a follower of Christ. To many people these days are “Christians” without really following Christ. For example, there’s the Westboro Baptist Church in the US that calls themselves Christians, but pickets funerals and holds up signs that are extremely negative. Last year, there was the big thing about Christ’s return on a certain date, and people painted their cars, and gave lots of money for this cause. They called themselves Christians. These are only 2 examples and there are many, many more. The world looks at this and laughs. I don’t blame them. But I certainly don’t want to be lumped into the same category as people who publicly call themselves “Christians” but destroy the good and wonderful name of Christ. The term “Christian” is tossed about too loosely these days, and so many people are “Christians” but completely miss the mark. It’s sad but true. So instead of getting caught up what’s the proper term to call a true believer, let’s stick with just that. I am a true believer, a follower of Christ. I am a Jesus girl living my life for Christ.

    Hope that makes sense…..
    Love in Christ…
    Stephanie

    • Makes perfect sense, Stephanie! However, please allow another perspective. Mankind has done and continues to do some atrocious things. Do I stop calling myself a human being? Women have made some idiotic decisions. Do I stop calling myself a woman? No, what I do is show them what a real human being is supposed to act like: take dominion over the works of YHVH’s hand except dominating another person. With the Ruach haQodesh (The Holy Spirit) in me and guiding me, I treat other humans as kind, as brothers and sisters, as worth the Blood of Christ that was spilled for them. As a woman, I try to base my decisions from the Word of GOD and not from emotionalism.

      Yes, MANY cults and luke warm people label themselves Christians. I use to NEVER use that term but then I realized, my responsibility is to DEMONSTRATE through words, actions and deeds what a Christians is SUPPOSE to look like. Up to and including those time when I fall short, I repent and apologize to those whom I may have offended; letting them know what my Elohim requires of HIS people. Shalom…I stopped allowing the majority to dictate who and what I am in HIM – Yeshua HaMashiach (JEsus the Messiah)…charis and shalom!

      • Reply to brethren on those who say they are Christians and those who are not.
        Brother Jim, Sister Miller and Stephanie,

        I also see that that there are both good and bad examples of Christians and human beings in the world today and during the time that the Bible was written.

        The Judge of ALL the earth sees it all and knows the intent of each of our hearts and will do right when the time comes for judgment (Gen 18:25.

        When the time comes our God will separate the Sheep from the Goats (Matt 25:32).

        The Apostle John wrote by inspiration from God about those who call themselves Jews and are not Jews, that is those who are true believers and those who are not in Rev 2:9 and again in Rev 3:9. God knows those that are His.

        One day those who have said they are Christians or believers will knock on heaven’s doors and cry out, “Lord, Lord! Open up to us! He from within will say, “”I know you not.”” (Mat 25:11)

        In the book of Luke 13:25-28 we read about those who have even ministered and will be shut out of heaven because their hearts were evil and did so for sordid (filthy) gain. They took advantage of God’s people and took their money and even their lives to build for themselves only.

        We read in Church History about the Christians of old and how they would not deny His name and would profess to be a Christian even if it meant death for them.

        Even today some of our brothers and sisters are being tortured and put to death for professing to be a Christian in communist countries and Muslim countries.

        In the future when one world government is declared and Christianity is outlawed throughout the world we need to stand firm in our faith and if it means we have to lose our life for His sake we will find it (Mat 10:39).

        I want to thank each of you for sharing your hearts.

        Let’s press on toward the mark of our high calling in Jesus and make heaven our home! Amen?

        Agape, Peace and Grace to each one of you,

        Andybob

  18. My fellow bond servants in Christ Jesus and worshippers of God our Father whose name is Yahweh, greetings!

    Today’s question, “What is a Christian” is an excellent one. Many differing responses would come from different ones depending on their background in life.

    What do I mean?

    A person who is from the Judaism (Jewish) may respond that a Christian is one who does not believe in the teachings of Moses, the Law, or the Torah anymore but follow the false prophet Jesus Christ and his teachings.

    A person from Islam (followers of the teachings of Mohammed) may respond that a Christians is one who follows the prophet Jesus Christ.

    A person with a Catholic Church background would say that a Christian is one who is a part of the Catholic Church and follows the teachings of Jesus Christ and the Church’s traditions.

    A person with a Protestant Church background would say that a Christian is one who is a part of a denominational or non-denominational church (Methodist, Presbyterian, Lutheran, Baptist, Pentecostal, etc) and follows the teachings of the Bible.

    The writer of today’s introduction has done a great job of pointing out the three references (Acts 11:26, Acts 26:28, and 1 Peter 4:16) that refer to the word “Christian” in the Bible and discussing the debate of who labeled or called them Christian.

    Fortunately we know who the author of the book of Acts is and who the author of the first book of Peter is, Brother Luke and the Apostle Peter.

    I would like to add that God called them Christians as well. How so? 2 Tim 3:16 states, “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness…” The phrase “inspiration of God” is “God-breathed” in the Greek language. So I am saying that God allowed and approved of the these men to use the word, “Christian” in their writings.

    More Thoughts on what is a Christian

    I believe we all pretty much agree a Christian is one who follows the teachings of Jesus Christ and believes in them whole heartedly.

    In the book of 1 John 2:14 we see different stages of maturity of “what a Christian is” when the Apostle John, by the inspiration of God’s Spirit writes about “Fathers”, “Young men” and “Little Children”.

    “I write to you, fathers, Because you have known Him who is from the beginning. I write to you, young men, Because you have overcome the wicked one. I write to you, little children, Because you have known the Father.”

    When one becomes a new, born again Christian they are little children who have come to know the Father by accepting the sacrifice for their sins by believing the Jesus Christ died for their sins and they invite him into their lives.

    As time goes by one begin to grow and mature into “young men” by reading and studying God’s Word, praying, singing, praising, dancing and just talking to Him in their daily lives, at prayer meetings, in church meetings, at fellowships and other gatherings.

    These “Young Men and Women” begin to see the vision that God has for the churches that He is calling them on to maturity to be more like His son Jesus Christ, to be without spot or wrinkle or any such thing (Eph 5:27).

    They begin to have a deeper love for God, His Son Jesus and the saints (those in their churches) and can begin to see that it is no longer they that live but Christ living in them (Gal 2:20).

    As more time goes by they become “Fathers’ in the faith where they are totally in love with God and His son and the brethren. They have become living epistles read and know of all men (2Cr 3:1-3). They have become a Bride without spot or wrinkle and are living their lives to do His will and not their own (Rev 21:2, Rev 21:9 and Rev 22:17).

    What is a Christian? One who begins and runs the race with patience to the end (Hbr 12:1), who’s faith and belief is in the Almighty God and His son Jesus Christ and is “willingly” going on to full maturity as a Bride of Christ.

    Thanks for the Question today!

    Much Agape,
    Your servant and brother,
    Andybob

  19. I recommend there be no comment section, when you write these articles because if an unbeliever reads theses other people opinions they would be confused..which we all know GOD is not a part of. I enjoy your website and this was my first time reading the comments, which i will never do again. Godspeed

  20. A ‘Christian’ is a mere follower or believer in Christ. In order to receive power and authority over the demonic realm(ie. become a child of God), you must be born again.

  21. It is very simple to answer the question “What is Christian?”. The bible answered this for us thousabds of years ago. We just need to study it (not just read it) to find out. What we think is irrelevent to the question and we must use the bible and the bible only to answer it. I think this is what Steve was getting at with the scriptures he quoted. It is all summed up with what Jeremiah said:

    Jer 10:23 O LORD, I know that the way of man [is] not in himself: [it is] not in man that walketh to direct his steps.

    Please do not be lazy and just take what someone tells you to be correct. Your salvation is far too precious to reley it on what someone else tells you.

    Eph 4:14 That we [henceforth] be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, [and] cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;
    Eph 4:15 But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, [even] Christ:

    2 Tim 2:15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

    From my study I find God’s plan of salvation (plan to make someone a Christian) is very simple and can be summed up in these few steps.

    1 Believe (faith)
    2 Repent of your sins
    3 Confess Jesus is the Son of God
    4 Be baptised for the remission of your sins
    5 Live righteously

    Believe:

    Heb 11:6 But without faith [it is] impossible to please [him]: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and [that] he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.

    Rom 10:17 So then faith [cometh] by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.

    Some will try to teach you are saved by faith only. We are definately saved by faith but not by faith only. There is only one scripture in the bible which the words “faith only” are found together:

    James 2:24 Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only.

    James also tells us:

    James 2:26 For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.

    Hebrews chapter 11 is considered the great faith chapter of the bible. If you read you will see all the characters followed their faith with works of obedience. Abraham offered up Isaac, Noah built an arc, Able offerered unto God a more excellent sacrifice, by faith the walls of Jericho fell down after they were compassed about 7 days, and so on. Noah would not have been saved if he did not obey the command to build an arc. The walls of Jericho would not fall if the Israelites had not obeyed the command to compass them round about 7 days. Faith is dead without works of obedience. Jesus said:

    Luke 6:46 And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?

    and:

    Matt 7:21 Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.
    Mat 7:22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?
    Mat 7:23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.
    Mat 7:24 ¶ Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock:
    Mat 7:25 And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock.
    Mat 7:26 And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand:
    Mat 7:27 And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it.

    Believing is not all that is required. You do not think devils will be saved do you?

    James 2:19 Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble.

    Repent:

    This is a change in heart and mind that you are not going to sin anymore. You are no longer going to live your life the way you want to but by guidance of God’s word. Jesus said:

    Luke 13:3 I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.

    The Apostle Paul said:

    Act 17:30 And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent:

    Confession:

    We must confess our belief Jesus Christ is the Son of God. Jesus said:

    Mat 10:32 ¶ Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven.
    Mat 10:33 But whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my Father which is in heaven.

    Confession is also necessary for salvation. Paul said:

    Rom 10:10 For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.

    Baptism:

    Baptism washes away our sins. Baptism is the only way we can be fogiven of have remission of our sins. Peter said:

    Act 2:38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.

    Jesus said:

    Mar 16:16 He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.

    Ephesians tells us that ALL spiritual blessings are IN CHRIST:

    Eph 1:3 ¶ Blessed [be] the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly [places] in Christ:

    If ALL spiritual blessings are “IN CHRIST”, that means there are zero or no spiritual blessings outside Christ. The question now is how do we get “IN CHRIST”? 2 verses teach us how we are to get ourselves “IN CHRIST”. They are:

    Rom 6:3 Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death?
    Rom 6:4 Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.
    Rom 6:5 For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also [in the likeness] of [his] resurrection:

    and

    Gal 3:27 For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ.

    Live righteously:

    I find no place in the bible that teaches we are “once saved always saved”. After we obey the commands to become a Christian, we must live righteously to stay a Cristian. The New testament teaches this throughout.

    2Pe 3:17 Ye therefore, beloved, seeing ye know [these things] before, beware lest ye also, being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own stedfastness.
    2Pe 3:18 But grow in grace, and [in] the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him [be] glory both now and for ever. Amen.

    and

    2Jo 1:8 Look to yourselves, that we lose not those things which we have wrought, but that we receive a full reward.
    2Jo 1:9 Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son.
    2Jo 1:10 If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into [your] house, neither bid him God speed:
    2Jo 1:11 For he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds.

    Let no one decieve you that you are once saved always saved. There are many other scriptures which teach we will fall from grace if we sin. We are not perfect and once we have obeyed the command to be baptised for the remission of sins we now have a path to have future sins forgiven if we truley repent and pray for forgivness:

    1Jo 1:5 ¶ This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.
    1Jo 1:6 If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth:
    1Jo 1:7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.
    1Jo 1:8 If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.
    1Jo 1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us [our] sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
    1Jo 1:10 If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.

    There is so much more to being a Christian which you must get your nose in the bible to learn. If you have no time to learn God’s word, will he have time for you at the judgement day? Do yourself a favor and get KJV or ASV 1901 bible and study it daily.

    • Tracey~

      You make a lot of good points, but you err in saying that “Baptism washes away our sins.” Nothing washes away our sins but the blood of Jesus (Rev. 1:5). In Acts 2:38, “for” doesn’t mean ‘in order to get.’ It means ‘because of.’ There is an article that I came across that explains it more fully. Google “Acts 2:38 Satan’s Favorite Bible Verse.”

      Have a blessed week!
      Barbara

  22. Notably absent from the acrostic is John 13:34,35. NIV has, “A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this shall all [men] know that ye are my disciples [i.e., Christians], if ye have love one to another.”
    After this, Jesus went out and died for them. He did not go out and lead a strike force of Christendom against Islam, nor Black and Tan against IRA, nor Serbian Orthodox against Catholic against Muslim; he did not lead “Christianized” Hutu against Tutsi. Neither do his disciples.
    “By their fruits ye shall know them.” Mt 7:15-20. And the following verses show that many calling themselves Christians will be rejected by Jesus “in that day”, because they didn’t do the will of God.

  23. I am a Christian, but Satan has done a good job lying and deceiving the world about what it means to be a Christian. I have a group I call “Jesus loving Christians” One of the comments I received was “thats funny I thought all Christians love Jesus?” The sad truth is they don’t, or they have been deceived about what the truth is.

    Yesterday I was at Carl’s JR with my family eating lunch, and sitting at another table, there was a young girl (reminded me of myself many years ago) on her lunch break, reading her Bible. I was so blessed to see her, that when she got up, I approached her and gave her a cross that I made and told her Thank You, for not hiding. She asked me are you a Christian? I said yes, I love Jesus. She gave me a hug, and she has no idea how much she blessed me. For me you can see the Christian “the child of God” by the fruit they produce, and the light that shines through them.

    PS. This is not the same Cheryl that posted above. I love sharing Gods Word.

    Isa 55:11 So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth; It shall not return to Me void, But it shall accomplish what I please, And it shall prosper [in the thing] for which I sent it.

    Amen