What is a Christian?

 

29:11 Ministries

“Equipping and Enabling God’s Own to Better Serve and Proclaim”

What does Christian mean?

Recent research has shown that nearly 80% of Americans believe themselves to be a “Christian”. This gives so many people a confidence that they are in a good standing with their Creator and have nothing to fear when facing eternity. To some these statistics may be comforting, to others alarming as we see growing crime, divorce, murder, violence, and theft rates in our country. If so many are right with God, why is there so little evidence of it? 2 Peter 1:10-11 tells us, “Wherefore the rather brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall: For so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” God instructs us to give ourselves a “salvation check-up”; to make sure that we are all right with Him.

Merriam Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary defines Christian as: “one who professes belief in the teachings of Jesus Christ.” Being a Christian goes beyond an intellectual acknowledgment of the person of Jesus and His teachings. To be a Christian one must have salvation, and being saved is a spiritual act of faith, not of works (Ephesians 2:8-9). Jesus described this process in John 3:3-6, “Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. . . Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.” Just as one is born to live physically, one must be born again to truly live spiritually.

A Christian is a follower of Christ and His teachings, putting into practice daily what He taught. What are the teachings of Christ? As you read the words of Jesus you will find four things a person must do to be a true Christian:

1. Repent of sin (Mark 1:15a)

What is sin? 1 John 3:4 tells us, “for sin is the transgression of the law.” What law? The law by which all of mankind will be judged, the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:1-17). Scripture tells us that we all have sinned (Romans 3:23), and that the price for that sin is eternal death in Hell (Romans 6:23). One lie, stealing one paper clip, one time of disrespect to a parent, or one lustful or hate-filled thought sends us to Hell (James 2:10). To repent we must acknowledge that we have done wrong against God (Psalm 51), and ask for forgiveness, striving from that time on not to do it again, trusting in His power to cleanse us.

2. Believe in Jesus (Mark 1:15b)

Believe that He was God in the flesh (John 1:1 and 14), born of a virgin (Matthew 1:23), lived a sinless life (2 Corinthians 5:21), died in your and my place (Romans 5:8), rose again on the third day (John 20), ascended back to Heaven (Acts 1:9), and is coming again to claim His own (Acts 1:11). We then must humble ourselves before Him, accepting Him as our Lord, and turning over control of our lives to Him.

3. Endure (Matthew 10:22)

We must remain faithful and obedient regardless of the persecution and opposition (Luke 12:42-46).

4. Obey (John 8:51)

God has given us many truths, principles, and commands to live our lives by. We must do it. A person must do each of these four things to be saved. How can we know that we have? Obedience brings fruit in our lives. What fruit? Again we look to the Scriptures. 

- Repentance (Luke 3:8)

- Humility (James 4:6)

- Brokenness and contrition (Psalm 51:17)

- Faithfulness in: (1 Corinthians 4:2)

1. Witnessing (Mark 16:15)

2. Giving ( 2 Corinthians 9:7)

3. Attendance (Hebrews 10:25)

4. Marriage and family (Genesis 2:24, Proverbs 22:6)

- A sincere desire for:

1. Prayer (1 Thessalonians 5:17)

2. The Word of God (2 Timothy 3:16, Matthew 4:4)

3. The Fellowship of the believers (Psalm 133:1)

- A growth in the fruit of God (Galatians 5:22-23) (2 Peter 1:5-9)

1. Love

2. Joy

3. Peace

4. Longsuffering

5. Gentleness

6. Goodness

7. Faith

8. Meekness

9. Temperance

10. Virtue

11. Knowledge

12. Patience

13. Godliness

14. Brotherly Kindness

15. Charity

As you examine your life compared to what the Bible says is the measure of a Christian, you may find yourself wanting. Please heed 2 Peter 1:10 and “make your calling and election sure . . .” Get on your knees, repent of your sins, ask God to forgive you, and give Him complete control of your life. Know for sure that you are a true Christian. Eternity hangs in the balance.