What Does the Bible Say About: Who Is a Christian?

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What Does the Bible Say About

Who Is a Christian?

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So what is a Christian? A couple of billion people on the planet all claim to be Christians, but their beliefs, doctrines and practices vary widely. What does being a Christian mean? Let's take a quick look at what the Bible says a Christian is.

The word Christian is used three times in the New Testament (Acts 11:26; Acts 26:28; 1 Peter 4:16). Followers of Jesus Christ were first called "Christians" in Antioch (Acts 11:26) because they believed in Christ and followed His example. The word was initially used by their detractors in a derogatory sense, but believers embraced the term as a badge of honor.

While the first-century Christians did follow the teachings, practices and example of Jesus Christ at that time, since then the term has virtually lost its meaning—as it's usually not accompanied by the same way of life and understanding. Today many claim to be Christians yet don't really follow Jesus' teachings.

A Christian responds to God's calling

God's Word is quite clear that one cannot just choose to be a Christian! There is a calling or invitation involved. God is not calling all of mankind at this time (Matthew 22:14; John 6:44), nor the particularly rich, famous or powerful of the world (1 Corinthians 1:26-27).

God most often calls ordinary people who can more readily acknowledge their human weaknesses and learn God's way. These are people who have made mistakes, know it, yet appreciate the forgiveness that God extends to them (Matthew 21:23, 31-32). Children who have a parent who is a genuine Christian are all invited by God to also become Christians (Acts 2:38-39; 1 Corinthians 7:14).

To be a true Christian, a person must change—really change! Acts 2:37-39 shows that Christians must "repent" and walk a different way of life. After repentance, a Christian must also be baptized (immersed in water) by a servant of Jesus Christ (Acts 2:38; 8:14-17).

In biblical terms, this process of change, of surrendering one's life and turning it over to God is called conversion. Obviously, a human being cannot change everything at once, but one can have a repentant attitude and turn in the right direction, making basic changes as he or she embarks on a new path of overcoming sin, bearing "fruits worthy of repentance" (Matthew 3:8).

Following water baptism, God offers His Holy Spirit to the repentant believer (Acts 2:38). A person is not "of Christ" unless the Spirit of God is in him or her (Romans 8:9). This Spirit is imparted by the laying on of hands by an authorized representative of Jesus Christ (Acts 8:17-18). Through repentance, baptism and the receiving of God's Holy Spirit, a Christian is then able to understand the spiritual truth of God and His Word (1 Corinthians 2:11).

The example of Jesus Christ

The apostle Paul also helps us understand what a Christian is by simply stating that we should imitate Paul as he imitated Christ (1 Corinthians 11:1). Later in the first century, the apostle Peter likewise reminded the Church that they were to follow Christ's example (1 Peter 2:21).

Christ's example included worshipping God on the Sabbath day (from sunset Friday to sunset Saturday) and on the Bible's annual Holy Days (Luke 4:16; John 7; compare Leviticus 23). His example also involved compassion and love for others (John 3:16; Matthew 9:36) along with keeping the commandments of God (Matthew 5:17-19).

Christians will understand the teachings and way of life in the Scriptures and will strive to live by them (Luke 4:4).

According to the Bible, a Christian is someone who responds to God's calling, repents of his sins, is baptized, receives God's Holy Spirit and lives as Jesus lived. While God expects us to be loving examples to our families and others (Matthew 5:13-16), Christians will put their calling before everything and everyone else! (Luke 14:26-33). VT

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Comments

  • Alvie

    Peace be with you. I witness this as an old post. Years of two maybe? I ask, why do the children of men reflect upon other children of men, even dead men? Why do the children of men speculate upon words of no importance? Is it not written the Father has placed His law within every single child upon this Earth? Do the children of men follow the doctrines which Jesus himself warned about?

  • Ivan Veller
    Hi ShintoCA2012, "[T]he name 'Jesus Christ' tells us a great deal about His purpose and part in God's great plan as well. It enlightens us about His character, purpose and love for humanity as well... ''[Y]ou shall call His name Jesus [('God is Salvation')], for He will save His people from their sins' [Matthew 1:21b NKJV]...It is through His death to pay the penalty for our sins in our place, and through Him living within us, that God gives us salvation... 'Christ' comes from the Greek word Christos, meaning 'anointed'...set apart for God's sacred use and service...His entire life was an example of complete and total dedication to God's will...[A]nointing was used to set individuals apart to serve as priests...'we have a great High Priest..., Jesus the Son of God (Hebrews 4:14)...[A]nointing signified that God had chosen that person for rulership...The message He brought was 'the gospel [good news] of the kingdom of God' (Mark 1:14)": http://www.ucg.org/doctrinal-beliefs/meaning-name-jesus-christ/ "Jesus...was 'anointed...with the Holy Spirit' (Acts 10:38)": http://www.ucg.org/booklet/jesus-christ-real-story/messiahs-misunderstood-mission/what-do-messiah-and-jesus-christ-mean/
  • SHINTOCA2012
    what is the diferrence between the words, JESUS & CHRIST?
  • Skip Miller
    Hello SHINTOCA2012, Jesus is the anglicized Greek translation of the Hebrew word Joshua (Jehoshua) (various spellings) which means Jehovah (or God) saved. Christ is an anglicized Greek word meaning the Messiah or anointed one because special ones are set apart by having olive oil placed on them. Joshua or Yeshua or somesuch was probably what "Jesus" was called at home. Christ or The Messiah was a title that some accorded Him.
  • saintmorgan4u

    Iam a bible sturdy teacher in my local church and i was searching for some sturdy materials until i stumble on your site,this article on what the bible teaches about a christian has really helped in the development of my teaching manual for this evening bible sturdy.

    In response to your article, i think most people just call themselves christians today because they must have been born into a church going family or region, some view chrisianity as a trend without really portyraying the attitude of christ in their daily life or attitude. I believe if your article is widely publcized it will help in changing our today's self claim christian into true christians.

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