Christian

 

   The name “Christian” is claimed by many in the world. There are those who profess to be Christians just to appear religious to men.  There are those who assert their Christianity simply because they possess some type of faith in Christ. And there are those who declare that they are Christians because they have humbled themselves before God, and have submitted to His will. “Christ” is the root word of “Christian,” which by definition means, “devoted follower, and compliant to the will of Christ.” 

 

   In light of this definition, let us look at some things that a Christian is not, according to the Bible.  First, a Christian is not merely a good, moral person. According to Acts 10:2, Cornelius was a good man. But he and his household were still in need of salvation…they were not yet Christians (Acts11:14). There is no reason why a good person should refrain from submitting to the will of God, yet many will, and they will be lost. Secondly, a Christian is not just any religious person. When Paul addressed the Areopagus, he commented, “I perceive that in all things you are very religious” (Acts 17:11).  But there was still a need for them to repent, lest they be in danger of the judgment (Acts 17:30-31).  May all men look honestly into the word of God to find and obey His will for their lives, for Jesus said, “Not everyone who says to Me, Lord, Lord, shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven” (Matthew 7:21). 

 

   A Christian is a new creature in Christ (John 3:3-5). He is living a new life in Christ (Colossians 3:1-10). He is a part of God’s kingdom (Colossians 1:13-14). And he does have hope of an eternal home (John 14:1-3).  We are simply asked to obey (John 14:15).  Obey God’s plan of salvation, which consists of hearing, believing, repenting, confessing, being baptized for the remission of sins, and remaining faithful to God until death.  Become a New Testament Christian today, and inherit a crown of life (Revelation 2:10).

- - - - Darrell Powell

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