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WHO IS A CHRISTIAN?
INTRODUCTION:
1. The name “Christian” is found three times in the New Testament. – Acts 11:26; Acts 26:28: 1 Peter 4:16.
2. The name was obviously formed from the name “Christ.”
3 The name indicates a relationship to Christ.
4. Some enemies claim that the name was given in derision by those who opposed Christianity. However, a careful study of Isa. 62, the first few verses, should convince otherwise.
5. Let us study some things concerning the “Christian.”
I. DIFFERING CONCEPTS AS TO WHO A CHRISTIAN IS.
1. This name is loosely used to refer to any who in one way or the other is a believer in Christ – Sometimes referred to as “Christendom.”
2. It is also refers to a member of any nominal or denominational church, though most members of such churches seem to prefer to wear the name of their denomination, rather than the name of the one they claim to honor.
3. This name is used in a much stricter sense in the New Testament.
4. The New Testament gives God’s concept, and this is the one that is most important.
5. In actuality, a Christian is not a “what” but a “who.”
II. NEXT, WHO IS NOT A CHRISTIAN.
1. Not all good moral people are Christians.
(1) Many good moral people do not believe in Christ.
(2) Cornelius was a good man, a religious man, but not a Christian. - Acts 10.
(3) No one is “good enough” without Christ.
2. Not all religious people are Christians.
(1) All of the converts given in the book of Acts were religious people, even the jailor would have been a idol worshiper.
(2) There are Jews, Muslims, Hindus, Buddhists, and even atheist, who are religious people, yet they would deny being Christians.
(3) The Athenians were “very religious” - Acts 17, yet they were all idolaters.
3. Not all believers in Christ are Christians.
(1) Satan and his demons are believers - James 2:19. This alone shows the error of the doctrine of salvation by “faith alone.”
(2) Many, even today, may believe in Christ – recognize His divinity – but they are not willing to confess and follow Him and obey his word - John 12:42-43.
4. Not all who say they are Christians are really such - cf. Matt. 15:9; Matt. 7:21-23.
5. Many deceive themselves into thinking they are Christians; Some call themselves Christians but lack Christian characteristics.
III. WHO, THEN, IS A CHRISTIAN?
1. One who truly believes that Jesus is the Christ - John 3:16.
(1) Not just one who believes that He lived and was a good man, but...
(2) One who believes all of His claims: Virgin birth, miracles; crucifixion, resurrection; Redeemer; Savior.
(3) One who trusts Him to do what He commands, as one would trust a doctor and take the medicine he prescribes.
2. One who has entered into a spiritual union with Christ, being literally joined to Him.
(1) He has experienced the new birth – John 3:5.
(2) He is a branch in the vine - John 15:1-8.
(3) He is a member of the spiritual body - Col. 1:18; 1 Cor. 12:12, 20, 27.
A. New Testament concept: Christians are a part of the body – the church.
B. Denominational concept: Have union with Christ apart from the church.
(3) The Christian is “in Christ” - 2 Cor. 5:17.
(5) Christ is also in the Christian - John 14:23.
(6) All spiritual blessings are in Christ - Eph. 1:3. – Prayer; access to the Father; a part of the family of God - 1 Tim. 3:15.
(7) One enters this spiritual relationship by uniting with Christ in baptism - Rom. 6:3-4; Gal. 3:27.
IV. A PERSON WHO PUTS CHRIST FIRST IN HIS OR HER LIFE - Matt. 6:33.
1. A true Christian lets nothing come between him and his devotion to his Lord and King.
2. He gives first of his time, his talents, his material blessings.
CONCLUSION:
1. Being a Christian is profitable in time and eternity.
(1) Not all rewards of Christianity are in the world to come - 1 Tim. 4:8 – i.e. Fellowship; Family relationships; the joy of living a righteous life.
(2) A Christian’s life grows richer and fuller as he grows older in the faith.
2. There is a song that says, “It Pays To Serve Jesus,” and, my friends, it does.
Ernest Underwood
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