The name Christian or the title Christian identifies a person who professes to be a follower or disciple of Christ. In the Book of Acts chapter eleven and verse twenty-six, we read the following words, “The disciples were called Christians first in Antioch.”
After this, the name or title Christian, is mentioned only two more times. The Apostle Peter is the only apostle that mentioned the name Christian, and it is mentioned in the context of suffering. This is what we read in 1 Peter 4:12-19. “Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when His glory is revealed. If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. If you suffer, it should not be as a murderer or thief or any other kind of criminal, or even as a meddler. However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name. For it is time for judgement to begin with the family of God; and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who do not obey the gospel of God? And, if it is hard for the righteous to be saved, what will become of the ungodly and the sinner? So then, those who suffer according to God’s will should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good.”
That is why, friends, a true Christian, is a person who has heard and believed the Gospel of God, and with the help of the Spirit of God, we are able to understand and obey it.
Obedience is when the sinner repents of his life of sin, and believes with all his heart in the Son of God, who shed His blood on the cross because of our sins. There is no Christian outside of a living faith in Jesus, the son of God.
Water baptism without a personal faith in Christ is in vain. To be a member of some religion, or of a church without repentance and faith in Christ Jesus, is a false hope, in which multitudes are living today.
Ask God today to help you repent and believe the good news that there is forgiveness and eternal life, possible only through faith in the Son of God.
Do you have any question after reading the above words? Take a moment and drop us a line via email sharing your questions or comments. That way we can interact with each other. Our blog address is: www. Bbhenriquez.blogspot.com and our email address is: bbhenriquez@shaw.ca
We will continue this topic of WHAT or WHO is a Christian in our next blog! Keep watching for it!
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