Who Is A Christian?

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ave you ever asked yourself this all-important question, who is a Christian? When this question is asked, there are almost as many different answers as the number of people asked. Yet, in God’s word, the answer is factual and to the point. Therefore, let the Bible answer this relevant question: “Who is a Christian?”

One Who Is Born Again

Jesus taught that the only way into His kingdom is by birth: “Jesus answered, ‘Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God’” (John 3:5). Peter described this birth further when he wrote: “having been born again, not of corruptible seed but incorruptible, through the word of God which lives and abides forever” (1 Peter 1:23).

Thus, when the Holy Spirit, through the word, guides one to be baptized as a penitent believer who confesses Jesus to be the Christ, he experiences this new birth.

One With A New Name

Since this one has confessed Christ to be the Son of God, been baptized into the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, obeyed that form of doctrine of His death, burial, and resurrection, he wears the name Christian: “And when he had found him, he brought him to Antioch. So it was that for a whole year they assembled with the church and taught a great many people. And the disciples were first called Christians in Antioch” (Acts 11:26).

One Who Eats The Proper Food

His or her appetite and desire will focus on spiritual food: “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be filled” (Matthew 5:6). Physical food will be important, but only up to a point: “It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God’” (Matthew 4:4).

One Who Grows Spiritually

The true Christian realizes that growth is absolutely essential for fruit production, and will daily endeavor to grow as Peter commanded: “but grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory both now and forever.” Amen. (2 Peter 3:18). This one begins growth from spiritual birth: “as newborn babes, desire the pure milk of the word, that you may grow thereby” (1 Peter 2:2).

One Who Dresses Properly

His life will reflect the light of the Lord Jesus, and others will see His spiritual garments of righteousness: “But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to fulfill its lusts” (Romans 13:14)

One Who Has The Proper Character

The true Christian will reflect in his character the Beatitudes (Matt. 5:3-11). The world will see in him or in her the proper spirit of being: mournful, meek, righteous, merciful, pure in heart, and able to suffer for Christ.

This is not the world’s idea of a Christian, but it represents the way of God, and how He feels! Therefore, ask yourself whether or not you measure up to these standards. If you do not, why not begin now and change since the Lord loves true Christians. —BBBristow