So, What Is A Christian?

[Doc]

By way of introduction, I want to mention that when the term “Christian” was first coined in early New Testament times, it was a term of derision, as used in Acts 11:26 and 1Peter 4:16. Simply stated, when folks called someone a “Christian” it was not a term of endearment!

However, putting that history aside for the moment, let us focus on our current understanding of the term “Christian” in the 21<SUP>st</SUP> Century. If we conducted a survey on the streets of America, we would have an untold number of ideas and beliefs on the definition. So, let’s put aside all of the church creeds, denominational statements of faith, catechisms, confessions of faith, and such like, and let’s focus solely on what the Holy Scriptures define for us a true Christian to be.

With great appreciation, I anticipate that those who respond to this “thread” will stick strictly to the Bible as their sole authority and will quote corresponding Scripture references for their position. Any thing else offered is mere opinion - and even though opinions are interesting - they are not authoritative.

I look forward to everyone’s responses. I trust this will be an interesting study for us all. BLESSINGS. Doc

 

[rlowe]

Acts 11:26 (NASB)
and when he had found him, he brought him to Antioch. And for an entire year they met with the church and taught considerable numbers; and the disciples were first called Christians in Antioch.

Acts 26:28 (NASB)
Agrippa replied to Paul, "In a short time you will persuade me to become a Christian."

1 Peter 4:16 (NASB)
but if anyone suffers as a Christian, he is not to be ashamed, but is to glorify God in this name.

The NAS New Testament Greek Lexicon says:
Original word = cristiano?
Definition = Christian, a follower of Christ

 

[Doc]

Acts 11:26 (NASB)
and when he had found him, he brought him to Antioch. And for an entire year they met with the church and taught considerable numbers; and the disciples were first called Christians in Antioch.

Acts 26:28 (NASB)
Agrippa replied to Paul, "In a short time you will persuade me to become a Christian."

1 Peter 4:16 (NASB)
but if anyone suffers as a Christian, he is not to be ashamed, but is to glorify God in this name.

The NAS New Testament Greek Lexicon says:
Original word = cristiano?
Definition = Christian, a follower of Christ

Good. So, how are we to follow Christ? What does that mean according to the Bible and how are we to apply it today? Doc

 

[Boanerges]

Jesus (though God) walked as a man and was our ultimate example. He spoke only what He heard the Father say,did only what He saw the Father do and that in the power of the Holy Spirit. This is how we are to follow Christ;
Just as He was we are to be led and empowered by the Holy Spirit to do God's will. This is our bread and our calling.

 

[RJ]

Jesus love not spikes held him to the cross and His death forgives all mankind for their sinful nature.

Jesus Christ's resurrection offers eternal life to all mankind.

These things God offers through Christ and is a free gift and is part of what God calls Grace.

There is nothing you can do to earn this gift , all you have to do is receive it.

The ultimate gift of this Grace is that once accepted, God, through Christ, offers himself to you.

The very instant that a person accepts this gift, they receive God and live in God and become a Christian.

 

[SpiritLedEd]

"Whoever would come after me must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me." (Mt 16:24 NIV)

I think Pastor Bill Hybels in Chicago is on to something when he uses the term "Christ-follower" instead of "Christian". Its a more fitting description of a true believer.

SLE

 

[Rupert]

A Christian is someone whose name is written in the Lamb's Book of Life.

"Salvation comes from the Lord" - Jonah 2 - 9

 

[Boanerges]

I think Pastor Bill Hybels in Chicago is on to something when he uses the term "Christ-follower" instead of "Christian". Its a more fitting description of a true believer.

SLE

That is the exact same thing my friend and is the definition of the word.

 

[stephen]

The name means Christlike. Regardless of who started it, the name has remained as the best one for followers of Christ. Its use in Acts 26:28 and 1 Peter 4:16 indicates the Holy Spirit considers it the highest name, any human being can bear upon the earth

 

[Doc]

"Whoever would come after me must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me." (Mt 16:24 NIV)

I think Pastor Bill Hybels in Chicago is on to something when he uses the term "Christ-follower" instead of "Christian". Its a more fitting description of a true believer.

SLE

SLE: Thank you for your thoughts.

Consider this: If it is true that the most fitting description of a Christian is a "Christ-follower" then what Scripture would you lead someone to in order to give them clear Biblical direction as to how they should follow Christ? Most folks answer this question with comments like: “I think…” “I feel…” “I believe…” “I have always been taught…” etc.

But as I mentioned in my initial post, I am looking for what the folks participating in this forum point to as the Biblical authority for what they believe a Christian to be. So far, it seems that the small consensus answers the question, as someone who follows Christ. Okay, follows Him where? To do what? In what way? If we are to use Christ’s earthly ministry and life as our example to follow, then:

Would you instruct a follower to go about and find twelve ordinary men to disciple as Jesus did in John 1:35-51?

Would you direct a follower to follow the example of Jesus in John 2:13-16 - where he makes a scourge and goes into the temple, overturns tables, and drove them all out who were making His Father’s house a house of merchandise?

Would you direct a follower to Matthew Chapter 23 where he strongly rebukes and denounces the religious leaders of that day and tells them they are the children of hell?

Would you guide a follower to Matthew 5:40-42 and instruct them that they are to give to anyone who asks of them - whether it be a beggar or someone suing them in a court of law? And not only to give what they ask, but to give beyond the request?

Would you then instruct them to go about and heal the sick (Mark 3:7-12), raise the dead (John 11:39-44), feed thousands with one small lunch (John 6:1-14)?

Obviously, I could prepare an extensive list of things that Christ did during his earthly ministry preceded by the same question. So, my question is: If we are to teach others what a Christian is, what do we teach them based on Scripture? BLESSINGS. Doc

 

[HisFollower]

It is not rocket science as some may portray it, as if one must be wise and prudent(i.e. scholastic achievers); Christ meant His teachings to be followed as a babe(i.e. those that simply believe God´s Word and obey it). The sum of a Christian is one who denies their own will, and carries their own load, and does the things which Christ says, which altogether is to live the Gospel; that is who the Lord ordains.

 

[Doc]

It is not rocket science as some may portray it, as if one must be wise and prudent(i.e. scholastic achievers); Christ meant His teachings to be followed as a babe(i.e. those that simply believe God´s Word and obey it). The sum of a Christian is one who denies their own will, and carries their own load, and does the things which Christ says, which altogether is to live the Gospel; that is who the Lord ordains.

Interesting thoughts. But, your Scripture references are...? BLESSINGS. Doc :wink:

 

[Boanerges]

I guess the definition depends on your source

From the Strong's Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible:

G5546
Χριστιανός
Christianos
khris-tee-an-os'
From G5547; a Christian, that is, follower of Christ: - Christian.

From the Vines Expository Dictionary:

Christian

christianos (G5546), "Christian," a word formed after the Roman style, signifying an adherent of Jesus, was first applied to such by the Gentiles and is found in Act_11:26; Act_26:28; 1Pe_4:16.
Though the word rendered "were called" in Act_11:26 (see under CALL) might be used of a name adopted by oneself or given by others, the "Christians" do not seem to have adopted it for themselves in the times of the apostles. In 1Pe_4:16, the apostle is speaking from the point of view of the persecutor, cf. "as a thief," "as a murderer." Nor is it likely that the appellation was given by Jews. As applied by Gentiles there was no doubt an implication of scorn, as in Agrippa's statement in Act_26:28. Tacitus, writing near the end of the first century, says, "The vulgar call them Christians. The author or origin of this denomination, Christus, had, in the reign of Tiberius, been executed by the procurator, Pontius Pilate" (Annals xv. 44). From the second century onward the term was accepted by believers as a title of honor.

 

[dchena]

Ahh, here's a start...

Acts 2:38-39

Repent, and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off - for all whom the Lord our God will call.

John 3:3

I tell you the truth, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again.

Mathew 22:37-40

"'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' All the law and the prophets hang on these two commandments."

Romans 13:8, 10

...for he who loves his fellowman has fulfilled the law.

...Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law.

1Corinthians 2:9

..."No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him."

1Corinthians 10:24

Nobody should seek his own good, but the good of others.

Galatians 5:6, 14

...The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love.

The entire law is summed up in one command: "Love your neighbor as yourself."

Philipians 1:27, 4:4-7

Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ.

Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

1Thessalonians 2:4, 3:12-13

...We are not trying to please men but God, who tests our hearts.

May the Lord make your love increase and overflow for each other and for everyone else, just as ours does for you. May he strengthen your hearts so that you will be blameless and holy in the presence of our God and Father when our Lord Jesus Christ comes with all his holy ones.

2Thessalonians 2:10, 3:5

...They perish because they refused to love the truth and so be saved.

May the Lord direct your hearts into God's love and Christ's perseverance.

Hebrews 6:12, 7:25, 10:22, 11:6, 12:4 and 7

We do not want you to become lazy, but to imitate those who through faith and patience inherit what has been promised.

Therefor he (Jesus) is able to save completey those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them.

... let us draw near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed wih pure water.

And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.

In your struggle against sin, you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood.

Endure hardship as disclipline.

James 3:18, 4:11-12

Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness.

Brother's, do not slander one another. Anyone who speaks against his brother or judges him speaks against the law and judges it. When you judge the law, you are not keeping it, but sitting in judgement on it. But there is only one Lawgiver and Judge, the one who is able to save and destroy. But you - who are you to judge your neighbor?

1John 3:18-20

Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and truth. This then is how we know that we belong to the truth, and how we set our hearts at rest in his presence whenever our hearts condemn us. For God is greater than our hearts, and he knows everything.

Isaiah 33:15-17

He that walketh righteously, and speaketh uprightly; he that despiseth the gain of oppressions, that shaketh his hands from holding of bribes, that stoppeth his ears from hearing of blood, and shutteth his eyes from seeing evil; He shall dwell on high: his place of defense shall be the munitions of rocks: bread shall be given him; his waters shall be sure. Thine eyes shall see the king in his beauty: they shall behold the land that is very far off.

 

[Doc]

I guess the definition depends on your source

From the Strong's Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible:

G5546
Χριστιανός
Christianos
khris-tee-an-os'
From G5547; a Christian, that is, follower of Christ: - Christian.

From the Vines Expository Dictionary:

Christian

christianos (G5546), "Christian," a word formed after the Roman style, signifying an adherent of Jesus, was first applied to such by the Gentiles and is found in Act_11:26; Act_26:28; 1Pe_4:16.
Though the word rendered "were called" in Act_11:26 (see under CALL) might be used of a name adopted by oneself or given by others, the "Christians" do not seem to have adopted it for themselves in the times of the apostles. In 1Pe_4:16, the apostle is speaking from the point of view of the persecutor, cf. "as a thief," "as a murderer." Nor is it likely that the appellation was given by Jews. As applied by Gentiles there was no doubt an implication of scorn, as in Agrippa's statement in Act_26:28. Tacitus, writing near the end of the first century, says, "The vulgar call them Christians. The author or origin of this denomination, Christus, had, in the reign of Tiberius, been executed by the procurator, Pontius Pilate" (Annals xv. 44). From the second century onward the term was accepted by believers as a title of honor.

Good and helpful information, Bro. Larry. The time you invested to provide this information is much appreciated. You are indeed a blessing. BLESSINGS. Doc

 

[Doc]

Ahh, here's a start...

Acts 2:38-39

Repent, and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off - for all whom the Lord our God will call.

John 3:3

I tell you the truth, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again.

Mathew 22:37-40

"'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' All the law and the prophets hang on these two commandments."

Romans 13:8, 10

...for he who loves his fellowman has fulfilled the law.

...Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law.

1Corinthians 2:9

..."No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him."

1Corinthians 10:24

Nobody should seek his own good, but the good of others.

Galatians 5:6, 14

...The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love.

The entire law is summed up in one command: "Love your neighbor as yourself."

Philipians 1:27, 4:4-7

Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ.

Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

1Thessalonians 2:4, 3:12-13

...We are not trying to please men but God, who tests our hearts.

May the Lord make your love increase and overflow for each other and for everyone else, just as ours does for you. May he strengthen your hearts so that you will be blameless and holy in the presence of our God and Father when our Lord Jesus Christ comes with all his holy ones.

2Thessalonians 2:10, 3:5

...They perish because they refused to love the truth and so be saved.

May the Lord direct your hearts into God's love and Christ's perseverance.

Hebrews 6:12, 7:25, 10:22, 11:6, 12:4 and 7

We do not want you to become lazy, but to imitate those who through faith and patience inherit what has been promised.

Therefor he (Jesus) is able to save completey those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them.

... let us draw near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed wih pure water.

And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.

In your struggle against sin, you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood.

Endure hardship as disclipline.

James 3:18, 4:11-12

Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness.

Brother's, do not slander one another. Anyone who speaks against his brother or judges him speaks against the law and judges it. When you judge the law, you are not keeping it, but sitting in judgement on it. But there is only one Lawgiver and Judge, the one who is able to save and destroy. But you - who are you to judge your neighbor?

1John 3:18-20

Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and truth. This then is how we know that we belong to the truth, and how we set our hearts at rest in his presence whenever our hearts condemn us. For God is greater than our hearts, and he knows everything.

Isaiah 33:15-17

He that walketh righteously, and speaketh uprightly; he that despiseth the gain of oppressions, that shaketh his hands from holding of bribes, that stoppeth his ears from hearing of blood, and shutteth his eyes from seeing evil; He shall dwell on high: his place of defense shall be the munitions of rocks: bread shall be given him; his waters shall be sure. Thine eyes shall see the king in his beauty: they shall behold the land that is very far off.

dchena: I want to begin by saying I am quite proud of you. Here you are a new Christian - and quite busy I’m sure - and yet you took the time to provide a number of verses of Scripture. I want to commend you for your effort and want you to know I appreciate your input.

And if I might, I would like to follow up with a simple question. Do you believe that by applying these verses of Scripture you become a Christian, or do you believe that by being a Christian you will apply these verses of Scripture? BLESSINGS. Doc

 

[SpiritLedEd]

Doc, I don't believe that there is an adequate "small consensus answer" to your question. I, personally, would get to know the person, sit down with him/her, find out what their background is (Have they ever investigated Christianity? What has been their experience interacting with Christians, etc), praying for guidance along the way. Then I would attempt - relying upon the Holy Spirit's guidance - to respond to their questions/comments using Scriptures that relate to their questions.

I've learned that there is a process that takes place when a person comes to Christ, a process that involves a number of people over a period of time. My role is to be available for the Holy Spirit to use me in whatever way He chooses at whatever time He choses to put me before the people He wants me to draw to Jesus and tell me what to say.

Spirit Led Ed (SLE)

 

[stephen]

Doc, I don't believe that there is an adequate "small consensus answer" to your question. I, personally, would get to know the person, sit down with him/her, find out what their background is (Have they ever investigated Christianity? What has been their experience interacting with Christians, etc), praying for guidance along the way. Then I would attempt - relying upon the Holy Spirit's guidance - to respond to their questions/comments using Scriptures that relate to their questions.

I've learned that there is a process that takes place when a person comes to Christ, a process that involves a number of people over a period of time. My role is to be available for the Holy Spirit to use me in whatever way He chooses at whatever time He choses to put me before the people He wants me to draw to Jesus and tell me what to say.

Spirit Led Ed (SLE)

Amen S.L.E. Words of wisdom surely...as always

I take position with my thought earlier........

The name means Christlike. Regardless of who started it, and for whatever reason. The name has remained as the best one for followers of Christ.

Its use in Acts 26:28 and 1 Peter 4:16 indicates the Holy Spirit considers it the highest name, any human being can bear upon the earth

I take pride that in my neighbourhood, town, I am reknown as a a 'Christian'

 

[RJ]

Doc, I don't believe that there is an adequate "small consensus answer" to your question. I, personally, would get to know the person, sit down with him/her, find out what their background is (Have they ever investigated Christianity? What has been their experience interacting with Christians, etc), praying for guidance along the way. Then I would attempt - relying upon the Holy Spirit's guidance - to respond to their questions/comments using Scriptures that relate to their questions.

I've learned that there is a process that takes place when a person comes to Christ, a process that involves a number of people over a period of time. My role is to be available for the Holy Spirit to use me in whatever way He chooses at whatever time He choses to put me before the people He wants me to draw to Jesus and tell me what to say.

Spirit Led Ed (SLE)

SLE-
Thank you. You are right on, great thread!

 

[RJ]

If anyone wants to know your purpose in Life, SLE just spelled it out!