The word “Christian” is found a total of three times in the New Testament.
(Acts 11:26) The disciples were called Christians first at Antioch.
(Acts 26:28) Then Agrippa said to Paul, “Do you think that in such a short time you can persuade me to be a Christian?”
(1 Peter 4:16) However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name.
Definition
Most dictionaries define a Christian as someone who professes and believes in Jesus Christ and his teachings. The key to this definition is the last three words, and his teachings. While a belief in Jesus is obviously a must to being a Christian, obedience to his teachings are just as important.
A Christian is a follower of Christ who believes God came to earth as the man Jesus, died for our sins on the cross, and rose again three days later. A follower of Christ is someone who has followed the teaching of the Bible that says you must be born again of the water and the Spirit (John 3:5). It is not possible to be a Christian if you have not obeyed God’s plan of salvation.
A True Christian
There is much more to being a Christian than just going to Church, or claiming to be one because you come from a family who believes in Jesus. It is possible to do many things that are Christ like, but yet never actually be a follower of Christ. Unfortunately, there will be many who thought they were Christians who will find out in the end they were not. It is the one who hears the words of Jesus and puts them into practice that is a true Christian.
(Mathew 7:22-24) Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and in your name drive out demons and in your name perform many miracles?’ Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’ “Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock.
One Who Keeps The Faith
A Christian is one who can say as Paul did in the end, I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. (2 Timothy 4:7)
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