What is a christian?
Some say that it's a good person. Some say it's a devout person who goes to church every Sunday.
It would be interesting to see what the Bible itself says about this word. The word ‘christian’ occurs three times in the New Testament -
- Acts 11:26
- Acts 26:28
- 1 Peter 4:16
And who were they? - The Greek word for ‘disciple’ literally means, a student, a learner. In Matthew chapter 28, verses 18-20 -
Jesus came to them and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to me in heaven and on earth. Therefore go, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I commanded you. Behold, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen.Jesus designates a disciple as: one who is baptized, and who continues to learn Christ's teachings.
It is important to understand that the Bible isn't meaning a student in a passive mental sense, but rather one who puts His teachings into action in his or her life.
Hebrews 5:8-9 clearly shows that, to be right with Christ one needs to obey Him.
How does one start, then?
- Faith is obviously needed (Hebrews 11:6).
- It is necessary to repent - turn away from our old manner of life (Acts 26:20)
- And we need to confess our faith in Jesus Christ, the Son of God, publicly (Matthew 10:32-33)
- It is at the point of baptism (which is a burial, death to the old self, Romans 6:3-4) where we are saved (Acts 2:38; Acts 22:16; 1 Peter 3:21)
- Note that baptism is full immersion in water and is for those who have the maturity to make a decision in faith (Acts 8:36-38).
- and of course we need to continue living the christian life, learning and growing.
- It also includes meeting together as a church - Hebrews 10:25.
- And so we urge you to find a local church that follows the teachings of Christ.