A person does not have to go far in the world today to hear the word Christian being used to refer to a host of people. In fact, the word Christian is used to describe almost anyone who is even the least bit moral. Other times, Christian is used to describe a person in contrast to a Muslim or a Buddhist. Often, our nation is referred to as a Christian nation. However, the way the world defines a particular word is not always the same way God defines that word. Then, from God’s perspective, who is a Christian? As we consider this important subject, please remember, it is not you or me who decides who is a Christian, but God and His Word will clearly make that determination! So, who is a Christian?
The Fallacies
Sadly, many in our world today believe they are Christians simply because they believe something about Jesus. However, we can know that this is not the case, for God’s Word reminds, “Nevertheless among the chief rulers also many believed on him; but because of the Pharisees they did not confess him, lest they should be put out of the synagogue” (John 12:42). “Just believe” many will tout, but they clearly forget James’s warning, “Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe and tremble” (James 2:19).
Some claim to be Christians simply because they are religious. However, God’s Word reminds us of a man who traveled to Jerusalem from Ethiopia just to worship, and he was still not a Christian until he obeyed Scripture (Acts 8:26-39). Others are certain they are Christians because they are moral people. Again, God is clear that morality alone does not make one a Christian (Acts 10:1-2; 22; 48; 11:14). What about sincerity? Surely if someone is sincere, he or she is a Christian, right? No one was as sincere as Saul of Tarsus (Acts 26:9-11; Philippians 3:4-6), and yet, prior to his obedience, he was not a Christian! Some will courageously claim Christianity because they have been baptized, but again, God’s Word proves that baptism alone does not make one a Christian (Acts 19:1-5).
The Facts
In order to become a New Testament Christian in God’s eyes, one must do what the New Testament says to do. Paul wrote that Christians are disciples and are also members of the church (Acts 11:26). Disciples or Christians are those who have obeyed from the heart a particular “form” or pattern of doctrine (Romans 6:1-18). Christians are not made by just “getting wet.” Christians are people who have obeyed the Gospel (1 Corinthians 15:1-4). They are those who have been saved from their past sins (Ephesians 1:7) and have been added to Christ’s body, the church (Acts 2:47; Ephesians 1:22-23). They are those who have heard the Gospel (Romans 10:17), believed and continue to believe in the risen Lord (John 8:24), repented and continue to repent of sin (Acts 17:30), have publicly confessed their faith in Jesus (Matthew 16:16; Romans 10:9-10) and have been immersed in water for the forgiveness of sins (Acts 2:38; 10:48). According to God, these are Christians. Please note carefully that it is not you or I who determine or make the standard! It is God and God alone! Therefore, I must make certain that I do not go “beyond that which is written” (1 Corinthians 4:6) when it comes to defining who is a Christian! Simply take God at His Word!
The Faithful
Once a person does what God has clearly outlined in the New Testament, he or she is always a Christian; that never changes. Sadly, what does change sometimes is one’s faithfulness. Just because a person obeys from the heart the pattern God gave, does not mean he or she will continue to obey for life (2 Peter 2:20-22). Every Christian has a daily choice to make! Faithfulness or unfaithfulness! Paul was so clear that disciples (learners, followers) were also Christians and were also the same ones who “assembled with the church” (Acts 11:26). What if a person no longer assembles with the church; is he still faithful? Barring any out of their control issues (e.g., homebound, sickness, etc.) the clear, biblical answer is, “No.” Faithfulness involves assembling (Matthew 6:33; Hebrews 10:25) and encouraging other brothers and sisters (Hebrews 3:13; 10:23-24). Sadly, some believe they can have Jesus without His church. However, the body and the Head are inseparable (Ephesians 1:22-23; Colossians 1:18).
We must never forget that God and His Word alone define who is a Christian and who is not. When our Lord returns to judge the living and the dead (2 Corinthians 5:10; 2 Timothy 4:1), He will return to take faithful Christians home to Heaven (John 14:1-6). Those who have not obeyed the Gospel and those who have turned from that obedience will suffer eternal damnation (2 Thessalonians 1:7-9; 2 Peter 2:20-22). No excuse will permit a change in those facts. So, then, the question comes to you and me. Who is a Christian? Are you?
