One of the wonderful joys of Christianity is to see the Gospel penetrate and positively affect the life of another. I am always amazed and awestruck at the power of the Gospel of Christ. Of course, upon obedience to the Gospel one becomes a Christian. Interestingly, the word “Christian” is a much abused term in today’s religious circles. So then, we must ask, “What does it really mean to be a Christian?”
Firstly, a Christian is one who has been forgiven. Now notice carefully, a Christian is not sinlessly perfect! He or she has not somehow risen above temptation or trials (cf. James 1:2ff). Instead, the Christian is simply one who has obeyed a specific plan (Acts 4:12); is following a specific Person (John 14:6; 1 John 2:6) and because of that, his or her past sins have been forgiven (Acts 2:38; Ephesians 1:7; Revelation 1:5; et al). Furthermore, every sin he commits, while walking in the light, is continuously forgiven (1 John 1:7-9). “Forgiveness” is one of the most beautiful words in the Bible!
Secondly, a Christian is one who is part of the family. How lonely would Christianity be if lived in seclusion? Can you imagine what it would be like to try to face each day without the support and strength of others with a “like precious faith” (cf. 2 Peter 1:1)? Being part of the family of God on earth (Ephesians 3:15) provides mutual support, which includes entreaty for each other (Acts 12:5; 2 Corinthians 1:11), encouragement from each other (Hebrews 10:24) and empathy towards each other (Acts 4:34-36; 1 Peter 5:9). We weep and rejoice together (Romans 12:15)! Sometimes as God’s children we fail to really lay hold of this great blessing. Some Christians “run in and out of worship” so quickly that the family aspect is never really enjoyed. Being part of the greatest family on earth is a wonderful blessing!
Thirdly, a Christian is one who has a future. Faithful Christians are “bound for that wonderful city”! Truly this is one of the greatest, if not the greatest, blessing of Christianity! Just imagine a future of no sin (Revelation 21:27), no sorrow (Revelation 21:4) and no separation (Revelation 22:4)! What a future, surrounded by God the Father, God the Son, God the Holy Spirit, obedient angels, and every faithful, obedient person since the dawn of creation!
Christians are surely the most blessed of all people, not only in this life, but certainly in the life to come (John 10:10). Forgiveness, a family and a future surely brighten the darkest of days, lessen the heaviest of loads and strengthen the weakest of saints. Do you enjoy these wonderful blessings? Are you a Christian? Please consider prayerfully!
