What it Means to be Just Christians |
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| Albert Dickson The term "Christian" is found three times in the New Testament (Acts 11:26; 26:28; 1 Pet. 4:16). It means "Christ-like", "training with Christ", one identified with and follower of Christ." In each case there is much said about those to whom this term was applied. The context of the passages clearly shows us that these individuals are not just Christians in word but also in deeds. Perhaps, in some circles it may have been used in a derogatory sense. In the New Testament, the evidence surrounding the term is very positive. For the devotion and activity of those who served God were mighty and pleasing to Him. Examining this evidence will give us a better picture of what it means to be just a Christian. It means you have obeyed the gospel of Christ. The purpose of God was to send Jesus to died for the sins of mankind, seeking and saving the lost (Lk 19:10). This opportunity was given not only to the Jews but Gentiles. God making both into one through Christ (Eph. 2:14). After the resurrection of Christ, He met with His disciples on a mountain in Galilee. As the one having authority in heaven and earth, He charged them to "go make disciples." In Mark 16:15 account, He commanded them "to preach the gospel to the whole creation". The response to this preaching began with faith leading to the person to be baptized. It was after baptism the individual was saved and made a disciple of Jesus (Mark 16:16; Matt. 28:19). The discipleship process continued as people were taught to observe what Jesus commanded (Matt. 28:20). Thus, throughout the book of Acts, we see this being fulfilled. Both men and women were obeying the gospel as commanded by the Lord. So to be a Christian you must believe and be baptized into Christ as taught in the scriptures. It means you teach the word of the Lord wherever you go. Being a Christian is about teaching the word of the Lord. In Acts 8:1-4, the Christians who were scattered due to the persecution, went everywhere preaching the Word. Because of their efforts, the good news spread to Antioch of Syria (Acts 11:20). This resulted in the disciples being called Christians (Acts 11:26). Why? Because they continued to fulfill the desires of their Lord (Matt. 28:18-20; Mk 16:15-16). When the gospel is preached as commanded by the Lord, those who believe will turn to Him as seen in Acts 11:21. They will conform to His way thus becoming like Christ. For us to teach another gospel is to pervert the purpose and will of Christ. Paul preached the gospel according to God's wisdom so the faith of the Corinthian's faith would be in the power of God (1 Cor. 2:1-5). Just as Paul and the rest, the Christian will teach the gospel as revealed in the scriptures. It means to grow in the knowledge of God. In the second account where the term Christian is used, Paul is recounting his conversion to Christ and obedience to the vision before King Agrippa and Festus. (Acts 26:2-28). He testified what the Prophets and Moses said would be fulfilled in this Christ. Festus said of Paul (in the negative) how his "great learning" had made him mad (Acts 26:24). Paul's response was that his words were of "sober truth" (Acts 26:24,25). Christians are urged to grow in the grace and knowledge of truth (2 Pet. 3:18). Timothy was urged by Paul to give all effort to present himself approved of God, rightly dividing the word of truth (2 Tim. 2:15). Why? The way of the Lord is great learning. We learn how to live godly lives and teach these things to our children. We gain confidence as we stand before God and others. And, we can have an impact on the minds of those who hear the truth (1 Tim. 4:16). Even though it is hard to determine how King Agrippa meant his statement to Paul, he recognizes the teaching as the way of the Christian (Acts 26:28). This learning and plain explanation of truth made an impression on the King. It means to glorify God in suffering. Paul told Timothy that those who desire to live godly will suffer persecution (2 Tim. 3:12).You see, the way of God is different than the way of the world (Isa. 55:8,9). Therefore, God's views will clash with the world's. Those who hate truth will persecute those who practice it. Inspite of these clashes and persecutions, Peter instructed Christians not to be ashamed but to glorify God (1 Pet. 4:16). How? In the previous verses, he says by rejoicing that we are partakers of Christ suffering. He suffered for us, therefore we should be glad to do the same. Let not their suffering because they are evildoers. Instead, understand the Spirit of God rests upon you. In other words, you are being like Christ. Being a Christian is more than words. It is being Christ-like in all manner of life. It's about obeying the gospel, remaining faithful to the truth and teaching others to do the same. There were no additives to the term. Nor were they of some domination of men. As these people conducted themselves in the way of Christ, they were simple known as "Christians. Today, we can be just like them by simply adhering to the gospel of Christ. |