What Is A Christian?

By Bob Myhan

Many people consider themselves to be Christians. As of 2006, the percentage worldwide was 33%. In the USA , those who claim to be Christians are 85% of the population. But what is a Christian? What does the Bible teach?

The name, Christian, is only mentioned three times in the NKJV of the New Testament. Each of these verses sets forth one basic idea about those who were called by that name in the first century.

The first passage wherein the name is mentioned is in Acts 11:19-26.

Now those who were scattered after the persecution that arose over Stephen traveled as far as Phoenicia , Cyprus , and Antioch , preaching the word to no one but the Jews only. But some of them were men from Cyprus and Cyrene , who, when they had come to Antioch , spoke to the Hellenists, preaching the Lord Jesus. And the hand of the Lord was with them, and a great number believed and turned to the Lord. Then news of these things came to the ears of the church in Jerusalem , and they sent out Barnabas to go as far as Antioch . When he came and had seen the grace of God, he was glad, and encouraged them all that with purpose of heart they should continue with the Lord. For he was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith. And a great many people were added to the Lord.

Then Barnabas departed for Tarsus to seek Saul. And when he had found him, he brought him to Antioch . So it was that for a whole year they assembled with the church and taught a great many people. And the disciples were first called Christians in Antioch .

Those who “were first called Christians in Antioch ” were disciples. So,

A Christian is a disciple.

But what is a disciple? A disciple is a learner and a follower. More correctly, it is one who learns in order to follow.

Jesus taught that none could come to Him unless they are “taught by God.”

“No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws him; and I will raise him up at the last day. It is written in the prophets, 'And they shall all be taught by God.' Therefore everyone who has heard and learned from the Father comes to Me.” (John 6:44-45)

Thus, one does not become a Christian by a better-felt-than-told direct operation of the Holy Spirit. The seed of the kingdom—the word of God—must be sown in one’s heart (Matt. 13:3-9; 18-23; Luke 8:4-15).

Jesus also taught that one must follow Him—even to death—to be His disciple.

"And whoever does not bear his cross and come after Me cannot be My disciple. (Luke 14:27)

The second passage wherein the name, Christian, is mentioned is Acts 26:24-28.

Now as he thus made his defense, Festus said with a loud voice, "Paul, you are beside yourself! Much learning is driving you mad!" But he said, "I am not mad, most noble Festus, but speak the words of truth and reason. For the king, before whom I also speak freely, knows these things; for I am convinced that none of these things escapes his attention, since this thing was not done in a corner. King Agrippa, do you believe the prophets? I know that you do believe." Then Agrippa said to Paul, "You almost persuade me to become a Christian."

A Christian is one who is persuaded:

(1) That the gospel is based on facts.

"Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly that God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ." (Acts 2:36)

(2) That God will not permit him to be tempted beyond what he can bear.

No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it. (1 Cor. 10:13)

(3) That being a Christian is worth forsaking all.

Now great multitudes went with Him. And He turned and said to them, "If anyone comes to Me and does not hate his father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, yes, and his own life also, he cannot be My disciple. And whoever does not bear his cross and come after Me cannot be My disciple. For which of you, intending to build a tower, does not sit down first and count the cost, whether he has enough to finish it-- lest, after he has laid the foundation, and is not able to finish, all who see it begin to mock him, saying, 'This man began to build and was not able to finish.' Or what king, going to make war against another king, does not sit down first and consider whether he is able with ten thousand to meet him who comes against him with twenty thousand? Or else, while the other is still a great way off, he sends a delegation and asks conditions of peace. “So likewise, whoever of you does not forsake all that he has cannot be My disciple.” (Luke 14:25-33)

 (4) That being a Christian will offer security.

Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, "I will never leave you nor forsake you." So we may boldly say: "The Lord is my helper; I will not fear. What can man do to me?" (Heb. 13:5-6)

(5) That being a Christian will offer purpose.

The end of the matter; all has been heard. Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man. (Eccl. 12:13, ESV)

(6) That being a Christian will offer both happiness and peace.

Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. ( Rom. 5:1-2)

Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice! Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand. Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. (Phil. 4:4-7)

The third passage wherein the name, Christian, is mentioned is 1 Peter 4:14-16.

If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. But let none of you suffer as a murderer or a thief or an evildoer or as a meddler. Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in that name.

A Christian is one who is not ashamed:

(1) To suffer. Suffering has been an unavoidable fact of life almost from the beginning; it is all about us. Some suffering is the result of our foolish, sinful living. But some suffering is the indirect result of desiring to live godly in Christ Jesus. (2 Tim. 3:12).

(2) Of the Lord or of the Lord’s words. (Mark 8:38)

(3) Of the gospel. ( Rom. 1:16)

(4) To be in the minority. (John 6:66-69)

(5) To give a defense of his hope when asked. (1 Peter 3:13-16)

(6) To glorify God in body and spirit (1 Cor. 6:20) in bearing fruit (John 15:8), in ministering (1 Peter 4:11) and in all that he does. (1 Cor. 10:31)

Dear reader, do you fit God’s definition of a Christian? &

“Daddy, What Is a Christian?”

Author Unknown

A little boy once asked his father, “Daddy, what is a Christian?”

The father thought for a minute, and then replied, “Son, a Christian believes in God and in Jesus Christ, the Son of God. He has heard the gospel of Christ and in faith obeyed it. This means that he repented of his sins and confessed Jesus to be God’s Son. He was then baptized for the remission of sins. When he did this, the Lord added him to His church.”

“He loves God very much. He loves his family, his brethren, his neighbors, and even his enemies. He is one who takes his religion seriously. He lives it seven days a week. He worships God with other disciples at every available opportunity. He really enjoys his service to God. He is not covetous or stingy, but from a generous and cheerful heart gives his money to help others and further the Lord’s work.”

“He prays frequently and fervently. He chooses his words carefully at all times. He does not choose good words when he assembles with the saints, then uses bad words on the job or elsewhere. He is kind, considerate, gentle, patient, caring and in general is a good neighbor and citizen. He reads the Bible regularly and shares it with anyone who is willing to study. He leads his family in praying with them and for them. He is dependable in the work of promoting God’s truth. He is hospitable, visits the sick, is honest in his dealings, and is a good example to others. He loves and is loved. These are just a few of the things that constitute a Christian.”

The boy thought for a moment and then asked, “Have I ever seen one?” &