What is a Christian?

[Paulomycin]

The absolute non-negotiable that defines Christianity (the very article upon which the church stands or falls) is the Doctrine of Justification By Grace Through Faith Alone.

 

[Mink61]

Thank you for your insight. Could you explain what is meant by believe? Is belief simply what I think in my mind? I have believed many things throughout my lifetime, and have found that on countless occasions that what I believed was simply not correct. How do I know that I truly am believing in the proper context mentioned in the creeds you have posted here?

Excellent question! I have posed this question to other "believers" before, and most of the responses I've received were vague, at best.

Belief is much, much more than simply saying that you believe. It's living your life as a believer. We show our belief through our actions; not only our words. I could go to church every day, say all the 'right' prayers at the right time. But as soon as I leave that church, do I still try to live in truth? I could pray all day, but if I step over a homeless man, curse and swear at the slow person in the grocery store ahead of me, think of someone as an "idiot" (and myself as superior to them) on these message boards...do I TRULY "believe"?

If these things are pointed out to me, do I dismiss them with a flippant, "Hey, I'm only human (with a wink)"? Do I DELIBERATELY strive to be more Christ-like, or am I 'sleepwalking' through life, thinking that I'll be Christ-like, when and IF I happen to think about it in the moment?

A Christian is someone who actively strives to follow the teachings of Jesus. They actively practice loving their neighbor by exhibiting patience, honesty, compassion, mercy, forgiveness, charity, etc.

 

[Paulomycin]

Thank you for your insight. Could you explain what is meant by believe?

The Classic Amplified Bible renders "belief" as, "to trust in, cling to, and rely upon." It dovetails perfectly with the proper definition of faith, "complete and objective trust or confidence in someone or something."

 

[HenSoma-OneBody]

I believe, in the past, a christian is what those who did not follow Christ, called those that did....and im not sure that it was a term of honor. For instance, it would be like a group of vegetarians looking at people eating hamburgers and referring to them as "those meat-eaters."

Today, I believe it signifies subscription to the Christian religion and the established doctrines.

Thank you for your insight, and your explanation makes a lot of sense. I believe those who deem Christianity as a religion would say that either you are a part of it, or not. Ans, if so there are people today who would consider those who do not as non-Christians.

 

[HenSoma-OneBody]

I was recently told by someone that we should not classify ourselves as Christians but rather "Jesus follower". Is there a problem with this? Personally, I'm sticking with Christian.

Jesus never said to be called either, but did say to follow Him. Therefore, whether we do or do not call ourselves Christians, if we are following Christ we cannot go wrong. Thus, if you call your self a Christian as you are following Jesus, all is well.

 

[HenSoma-OneBody]

sons of God in short

Thank you!

 

[HenSoma-OneBody]

Excellent question! I have posed this question to other "believers" before, and most of the responses I've received were vague, at best.

Belief is much, much more than simply saying that you believe. It's living your life as a believer. We show our belief through our actions; not only our words. I could go to church every day, say all the 'right' prayers at the right time. But as soon as I leave that church, do I still try to live in truth? I could pray all day, but if I step over a homeless man, curse and swear at the slow person in the grocery store ahead of me, think of someone as an "idiot" (and myself as superior to them) on these message boards...do I TRULY "believe"?

If these things are pointed out to me, do I dismiss them with a flippant, "Hey, I'm only human (with a wink)"? Do I DELIBERATELY strive to be more Christ-like, or am I 'sleepwalking' through life, thinking that I'll be Christ-like, when and IF I happen to think about it in the moment?

A Christian is someone who actively strives to follow the teachings of Jesus. They actively practice loving their neighbor by exhibiting patience, honesty, compassion, mercy, forgiveness, charity, etc.

Wonderful explanation, and helpful. This is like picking up our cross daily to follow the Lord regardless of our struggles or how we may feel. Thank you.

 

[ViaCrucis]

The term “Christian” is only used three times in the New Testament. First, in Acts 11:26 it states, “The disciples were first called Christians at Antioch;” secondly, in Acts 26:28 states, “Then Agrippa said to Paul, ‘Can you persuade me in such a short time to become a Christian?;” and finally, 1 Peter 4:16 states, “But if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but glorify God that you bear that name.”

In simple terms, the word has been used to describe someone who is Christ-like, but what does that really mean. I have heard that if you are a good Christian you go to church, read the bible, prayer, make you offerings, etc.; however, is that what it means to be a Christian? You do not even have to believe in Christ to do those things. Therefore, how would you describe or define what a Christian is to someone who truly wants to be one?

In the Greek the word is Χριστιανός (Christianos). When it was applied to the Christians in Antioch, it is very possible that it was a term used by non-Christians applied to the Christians there--something resembling a slur. In Greek the Hebrew word meshiach (messiah) is translated as christos; both are rendered as "anointed one" in English and that is a very good translation--but we might frequently fail to grasp that like we should. To anoint is, in the literal sense, the application of oil. To the Pagan Greeks in Antioch, with no background in Judaism, to speak of the Christos probably just sounded like "the oily one". In which case Christianos (plural, Christianoi) may have literally been used as an insult to mean "oily ones".

Regardless of whether the term originated as an insult or not; the early Christians came to strongly identify with this word, and for them simply meant "those of Christ", or "Christ's followers". In that sense, Christianos simply means "Christ's person", or "one who is of the Christ". The grammatical construction of the word means "one belonging to Christ" (or, in the case of the slur theory mentioned above), "one who is oily"--basically the suffix is adjectival that denotes belonging to, affiliation with, etc.

Those who belong to Jesus, who follow Jesus, are indeed called to imitate, emulate, and be like Him. But the word itself really does just mean a person that belongs to, who follows, Jesus. Talking about imitating, emulating, and being like the Lord Jesus is part of what belonging to and following Jesus means, as explained variously throughout the texts of the New Testament. It's part of the Christian call of discipleship--to take up our cross and follow Jesus.

Who is a Christian? The most simplistic answer is: One who follows Jesus the Christ.

However, the Christian community of faith, the Christian Church, has always had a set of boundaries for what constitutes believing in and following Jesus. We can see this, again, throughout the New Testament.

So historically speaking, a Christian is someone who is part of the Christian community of faith; which we enter through Baptism, by which we are regenerated and made new creations in Jesus; are raised up together and nourished together by God's word, comforted by the Gospel with the assurance of God's grace and salvation which is in Jesus Christ, and called to lives of love, mercy, and justice in the world toward our fellow man. Holding firm to the teaching of the Apostles and all that we have received from the beginning.

That is, to be a Christian is to confess the Christian faith, to live the Christian life, to be part of the Christian people, to be a person of Jesus in this world.

-CryptoLutheran

 

[ViaCrucis]

I was recently told by someone that we should not classify ourselves as Christians but rather "Jesus follower". Is there a problem with this? Personally, I'm sticking with Christian.

It's pretty silly. It's a bit like saying, "I'm not a barista, I make coffee for people at Starbucks".

-CryptoLutheran

 

[HenSoma-OneBody]

In the Greek the word is Χριστιανός (Christianos). When it was applied to the Christians in Antioch, it is very possible that it was a term used by non-Christians applied to the Christians there--something resembling a slur. In Greek the Hebrew word meshiach (messiah) is translated as christos; both are rendered as "anointed one" in English and that is a very good translation--but we might frequently fail to grasp that like we should. To anoint is, in the literal sense, the application of oil. To the Pagan Greeks in Antioch, with no background in Judaism, to speak of the Christos probably just sounded like "the oily one". In which case Christianos (plural, Christianoi) may have literally been used as an insult to mean "oily ones".

Regardless of whether the term originated as an insult or not; the early Christians came to strongly identify with this word, and for them simply meant "those of Christ", or "Christ's followers". In that sense, Christianos simply means "Christ's person", or "one who is of the Christ". The grammatical construction of the word means "one belonging to Christ" (or, in the case of the slur theory mentioned above), "one who is oily"--basically the suffix is adjectival that denotes belonging to, affiliation with, etc.

Those who belong to Jesus, who follow Jesus, are indeed called to imitate, emulate, and be like Him. But the word itself really does just mean a person that belongs to, who follows, Jesus. Talking about imitating, emulating, and being like the Lord Jesus is part of what belonging to and following Jesus means, as explained variously throughout the texts of the New Testament. It's part of the Christian call of discipleship--to take up our cross and follow Jesus.

Who is a Christian? The most simplistic answer is: One who follows Jesus the Christ.

However, the Christian community of faith, the Christian Church, has always had a set of boundaries for what constitutes believing in and following Jesus. We can see this, again, throughout the New Testament.

So historically speaking, a Christian is someone who is part of the Christian community of faith; which we enter through Baptism, by which we are regenerated and made new creations in Jesus; are raised up together and nourished together by God's word, comforted by the Gospel with the assurance of God's grace and salvation which is in Jesus Christ, and called to lives of love, mercy, and justice in the world toward our fellow man. Holding firm to the teaching of the Apostles and all that we have received from the beginning.

That is, to be a Christian is to confess the Christian faith, to live the Christian life, to be part of the Christian people, to be a person of Jesus in this world.

-CryptoLutheran

Very thorough, thank you. I appreciate your insight and this is helpful to gain a greater understanding of a concept that is abstract and confusing for so many.

 

[1watchman]

The term “Christian” is only used three times in the New Testament. First, in Acts 11:26 it states, “The disciples were first called Christians at Antioch;” secondly, in Acts 26:28 states, “Then Agrippa said to Paul, ‘Can you persuade me in such a short time to become a Christian?;” and finally, 1 Peter 4:16 states, “But if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but glorify God that you bear that name.”

In simple terms, the word has been used to describe someone who is Christ-like, but what does that really mean. I have heard that if you are a good Christian you go to church, read the bible, prayer, make you offerings, etc.; however, is that what it means to be a Christian? You do not even have to believe in Christ to do those things. Therefore, how would you describe or define what a Christian is to someone who truly wants to be one?

Good thoughts, friend! We do see a lot of professing Christians who just follow some of what the Bible shows, and completely miss John 3; John 14; Romans 8; etc. Eternal life and blessings comes from POSSESING Jesus: the Christ of God (note Epistle: 1 Jn. 5:10-12) ---not just believing about Him as a great teacher, etc. Following after His ways is NOT possessing Him, which is essential, for God says: "...he that has the Son has eternal life". That one is then "sealed" by the Holy Spirit forever. Does one have that seal? THAT is being a real ("born again") Christian.

I have learned to make the Lord Jesus my best Friend, and walk and talk with Him daily. I pray all seekers will come to know and trust our Saviour who died and arose to redeem out souls for our Creator-God.

 

[HenSoma-OneBody]

Good thoughts, friend! We do see a lot of professing Christians who just follow some of what the Bible shows, and completely miss John 3; John 14; Romans 8; etc. Eternal life and blessings comes from POSSESING Jesus: the Christ of God (note Epistle: 1 Jn. 5:10-12) ---not just believing about Him as a great teacher, etc. Following after His ways is NOT possessing Him, which is essential, for God says: "...he that has the Son has eternal life". That one is then "sealed" by the Holy Spirit forever. Does one have that seal? THAT is being a real ("born again") Christian.

I have learned to make the Lord Jesus my best Friend, and walk and talk with Him daily. I pray all seekers will come to know and trust our Saviour who died and arose to redeem out souls for our Creator-God.

Beautifully said, and this is refreshing good news for me to hear. I too spend my days in conversation with Christ as I seek to serve His kingdom. I often meet people who say, "Hey, you must be a Christian." I pondered this, because most of the people I have met in my lifetime in Christ (nearly 40 years) will tell me they are a Christian as well. Once we engage in conversation about having a real daily walk with Jesus, they seem to fade away and many will even avoid conversations about living for Christ from that point on. Thank you.

 

[Philip_B]

What is a Christian. Our Baptism services in the main have a set of questions around the decision to be a Christian, a fellow member of the Body of Christ, and an inheritor of the Kingdom of God. In the main, with absence of particular doctrine, this is the core.

Do you turn to Christ? I turn to Christ.

Do you repent of your sins? I repent of my sins.

Do you reject selfish living, and all that is false and unjust? I reject them all.

Do you renounce Satan and all evil? I renounce all that is evil.​

An old Anglo-Catholic Priest now gone to God, I recall spoke of the three B's of Being Christian:

Believe, Belong, Behave.​

 

[Glorytothefather2245]

The term “Christian” is only used three times in the New Testament. First, in Acts 11:26 it states, “The disciples were first called Christians at Antioch;” secondly, in Acts 26:28 states, “Then Agrippa said to Paul, ‘Can you persuade me in such a short time to become a Christian?;” and finally, 1 Peter 4:16 states, “But if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but glorify God that you bear that name.”

In simple terms, the word has been used to describe someone who is Christ-like, but what does that really mean. I have heard that if you are a good Christian you go to church, read the bible, prayer, make you offerings, etc.; however, is that what it means to be a Christian? You do not even have to believe in Christ to do those things. Therefore, how would you describe or define what a Christian is to someone who truly wants to be one?

Being a "Christian" or "Follower of Christ" is more than just believing. Many Christians in todays call themselves Christians but do not bare fruits or desire to live like Christ and still want to be part of this world and participate in things and live in ways that is an abomination to the Lord. There are a lot of Christians in this world who go to church on Sunday and are holy on Sunday then the rest of the week they forget about God. There is a major problem in the Church today alot of us are lukewarm and some might be unaware of it and dont even know what it means. And alot of people think God would never allow us to suffer, but that is just the complete opposite. The apostles suffered so much persecution and died, and the dedication of Gods people goes so much beyond the apostles. If they had not done what they did the Gospel would not be as popular as it is today. The most popular book yet the most misunderstood book because of worldly traditions of men listening to seducing spirits.

Jesus Christ told us in Luke 9:23(KJV) "And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me."

Matthew 19:20-30 says "
20 The young man saith unto him, All these things have I kept from my youth up: what lack I yet?

21 Jesus said unto him, If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me.

22 But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful: for he had great possessions.

23 Then said Jesus unto his disciples, Verily I say unto you, That a rich man shall hardly enter into the kingdom of heaven.

24 And again I say unto you, It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God.

25 When his disciples heard it, they were exceedingly amazed, saying, Who then can be saved?

26 But Jesus beheld them, and said unto them, With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible.

27 Then answered Peter and said unto him, Behold, we have forsaken all, and followed thee; what shall we have therefore?

28 And Jesus said unto them, Verily I say unto you, That ye which have followed me, in the regeneration when the Son of man shall sit in the throne of his glory, ye also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.

29 And every one that hath forsaken houses, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my name's sake, shall receive an hundredfold, and shall inherit everlasting life.

30 But many that are first shall be last; and the last shall be first."

Being a Christian means to take up your cross and follow Christ no matter what the cost is. We live in a world today where our desires are more important than what God has to offer, a God who seeks to have a relationship with his creation yet so many deny him for their selfish ambitions.

Jesus Christ said in Matthew 16:26 "For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?"

God desires to save all of humanity thru the blood of his son Jesus Christ but it isnt so simple because of free will and deception from the prince of the power of the air. We are in a battle between good and evil and everyone must choose to live for Christ or to live worldly and go to the lake of fire, To be a Christian means to be willing to let God change your life around so he can use you as a vessel to bring the gospel to other people to be saved even if it means being tortured, mistreated badly, or killed. Think of it as being a soldier for you country putting yourself on the front lines ready to battle whatever comes your way to protect your country, only as a follow of Christ you are fighting to save souls from going to hell.

In Acts 20:19-24 this is what Paul said "
19 Serving the Lord with all humility of mind, and with many tears, and temptations, which befell me by the lying in wait of the Jews:

20 And how I kept back nothing that was profitable unto you, but have shewed you, and have taught you publicly, and from house to house,

21 Testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.

22 And now, behold, I go bound in the spirit unto Jerusalem, not knowing the things that shall befall me there:

23 Save that the Holy Ghost witnesseth in every city, saying that bonds and afflictions abide me.

24 But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God."

 

[HenSoma-OneBody]

Being a "Christian" or "Follower of Christ" is more than just believing. Many Christians in todays call themselves Christians but do not bare fruits or desire to live like Christ and still want to be part of this world and participate in things and live in ways that is an abomination to the Lord. There are a lot of Christians in this world who go to church on Sunday and are holy on Sunday then the rest of the week they forget about God. There is a major problem in the Church today alot of us are lukewarm and some might be unaware of it and dont even know what it means. And alot of people think God would never allow us to suffer, but that is just the complete opposite. The apostles suffered so much persecution and died, and the dedication of Gods people goes so much beyond the apostles. If they had not done what they did the Gospel would not be as popular as it is today. The most popular book yet the most misunderstood book because of worldly traditions of men listening to seducing spirits.

Jesus Christ told us in Luke 9:23(KJV) "And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me."

Matthew 19:20-30 says "
20 The young man saith unto him, All these things have I kept from my youth up: what lack I yet?

21 Jesus said unto him, If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me.

22 But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful: for he had great possessions.

23 Then said Jesus unto his disciples, Verily I say unto you, That a rich man shall hardly enter into the kingdom of heaven.

24 And again I say unto you, It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God.

25 When his disciples heard it, they were exceedingly amazed, saying, Who then can be saved?

26 But Jesus beheld them, and said unto them, With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible.

27 Then answered Peter and said unto him, Behold, we have forsaken all, and followed thee; what shall we have therefore?

28 And Jesus said unto them, Verily I say unto you, That ye which have followed me, in the regeneration when the Son of man shall sit in the throne of his glory, ye also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.

29 And every one that hath forsaken houses, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my name's sake, shall receive an hundredfold, and shall inherit everlasting life.

30 But many that are first shall be last; and the last shall be first."

Being a Christian means to take up your cross and follow Christ no matter what the cost is. We live in a world today where our desires are more important than what God has to offer, a God who seeks to have a relationship with his creation yet so many deny him for their selfish ambitions.

Jesus Christ said in Matthew 16:26 "For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?"

God desires to save all of humanity thru the blood of his son Jesus Christ but it isnt so simple because of free will and deception from the prince of the power of the air. We are in a battle between good and evil and everyone must choose to live for Christ or to live worldly and go to the lake of fire, To be a Christian means to be willing to let God change your life around so he can use you as a vessel to bring the gospel to other people to be saved even if it means being tortured, mistreated badly, or killed. Think of it as being a soldier for you country putting yourself on the front lines ready to battle whatever comes your way to protect your country, only as a follow of Christ you are fighting to save souls from going to hell.

In Acts 20:19-24 this is what Paul said "
19 Serving the Lord with all humility of mind, and with many tears, and temptations, which befell me by the lying in wait of the Jews:

20 And how I kept back nothing that was profitable unto you, but have shewed you, and have taught you publicly, and from house to house,

21 Testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.

22 And now, behold, I go bound in the spirit unto Jerusalem, not knowing the things that shall befall me there:

23 Save that the Holy Ghost witnesseth in every city, saying that bonds and afflictions abide me.

24 But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God."

Thank you very much for the details, as it is helpful to understand why so many in this world who make the claim to follow Christ yet are not like Christ at all. If they would just let the Advocate (Holy Spirit) do His perfect work that would not only know how to follow Jesus, but they would also learn all things (and the truth) directly from God.

 

[Maria Billingsley]

The term “Christian” is only used three times in the New Testament. First, in Acts 11:26 it states, “The disciples were first called Christians at Antioch;” secondly, in Acts 26:28 states, “Then Agrippa said to Paul, ‘Can you persuade me in such a short time to become a Christian?;” and finally, 1 Peter 4:16 states, “But if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but glorify God that you bear that name.”

In simple terms, the word has been used to describe someone who is Christ-like, but what does that really mean. I have heard that if you are a good Christian you go to church, read the bible, prayer, make you offerings, etc.; however, is that what it means to be a Christian? You do not even have to believe in Christ to do those things. Therefore, how would you describe or define what a Christian is to someone who truly wants to be one?

Everyone who is Holy Spirit filled is Christian. This was the last promise given to the Disciples and all belivers of Jesus Christ of Nazareth. Be blessed.

 

[HenSoma-OneBody]

Everyone who is Holy Spirit filled is Christian. This was the last promise given to the Disciples and all belivers of Jesus Christ of Nazareth. Be blessed.

Amen! Thank you.

 

[Jay Sea]

The term Christian was originally used as an insult. It's only a label. We are to be servants to this world to reveal G-d's Kingdom now, in forgiveness and compassion. If someone says are you a Christian because of some kindness, thank them for the compliment. If someone says you are a Christian as an insult, enquire of their hurt. If you feel pride in being called a Christian beware.
In Love
Jay Sea

 

[SANTOSO]

The term “Christian” is only used three times in the New Testament. First, in Acts 11:26 it states, “The disciples were first called Christians at Antioch;” secondly, in Acts 26:28 states, “Then Agrippa said to Paul, ‘Can you persuade me in such a short time to become a Christian?;” and finally, 1 Peter 4:16 states, “But if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but glorify God that you bear that name.”

In simple terms, the word has been used to describe someone who is Christ-like, but what does that really mean. I have heard that if you are a good Christian you go to church, read the bible, prayer, make you offerings, etc.; however, is that what it means to be a Christian? You do not even have to believe in Christ to do those things. Therefore, how would you describe or define what a Christian is to someone who truly wants to be one?

Dear one,
I would describe a Christian to be a part of the church. So to define a Christian, we have to define a church; The New Testament word for "church" is ekklesia [ejkklhsiva], which means "the called out ones."

So we define a Christian is the called out one; we are those whom the Heavenly Father draw near to come to the Lord Jesus Christ and be led by the Spirit of God.

Yes, many believed that they are the called out ones or Christians but this is what we have heard:

Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life; whoever does not obey the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God remains on him. -John 3:36

Don’t we see the parentheses?
So those who are considered to believe in the Son are those who obey - will have eternal life.

But those who consider themselves that they have believed and not obey what the Son has taught — the wrath of God remain on them.

I understand your concern and question : why those who are called Christians have been baptized with bear no fruit ? ;They live just as the world lives, except they do place efforts in trying to be a good person. Is that what it means to be born again?

The answer is No.
A baptism of water is a baptism of repentance! As we have heard:
John appeared, baptizing in the wilderness and proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. -Mark 1:4
This is the Lord’s grace of repentance to call out sinners to repent in true and contrition.

Those who have baptized with water and have sinned; have not understand or perceived what apostle Paul have said :

and do not offer any part of yourselves to sin as an instrument for wickedness. On the contrary, OFFER YOURSELVES TO GOD as people alive from the dead, and your various parts to God as instruments for righteousness. - Roman 6: 13 CJB

Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? -Romans 6:3

We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life. -Romans 6:4

Those who have baptized with water and have sinned; they do not know how to offer themselves to God ! ; they do not know how to walk in this newness of life !

This is what we have heard:

So Jesus said to the Jews who HAD BELIEVED him, "If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, -John 8:31
and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." -John 8:32

So to offer ourselves to God is to abide in His word, then we will know the truth and the truth will set us free.

What do we need to be free from ? Yes, the bondage of sin. For this is what we have heard:

We know that our old self was crucified with him in order that the body of sin might be brought to nothing, so that we would no longer be enslaved to sin. -Romans 6:6
For one who has died has been set free from sin. -Romans 6:7

And this is what we are taught :
and, having been set free from sin, have become slaves of righteousness. -Romans 6:18
I am speaking in human terms, because of your natural limitations. For just as you once presented your members as slaves to impurity and to lawlessness leading to more lawlessness, so now present your members as slaves to righteousness leading to sanctification. -Romans 6:19

Therefore, we who have been baptized with water and set free from sin — were taught to offer or present members of our bodies as slaves to righteousness leading to sanctification.

For this is what we have heard:
Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and GAVE HIMSELF UP for her, -Ephesians 5:25
that he might SANCTIFY her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, -Ephesians 5:26

Yes, we heard that Christ give Himself up when He died on the cross for our sins, THAT Christ might sanctify Christians—having CLEANSED Christians by the washing of water with His word.

That means that Christ sanctify Christians after the baptism of water; He will sanctify us with the Spirit of His word.

For this is what we have heard:
But we ought always to give thanks to God for you, brothers beloved by the Lord, because God chose you as the firstfruits to be saved, through sanctification by the Spirit and belief in the truth. -2 Thessalonians 2:13

That is why the Lord have said :
That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. -John 3:6

Likewise, apostle Paul have said :
For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their MINDS on the things of the Spirit. -Romans 8:5

So dear one,
you can consider those who baptized with water , — and have sinned and walk as the world live — they have not set their MINDS on the things of the Spirit.

What is the things of the Spirit? This is what we have heard our Lord have said :

It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh is no help at all. The words that I have spoken to you are spirit and life. -John 6:63

So after we have been baptized with water, we need to continually offer ourselves to God’s words — submitting ourselves to His truth and Christ our Lord will set us free. In this manner, we allow ourselves to be sanctify by the Spirit of His Word — through meditating His precepts and keep our eyes to His ways. Then the Holy Spirit will lead us who are humbled to do what is right and to live in His ways — the Father’s ways.

If we live by the Spirit, surely we can bear the fruit of the Spirit.

As we have been told :
If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit. -Galatians 5:25
Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another. -Galatians 5:26.

 

[SANTOSO]

Dear one,
You are concerned that those who are called Christians ; that they live just as the world lives, except they do place efforts in trying to be a good person !

This is what we have heard:
Thus says the LORD: "Cursed is the man who trusts in man and makes flesh his strength, whose heart turns away from the LORD. -Jeremiah 17:5
He is like a shrub in the desert, and shall not see any good come. He shall dwell in the parched places of the wilderness, in an uninhabited salt land. -Jeremiah 17:6

"Blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD, whose trust is the LORD. -Jeremiah 17:7
He is like a tree planted by water, that sends out its roots by the stream, and does not fear when heat comes, for its leaves remain green, and is not anxious in the year of drought, for it does not cease to bear fruit." -Jeremiah 17:8

Yes, I am shocked like you when I heard this. Why God curse ? As I meditated again and again and tried to understand what has been spoken.

I understand God doesn’t want our hearts turn away from Him because He loves us.
He told us not to trust in man or even ourselves because our self righteousness and self love makes us sin against Him.
He doesn’t want us to trust in our flesh or bodies or abilities or resources but to trust in Him and to seek His strength.

When we are humbled, we know that our ways are not His ways and our thoughts are not His thoughts. Then we understand what the Lord has said :

For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts. -Isaiah 55:9

As apostle Paul have said:
as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal. -2 Corinthians 4:18

When we look to things that are seen — our ways and our thoughts— they are transient in nature. But the ways and the thoughts of God, though unseen, they are eternal.

So the path of not to be cursed but to be blessed is to trust in the Lord and rely on His strength continuously and daily.

Then we will be like a tree planted by the water, that is, a Christian who offer himself or herself to the Spirit of God to be sanctified with His word.

Why we are not cursed ? Because we submit ourselves to His truth that set us free. For
we heard :
He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed. -1 Peter 2:24

So dear one,
We can’t live just as the world lives!
Or with exception we placed our efforts in trying to be a good person ! We don’t want to be cursed by God but we want to be blessed by Him and receive the grace that He bore our sins in His body on the tree ! Yes, let us died to sin and live to righteousness. Let us have our relationship with God the Father healed.

And rejoice in His blessings.