Excellent question! I have posed this question to other "believers" before, and most of the responses I've received were vague, at best.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?
Thank you for your insight. Could you explain what is meant by believe?
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.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.
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.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.
Thank you!sons of God in short
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.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.
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?
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.
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.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
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?
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.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.
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.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?
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.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."
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.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?
Amen! Thank you.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.
Dear one,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?