Who is a Christian?
—An outline
This study is about what qualifies one to be called a Christian.
1 Who are rightly called Christians?
- “Christians” is a name for disciples of Christ (Acts 11:26).
- A disciple is among those whom God has "purchased with His own blood" (Acts 20:28-30).
ANYONE SAVED BY CHRIST'S BLOOD IS A CHRISTIAN.
2 How does one become a Christian?
- Hear and believe the gospel of Christ (Romans 1:16; John 3:16).
- Repent of sin (Romans 2:5; Acts 3:19).
- Confess that belief (Romans 10:8-10).
- Be baptized for remission of sin (Acts 2:38; Romans 6:3-7).
ANYONE WHO DOES THESE THINGS BECOMES A CHRISTIAN.
3 How does one remain a Christian?
- By confessing sins (1John 1:9-10; 2:1-2)
- By keeping Christ's word (1John 2:2-6; Hebrews 10:26-31)
- By receiving a love of the truth (2Thessalonians 2:8-12; Ephesians4:14-15)
- By trying hard to please God and do his will (Romans 12:1-2)
- By praying in the Holy Spirit (Jude 1:20-21; Ephesians1:13-14)
- By adding to one's faith (2Pet 1:4-11)
- By doing other similar things to the above (Titus 2:11-14)
ANYONE WHO DOES THESE THINGS REMAINS A CHRISTIAN.
For Thinking About...
We do not say, “WE ARE THE ONLY CHRISTIANS”. However we do say, “WE ARE CHRISTIANS ONLY”.
The names of all Christians are written into the Book of Life (Revelation 20:15, Philippians 4:3). That book does not exist on earth.
Church registers and directories written on earth may tell us when people were born, married, and buried.
They may tell us who are members of this church or that. But they are not the book of life. In order to find out who are true Christians, we may just as well consult the telephone directory as one of these books.
Only the word of God can tell us the marks of a true Christian.