What Is A Christian?
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Amen, yes that is a Christian. One way to know if a Christian really understands what they are and what the job/work is, is if they understand that anyone with access to the Holiest of All is a Christian, and anyone with access to the Holiest of All is a part of the Everlasting Priesthood and Kingdom of Heaven. The High Priesthood does not tithe to itself, and Christians should not be tithing to Christians, it's confusion, because it declares (unknowingly I believe) that the person tithing is not a member of the Everlasting Priesthood. Those who are Christians/Everlasting Priesthood with proper understanding do not say anything but God is their own, and everything including the body is Gods property, not ours. We are from heaven, and that is why the kingdom of heaven is at hand, and that is why people turn towards the kingdom of heaven, because we are actually from heaven, not just saying it. Many are, but don't really understand, and sometimes fruitfulness is limited. The Everlasting Priesthood is also the stewards of the commonwealth of Israel.
I love you all.
I love you all.
It is often said that 'Christian' can be defined as 'little Christ', meaning we are to be Christ-like, although that isn't really a complete definition (not that I don't agree with the idea.
The title 'Christians' is recorded in Acts as first being used by nonbelievers in Antioch to describe those who followed the Way, that is belonging to the Church. This title was given in explanation for the way the believers at the time acted, proving with actions they were followers of Christ.
This word, 'Christianos', can portray several different relationship of the believer to Christ.The termination '-ianos' found in this word seems to be a Latin term used throughout the Roman empire, even by the Greek speaking.
The term itself can mean several things, including a slave, a partisan, or a follower
Therefore, Christians are slaves to Christ, following the commandment and giving all of our own rights away to Christ.
Christians are partisans of Christ's way, adhering strongly to His teachings.
Christians are at the simplest, followers of Christ, which includes following His leading in daily life, just as the disciple would have with Him as rabbi.
Before this word was used, these people were labeled by various other titles. One of which being the Church, used by Christ himself when telling Peter that His (Christ's) Church would be built on rock, and gates of Hell would not prevail against it.
The word here, ekklessia, literally means 'called out or called forth"
Even with the variance in definition, one thing that we should be able to agree one is what a Christian isnt: someone who merely holds the title but does not perform the duty.
The title 'Christians' is recorded in Acts as first being used by nonbelievers in Antioch to describe those who followed the Way, that is belonging to the Church. This title was given in explanation for the way the believers at the time acted, proving with actions they were followers of Christ.
This word, 'Christianos', can portray several different relationship of the believer to Christ.The termination '-ianos' found in this word seems to be a Latin term used throughout the Roman empire, even by the Greek speaking.
The term itself can mean several things, including a slave, a partisan, or a follower
Therefore, Christians are slaves to Christ, following the commandment and giving all of our own rights away to Christ.
Christians are partisans of Christ's way, adhering strongly to His teachings.
Christians are at the simplest, followers of Christ, which includes following His leading in daily life, just as the disciple would have with Him as rabbi.
Before this word was used, these people were labeled by various other titles. One of which being the Church, used by Christ himself when telling Peter that His (Christ's) Church would be built on rock, and gates of Hell would not prevail against it.
The word here, ekklessia, literally means 'called out or called forth"
Even with the variance in definition, one thing that we should be able to agree one is what a Christian isnt: someone who merely holds the title but does not perform the duty.
M
A Christian is a person who has been spiritual born again.
To be born spiritually means that our inner spirit that part of us which was dead to Christ, is now alive and in communication with God and in relationship with God.
John 3 v 5 Jesus answered Verily truely I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit. Flesh gives birth to flesh but the Spirit gives birth to spirit....
1 cor 15 v 22 for as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive.
1 cor 15 v ...44 if there is a natural body, there is also a spiritual body. So it is written The first Adam became a living being, the last Adam a life giving spirit.
To be born spiritually means that our inner spirit that part of us which was dead to Christ, is now alive and in communication with God and in relationship with God.
John 3 v 5 Jesus answered Verily truely I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit. Flesh gives birth to flesh but the Spirit gives birth to spirit....
1 cor 15 v 22 for as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive.
1 cor 15 v ...44 if there is a natural body, there is also a spiritual body. So it is written The first Adam became a living being, the last Adam a life giving spirit.
Have you REALLY Come to Christ?
By: Mike DeSario
2Cor13:5 "Examine yourselves as to whether you are in the faith. Prove yourselves. Do you know that Jesus Christ is in you? Unless indeed you are disqualified."
Many suppose themselves to be 'saved' because they have claimed a few select portions of scripture that contain the word 'believe' and have followed a simple three or four step plan outlined on a Bible Tract. They rest their faith on sound doctrinal truth about the Lord Jesus Christ, proclaim His Deity, Resurrection and Ascension. But their lives are devoid of any evidence of Soul Saving Faith.
Many mistake Self Confidence for Spiritual assurance. It is common among professing Christians to continue in outward rebellion to the Lord Jesus Christ and still claim Him as Savior. The delusion is reinforced by false teachers peddling a Gospel that soothes the conscience but NEVER Purifies the heart.
The Lord Himself confirmed the frightening truth that SOME would possess faith enough to 'Preach', Cast out demons and Perform Miracles, but NOT Faith that SAVES the Soul! Matt7:21-23
This Warning must have been ringing in the ears of the great Apostle when he Challenged us to 'PROVE' our Faith. Who could understand better the Pure Godly Dynamics of Soul Saving Faith, than Paul? He told us time and again throughout the New Testament that the true EVIDENCE of genuine Salvation is a NEW HEART! 2Cor5:17
"If anyone is in Christ, he is a NEW Creation. Old things have passed away, behold ALL things become new." This is NOT an optional feature of the gospel.
The New Birth Transforms the heart and sets you on the path of Righteousness. Eph4:24 Your heart is Purified by Obedience to the Truth! 1Pet1:22 You Walk in Newness of Life by Faith. Rom6:4 Dead to Sin & Self, Alive to God & Truth! Rom6:16-18
By Definitions Faith is Both Substance & Evidence. Heb11:1 Therefore when you Believe & Confess, Rom10:9-10 You Follow & Obey. Matt7:13-14
What is the Evidence of Soul Saving Faith?
How then can you KNOW you are in Christ and not Disqualified from those described in Matt7? It would behoove you to EXAMINE the facts.
If indeed we have escaped the pollutions that are in the world through Lust. 2Pet2:20 And have been Renewed in the knowledge of Christ. Col3:9 And the Flesh has been 'crucified'! Gal5:24
Ought not your CONDUCT be Transformed!?
Thus you have the Dynamic of Soul Saving Faith: Repentance, Self Denial & Faithful Obedience to Christ. Short of that, you have Nothing.
The First Sure Sign of Genuine Salvation is a Genuine Hatred for Sin. Psa97:10, Prv8:13. God has Put in a New Heart & taken away the old. Ezk36:26 The true believer despises Sin in himself and in others, because it dishonors God. Spiritual Warfare is now taking place inside the soul. Gal5:16-17 Without it, NO Salvation has taken place.
Next the Genuine Convert will have a deep desire for the Word of God. 1Thess2:13, 2Tim3:16-17
Nothing satisfies a Christ Centered Life like the Words of Life. His Word is our Armor against the fiery darts of the wicked one. Eph6:16-17 And our Sword to cast down every argument & high thing that tries to exalt itself against the Knowledge of God. 1Cor10:5
The Genuine Believer will set his mind on the Things above. Phil4:8 And Purify his Soul through obedience to the Truth. 1Pet1:22-23
The professing Christian who has no Desire to Study the Word of God has believed in vain.
Third the man who claims to be Born Again will have a New found LOVE for Jesus Christ. 1John4:19 It is a contradiction in terms to say we are Born of God and NOT Keep His Commandants. Love is obedience!
"By this we know that we know Him, If we KEEP His commandants. He who says, I know Him, and keeps NOT His Commandants is a lair and the truth is not in him. 1John2:3-4
Fourth you should expect to have a new found Love for other True Christians. 1John4:20 Your Spirit will bare witness with others Born of God and testify you all belong in the same family. Rom8:16 You will notice a built in sensibility to the people of God and His Love will overflow in your heart. Gal6:10
"By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God & Keep His Commandants."1Jh5:3
As Love & Obedience are inseparable Evidence of the New Birth, so Purity of Heart is imparted to every true believer in Christ. "Since you have Purified your souls in OBEYINGthe truth through the Spirit."1Pet1:22 This Purity is therefore EVIDENT in your conduct. First your 'Conscience' is cleansed from self-will & self seeking. Next the will is purified from all that is evil and last the understanding is enlightened by the Divine Light, thereby cleansing it from error.
Soul Saving Faith is Always Evident by a Humble Heart that exalts Christ as Supreme Lord, Despises Sin and walks in faithful obedience to the Truth. Faith empties a man of self-conceit, self-confidence and self-righteousness. Christ is all in all. Eph1:23 The Greatest Faith is ALWAYS accompanied by the greatest humility.
Saving faith is rooted in the heart, grows & spreads in all branches of obedience, and is filled with the fruits of righteousness. Phil1:11 Otherwise it's NOT Faith.
Another sure sign of Genuine Salvation is the fervent desire to Pray. Rom5:1, Heb4:16
The young convert has instant access to the throne of Grace and uses it to commune with God. A non-praying Christian is a contradiction in terms. If you are a New Creation in Christ, 2Cor5:17, we will Walk with Him in prayer.
Saving Faith is always accompanied by Spiritual growth. The life of a genuine Christian is not static. As an infant does not remain in infancy forever, so a new convert grows in grace quickly. 1Pet:2:2-3, 2Pet3:18
Growth assures us we belong to Him and keeps us from being blown by every wind of doctrine or the tricky of men who seek to pervert the grace of God into license to sin. Eph4:14-15, 2Pet2:19, Jude4 The young convert must beware least he fall away from Christ into the error of the wicked. 2Pet3:17
Since the REAL possibility exists of 'departing' from the faith, 1Tim1:5-6, the true believer in Christ MUST guard himself from temptation and especially 'sexual immorality!' 1Tim6:11,20-21, 1Cor6:18
Paul warned the 'believers' time and again about the danger of trifling with sin. He told them, "Let no one deceive you with empty words! Those who practice such things will not inheritthe Kingdom of God!"Eph5:5-6
What are the 'things' he said would keep you OUT of the Kingdom? Read them:
"Fornication, uncleanness, covetous, idolatry, filthiness, foolish talking coarse jesting, drunkenness, homosexuality, sorcery, hatred, selfish ambition, murder & heresies."
Eph5:3-6, Gal5:20-21
Those Born Again will have an unshakable Love of the truth. Jn8:32,14:17
In sin we loved darkness and hated light, believed a lie and hated TRUTH. The New Birth is a Total Reversal of this process. Those in Christ reject false doctrine and cast-down all arguments & high things that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing EVERY thought into captivity to the Obedience of Christ! 2Cor10:4-5
If you are still resisting the Truth of Scripture you have NOT been Born Again, you are under conviction for sin.
Saving Faith Works by Love. Gal5:6. It is dynamic not passive. Faith is the principle of life by which the True Christian lives unto God, Stays on the Narrow Pathway, on the highway of holiness and has Victory over the World, the flesh and the devil. True Faith is always rooted in Loving Obedience to Christ and bares the Fruit of righteousness. Rom6:22
Continued.....
You DO NOT possess saving Faith if you are indifferent to the sanctifying work of the Holy Spirit. If you refuse the Yoke of Obedience, you reject Christ as Lord. And He cannot be Savior if He is NOT first made LORD.Matt11:28
Another sure sign of Saving Faith is your 'worldview' will be transformed. You will no longer judge matters based solely on your understanding of right & wrong. Your reasoning will be based on God's Truth as revealed in His Word. 2Cor5:17 You will begin to compare 'Spiritual' things with 'Spiritual' things, because you are 'Taught' by the Spirit of God. 1Cor2:12-15 Your moral view of the world will have a brand new perspective and the 'hidden' things will come to light in your heart. 1Cor4:5
"He who is spiritual judges all things, yet he himself is rightly judged by on one."1Cor2:15
In your heart will be the Joyous song of Salvation. Without Joy, WHERE is freedom from sin!? Gal5:22 The new convert will Praise God for deliverance from the corrupting influence of sin. 2Pet1:4 His heart will have a deep felt appreciation for being released from bondage. "Where the Spirit of Lord is there is Liberty!" 2Cor3:17
The Condition of this saving faith remains. GOD IS NOT MOCKED! Those who sow to please the Spirit, will of the Spirit reap life everlasting. But those who sow to please the flesh will of the flesh reap corruption. Gal6:7-8
So DO NOT grow weary in well doing for the Lord, for in due season you shall reap IF you do not give up! Gal6:9
His Grace is sufficient for you "If indeed you continue in the faith, grounded and steadfast and are NOT moved away from the hope of the gospel which you heard, which was preached to every creature under heaven, of which I Paul, became a minister." Col1:23
Another Great Joys the New Believer will experience is anxiously expecting the Return of the Lord Jesus Christ. Rom8:23-25, 2Tim4:8 What more glorious expectation does the Child of God have then to SEE Jesus Face to Face! 1Cor13:9-12
So keep your lamp burning at all times and watch. Be prepared for His return! Don't be caught unaware like the five foolish virgins who allowed their lamps to run out of oil. Matt25 You have the 'lamp' of His love burning inside you. But you must Abide in his Truth to keep it burning until the end.
The Real possibility of 'falling away' made the Apostle Peter proclaim,
"MAKE YOUR CALLING & ELECTION SURE!" 2Pet1:10 "For IF you do these things, you will NEVER stumble and fall down!"
How well he knew what it meant to 'deny' his Lord. Matt27:69-75 And how fatally serious that denial was to his soul, unless he repented. Matt10:32-33
"So Examine Yourself and Prove you are in the Faith!" Said Paul 2Cor13:5
"For you have become Partakers of Christ IF you hold the beginning of your confidence steadfast to the end!" Heb3:14
Have you indeed COME to Christ?
What Evidence can you show forth that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you? Does your daily life show NO respect for His Godly example? Do you Love His Truth, Seek His Word, Hate your sin and long for His Purity? Is the Divine Nature of God at work in your soul delivering you from the corruption that is in the world through lust? If none of these are present within your heart you either 'Believed' in Vain', or 'Departed' from the faith.
The New Birth is a Miracle of God's Grace that Transforms the heart and brings YOU into compliance with His commandants. It does not happen by repeating a few words or following a formula outlined in a tract. That's why Jesus said the WAY is NARROWand FEWthere be that find it. SO STRIVE to enter, for many will try and not be able. Matt7:13-14, Luke13:24
I know this goes against the modern grain. But Truth usually does. Salvation is Total transformation of the human soul and will effect 100% of your life. If it doesn't WHO are you trying to kid? The scripture says you can be 'self deceived', James 1:22
The Way of God's Salvation is almost entirely unknown among today's evangelists. The true nature of Soul Saving Faith has been misrepresented and therefore misunderstood by multitudes of 'church' goers. The Gospel that is now being proclaimed far and wide across our great land is sadly deficient of the Divine Power to Save the Soul! It is a gospel that teaches men & women they can SIN their way into the Kingdom. NOTHING could be further from the truth.
People are told they posses the imputed righteousness of Christ when they have not ONE Shred of Obedience apparent in their lives!. The delusion is sealed by pundits of OSAS and thousands are hastening to hell as fast as time will take them convinced they are right!
I beseech you therefore to turn from your 'idols', forsake your sin and surrender your life to Christ. Seek Him until you find REAL assurance in His Soul Saving faith.
"He is the Author of Eternal Salvation to all those who OBEY Him." Heb5:9
"IF you LOVE ME, KEEP My Commandants!" John14:15
"His Name shall be called JESUS and He will Save His people FROM their sins." Matt1:21 Not IN them!
You DO NOT possess saving Faith if you are indifferent to the sanctifying work of the Holy Spirit. If you refuse the Yoke of Obedience, you reject Christ as Lord. And He cannot be Savior if He is NOT first made LORD.Matt11:28
Another sure sign of Saving Faith is your 'worldview' will be transformed. You will no longer judge matters based solely on your understanding of right & wrong. Your reasoning will be based on God's Truth as revealed in His Word. 2Cor5:17 You will begin to compare 'Spiritual' things with 'Spiritual' things, because you are 'Taught' by the Spirit of God. 1Cor2:12-15 Your moral view of the world will have a brand new perspective and the 'hidden' things will come to light in your heart. 1Cor4:5
"He who is spiritual judges all things, yet he himself is rightly judged by on one."1Cor2:15
In your heart will be the Joyous song of Salvation. Without Joy, WHERE is freedom from sin!? Gal5:22 The new convert will Praise God for deliverance from the corrupting influence of sin. 2Pet1:4 His heart will have a deep felt appreciation for being released from bondage. "Where the Spirit of Lord is there is Liberty!" 2Cor3:17
To the true believer that Liberty is NEVER License! Rom6:15
The Condition of this saving faith remains. GOD IS NOT MOCKED! Those who sow to please the Spirit, will of the Spirit reap life everlasting. But those who sow to please the flesh will of the flesh reap corruption. Gal6:7-8
So DO NOT grow weary in well doing for the Lord, for in due season you shall reap IF you do not give up! Gal6:9
His Grace is sufficient for you "If indeed you continue in the faith, grounded and steadfast and are NOT moved away from the hope of the gospel which you heard, which was preached to every creature under heaven, of which I Paul, became a minister." Col1:23
Another Great Joys the New Believer will experience is anxiously expecting the Return of the Lord Jesus Christ. Rom8:23-25, 2Tim4:8 What more glorious expectation does the Child of God have then to SEE Jesus Face to Face! 1Cor13:9-12
So keep your lamp burning at all times and watch. Be prepared for His return! Don't be caught unaware like the five foolish virgins who allowed their lamps to run out of oil. Matt25 You have the 'lamp' of His love burning inside you. But you must Abide in his Truth to keep it burning until the end.
The Real possibility of 'falling away' made the Apostle Peter proclaim,
"MAKE YOUR CALLING & ELECTION SURE!" 2Pet1:10 "For IF you do these things, you will NEVER stumble and fall down!"
How well he knew what it meant to 'deny' his Lord. Matt27:69-75 And how fatally serious that denial was to his soul, unless he repented. Matt10:32-33
"So Examine Yourself and Prove you are in the Faith!" Said Paul 2Cor13:5
"For you have become Partakers of Christ IF you hold the beginning of your confidence steadfast to the end!" Heb3:14
Have you indeed COME to Christ?
What Evidence can you show forth that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you? Does your daily life show NO respect for His Godly example? Do you Love His Truth, Seek His Word, Hate your sin and long for His Purity? Is the Divine Nature of God at work in your soul delivering you from the corruption that is in the world through lust? If none of these are present within your heart you either 'Believed' in Vain', or 'Departed' from the faith.
The New Birth is a Miracle of God's Grace that Transforms the heart and brings YOU into compliance with His commandants. It does not happen by repeating a few words or following a formula outlined in a tract. That's why Jesus said the WAY is NARROWand FEWthere be that find it. SO STRIVE to enter, for many will try and not be able. Matt7:13-14, Luke13:24
I know this goes against the modern grain. But Truth usually does. Salvation is Total transformation of the human soul and will effect 100% of your life. If it doesn't WHO are you trying to kid? The scripture says you can be 'self deceived', James 1:22
The Way of God's Salvation is almost entirely unknown among today's evangelists. The true nature of Soul Saving Faith has been misrepresented and therefore misunderstood by multitudes of 'church' goers. The Gospel that is now being proclaimed far and wide across our great land is sadly deficient of the Divine Power to Save the Soul! It is a gospel that teaches men & women they can SIN their way into the Kingdom. NOTHING could be further from the truth.
People are told they posses the imputed righteousness of Christ when they have not ONE Shred of Obedience apparent in their lives!. The delusion is sealed by pundits of OSAS and thousands are hastening to hell as fast as time will take them convinced they are right!
I beseech you therefore to turn from your 'idols', forsake your sin and surrender your life to Christ. Seek Him until you find REAL assurance in His Soul Saving faith.
"He is the Author of Eternal Salvation to all those who OBEY Him." Heb5:9
"IF you LOVE ME, KEEP My Commandants!" John14:15
"His Name shall be called JESUS and He will Save His people FROM their sins." Matt1:21 Not IN them!
What Is A Christian?
A true Christian is one who has been born again. Who has had true circumcision of heart. Who is obedient to God and His Word. Who loves their neighbor as they love themselves. Who walks in the spirit and follows not the desires of the flesh. Who produces good fruit. Who loves the Lord with all their heart, mind , and soul. Who bears witness to the lost souls of the truth in Christ Jesus. Who is not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ.
In Christ, 1Christianwarrior316
A true Christian is one who has been born again. Who has had true circumcision of heart. Who is obedient to God and His Word. Who loves their neighbor as they love themselves. Who walks in the spirit and follows not the desires of the flesh. Who produces good fruit. Who loves the Lord with all their heart, mind , and soul. Who bears witness to the lost souls of the truth in Christ Jesus. Who is not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ.
In Christ, 1Christianwarrior316
A Christian is one whose all sufficiency is in Christ Jesus alone whether it is for regeneration, justification,sanctification,hope,joy,love,peace,direction in life...He is our ALL IN ALL, Our Life
in short...
(Gal 2:20) I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.
in short...
(Gal 2:20) I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.
"And when he had found him, he brought him unto Antioch. And it came to pass, that a whole year they assembled themselves with the church, and taught much people. And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch." [Acts 11:26]
STRONGS CONCORDANCE
G5546
Χριστιανός
Christianos
khris-tee-an-os'
From G5547; a Christian, that is, follower of Christ: - Christian.
STRONGS CONCORDANCE
G5546
Χριστιανός
Christianos
khris-tee-an-os'
From G5547; a Christian, that is, follower of Christ: - Christian.