In a world of religious confusion, the meanings of important concepts are often obscured or distorted. Someone has said, "The Bible is its own best dictionary." Everyone needs a clear working definition of the sacred term Christian. The suffix "ian" attached to the name of Christ describes those who belong to, or resemble Christ in their lives.
To be Christians, we must be believers. Jesus said that except we believe in him as God's son, we cannot be saved (John 8:24).
Christians are confessors. They gladly confess before men that they believe in and follow Jesus (Romans 10:9). No matter the consequences, they refuse to deny their Lord (Revelation 12:11)
To be Christians we must be penitents (Romans 2:4). Penitents are people who are sorry for their sin. They are engaged in a continuing effort to be rid of it and become better persons.
Christians are twice-born persons. All are born of the flesh, i.e., from their mothers, but only Christians are "born again...born of water and the Spirit" (John 3:3-5).
Christians are children in God's family. We "are all the children of God by faith in Christ..." (Galatians 3:26). God is our Father and we are all brethren (Matthew 23:8).
"The disciples were called Christians" (Acts 11:26). A disciple is a follower or a student of Jesus.
Christ referred to his followers as servants (Mark 10:44). We serve our God and Christ. We also serve our fellowman as well.
Christians are workers in the cause of Christ. "We are workers together with (God)" (2 Corinthians 6:1). We work, not to earn or pay for our salvation, but from love and gratitude to Christ.
Christians are soldiers in the army of Christ. We must be prepared to "suffer hardship...as good soldier(s) of Christ..." (2 Timothy 2:3). There is an unending war between truth and error, right and wrong. This is a spiritual war and Christ's people must fight the good fight of the faith (1 Tim. 6:12).
To wear the precious name of Christ is a privilege worth more than silver and gold. If you do not enjoy this privilege, C
