What Is a True Christian?
What does it take to be a Christian? According to the Bible, there is much more to being a true follower of Jesus Christ than most people realize. How does God's Word define a true Christian?
The term "Christian" is widely used to describe those who believe in Jesus Christ. However, there are many differing ideas as to just what this term means. Believers in Christ are generally anxious to be considered true Christians—but just what is a genuine follower of Jesus Christ? Is there any way to know for sure?
The Bible uses the word Christian only three times (Acts 11:26; 26:28; 1 Peter 4:16). However, various aspects of Christianity are mentioned abundantly. For example, the apostle Paul stated that we should imitate him just as he imitated Christ (1 Corinthians 11:1). This is a major step in defining a true Christian, but there is more.
Called, chosen and faithful
The Bible gives us additional details. For instance, an individual must be called by God to be considered a Christian. In the parable of the wedding feast, our Savior stated that "many are called, but few are chosen" (Matthew 22:14). The calling has to do with an invitation. Many are invited, but only some answer the call.
What is this calling from, and what is it a calling to? It is a calling "out of darkness into [God's] marvelous light" (1 Peter 2:9). God calls whom He will out of the spiritual darkness and deceit that smothers this world and reveals to them His wondrous truth. That calling entails an understanding of that precious truth. If we obediently respond to that calling and come out of spiritual darkness, we are also among the chosen (same verse).
Then, if we remain faithful, we can claim the promise that we will join the King of Kings in the family of God (Revelation 17:14). As this verse explains, to be eligible to receive that promise we must be "called, chosen, and faithful."
But what kind of people does God call? "For you see your calling, brethren, that not many wise according to the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called. But God has chosen the foolish things of the world to put to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to put to shame the things which are mighty" (1 Corinthians 1:26-27; compare Matthew 11:25-26).
Jesus emphasized that tax collectors and harlots would enter the Kingdom of God before those who were often perceived as being righteous in His day. Typically, those looked on as righteous were in reality self-righteous. On the other hand, those of low standing are more likely to see their inadequacy and their need to repent of their sins. Generally speaking, they also will be more inclined to appreciate the forgiveness made possible through Jesus' sacrifice (Matthew 21:23, 31-32).
Therefore, God most often calls people who don't view themselves as high and mighty but who instead see problems in themselves. They are more humble and teachable because they can more readily recognize and acknowledge their human weaknesses. They are people who have made mistakes and know it.
That is part of the reason God chooses "not many wise, not many noble," but rather those that the world often views as foolish and weak. They more readily see their need for God's help. On the other hand, those who see themselves as powerful and self-sufficient usually fail to see a need for God or His help.
Posted By: DAVID JOHNSON
Monday, August 16th 2010 at 10:01PM
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