Are You A Christian?
The word “Christian” was first used in Acts 11:26, which says, “...and the
disciples were called Christians first in Antioch.” There are many definitions given, and
different understandings of the word “Christian.” Many people have the idea that a
Christian is just a good moral person, or anyone who professes belief in Christ. The only
worthwhile definition is God’s definition. The word “called” in the text implies a divine
source. It means “to be divinely instructed, to receive a warning or revelation from God.”
The meaning of the word fits Isaiah 62:2, “...and thou shalt be called by a new name,
which the mouth of Jehovah shall name.”
From the text in Acts 11:19-29 we shall see God’s definition of a Christian.
1. A Christian is one who turns to the Lord. After hearing the Lord preached,
those in Antioch who “believed turned unto the Lord” (v. 21). If one has not repented of
his sins and turned to the Lord, he cannot be a Christian. Obeying the gospel also
involves being baptized for the remission of your sins (Acts 2:38, Acts 10:48).
2. A Christian is one with a supreme purpose. Verse 23 says, “...and he
exhorted them all, that with purpose of heart they would cleave to the Lord.” The
purpose of heart with a Christian is Christ. Christ is the center of the Christian’s life.
Philippians 3:14 says, “I press on toward the goal unto the prize of the high calling of
God in Christ Jesus.” The goal of the Christian is heaven, and the only way to get there
is through Christ.
3. A Christian is one who cleaves to the Lord (v. 23). A Christian is married to
the Lord. Marriage is for life, and so is becoming a faithful Christian.
4. A Christian is one who accepts his responsibility. Verse 29, says, “And the
disciples, every man according to his ability determined to send relief unto the brethren
that dwelt in Judea.” The word “ability” shows that they did what they were able to do.
Someone has said that ability plus opportunity equals responsibility. A Christian does
not shirk his responsibility.
5. A Christian is one who is in the Lord’s church. Verse 26 says, “... And it
came to pass, that even for a whole year they were gathered together with the church, and
taught much people there; and that the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch.”
Verse 24 says that “much people were added unto the Lord.” To be added to the Lord is
the same as being added to the church, because the church is the body of Christ. In order
to be a Christian one must be added to the Lord’s church, because Jesus is the savior of
the church (Eph. 5:23).
Are you a Christian according to God’s definition? If not, you must believe on
the Lord and turn to him in repentance, then you must be added to his church by being
baptized into it. (I Corinthians 12:13).
Keith Hinds