T
he word ‘Christian’ is widely used to describe those who believe or have faith in Jesus Christ. Others use the term loosely to include all who go to church; members of Church families and denominations. It could include those who claim to love and believe in God but are neither born again nor members of any Church denomination. The question: who should be addressed as a Christian and what are the criteria to identify them is bothering our world? The word Christian is not found in the Old Testament. It’s however recorded thrice in the New Testament:
.” …And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch” .[Acts of the Apostles 11:26]
“Then Agrippa said unto Paul, almost thou persuades me to be a Christian.” [Acts of the Apostles 26:28]
“Yet if any man suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf.” [1 Peter 4:16].
Simply put a Christian is the follower of Christ and the people of the Way. Interestingly, God reveals in his Word those who are called Christians. The disciples were first called Christians in Antioch because they were Christ-like. “Its name could never be improved on because it identifies believers as followers of Jesus Christ…….This should mold and shape our manner of behavior to be consistent with the way Jesus spoke and conducted Himself.” Unfortunately worldly people do not believe the bible as the Word of God. They are biblical illiterates and can not discern the things of God. However, In God’s principles for mending broken lives, Pastor Dr Jerry Falwell says, “becoming a Christian is an act of faith. Jesus Christ willingly died for our sins and calls upon us to trust Him as our personal Savior.”
For by grace are ye saved through faith; and not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: not of works, lest any man should boast. [Ephesians 2:8-9].
In spite of this free offer, millions of people live as though the death and resurrection of Christ is of no effect. The effect of the cross of Christ is irrelevant to these groups of people. Some enjoy Church going and Church activities; sit in the pews and sanctuary practicing religion, but have no personal relationship with Jesus Christ. They recognize Christ as a unique teacher of the gospel but not as the Savior of the world. Some go to Church and are still members of secret societies and Eastern religion. They are Christians only on Sunday mornings and live their own life the rest of the week. They also do what worldly people do, saying: we give to Caesar what belongs to Caesar. They want Christ but resist the power of His resurrection. Many called Christians live as enemies of the cross of Christ. They’re doomed and their fate is eternal mysteries; glory in their shame, live according to their sexual appetites and boast and pride themselves on earthly treasures. They live as if the end is here, on earth. [Philippians 3:18-19].
Little wonder, the world is confused about who should be called a Christian. They have seen Christians who go to Church on Sunday and go for armed robbery the rest of the week. They have seen Christians who molest infant sexually. They have seen gay and lesbian Christians. They have seen Christians who watch pornographic pictures and lure youngsters on the internet. The world watches with amazement members of the Church who are involved in pen robbery in high places. They have witnessed Church denominations settled out of court cases for children molestation by their ministers. The world has seen God’s people deny Christ just to belong to the world. They have met Church people at the native doctor’s shrine and they profess God in their mouth and Satan in their hearts. The world is waiting for Christians whose lives and character shall testify Christ and make impact in our world. They have heard how the early Disciples of Christ changed their world; by the way they lived, proclaimed their faith and win souls for Christ. In the light of these qualities, where are these attributes among Christians today?