The Meaning of “Christian” in the Bible
The term “Christian” is used throughout the Bible, but its meaning may be unclear to many. The term is actually derived from the Greek word, “Christos”, which means “anointed one”. In its broadest sense, a Christian is someone who follows the teachings of Jesus Christ, but there is more to the meaning of the term than that. To understand what it means to be a Christian according to the Bible, it is important to look at the passages in which the term is used.
The earliest usage of the term “Christian” is found in Acts 11:26 when the disciples of Jesus first began to be called “Christians”. In this passage, the term is used to differentiate the followers of Jesus from other disciples. It also highlights the special relationship between Jesus and his disciples, as it implies that Christians have a special connection to Jesus that other disciples do not.
The term “Christian” is used a few times throughout the New Testament, with the most well-known passage being 1 Peter 4:16. This passage states that “if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed.” Here, the term “Christian” implies someone who is unwavering in their faith and is willing to suffer for what they believe in. As a result, being a Christian is not just about following Jesus and his teachings, it is about being willing to stand up for what is right, even when it is unpopular or uncomfortable.
The term “Christian” is also used in the book of Revelation to refer to those who are part of the Kingdom of God. In Revelation 21:12, John the Revelator writes that “those who conquer will inherit these things, and I will be their God and they will be my children.” Here, “those who conquer” refers to Christians and the phrase implies that Christians are those who persevere through trials and tribulations with their faith intact.
The term “Christian” can also be used to refer to a specific group of Christians, such as those who follow a certain denomination or sect. For example, in Acts 11:26, the disciples of Jesus were called “Christians of Antioch” to differentiate them from other groups of disciples.
The Nature of a Christian
According to the Bible, the nature of a Christian is one of humility, kindness, and faithfulness. In Philippians 2:1-2, Paul urges Christians to have “the same mind in you that was in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped.” Here, the apostle is equating the nature of a Christian with the example of humility set by Jesus, encouraging Christians to follow in his footsteps. The Bible is clear that a Christian’s nature must be indicative of Jesus’ example: compassionate, humble, and obedient.
Furthermore, the Bible teaches that a Christian should live by faith. In Hebrews 11:6, the author writes that “without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.” Here, the author is clear that a Christian’s faith should be at the heart of their being and it should affect every aspect of their life. A Christian’s faith should be a reflection of their trust in God, and it should influence the decisions they make.
Finally, a Christian should be characterized by their obedience to God’s word. In John 14:15, Jesus states that “If you love me, you will keep my commandments.” Here, Jesus is making it clear that a true Christian is one who is obedient to God’s word and follows his commands. A Christian should seek to live a life of obedience to the will of God, as this is the ultimate expression of faith in him.
The Role of a Christian
The Bible is adamant that the role of a Christian is to spread the love of God. In Matthew 28:19, Jesus states that “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the Name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.” Here, Jesus is urging his disciples to take the message of the gospel to all people, regardless of who they are. It is clear that the role of a Christian is to share the gospel of Jesus Christ with all people so that they may experience the life-changing power of the Christian faith.
The Bible also teaches that another role of a Christian is to stand up for truth and justice. In Isaiah 1:17, the Lord states “Seek justice, correct oppression; bring justice to the fatherless, plead the widow’s cause.” Here, the Lord is urging Christians to use their influence to stand up for the oppressed and the marginalized. This is an essential aspect of the Christian life, as a true Christian will take an active role in defending those who cannot defend themselves.
Finally, the Bible states that a Christian’s role is to love and serve their neighbors. In Mark 12:31, Jesus states “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” Here, Jesus makes it clear that he expects Christians to show love and compassion to those around them. It is the responsibility of a Christian to serve their neighbors and live out the example set by Christ. This is one of the most important roles of a Christian.
The Benefits of Being a Christian
The benefits of being a Christian are difficulty to fully enumerate, but they are great and far reaching. In the book of Romans, Paul writes that “…if God is for us, who can be against us?” Here, Paul is expressing the assurance that all Christians have in the Lord. No matter the struggles or challenges we face, the Lord is always with us and always for us. This assurance is one of the greatest benefits of being a Christian.
In addition, Christians are also blessed with the gift of eternal life. In John 3:16, the Scriptures state that “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” The Bible is clear that those who put their faith in Jesus Christ can look forward to living with him for eternity. This is arguably the greatest benefit of being a Christian.
Finally, Christians also have access to the power of prayer. In Ephesians 3:20, the apostle Paul states that “Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us.” Here, Paul is expressing the confidence we have in our ability to communicate with God through prayer. Prayer is a powerful tool and one of the greatest gifts that a Christian has access to.
Living a Life of Obedience
In order to follow in the footsteps of Jesus as outlined in the Bible, Christians must strive to live a life of obedience. A life of obedience means living according to the teachings of the Bible and striving to do God’s will in all circumstances. It is not an easy road, as it often takes uncomfortable and difficult decisions. But if Christians are willing to commit their lives to obedience and to serving God, they will be rewarded for their faithfulness.
The Bible outlines several areas in which Christians should strive for obedience. For example, Christians should be obedient to the commands of God, as found in the Bible. In addition, they should be obedient to the laws of the land and do their best to live in a manner that is in compliance with them. Furthermore, a Christian should strive to serve and love their neighbor, as instructed by Jesus in the Bible.
Above all, Christians should strive for obedience to God’s will. This does not mean that Christians should blindly accept whatever God wills, as God’s will is always just and good. But it does mean that, when faced with a difficult decision, Christians should seek to do what is right and what is in accordance with the Word of God. The Bible is clear that God will always reward obedience and faithfulness.
The Cross of Christ: Our Source of Hope
The cross of Christ is a powerful symbol of hope and redemption in the Christian faith. It is a reminder of Jesus’ unyielding love and of God’s redemptive power. It is a reminder that no matter what we have done or where we have been, God is always there to forgive us and to offer us a new beginning.
The Bible is filled with references to the power of the cross. In 1 Peter 2:24, the apostle Peter writes that “He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness.” Here, Peter is expressing the power of the cross to redeem us from our sins and to give us a new life in Christ. It is through the power of the cross that believers find hope and assurance.
The power of the cross is seen throughout the New Testament. In John 12:32, Jesus states “And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself.” Here, Jesus is expressing his expectation that he will be lifted up on the cross and draw people to himself through his death and resurrection. The New Testament is clear that the cross of Christ is our source of hope and redemption.
Conclusion
The term “Christian” has a range of meanings in the Bible, but at its core it refers to someone who is willing to trust and follow Jesus and accept the life-changing power of the gospel. To be a Christian requires humility, obedience, and faith. Furthermore, a Christian should take an active role in sharing the gospel, defending truth and justice, and loving and serving their neighbors. Finally, the benefits of being a Christian are immense and include assurance from God, the gift of eternal life, and the power of prayer. Christians should strive to live a life of obedience to the will of God and never forget the hope and redemption offered through the cross of Christ.
