Upon hearing the apostle Paul preach the gospel, king Agrippa, being an “expert
in all customs and questions which are among the Jews” (Acts 26.2), was forced
to conclude with Paul that Christianity was of God, though he was not personally
ready to live the Christian life. He said, “Almost thou persuadest me to be a
Christian” (Acts 26.28). Peter said, “Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him
not be ashamed, but let him glorify God on this behalf” (I Pet. 4.16). What does it
mean to be a “Christian”?
The word “Christian” is translated from the Greek word, Χριστιανός
(Christianos). It was, according to W.E. Vine, “a word formed after the Roman
style, signifying an adherent of Jesus” . It is therefore used to refer to those who
are true followers of Christ.
Some allege that the name Christian was merely a term of reproach given by the
Gentile heathens, which the disciples of Christ never assumed for themselves.
However, this allegation is not correct. God, through the prophet Isaiah,
prophesied, “And the Gentiles shall see thy righteousness, and all kings thy glory,
and thou shalt be called by a new name, which the mouth of Jehovah shall name”
(Isa. 62.2). Notice at least three main facts considered in this ancient oracle. 1)
The people of Zion would be called by a new name. 2) This would occur when the
Gentiles would see the righteousness of Zion. 3) The new name that would be
attached to spiritual Zion would not be human in derivation, but the Lord would
be the One from whom it would originate. It is not without significance that, after
the Gentiles had first heard and obeyed the gospel (Acts 10), thus being brought
into citizenship in spiritual Zion or church of Jesus Christ, the disciples of Christ
were first called Christians in Antioch (Acts 11.26). The word “called,” in this
context, indicates that the name was a divine proclamation. This connects
perfectly with Isaiah’s prophecy. Accordingly, it was God who gave the name, and
it was God who, through James, regarded it as a “worthy name” (James 2.7) – not
merely a name of reproach given by the Gentile heathens.
Since Christians are “followers of Christ,” it follows that only those who actually
follow Him, keeping His commandments (cf. Jn. 14.15, 21; 15.8; Heb. 5.9), are
truly Christians. Therefore, based upon the Scriptures, a Christian is one who has
heard the Word of God (Rom. 10.17), believed that Word (Heb. 11.6), resolved to
repent of past sins and serve God in righteousness (Lk. 13.3), confessed Jesus as
Lord (Rom. 10.9-10; Acts 8.37), and has been baptized into Christ and His church
for the remission of sins (Gal. 3.26, I Cor. 12.13; Acts 2.38; I Pet. 3.21). He has
been born again (Jn. 3.3-5). He is a member of the church of Christ, being
sanctified, called, and made a saint in Christ Jesus (cf. Rom. 16.16; Acts 2.47; I
Cor. 1.1-2). The Christian, though he may occasionally sin, will nevertheless be
“Christ-like” in his teaching and life. He will walk in the light as Christ is in the
light (I Jn. 7).
Are you a Christian? Have you submitted to heaven’s terms of salvation? Have
you been baptized into His church for the remission of your sins?
