Today the term “Christian” is typically used to name a person who is a believer in Jesus Christ, usually in the sense of distinguishing that person from people of other religions. However, the true meaning of “Christian” is to be a follower of Christ. “Jesus said, ‘My sheep listen to my voice… and they follow me.’ ” (John 10:27)
To become a Christian, a person must first recognize he is a sinner, believe Jesus died for his sins, and give his whole life and heart to God to obey His will. (I Peter 3:18, Hebrews 10:7, Proverbs 23:10)
A few of our Lord’s instructions are as follows:
“Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.” (Matthew 16:24); “Love your enemies” (Matthew 5:44); do good deeds in secret (Matthew 6:1-4); forgive others (Matthew 6:15). “Seek first [God's] kingdom and his righteousness” and God will take care of your necessities. (Matthew 6:33)
Additionally, Christians “correctly handle(s) the word of truth” (II Timothy 2:15) and accept that “all scripture is God-breathed” (II Timothy 3:16). Christians “resist the devil” and do their best to “purify [their] hearts” (James 4:7,8).
Christians have special promises which will be fulfilled at their resurrection:
Jesus said, “If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me…" (John 14:3) “To him who overcomes, I will give the right to sit with me on my throne…” (Revelation 3:21)
Christians will be “co-heirs with Christ, if indeed [they] share in his sufferings” They will share in His glory (Romans 8:17). They know that "the creation waits in eager expectation for the sons of God to be revealed" and look forward to the time when "the creation itself will be liberated… and brought into the glorious freedom of the children of God" (Romans 8:19-21). If faithful, the consecrated Christian will reign in the resurrection, blessing those raised to life on earth. (Revelation 5:10)
No comments:
Post a Comment