What comes to your mind when you hear the term "Christian"? The world uses this word in a number of different, contradictory ways. Unfortunately, even members of the church will betray a lack of understanding in their use of the word. Indeed, this word is one of the most misunderstood and misapplied words in the English language.
There are many passages that could be used in answering the above question, and there are many ways to approach such a study. However, in this article we will answer the question by examining each occurrence of the word in the New Testament. From the context of all three of these occurrences, we will see how inspiration identifies who is a Christian.
A Christian Is A True "Disciple"
The first occurrence of the word "Christian" is found in Acts 11:26, "…And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch." Thus, a Christian is a disciple. A "disciple" is simply a "follower of," or a "learner from" someone else. To be more precise, however, a Christian is a true disciple, for not all "disciples" are true disciples. There are many "fair weather" disciples who claim to follow Jesus, but who are not committed to Christ. For example, in John 6:1-13, Jesus miraculously fed five thousand. The multitude liked what he did and tried to make Jesus their king (Jn. 6:15). When they finally caught up to Jesus, he let them know their motives were not right, told them to "Labour not for the meat which perisheth, but for that meat which endureth unto everlasting life," and gave his great discourse on his being the "bread of life" (Jn. 6:26-52). However, when they heard the level of commitment Jesus demanded of them (i.e. "eat the flesh of the Son of man, and drink his blood," Jn. 6:53-58), "many of his disciples went back, and walked no more with him" (Jn. 6:66).
A true disciple is not one who merely follows from ulterior motives (such as for the sake of a full belly), but is one who is truly committed (cf. Lk. 6:46). From this "bread of life" incident, Peter shows true discipleship. When Jesus turned to the twelve and asked, "Will ye also go away?" (Jn. 6:67), Peter responded, "Lord, to whom shall we go? thou hast the words of eternal life. And we believe and are sure that thou art that Christ, the Son of the living God" (Jn. 6:68-69). True, Peter had his inconsistencies, but his words here capture the meaning of true discipleship. In another place, Jesus defined what being a true disciple entailed. "If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed" (Jn. 6:31). The adverb "indeed" is from alethes (alqhns), which means, "true, truthful, honest; real, genuine."1 Thus, only when one continues in God's word is he or she a true disciple! Are we Christians? Are we a true disciple of Jesus Christ, continuing in his word?
A Christian Is One Who Is "Persuaded"
The second occurrence of the word "Christian" is found in Acts 26:28, "Then Agrippa said unto Paul, Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian." Here, Agrippa did not become a Christian, but in his answer to Paul, he reveals that a Christian must be one who is truly persuaded that Jesus is the Christ. In this context, being persuaded is more than merely believing. King Agrippa believed what the prophets said about the death, resurrection, and mission of Christ (Acts 26:27 cf. Acts 26:22-23). Additionally, Agrippa was an "expert in all customs and questions which are among the Jews" (Acts 26:3). Agrippa was well informed! Yet, this high ranking government official was not persuaded enough to do God's will.
Many times being persuaded is synonymous with believing (cf. Heb. 11:6), but where there is a difference, as in Acts 26:27-28, the difference is this: being persuaded is to believe God enough to do what he says, whereas to merely believe is to acknowledge without acting upon (cf. Jas. 2:19; Mt. 8:28-29). Abraham is a great example of being persuaded. Even though his body was apparently physically incapable of reproduction (Rom. 4:18-19), he still lived his life for God as if He would provide the promised seed. Paul says, "He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God; And being fully persuaded that, what he had promised, he was able also to perform" (Rom. 4:20-21, emphasis mine, BRK). Being a Christian is impossible unless we are persuaded enough to do what the Lord says. Are we Christians?
A Christian Is One Who "Glorifies God"
The third occurrence of the word "Christian" is found in First Peter 4:16, "Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf." The means by which one glorifies God in this context is persecution. Persecution is a tremendous barometer of our Christianity. Remember the beatitudes: willingness to suffer persecution is the apex (Mt. 5:3-10). One will never be willing to suffer for righteousness' sake unless he or she is first "poor in spirit," then of a mournful disposition to sin, then "meek," then hungering and thirsting "after righteousness," then "merciful," then "pure in heart," and then a "peacemaker" (Mt. 5:3-9). When one manifests these beatitudes, one can expect persecution (Mt. 5:11-12) because one certainly will have been living a life that is glorifying to God (2 Tim. 3:12). All suffering, however, is not glorifying to God (1 Pet. 4:15), only that which is for the "name of Christ" (1 Pet. 4:14).
Simply put, to glorify God is to do what he says, to act by his authority (Col. 3:17), no matter what the consequences (Acts 5:41). Glorifying God is to be the Christian's number one goal in life. Paul says, "For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's" (1 Cor. 6:20). He says in another text, "Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God" (1 Cor. 10:31). Are we Christians? Are we glorifying God in our lives?
Are You A Christian?
Having examined the only three occurrences of the word "Christian" in the New Testament, let us consider ourselves. First, have we obeyed the gospel, being baptized for the remission of our sins and added to the Lord's body, the church (Acts 2:38-47)? Second, are we continuing to live the gospel, truly walking in "newness of life" (Rom. 6:3-4)? A true disciple would certainly follow the Lord's instructions concerning the gospel (Acts 11:26); one who is persuaded about Christ would seize the opportunity to obey and live the gospel (cf. Acts 26:28); and one who seeks to glorify God would gladly endure anything to be loyal to the Lord (1 Pet. 4:16). Are you a Christian?
Endnote
[1] Barclay M. Newman, Jr., "A Concise Greek-English Dictionary of the New Testament," in The Greek New Testament, 4th revised ed. (Stuttgart, Germany: United Bible Society, 1993) 7.This item originally appeared in The Harvester (August 2003)
