One of the questions sure to draw a wide range of impassioned opinions is this one: What exactly is a "Christian"?
Determining who is or is not a "Christian" requires that one first define the term "Christian."
So, what is Christianity?
According to Adherents.com, over 2 billion people worldwide identify themselves with Christianity, making it the most dominant religion in the world. That number, however, comprises a wide array of self-described “Christians” from Pope Benedict XVI to Billy Graham and from Jesse Jackson to Pat Robertson.
The best way to define “Christianity” is to look to the historical-grammatical character of the word itself. It originates from the first century offshoot of Judaism – an offshoot that centered on (and still centers on) the first century teacher named Jesus of Nazareth – otherwise known as Jesus “the Christ.”
The word “Christ” literally means “Anointed One,” and Christians universally believe that Jesus was (and, in fact, is) the “Anointed One.” The central point of Christianity is that Jesus of Nazareth is “the Christ.”
And who are the "Christians"?
According to the New Testament book of Acts, the followers of Jesus were first called “Christians” in Antioch, an ancient city located on the left bank of the Orontes River in what is now Antakya in southern Turkey.
Followers of Jesus Christ quickly spread throughout the Greco-Roman world and beyond, founding churches and changing social orders in their wake. Their doctrines were informed by the teachings and prolific writings of Jesus’ apostles, a group of men personally chosen by Jesus to take his message into the world. Many of their writings became part of the New Testament Scriptures in our Bible today.
It therefore is logical to carry this over to today, and state that a “Christian” today would likewise embrace the belief that Jesus is the Christ, the Anointed One of God. What’s more, it’s logical to assume that a Christian today would line up with the same basic theology of those first called “Christians” in the book of Acts.
Therefore, a “Christian” (whether first century or twenty-first century) is best understood as one who professes a belief in Jesus as the Christ, the Son of God, and who has staked his or her entire life on that belief.
Evangelicals emphasize that becoming a true Christian requires a sincere, heartfelt decision to trust and accept Christ as one’s Savior. Going to church, reading the Bible, trying to pray, and doing good works are not enough. These things are simply the result of being a good Christian, but not the cause of it.
As one anonymous quote puts it: ““Faith makes a Christian. Life proves a Christian. Trial confirms a Christian. Death crowns a Christian.”
**The above article is written by the author from an evangelical perspective. Contrary or additional feedback is more than welcome in the discussion area.
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