Who determines who is a Christian and who is not a Christian? Because one does good works, does that make him or her a “Christian?” Atheists do good works. Does joining a church make one a Christian? God is the only one who can determine who is a Christian and who is not.
Luke records insight into answering the question, “Who is a Christian?” He wrote, “The disciples were first called Christians in Antioch” (Acts 11:26). The word “called” is a special Greek word and every time that word is used God does the calling. God is the one who first used the term “Christian.” He gave that special word to those who were disciples. How does one become a disciple?
Jesus said, “If you continue in My word, then you are truly disciples of Mine” (John 8:31). Jesus also said, “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit” (Matthew 28:19). The apostle Peter those who wanted to become a Christian what they had to do. “Repent, and each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ, for the forgiveness of your sins; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit,” (Acts 2:38). A true Christian is one who has been baptized in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit for the forgiveness of his or her sins and abides in the word of Jesus.
Are you a Christian by the authority of Christ or have you taken that name in some other way? If you did not become a New Testament Christ, please contact us and we will help you become one.
Wayne Burger
Mercedes Drive church of Christ 