“Who do you say that I am?” (Matthew 16:15). This potent question, posed by Jesus Christ to his disciples, still echoes today, a clarion call for introspection. But how does one align with the title ‘Christian’ in the hustle and bustle of the 21st century? And what, exactly, does it entail?
The Royal Privilege of Bearing the Name ‘Christian’
Being identified with Christ is no trivial matter. In the Book of Revelation, martyrs were ready to lay down their lives for this identity (Rev. 2:1-6). Your ‘Christian’ label is a testament to a profound relationship with Christ (Acts 11:26), shaping your attitudes (Acts 24:14, 21-23) and binding you in service to God (1 Cor. 1:17-19). It’s far more than just a name – it’s a beacon of faith, hope, and love.
But, Are You Qualified to be a Christian?
Here’s the rub: there’s more to being a Christian than merely professing faith. First, you must embrace Jesus Christ as your personal Saviour, just like the man from Ethiopia did (Acts 8:37-40) and Paul, whose conversion still inspires millions (1 Tim. 1:15; Gal. 2:20; Phil. 1:20).
Second, confessing the Lord Jesus is crucial in Word and deed (1 John 4:1-3; Rom. 10:10). It’s about action, not just words. Becoming a loyal disciple of the Lord Jesus also implies bearing our cross (Matt. 10:38; Luke 14:27) and self-denial (Matt. 16:24; Mark 14:31).
And finally, following the teachings of Christ – “Why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?” (Luke 6:46) – is the heart of being a Bible Christian. It’s about practice, not just preaching.
The Blessings of Being a Bible Christian
So, what’s the payoff? You might ask, “Why should I undertake this journey of self-denial and cross-bearing?” Well, the answer is both profound and beautiful.
Becoming a Bible Christian brings the believer to complete salvation from sin (Matt. 1:21; Rom. 8:1, 31-33). It makes us fellow heirs with Christ (2 Pet. 1:2-7; Eph. 1:22, 23), promising eternal victory over Satan (Rom. 16:20; Ezek. 28:18), sin, and death (1 Cor. 15:26; 50-58; Heb. 2:14-16). It assures us of resurrection (Luke 14:14), immortality (John 3:16; 1 John 5:10-12; Rom. 6:23), and the gift of the Holy Ghost (Acts 2:37-39; 19:1-3).
The Time for Action is Now
So, why hesitate? There’s no time to embrace the call to be a Christian fully. If you’re waiting to be “strong enough” to be a Christian, remember, “without me ye can do nothing” (John 15:5). If you think it’s “too hard”, remember Christ’s words: “My yoke is easy, and my burden is light” (Matt. 11:30). And if the hypocrisy of others is holding you back, consider Christ’s teaching: “Why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother’s eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye?” (Matt. 7:1-4).
Now that we have agitated the problem, the question is, “What is the solution?” The solution is transformation – to let the life and teachings of Jesus Christ permeate every aspect of your life. It requires moving past excuses, tearing down walls of procrastination, and embracing Christ wholeheartedly. As we’re reminded in Hebrews 3:15, “Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts.” Let’s seize the day. Let’s initiate that transformation now.
Conclusion: Be the Change
Remember, becoming a Bible Christian is more than a mere title. It’s a transformative journey. A journey that transcends the earthly realm and aligns you with the divine. It’s not about faith alone; it’s about faith in action. It’s not just about reading the Word; it’s about living the Word.
So, are you ready to embark on this journey? Are you prepared to become a Bible Christian, not in name alone but in action and truth? The time for action is now. The time for transformation is now. Let’s embrace the call to be a Bible Christian today.
What about you? Are you ready to step up and embrace the transformation? To move from being a Christian in name to being a Christian? Remember, it’s not the hearers of the Word who are justified, but the doers (Rom. 2:13). It’s time to do. Time to act. Time to be the change you want to see.
You’re at the crossroads of a life-changing decision. Choose wisely, my friend. The decision you make today will not only impact your life but can change the world. Let’s make that leap of faith and do it now.
“And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith.” (Hebrews 12:1b-2a)
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