INTRODUCTORY QUESTIONS

The primary question that needs to be addressed concerns the definition of a Christian. Simply stated a Christian is a person who has trusted Jesus Christ as his Savior. The more common terms the Bible employs for a follower of Christ includes disciple, believer, or saint. The word Christian is used only three times in the New Testament.

First Used By Unbelievers
The first use of the term was by the unbelievers in the city of Antioch: Acts 11:26 And when he had found him, he brought him unto Antioch. And it came to pass, that a whole year they assembled themselves with the church, and taught much people. And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch.
The Gentiles, (non-Jews), called believers in Jesus Christians, to distinguish them from Jews.

Paul Before Agrippa
The second usage of this designation was by unbelieving King Agrippa when the Apostle Paul was attempting to convert him: Acts 26:28 Then Agrippa said unto Paul, Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian.

Simon Peter
The only time in Scripture the term was used by believers is Peter's statement: 1 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 Bible says a person becomes a Christian by placing his faith in Jesus Christ. This is known as being saved or born again.

Must Be Born Again
The Bible teaches that no one can enter the kingdom of heaven unless they are born again. John 3:3 Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.
Hence, being born again is absolutely essential to becoming a Christian.

Faith in Jesus
To become born again, a person must put their faith in Jesus as Savior. The Bible says: Romans 10:9,10 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. 10:10 For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. This requires an act of the will. John 1:12 But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: Ephesians 1:13 In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise, When a person trusts Christ as Savior they do so by their own choice.

Relationship
Becoming a Christian involves entering into a relationship with the Living God. John 17:3 And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent

Eternal Transaction
When a person trusts Christ it is forever: John 3:36 He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.

One does not become a Christian by natural birth self-determination, or self-improvement. It is by admitting we cannot reach God through our own strength. We must come to the place where we ask the Lord to forgive us our sins based upon the sacrifice of Christ. The Bible is clear on this matter—without being saved or born again a person cannot enter God's kingdom.

Why Is It Necessary To Become A Christian?

The reason we need to be born again is because we were lost in sin before believing in Christ. The Bible says the following about our condition prior to believing.

1.We Are Lost
The Scripture pictures all humanity as being lost. Matthew 18:11 For the Son of man is come to save that which was lost. 2 Corinthians 4:3 But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost:

2.We Have Been Condemned
We were condemned by God for our sins. John 3:18 He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.

3.We Are Guilty Before God
The entire world is guilty before God. Romans 3:19 Now we know that what things soever the law saith, it saith to them who are under the law: that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God.

5. We Are Spiritually Dead
A person is dead spiritually before trusting Christ: Ephesians 2:1 And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins

6.We Are Separated From God
Our sins have kept us separated from God. Ephesians 4:18 Having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart:

7.We Are Without Hope
Apart from Jesus Christ humanity has no hope: Ephesians 2:12 That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world:

The Bible says many things happen to a person when they are born again. These include the following:

1.Child Of God
At the moment of our conversion we become children of God: Galatians 3:26 For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. Before this time we were not God's children because sin had separated us from Him.

2.Has A Right Standing With God
Our relationship with God has been made right once we believe in Christ: Romans 8:1 There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. We will not have to be punished for our sins because Christ took our sins upon Himself at Calvary's cross.

3.Indwelt By The Holy Spirit
Upon believing, we receive the Spirit of God in our lives: 1 Corinthians 6:19 What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? God Himself, through the Holy Spirit, takes up residence inside of us.

4.Saint
Those who trust Christ become saints: 1 Corinthians 1:2 Unto the church of God which is at Corinth, to them that are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, with all that in every place call upon the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, both theirs and ours: The word saint is a translation of a Greek word meaning holy one. All believers in Jesus are saints even though they may not always act in a saintly manner. The Apostle Paul wrote to the church at Rome: Romans 16:2 That ye receive her in the Lord, as becometh saints, and that ye assist her in whatsoever business she hath need of you: for she hath been a succourer of many, and of myself also. There is no justification for singling out special individuals for sainthood. All believers are saints.

5.Accepted In The Beloved One
Though people in this world may reject us, we have been accepted in the sight of God. We have been accepted by God's Son, Jesus Christ. Ephesians 1:6 To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved Christ's acceptance of us in unconditional, He loves us in spite of ourselves. While the world may place conditions on their acceptance of us, God does no such thing.

6.Member Of The True Church
We are part of God's true church, made up of all who have believed in Him. 1 Corinthians 12:13 For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit. Therefore we belong to a universal group of believers who have trusted Christ as Savior.

7.Heir Of All Things
Believers are entitled to everything that God has given Jesus: Romans 8:17 And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together

8.Now Has Meaning To Life
Once a person becomes born again they now have a purpose for living. They know who they are, why they are alive, and what will happen to them when they die. The Apostle Paul realized this when he wrote: 2 Timothy 1:12 For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day.

Those who have trusted Christ as Savior have been promised the protection of God. Romans 8:28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. Although all things that happen to us are not good, the Bible says that eventually they will work together for the good.

The believer now stands before God complete—we lack nothing. Paul wrote: Colossians 2:10 And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power:

11.Have Everything We Need
Because we are complete in Christ, we have everything we need to live the Christian life. The Bible says God has given us all we need pertaining to life and godliness. 2 Peter 1:3 According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue:

Give Our Life To Christ In Service
First, our life should be given to Christ for His service. The Bible says: Romans 12:1,2 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. 12:2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. It is only reasonable or natural to give our life to Christ for the things He has done on our behalf. He has done everything for on our behalf, all He asks of us is to serve Him. This is certainly a reasonable request.

Praise, Prayer And Worship
Realizing what Christ has done on our behalf, the believer should be engaged in continual praise, prayer, and worship. The Apostle Paul encouraged the church at Thessalonica to do the following: 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 Rejoice evermore. 5:17 Pray without ceasing. 5:18 In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.

The Bible describes the position of the believer in Christ by many different analogies. The following pictures are used to describe our relationship to Christ.

1.Shepherd And Sheep
The Bible says Christ is the shepherd and we are His sheep: John 10:14 I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine. John 10:27 My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me The shepherd protects the sheep. He is the one who leads them to eat and drink and he makes sure they return safely to the sheepfold. We are the flock of Christ and He watches over and protects us.

2.Branch And Vine
Believers are likened to branches attached to a vine. Jesus said: John 15:5 I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing. A branch is part of the vine and cannot exist without it. It derives nourishment from it. We were created to produce fruit by being nourished by Him. There is no life apart from Christ.

3.Head And Body
The illustration is also given of a human body: Ephesians 1:22,23 And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church, 1:23 Which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all. The body and the head are one unit but a body cannot function without the head. As we are Christ's body we cannot function without Him.

4.Cornerstone And Building
Scripture also gives us an analogy of a building. Ephesians 2:20,21 And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone; 2:21 In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord: The cornerstone is the one stone that is essential for the building to remain standing. In like manner Christ is essential for our growth.

5.Husband And Wife
Because our relationship to Him is one of love, it is pictured as a husband and wife: Ephesians 5:31,32 For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh. 5:32 This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the church. As a husband and wife are united in marriage so are Christ and those who have believed in Him.

Summary The following analogies are used in Scripture to demonstrate the relationship between Christ and His church. 1.Shepherd and sheep 2.Branch and vine 3.Cornerstone and building 4.Head and body 5.Husband and wife These pictures, or analogies, serve to illustrate our relationship to Christ once we have become believers.

What Responsibilites Does A Christian Have?

There are several things in which all believers should participate.

1.Read The Bible
The believer should read and study the Bible. The Bible is God's Word to humanity, His communication to us. Psalm 1:1,2 Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. 1:2 But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. By reading and studying the Bible we can know what God requires of us.

2.Pray
By reading the Bible we have God talking to us prayer is our talking to God. Jesus had this to say regarding the importance of prayer: Luke 11:9,10 And I say unto you, Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you. 11:10 For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.

3.Assemble With Believers
The Bible commands believers to meet with one another. Hebrews 10:25 Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching. This is necessary so that we can draw encouragement from one another.

4.Tell Others The Good News
Finally, it is the responsibility of the believer to tell others the good news about Jesus. The Gospel according to Matthew closes with these commands of Jesus. Matthew 28:18-20 And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. 28:19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: 28:20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

One of the things that stops people from becoming a Christian is the notion that he or she will have to become religious. For most people this has negative connotations. However, Christianity is not a religion, it is a relationship with the living God.

Rituals And Rules
Religion consists of rituals and rules, do's and don'ts. However, Christianity, though it has rules to follows, is basically a relationship between humanity and the Creator. When one becomes a Christian He enters into a relationship with God through the person of Jesus Christ. Jesus said: John 17:3 And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.

Bible Condemns This Behavior
The Bible condemns in the strongest of terms a religion without any substance. Jesus had the following to say concerning the religious leaders of His day: Matthew 23:2,3, Saying, The scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses' seat: 23:3 All therefore whatsoever they bid you observe, that observe and do; but do not ye after their works: for they say, and do not. Matthew 23:27,28 Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye are like unto whited sepulchres, which indeed appear beautiful outward, but are within full of dead men's bones, and of all uncleanness. 23:28 Even so ye also outwardly appear righteous unto men, but within ye are full of hypocrisy and iniquity.

Scripture also informs us what true religion should be: James 1:27 Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world

Contrary to many misconceptions being a Christian is not mainly following a list of don'ts.

Freedom
When one becomes a Christian that person becomes free. John 8:32 And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. John 8:36 If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed. Scripture does contain negative commandments for the believer. There are reasons for this.

Protection
God gives negative commandments to protect the believer. As a parent gives negative commandments to his child our heavenly Father does the same. This is because He loves us and wants to protect us from the affects of sin.

Provision
Another reason for negative commandments is provision. God wants to provide for us and our needs. He has promised to supply all of our needs: Philippians 4:19 But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.

Why Do So Many People Have An Unattractive Picture Of Christianity?

There is an unattractive picture that many people have about Christianity. This is due to both the actions of Christians or people who call themselves Christians as well as the perception by unbelievers of what the Christian life is all about.

Tradition
All Christians denominations have their traditions. Some traditions have been elevated to the place where they are equal with Scripture. This is unfortunate because people cannot separate the human-made things from the commands of God. During the time of Jesus, the distinction between God's commandments and human-made traditions had become blurred. Jesus denounced the unbiblical traditions of His day: Matthew 15:3 But he answered and said unto them, Why do ye also transgress the commandment of God by your tradition?

Wrong Picture
Many Christians have a wrong idea of holiness. Usually it consists of a list of negative commandments. Almost always. these commandments are not found in Scripture but are rooted in someone's idea of what a Christian should be. Unfortunately, many people consider themselves righteous because of the things they do not do.

Hypocrisy
There is also the matter of hypocrisy. Examples can be found of people who profess to be believers in Christ yet their conduct is hypocritical. Jesus had very strong words for those who claimed to know Him but practiced hypocrisy: Matthew 23:13 But woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye shut up the kingdom of heaven against men: for ye neither go in yourselves, neither suffer ye them that are entering to go in.

False Believers
There is also the matter of people who claim to be Christians and do terrible things in the name of Christ. History provides us with many examples of Christians who did not live Christlike. Jesus warned us of these people. Matthew 7:15 Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.

The Apostle Paul also warned us of false prophets: 2 Corinthians 11:13 For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ.

Summary
The unattractive picture people have of Christianity is not a result of following Scripture. It is the very thing Jesus warned us about and condemned.

Sometimes Christians give the impression that they are somehow better people that non-believers. But this is not the case.

Saved By Grace
The Christian is saved by admitting that they cannot make it to heaven on their own. Ephesians 2:8,9 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: 2:9 Not of works, lest any man should boast. It has been said that the ground at the cross is level. No one gets to heaven because they are better than anyone else. We are all saved by God's grace.

Pride
Pride is the sin that caused the fall of Satan. The Bible says that God hates pride. Proverbs 6:16,17 These six things doth the LORD hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him: 6:17 A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood,
Jesus condemned the proud attitude of the religious leaders of His day that practiced their religion only to get attention. Matthew 6:5 And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.

Summary to Introductory Questions
As we have examined some of the basics about Christian living we have come to the following conclusions: A Christian is a person who has made a person decision to trust Christ as His Savior. This is done by an act of the will. It is necessary for a person to become a Christian because sin has separated humanity from God. When that decision is made, the Bible calls it being "born again." Once a person has been "born again" they receive eternal life and begin their Christian life. Living the Christian life is not merely following a set of commandments, it is a relationship with a person- Jesus Christ. The only difference between a Christian and a non-Christian is that the believer has recognized their unworthiness. They realize they cannot have a relationship with God or make it to heaven on their own merit. Hence, they call upon the Lord to save them. This does not make the person better than the non-Christian.