Acts 11:26 “And in Antioch the disciples were first called Christians.”
Dear Elim Grace,
Do you believe that you are “Christian”? Do you confess to be a “Christian”? If so, what does that mean? From Acts chapter 11, into the broader book of Acts, and beyond into the New Testament, we know that:
- A Christian is one “added to the Lord” (11:24). God counts them amongst His own.
- A Christian is one “turned to the Lord” (11:21). They are repentant of sin and forgiven from the “old”.
- A Christian is one “in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.” (2 Cor. 5:17)
- A Christian is one who “persuades” others (Acts 26:28). In both word and action.
- A Christian is one who suffers for the name “Christian” (1 Pt 4:16). For their obedience and holiness (not foolishness and pride).
- A Christian is one who is not ashamed of the name (1 Pt 4:16). They are bold and courageous, loving and wise.
- A Christian is one who glorifies God in that name (1 Pt. 4:16). By worshipping Christ and being dependent on the Holy Spirit.
Furthermore, from Acts 9 (and beyond), we read that to “be filled with the Spirit” includes:
- To be a chosen instrument for the name of Christ. Set apart and holy, with the “law” and desire of God now written into your heart.
- To carry the name of Christ. Proclaiming with words the good news of salvation by grace through faith.
- To suffer for the name of Christ. Inevitably enduring the personal cost of daily taking up your cross.
- To know the worth of the name of Christ. To come into in His presence and discern what is unworthy in your heart and to treasure Him above all else.
- To receive the power of the name of Christ. To be led by the Spirit to places you cannot go without Him to do things you cannot do without Him.
If following Jesus means living like everybody else, then what does following Jesus even mean? But if following Jesus means “I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me,” it means a world of difference.