Definition of Christian

[Melody]

Hi,
Forgive me if this topic has been introduced elsewhere and feel free to direct me there if so, but what is the definition of a "Christian?"  If I go searching on the net, it just says "follower of Jesus," but I was taught that a "Christian" is somewho who has accepted Jesus as their personal Savior.  Is it just semantics or is there a difference?

[MalkyEL]

The word "Christian" is used twice in the NT:

Act 26:28 Then Agrippa said unto Paul, Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian.

1Pe 4:16 Yet if [any man suffer] as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf.

It means "follower of Christ".  The Word Christ is the Greek word [Christos] for Messiah, or anointed One.  If one is truly  Christian, they not only believe in Jesus for salvation, but they strive to follow Him and love Him with all their heart, mind, soul, and strength.

The term "personal Savior" is not used in the Bible.

Shalom, MalkyEL

[Symphony]

"...if you confess with with your lips that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.

"For man believes with his heart and so is justified, and he confesses with his lips and so is saved."   Romans 10:9,10



     

(one would imply the other - if you're an "acceptor" of Jesus, then you're a follower of Him, or vice versa... )

[Evangelist]

And, it's rather difficult to accept His atonement for our sins, and to confess Him publicly without having first actually MET Him....which makes it VERY, VERY personal.  

[Expose]

Lets go straight to the Bible for the definition.

Mat 28:16 Then the eleven disciples went away into Galilee, into a mountain where Jesus had appointed them.  

 Mat 28:17 And when they saw him, they worshipped him: but some doubted.  

 Mat 28:18 And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.  

 Mat 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:  

 Mat 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.  


Christ's speech there was addressing all of his disciples (which were more than just the Apostles), all of them being Christians.

[Brother Love]

Lets go straight to the Bible for the definition.

Mat 28:16 Then the eleven disciples went away into Galilee, into a mountain where Jesus had appointed them.  

 Mat 28:17 And when they saw him, they worshipped him: but some doubted.  

 Mat 28:18 And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.  

 Mat 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:  

 Mat 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.  


Christ's speech there was addressing all of his disciples (which were more than just the Apostles), all of them being Christians.

 


Expose, you get "FOUR"Thumbs DOWN


You know NOT what you preach.

[Expose]

Oh really? Show me what I did wrong?

[Aiden]

Yes, I too am curious as to what Expose said that was faulty. I perhaps I'm reading to quickly or am too tired, but I'd still like to see BL give some good reasons. Take care.

-Aiden-