All-the-Way a Christian versus Almost a Christian
“‘King Agrippa, believest thou the prophets? I know that thou believest.’ Then Agrippa said unto Paul, ‘Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian.’” Acts 26:27-28 (KJV)
What is a Christian? Have you ever asked yourself this question? There was a time in history that “Christian” was a nomenclature that nobody wanted as it invited the vitriol of the world. Today we live and contend with a contemptible cloak of counterfeit Christianity. Therefore it’s important to provide a litmus test for a legitimate Christian:
- Conception and an absolute abiding presence of the Holy Spirit,
- Deliberate and consistent surrender to His leadership,
- An uncompromising willingness for His purposes, and
- Genuine love and loyalty to the Lord.
It may sound like I am promoting perfection with this list. Instead of perfection, I am encouraging evidence of spiritual fruit from the personification of the Perfect One who is permanently present in our hearts and minds by the Holy Spirit thereby transforming our bodies into holy temples. Today a plethora of people identify themselves as Christian. However, I respectively submit to you that not all self-proclaimed, shining Christians radiate and reflect the real Light of the World. What does scripture say?
“And it came to pass, as he spake these things, a certain woman of the company lifted up her voice, and said unto him, ‘Blessed is the womb that bare thee, and the paps which thou hast sucked.’ But he said, ‘Yea rather, blessed are they that hear the word of God, and keep it.’” Luke 11:27-28 (KJV, emphasis mine)
“Not every one that saith unto me, ‘Lord, Lord,’shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.” Matthew 7:21-23 (KJV, emphasis mine)
“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? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's.” 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 (KJV, emphasis mine)
According to the dictionary a Christian is “a person professing belief in Jesus as the Christ or in a religion centered and dictated on the doctrine of our Lord Jesus Christ.” While this is a good initial idea, like many dictionary definitions, it falls somewhat short of really connecting the clear biblical truth of what it means to be a Christian. In the word of God the word “Christian” is employed exactly three times in the New Testament:
“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.” Acts 11:26 (KJV)
“Then Agrippa said unto Paul, ‘Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian.’” Acts 26:28 (KJV)
“Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf.” 1 Peter 4:16 (KJV)
The bottom line is that believers in the Lord Jesus Christ were first called “Christians” in Antioch because their behavior, actions, and communication were like Christ. Notice that they were not called Christians first in Rome or Jerusalem. A Christian is someone whose conduct is consistent with Christ. I encourage you to perform a personal evaluation. Are you a true Christian? Is your conduct consistent and characterized with Christ-likeness?
Join me again next week as we continue to explore the comparison between an all-the-way Christian and almost a Christian.
For the Glory of God,
PBKSR