How Devoted Must A Christian Be?

by Joel Hendon⁽¹⁷⁸⁾ Red Star

In order to intelligently answer the title question, we have to analyze the term as it was first used and the changes that have evolved to in the minds of men. The suffix of ian, an or simply n, attached to various proper names normally means “one who is a part of” or “a follower of”, etc. Christian when used as a noun, has the following meanings according to Answers.com:

1. One who professes belief in Jesus as Christ or follows the religion based on the life and teachings of Jesus.

2. One who lives according to the teachings of Jesus.

A scripture written by the prophet Isaiah foretells of the children of God who would be given a new name: “And the Gentiles shall see thy righteousness, and all kings thy glory: and thou shalt be called by a new name, which the mouth of the LORD shall name.” (Isaiah 62:2)

Then, after the Lord had come, died and arisen, and His church (kingdom) was established as described in the second chapter of Acts, we find that it flourished and congregations were established in various locations. We find the following statement: “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)

From this statement we can determine that the name refers to those who follow Jesus and pattern their lives by Him. But there are many scriptures which place obligations upon those who are Christians. The first definition from Answers.com above, leaves much to be desired concerning the name. Simply professing belief in Jesus as Christ does not make a Christian as described in the New Testament.

To be pleasing to God and thereby be a true Christian, one must be as the second definition defines one. “One who lives according to the teachings of Jesus.” This concept is taught over and over throughout the New Testament.

I once knew a gentleman who had been baptized as a baby. He was assured by his parents that he had nothing further to worry about, that there was no way he could miss having a home in heaven after death. He was an honest man and a had good morals. But he never made any effort to know or do the things required of those who follow Jesus. He never attended any worship services, never did anything whatsoever which would glorify God through his deeds.

Unfortunately, the bible does not justify anyone under those circumstances. There are many scriptures which point out that we must obey, to the best of our ability, the teachings of Jesus and His inspired writers. All of them.

Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf. For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God? And if the righteous scarcely be saved, where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear? Wherefore let them that suffer according to the will of God commit the keeping of their souls to him in well doing, as unto a faithful Creator. (1 Peter 4:16-19)

For the administration of this service not only supplies the needs of the saints, but also is abounding through many thanksgivings to God, while, through the proof of this ministry, they glorify God for the obedience of your confession to the gospel of Christ, and for your liberal sharing with them and all men, (2 Corinthians 9:12-13)

Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. (2 Timothy 2:15)

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. (Hebrews 10:25)

The first century Christians as depicted in the Holy Bible left us great examples as to how to conduct our lives to be true Christians. They devoted their lives to obedience to the faith they had in Jesus Christ. They did not choose to obey this item or that item and leave the others off. They strove to follow all the teachings of Jesus, even unto giving their lives before they would denounce him. How do we stack up to dedication like that. I fear that many of us will be saddened to hear the words of Jesus as He promises:

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)

Rather, let us all diligently devote our lives to Christ with the same intent as Jesus Himself when He said: I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work. (John 9:4)

Article submitted Wednesday, August 19, 2009 & read 140 times.

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