Who are the true Christians?
According to the Holy Scriptures there is only one voice that speaks the truth about Christianity, Jesus Christ. All true followers (disciples) of Jesus speak the same thing he does.All other voices that proclaim to speak for Christianity are either another gospel, another Jesus, or another spirit. Jesus said in John 14:6, "I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me."
Which brings me to my point and main comment: Who are "true Christians"? Many who are said to be Christians or call themselves Christians, or answer to the name of Christians are not "truly" Christians? Lets look to the Holy Scriptures for this most important answer for the Word of God has the answer to every question.
The Word of God says:
2 Timothy 3:16-17: "All scripture [is] given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works." | |
2 Peter 1:20-21: "Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of
any private interpretation. For the prophecy came not in old time by the
will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost." |
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." |
In order to follow Jesus Christ in His Kingdom a person MUST be born-again. Jesus said:
John 3:3: "... except a man is born-again he cannot see the kingdom of God." |
This born-again Christian now relies on the Holy Spirit to teach and guide him/her in all truth as they begin to renounce self-dependence, and selfish pursuits; they deny themselves for the Gospel sake. They actually imitate Christ, being transformed to his image in word and deeds. Jesus declared that those who do the will of His Father, which is in heaven, are His.
Mark 8:34: "And when he had called the people unto Him with his disciples also, he said unto them," Whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me." | |
Luke 9:23: "And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me." | |
Luke 14:27: "And whosoever doth not bear his cross, and come after me, cannot
be my disciple. |
"True" Christians look for a city, which hath foundations, whose builder, and maker is God. Now being fully persuaded to be a doer of the word of God we literally do what Jesus said to do.
There are many that confess to be Christians throughout history and even down to the present day that engaged in bloody wars of conquest, slavery, the Holocaust and cruel exploitation of the poor. The truth is they are not followers of the Jesus Christ of the Holy Scriptures. They are not" true" Christians they are hypocrites (pretenders) whom Jesus refers to in:
Matthew 7:21-23: "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?" |
We that are "truly" born-again are to take up our cross daily fulfill the great commission. Preach the gospel in order that some men would repent, believe and be saved from an eternal hell-fire. Be a doer of the WORDS of Jesus looking for and awaiting the new heaven and new earth. As we go forth we always keep in mind that the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us, which are saved, it is the power of God. AS Paul wrote:
1 Corinthians 1:23: "We preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumbling block, and unto the Greeks foolishness." |
2 Corinthians 11: 4: "For if he that cometh preacheth another Jesus, whom we have not preached, or if ye receive another spirit, which ye have not received, or another gospel, which ye have not accepted, ye might well bear with him." |
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