We Are Christians
Throughout the world, there are many claiming to be Christians. This is because of a misunderstanding of what a Christian is, and how one becomes a child of God. Various denominations declare several different ways in which one is entitled to wear this most honored name. A perusal of a dictionary to determine what a Christian is, or how to become one is futile. There, one finds only the “generally accepted” definition or meaning of the term. The adjective form of the word is: relating to or professing Christianity or its teachings. As a noun, we find: a person who has received Christian baptism or is a believer in Christianity. These are quite misleading as the terminology of many “self- described”, so-called Christians bears out. Many of these claim to be a "born-again Christian". One who is a Christian is “born again”.
We know this to be a reference to John 3:3 as Jesus expressed the soon to be revealed plan of God for Salvation. Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. Nicodemus didn’t understand it then, and many fail to do, even today. This is most apparent when some claim to be Christians and are still looking for a future kingdom. Didn’t Jesus Himself say that the Kingdom was imminent in Matthew 4:17? From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.
We also know that the kingdom has indeed arrived, as Colossians 1:13 shows that those who had been “born again” were in the kingdom. Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son: Acts 2:47b also tells us where God placed these “born again” people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved. This has to mean that those who are “translated into the kingdom” are in the church. So, when one is “born again” he/she, is added to the church for which Christ died, and are become citizens in the kingdom of God.
The question that must be answered is “how” is this accomplished. We read in 1Peter 1:23 what produces a Christian. Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever. Only when one follows the Word of God, and does what is directed can one be “born again”. Perhaps this is what was on the mind of my wife’s father, many years ago when he wrote the song below. In it, he properly warns that the present is the time to obey the gospel, as well in song format, lays out God’s plan for saving the soul of man.
We Are Christians
We are Christians, and there is just one reason,
It is because we have obeyed God’s Word.
No more or less, can guarantee finesse,
When the final verdict has been heard.
No need to ponder about that home up yonder,
Unless you’re sure you’re on the narrow way.
So, open up God’s Book, and do more than take a look.
Be sure that you are saved today.
Do not delay. This is the day, to make things right with God.
Believe in Christ, repent of sins, forsake the way you’ve trod.
And with the mouth confess the truth that Jesus Christ is Lord.
And be baptized, remit your sins according to His Word.
He’ll make you whole, and save your soul,
And you can sing this song.
We are Christians, and there is just one reason,
It is because we have obeyed God’s Word.
No more or less, can guarantee finesse,
When the final verdict has been heard.
No need to ponder about that home up yonder,
Unless you’re sure you’re on the narrow way.
So, open up God’s Book, and do more than take a look.
Be sure that you are saved today.
O.D. Wilson – deceased
We are told in John 1:12 that those who “receive” the Lord are given the “power” to become sons of God (be born of God). But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: Then in Romans 1:16 we read what that “power” is. For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. Will you not obey the gospel today? You can be a child of God, be a part of the kingdom, and a member of the church for which Christ died and a soldier of the cross. All these terms mean the same thing.
If you’ve not done these things, you’re not “born again”, and have not become a Christian. Let us help you become as God desires you to be. Let us show you in Gods’ Word what He says to do. Don’t gamble your soul’s eternity, you’ll lose.
Dennis Strickland – Mooresville church of Christ
