F.E. Marsh :: 485. What is a Christian?

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WHAT is a Christian? Many are the answers that have been given to the above question. The servant girl’s definition of Christians was very far out, who, when asked what Christians were, replied, “People that go to church and chapel, that talk about religion, and take the parson home to tea.” That was her idea of a Christian, which, doubtless, she had gathered from the professing Christians with whom she had come in contact, but we need hardly say that this is not the Scriptural definition of a Christian.

“Christian names are everywhere;
Christian men are very rare.”

The little girl was nearer the mark when she said, “A Christian is a born-again person;” for to be born again, is to be—

Saved by the grace of God. “By grace are ye saved through faith” (Ephesians 2:8).

Sanctified in the Person of Christ. “Church of God…to them that are sanctified in Christ Jesus” (1 Corinthians 1:2).

Sealed with the Holy Spirit. “Grieve not the Holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption” (Ephesians 4:30).

Shining for the Lord Jesus. “Ye are the light of the world” (Matthew 5:14).

Serving with the Lord. “We are labourers together with God” (1 Corinthians 3:9).

Slaves of the Lord. “Ye are not your own, for ye are bought with a price” (1 Corinthians 6:19-20).

Surrendering to the Lord. “To whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are” (Romans 6:16). Note that in the Scriptures the word “are” occurs against each point, and, if they are carefully looked at, we shall find that a past definite act, a present fact, and a continuous consequence are referred to. What is a Christian? One has said, in defining a Christian, that he is—

“In faith, a believer in Christ.

  In relationship, a child of God.

  In character, a saint.

  In influence, a light.

  In communion, a friend.

  In conflict, a soldier.

  In experience, a pilgrim.

  In expectation, an heir.”