What is a Christian?

Its a good question to think about. In our family Bible study we are going through Philippians 3:1-6 tonight, and verse 3 should be of good conversation for my soul and the rest of the troops. I would have to say this is the most truth packed verse on what is a Christian.

I do find it lame how many Christians go off of their feelings when salvation is brought up. Some might even think they are born Christians because they don't remember when they said the prayer to ask Jesus into their heart and life. They are so sure of their salvation they don't even doubt it regardless of how contradictory their testimony is to the testimony the Scriptures give of what a Christian is.

Here is verse 3 from Philippians 3"

"For we are the circumcision, who worship by the Spirit of God and glory in Christ Jesus and put no confidence in the flesh" (Philippians 3:3)

Now the circumcision is talking about a spiritual circumcision. It goes right in line with Ezekiel 36:25-27 which says,

"I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you shall be clean from all your uncleannesses, and from all your idols I will cleanse you. And I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you. And I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. And I will put my Spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes and be careful to obey my rules." (Ezekiel 36:25-27)

So when Paul is talking about Christians being the circumcision, He is talking about those who have a new heart towards God, Christ Jesus, and their flesh. They no longer walk in darkness, but have been adopted into light and are now children of the King! I can't get over that thought. I belong to the Lord. I am His possession. If your in Christ, excitement and joy should be overflowing your life. Don't take your position for granted.

Here are three things that will mark the true Christian:

They see all that they would do as an act of worship. Their life is a song of praise to the Lord. It could be taking a walk, changing a diaper, taking the wife out on a date, helping your neighbor, going to church, reading your Bible, and everything you can imagine. There is a difference between going to church on Sunday and playing the part and actually living out your faith through every part of your life. It is living a full life that is pleasing to Him in all respects. Your quick to confess and repent because you know sin always gets in the way of your relationship with your King!

Because of their relationship with God the Father, they love the One He sent to redeem us from the curse, sin and death. Jesus Christ is the chosen One, and is precious in the sight of God. They know that without Christ's work on the cross there is no way we would love God. Jesus Christ is the reason why I can love God and walk worthy of His calling for me. The gospel is the glory and power of Jesus Christ. Without Christ's work on the cross life would be pointless and sin would overtake all and leave us with no hope for a better world or life. How amazing that God has something better for His chosen, and that starts with Jesus Christ. He is better then everything. He is the Way, the Truth and the Life.

And then because of Who God is and what He has done for us through His Son, Jesus Christ, we understand that there is nothing worthy in us. In and of myself I have nothing to offer God. If I stand before Him I will only merit hell. It is only because of what Jesus Christ has done on the cross that I am able to have confidence in standing before God Almighty. Why mankind thinks of themselves as something special that brings so much to God is stupid in and of itself. Think about who God is and what Scripture says about Him and then tell me how you think that a fallen sinner is able to stand before Him. If you disagree then go ahead and trust in yourself. Many do and its sad how many "good people" will be in hell. There is only one hope for man. There is only one path for man. If you don't put your faith and trust in Jesus Christ then you have no hope in this life or the next. Life will be double miserable.

So ask yourself what is a Christian?
What does your life say your trusting in?
Is your life a song of praise to the King?