~ Attributes Of Being A Christian ~ 3 Of 8 Pages ~

“…And the disciples were first called Christians in Antioch.” (Acts 11:26, NKJV)

The word “Christian” is a derivative of the title Christ, meaning to be Christ-like. “Christian” as a name actually means “one who belongs to Christ” or “follower of Christ” (Strong’s #5546). Originally the word was used to show contempt against the Believers and new converts at Antioch, given by pagans in Acts 11. Since the apostles and others began to preach the gospel beyond the Jewish area, and because of the conversion of gentiles they were no longer considered part of the Jewish sect. There are only three places in the entire Bible where the name Christian appears: Acts 11:26; Acts 26:28 and 1^st Peter 4:16.

In spite of what many may believe there is only one kind of Christian, and that is a born again one. Jesus told Nicodemus in John 3:3 that unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. Being “born again” is to be regenerated or made anew; “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new,” 2^nd Corinthians 5:17 (NKJV). In Greek, the term “regeneration” literally means “being born again:” experiencing a spiritual rebirth (Strong’s #3824). Jesus continues to explain to Nicodemus in verses 5 and 6 that one must be born of the water and the Spirit; and that which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. To be born of the water is to be baptized by water. Water is symbolic for the Holy Spirit and is also for the Word of God. Jesus said that if we believe in Him as the Scripture has said, out of our bellies [hearts] will flow

rivers of living water (the Word of God and the Holy Spirit) (John 7:38). Receiving water baptism is an open expression of one’s belief in Jesus Christ. Baptism in the Greek means to dip, immerse or submerge (Strong’s #907, #911). Regeneration for a Christian is impartation of spiritual life from God to those who trust Christ; thus being “born of the Spirit.” Without the spiritual birth, it is impossible to see spiritual things, therefore being impossible for one to enter into the kingdom of God.

First John 3:8-10 clearly explains what a Christian is; it states, “He who sins is of the devil, for the devil has sinned from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that He might destroy the works of the devil. Whoever has been born of God does not sin, because he has been born of God. In this the children of God and the children of the devil are manifest: Whoever does not practice righteousness is not of God, nor is he who does not love his brother.” A Christian is a person who practices righteousness. When we sin, even as Christians, we are separated from God. It is only through our relationship with Jesus Christ do we have access to the Father. When we received Jesus Christ into our hearts, He redeemed us from sin and death and reconciled us to the Father, as explained in Romans 5:1-11. Christian’s acceptance of Jesus Christ is also known as receiving “salvation.” The Apostle Paul says in Romans 1:16 that he is not ashamed of the gospel of Christ for it is the power of God to “salvation” for everyone who believes: salvation meaning deliverance from past, present and future sin.

Revealed in Romans 10, we see in verses 9 through 13 the basic steps of receiving salvation or becoming born again. In verse 9 the Bible declares that we must confess with

our mouths the Lord Jesus and believe in our hearts that God raised Him from the dead, then we will be saved. Every Christian knows (at least mature ones) that salvation is a process. The Bible tells us that we must work out our own salvation with fear and trembling, according to Philippians 2:12. This does not mean we are to work for our salvation, but to allow God to work through us. The change begins to take place upon receiving the Lord Jesus Christ, but without proper spiritual guidance and total regeneration, a new convert can return back to his/her old ways, in a backslidden state.

Before I move on to the next section of this chapter, permit me very briefly to go over the procedures of receiving salvation. A person must first admit that s/he is a sinner. They must sincerely confess to God that they have sinned (1^st John 1:9) and fallen short (Romans 3:23). Repentance must take place, which is purposing in the heart to turn away from sin. Then believing that Jesus Christ died on the cross and that God raised Him from the dead reveals your acceptance. Finally, your willingness to receive God’s Word, join a ministry, tell others about what you have experienced and fellowship with other Christians, displays the receiving of salvation. This is what a Christian is.

In a personal evaluation, see how your life as a Christian line up with the Word of God, as we explore the attributes of being a Christian. Some of the attributes of a Christian can be found in Romans 12:9-21. The Word of God declares that a Christian loves freely and without hypocrisy. He loves his neighbor and even his enemy with

brotherly kindness. In a willful act, a Christian gives food and drink to those who may hunger or thirst, without reservation. They are very dedicated in meeting the needs of other Christians and hospitable to strangers. It is common for the Christian to honor others above himself. A Christian serves the Lord with diligence and fervency, always rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation and faithful in prayer. He blesses those who persecute him and never curses. The Christian is so tenderhearted that he rejoices with others and weeps with those who mourn. A Christian is a humble and harmonious creature, who is not prideful or conceited. Although a Christian loves everyone, he hates that which is evil and adhered to that which is good. He never repays evil for evil and set to live peaceably with all mankind. He is not revengeful, but rest in the assurance that God avenges.

There are numerous scriptures throughout the Bible that offer other attributes of a Christian. In exploring some of the others, continue to compare the Scriptures’ list of attributes with your own characteristics. You will discover where you fall short in being the Christian God has called you to be. Through studying these Scriptures, you will learn how you can improve your walk with the Lord, enhance your relationships with others and be all you can be in Christendom.

A Christian does not waver in faith, for in James 1:8 states that a double minded man is unstable in all of his ways. He is faithful to the principles of God and committed to his beliefs. There is an understanding that various trials come to strengthen his faith, which also produces patience (James 1:2-4). For he knows, faith without works is dead

(James 2:17) and without faith it is impossible to please God (Hebrew 11:6). Christians are full of wisdom, for they know God gives it liberally to those who ask (James 1:5) and to those who are good in His sight (Ecclesiastes 2:26). Wisdom teaches him how to be swift to hear, slow to speak and slow to wrath (James 1:19) and how to endure temptation (James 1:12). He is a doer of the Word of God and not just a hearer. He remembers all that he has heard and applies it to his own life. Because of this, he is blessed in what he does (James 1:22-25).

Voluntary submission to a spouse, to authority and to God is preeminent in the life of a Christian. They show reverence to those in leadership and esteem those over them (1^st Thessalonians 5:13). They give honor and respect to their parents and their elders. They do not provoke their children to wrath, but bring them in the training and admonition of the Lord. (Ephesians 5:22 - 6:4). Christians are not men-pleasers, but God-pleasers. It is their sincere desire to do the will of God (Ephesians 6:5-6). Obedience is an absolute with the Christian, for he is aware that it will bring him prosperity (Isaiah 1:19; Deuteronomy 28:1-14).

It is the characteristic of Christian to present himself as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable unto God for he knows that this is his reasonable service (Romans 12:1). He does not practice sexual immorality; render lewdness, idolatry, sorcery (astrology, horoscope and fortune telling), contention, hatred, jealousies, heresies, selfish ambitions, envy, drunkenness (alcohol or drugs) or murders (Galatians 5:19-21). “For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you should abstain from sexual immorality; that each of

you should know how to possess his own vessel in sanctification and honor, not passion of lust, like the Gentiles [heathen] who do not know God…For God did not call us to uncleanness, but holiness. Therefore he who rejects this does not reject man, but God, who has also given us His Holy Spirit” (1^st Thessalonians 4:3-8).

The Christian lives life according to the fruit of the Spirit found in Galatians 5:22-23 and they walk after the Spirit and not according to the flesh. They are spiritual minded (Romans 8:4-6) and mortify the deeds of the flesh (Romans 8:13). Perfect peace is always with them because they keep their minds stay on the Lord (Isaiah 26:3). “…Aspire to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you, that you may walk properly toward those who are outside, and that you may lack nothing” (1^st Thessalonians 4:11-12).

Finally, Christians are not lovers of the world, nor the things of the world (1^st John 2:15). They are hated foes of Satan, because of their testimony of Jesus Christ (Revelation 12:17), but beloved friends of Jesus Christ for they keep His commandments (John 15:14). It is my prayer that you may succeed in living up to the attributes of a Christian. If you have compared yourself with this list and fell short; do not worry, ask God for forgiveness and strive to do better. Pray and ask the Father to deliver you from those things that are contrary to His word and teach you how to achieve those characteristics you lack. Remember, Jesus said, “If you ask anything in my name, I will do it” (John 14:14).

“But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a peculiar people:

that ye should show forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into

First and foremost, a Christian must recognize that s/he was predestinated in Christ before the foundations of the world. The Lord tells Jeremiah in verse 1:5 that He knew him before he was formed in the belly. This indicates that at least our souls existed with God in the beginning, which also means that our souls will exist in the end. According to Isaiah 46:10, God knows the end at the beginning, in fact He “declared the end from the beginning.” The Apostle Paul informs us that God predestined every Believer to be conformed to the image of Christ in Romans 8:29. God also reveals in Ephesians 1 that He chose and predestined us, Christ redeemed us and the Holy Spirit sealed us, making us total and complete in our calling, with an inheritance. Paul continues that we were not only predestined but we were also called, justified and glorified (Romans 8:30).

Let us examine our call to ministry and the expectation of the Christian, uncovered in 2^nd Peter 1:3-11. In this Second Epistle of Peter, he gives precise instructions to making one’s calling and election sure so s/he will never fall (v.10). There are seven things Peter asserts must be added to one’s faith, recognizing primarily that one must have faith first. Faith is the root of the Christians life and without faith it is impossible to please God. If these seven things are demonstrated in a Christian according to verse 8 they will achieve prolific knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ, which provides a well-rounded fruitful life as a Christian. First, one must add virtue to his faith. Although

virtue in a pure sense is difficult to be attained by man, Christians are to pattern themselves and life after the characteristics of Jesus Christ. Secondly, a Christian must add knowledge to his faith. Paul points out very poignantly that we must study to show ourselves approved unto God, being not ashamed, but rightly dividing the word of truth (2^nd Timothy 2:15). Knowledge is obtained through committing oneself to learning God’s word and understanding the truth. Temperance, being self-controlled is the third thing that must be added to a Christian’s faith. Being able to control one’s emotions and not one’s emotions controlling them provides strength and courage to a Christian’s character. The book of Romans in chapter 8 reminds a Believer, that the deeds of flesh must be mortified daily. The next thing that must be added to a Christian’s faith is perseverance. We are encouraged by the writer of Galatians 6:9 to be not weary in well doing, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. Godliness is the fifth thing one must add to his faith, being constantly aware of God’s presents, knowing His supreme desires and expectations of every Christian and adhering to His commandments. Godliness is closely connected with the sixth thing that must be added to faith, brotherly kindness. Jesus commanded in John 15:12 that we are to love one another as He has loved us and Paul repeated this in Romans 12:10, “Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honor preferring one another…” Finally, Peter instructs that a Christian must add to his faith charity (love). Once again, Jesus commands that first Christians must love the Lord their God with all of their heart, soul and mind, which is the first and great commandment. Secondly Christians are instructed to love their neighbor as themselves,

Matthew 22:37-38. Also, in 1^st Corinthians 12:13 the scripture declares that charity is even greater than faith and hope.

These seven things that a Christian must add to his faith are reasonable and obtainable expectations. If God did not believe we could achieve them, then He would not expect them of us. We must always remember that there is a standard in Christendom. A Christian is expected to carry himself in a manner that is opposite of the world. We must very diligently follow the principles that are provided in the Scriptures for spiritual growth and abundant living. God expects every believer to be obedient to His commands, for as richly explained in Deuteronomy 28:1-14, that Christians will be blessed for their obedience. The final 54 verses explain the curses disobedience will bring upon the rebellious.

As we examine in another area of the Bible where expectations of Christians are located, we travel to the book of Ephesians. Paul’s letter to the church at Ephesus is divided into two sections. The first three chapters focus on the blessings Christians enjoy, and the final three chapters outline what God expects of Christians in light of what He has already done for them. God expects Christians to keep the unity of the Spirit; affirming that there is one body, one hope of their calling, one Lord, one faith, one baptism and one God and Father of all. He expects the Christian to use his abilities for the benefit of the church, by building it up and edifying each member. There are the expectations of growth and maturity. Christians are expected to put away old sinful ways, be filled with the Holy Spirit and permit Him to guide them through life. God expects Christians to speak

honestly and purely and be imitators of Him. He expects Christians to walk in love, be submissive to one another and have marriages that honor Him. There are also the expectations of honoring God in the Christian household and demonstrating integrity in the workplace. Finally, God expects Christians to be diligent in finding what is acceptable to the Lord and stand strong against the forces of evil.

The blessings that God has given to the Christian surpasses the expectations He has of them. God has provided so much to the life of the Christian, that He guarantees that if they meet His commands, He will not only fulfill ever promise He has made, but He will even grant their hearts’ desires (Psalms 37:4). In God, every Believer has an eternal inheritance in the kingdom. It is really up to the Christian whether or not they chose to meet God’s expectation and receive that which He has stored up for them.

“having a form of godliness but denying its power.” (2^nd Timothy 3:5, NKJV)

Compromising Christians are complacent Christians who are satisfied where they are now spiritually. They are not interested in growing in the things of God and they are limited in their walk with Christ. They do not study the Bible nor participate in Bible Studies. They are generally good people who trust in their good works to get them into heaven. They do not preach or teach the Word to others and hardly ever share what they have learn during Sunday Morning Services. They are not lights in the church, very dim at home and dark in the community. Christians who desire to fulfill their call to service in Christendom are considered “lights of the world” according Matthew 5:14. They shine in

church; they shine at home and in their communities. To be dim or dull is to barely shine at all. People can see something, but it is rarely recognizable. To be dark in the community means to blend in with the world. In Matthew 5:16, the scripture urges all believers to let their lights so shine before men, so that they may see their good works and glorify God.

Christians who compromise are quite liberal when it comes to the things of God. They see nothing wrong with drinking sociably, engaging in lewdness and occasional promiscuity. They are lenient when it comes to sexual immorality, abortions and homosexuality. They are “like children tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind or doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting” (Ephesians 4:14). The compromisers do not endure sound doctrine, but desire to hear that which is pleasing to their hearing, because they have itching ears. They reject the truth and turn aside to fables (2^nd Timothy 4:3-4). They are spiritually immature and have a temporal relationship with God. Their prayer time consist of praying before they go to sleep, if they are not too tired, or if they are in desperate need for God to act on their behalf. They rarely talk about the Lord, let alone will offer encouraging words according to the Scriptures or prayer. They have no Word in them, and so they avoid those who talk about the things of God. They will never go to the altar for prayer and literally will run from anyone who offers to pray for them or with them. Compromising Christians levitate to other compromisers and participate in critical talk against “Sold-Out-To-Jesus Saints,” uncompromising Christians.

Compromising Christians in leadership deem themselves to be intellectual, powerful and insightful to the needs of all people. They make unbiblical choices concerning Christians and base their decisions on amalgamating the world with spiritual things, in hopes of satisfying everyone. Wolves in sheep clothing are how they are described by Jesus in Matthew 7:15-16. With urgency Jesus warns against the false prophets and guarantees that we will know them by their fruit. These compromisers or false prophets “…will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the

Lord who brought them, and bring on themselves swift destruction” (2^nd Peter 2:1). Unfortunately, many others will follow their destructive ways and the righteous will be oppressed by the compromisers’ filthy conduct, “for that righteous man, dwelling among them, tormented his righteous soul from day to day by seeing and hearing their lawless deeds” (2^nd Peter 2:8). The Bible also reveals in 2^nd Peter 2:18-22 that these compromisers speak great swelling words of emptiness to allure others through the lusts of the flesh. “While they promise them liberty, they themselves are slaves of corruption…” (v.19).

Compromisers suppress the Holy Spirit, especially during church services. They will always suppress that which they do not understand, do not believe in or do not have. They do not understand the five-fold ministry of Jesus Christ (Apostle, Prophet, Evangelist, Pastor and Teacher, Ephesians 4:11), so they reject it. They compromise God’s commands, appealing to only what the flesh is capable of achieving. If it is at all possible, they will surely find a way around God’s commandments by altering their

meanings. They make excuses for giving into to the ways of the world and blame others for their failures. They will never over extend themselves, unless it benefits them. They put everything else before God. In the Apostle Paul’s descriptive of perilous men in 2^nd Timothy 3:2-5 (NKJV) he forewarns, “For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despiser of good, traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away!” Surely we are in the last days, because we hear much of these behaviors coming from so call Christians today.

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