Articles
Am I Obeying the New Testament Teaching
Have you ever given thought to the word 'CHRISTIAN"? You will find it only used in the New Testament three times....Acts 11:26, Acts 26:28, and 1 Peter 4:16.)
The meaning of the word is "one who belongs to Christ", or an adherent of Christ. More often those of the New Testament were referred to as saints, or believers, or sometimes disciples. IN any case, in order to be a Christian, Saint, Disciple, or Believer that person must follow the same process, or plan. As in the case of being an American, the one using that name must follow or obey a process of law. The New Testament is the law given by Christ through the Apostles and recorded for us today. When we follow and obey that form of teaching we can become Christians. That is the Gospel of Christ, the only process (steps) to become a child of God, a Christian,; a member of His Kingdom or church. We find that clearly taught by the Apostles in the book of Acts, or the Acts of the Apostles. Every example found there follows the same process or plan, God's plan to save man. Once they heard the teaching of Christ, developed an obedient faith by believing and repenting of sin, confessing Jesus as God's Son, and being baptized (immersed) for the remission of their sins, they became simply Christians -- those who now belong to Christ, and His church. (Acts 2)
"For it is time for judgment to begin with the household of God, and if it begins with us first, what will be the outcome for those WHO DO NOT OBEY THE GOSPEL OF GOD?" (1 Peter 4:17)
Sadly, many in the religious world we live in use the word CHRISTIAN in the wrong way. Many think only believing in God and that Jesus is God's son is all we have to do, thus becoming CHRISTIANS. But, simply referring to a few Scriptures noted earlier, that idea is false. Only using the New Testament, and all it teaches, can one expect to please God, and truly be a CHRISTIAN. Does is seem logical or reasonable that by using many different names, doctrines, and practices in their religion all can please God? Since Jesus died and built only ONE CHURCH, His body, why would such an idea seem feasible or acceptable to God? (Matthew 16:18). The New Testament tells us in Acts 2 those who obeyed that Gospel were added to that ONE CHURCH (Acts 2:41,47) The same Gospel obeyed by us today makes us the same as back in the first century church. Simply Christians with a desire to go to heaven.
So, the question remains, am I listening and obeying the New Testament teaching; or am I joining the many in the world who think CHRISTIAN can mean something different than our Lord's teaching? Many will be disappointed when the Lord comes again. (Matthew 7:13,14)
"Beware of the false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly are ravenous wolves." (Matthew 7:15)
Ross
