Christian
The Bible says we are Christians – Anointed Ones of God, an adherent
or follower of Christ. The word occurs three times in the New
Testament. The Disciples were first called Christians in Antioch (Acts
11:26). Agrippa said to Paul, “You almost persuade me to be a
Christian” (Acts 26:28). Peter exhorted, “if anyone suffers as a
Christian, let him not be ashamed” (I Peter 4:16). In each instance the
word Christian assumes that the person called by the name was a
follower of Christ.
The designation of the early followers of Christ as Christians was
initiated by the non-Christian population of Antioch. Originally it may
have been a term of derision. Eventually, however, Christians used it of
themselves as a name of honor, not of shame. Prior to their adoption
of the name, the Christians called themselves believers (Acts 5:14),
brothers (Acts 6:3), or saints (Acts 9:13). Names that also continue to
be used.
Today, Paul’s battle cry still rings forth as the banner of the Christian
faith. “A man is not justified by the works of the law, but by faith in
Jesus Christ (Gal 2:16), salvation is available only through Christ (Acts
4:12), made possible by His death, burial and resurrection. Christianity
is more than a creed, more than a religion. It is a way of life for all who
accept Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.
The Bible calls us Christians because we were birthed from Christ. Just
as God put Adam to sleep and took out of his side, his bride (woman),
God put Jesus on the cross and they pierced His side and out came
blood mixed with water (the Church), His bride (John 19:34; Revelation
1:7). In II Corinthians 11:1 Paul tells us to “be you followers of me, even
as I also am of Christ.