November 2004
We noticed last month that the preeminent name for the individual
people of God today is "Christian." It was prophesied by Isaiah 700 years
before it was fulfilled in Acts 11:26. No other name is to be worn
preeminently today — even in a hyphenated sense. The name "Christian"
is for individuals, not the church. It is authorized by God and is the
Scriptural designation for God's people in this age.
The term "Christian" shows our relationship to Christ, and in
wearing this name we honor Christ and glorify God (1 Pet. 4:16).
Though this is the name we are to wear that describes who
we are, other designations are given by the Holy Spirit to describe
what we are.
- "Believer" —
This indicates the faith of the Christian in Christ (Acts 4:32).
- "Saint" —
This is not applied to dead people in the Bible! It
indicates that followers of Christ are separated from the world and
dedicated to holy service. ????Should we have a scripture here????
- "Priest" —
Applied to all Christians because all Christians are to
"offer up spiritual sacrifices (worship) acceptable to God by Jesus
Christ" (1 Pet. 2:5; Jn. 4:24; Acts 2:42).
- "Disciple" —
This term means that Christians are followers,
learners, or students (Acts 9:25-28).
- "Brethren" —
This shows our mutual relationship to one another "in
Christ" or His church (Acts 9:30; Matt. 23:8).
- "Children" —
Shows that God is our Father (Gal. 3:26; Rom. 8:17).
- "Servants" —
Indicating that Christ is our Master and Lord (Eph. 6:6).
These and other terms are found in the Holy Scriptures to show the
relationship which we sustain to God and Christ, the church and the
world, and to one another. But the only name of the followers
of Christ is the God-given name "Christian."
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