"What religion are you?" Each time I am asked such a question, I give a simple reply, which almost always causes confusion. I respond, Christian. You wouldn't think that such a simple answer would cause confusion, but I am then bombarded with a number of denominational names and titles, as my questioner attempts to place me. The answer remains simply, Christian.
Today's religious world can be quite perplexing for the searcher of truth. How do you know which church is right? Most will tell you to choose the church that you feel most comfortable with. I cannot give such an answer, for in so doing, I deceive the person and shade the turth. Might we realize that the Lord's church is not determined by our likes and dislikes. We must search out the church that Jesus built. The church that is called after Him, the church that is His own. It has the truth, for it has been founded upon the truth.
"But which church is it that He established?" might come the reply. "Was it the Anglican? the United? the Presbyterian? which one?" With no disrespect intended, Jesus did not build the Anglican church, nor the United, nor the Presbyterian. Such titles are not of God, but names and labels given by men. The people of God were and should be simply Christians. The book of Acts records that, "The disciples were first called Christians at Antioch." (Ac 11:26). Peter mentions those who suffer for the sake fo Christ, and says, "If anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in this matter." (1 Pe 4:16). We must see that God's elect have been called to but one name, that being Christian. To call ourselves any more, is to add man's wisdom.
To wear a name other than that of Christ is for us to deny being His. His death was not one sufferef for the followers of John Calvin. Nor did He die that the followers of Martin Luther would be saved. Yes, His death was that all might be saved, but not by keeping and wearing the name of prominent men, but by submitting to and wearing only the name of Christ. To submit to manmade names, and to keep the doctrines taught by these men signifies that we are not His. | Can one be a Christian only? |
Can one be a Christian only? Many will answer no. Yet Scripture would seem to support the idea that we need no identity except that which is in Christ. In Him, we find our life. In Him we find our hope; in Him we find all things that satisfy. In Him, is our citizenship.
What person is there who would claim citizenship in Canada, yet deny the name Canadian? It is possible for one to hold duel citizenship, and thus be for instance both a Canadian and an American, but we must realize that this is not so in religion. If we would lay claim to a citizenship in the heavenly realm, we need to wear a name established in the heavenly realm. To also place a manmade name upon ourselves shows an inclination towards the doctrines of a certain man or group of men, and thus makes us enemies of the cross of Christ.
Which of the following statements do we find to be truth?
1. The disciples were first called METHODIST at Antioch
2. The disciples were first called MORMONS at Antioch
3. The disciples were first called BAPTIST at Antioch
4. etc, etc, etc...
We find, and must follow after the statement, "The disciples were first called Christians at Antioch." If it was a suitable name for the people of God in that century to wear as they followed Christ, it surely is good for us too, that we call ourselves Christians; nothing more, nothing less.
Click here for this week's Answering The Atheist
Did God command the Israelites to make him burnt offerings? Several verses say that He did command burnt offerings (Ex 8:27; 10:25; 20:24; 29:16-18), but Jeremiah 7:22 says that He did not command burnt offerings. Is there a contradiction?
