Topical Encyclopedia Definition and Identity:A Christian, or believer, is an individual who has faith in Jesus Christ as the Son of God and Savior of humanity. This faith is characterized by a personal relationship with Jesus, adherence to His teachings, and a commitment to living according to the principles outlined in the Bible. The term "Christian" was first used in Antioch, as recorded in Acts 11:26 : "And when he found him, he brought him to Antioch. So for a whole year Barnabas and Saul met with the church and taught large numbers of people. The disciples were called Christians first at Antioch." Core Beliefs: Christians believe in the Trinity, the doctrine that God exists as three persons in one essence: the Father, the Son (Jesus Christ), and the Holy Spirit. This belief is rooted in passages such as Matthew 28:19 : "Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit." Central to Christian belief is the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, which provides the means for salvation and eternal life. As stated in Romans 10:9 : "If you confess with your mouth, 'Jesus is Lord,' and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved." Life and Conduct: The life of a believer is marked by transformation and renewal, as described in 2 Corinthians 5:17 : "Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away. Behold, the new has come!" Christians are called to live a life of holiness, love, and service, following the example of Christ. This includes the practice of spiritual disciplines such as prayer, Bible study, and fellowship with other believers. The ethical and moral conduct of a Christian is guided by the teachings of Jesus and the apostles, emphasizing love for God and neighbor (Matthew 22:37-39) and the fruit of the Spirit as outlined in Galatians 5:22-23 : "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control." Community and Worship: Christians are part of a larger community known as the Church, which is the body of Christ. This community gathers for worship, teaching, fellowship, and the observance of sacraments such as baptism and the Lord's Supper. Hebrews 10:24-25 encourages believers to meet together: "And let us consider how to spur one another on to love and good deeds. Let us not neglect meeting together, as some have made a habit, but let us encourage one another, and all the more as you see the Day approaching." Mission and Evangelism: The mission of a Christian is to spread the Gospel, the good news of Jesus Christ, to all people. This is known as the Great Commission, as recorded in Matthew 28:19-20 : "Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey all that I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." Hope and Future: Christians hold a hope for eternal life with God, as promised in John 3:16 : "For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that everyone who believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life." This hope is not only for the future but also impacts the present life, providing strength and encouragement in the face of trials and tribulations. |