What is a Christian?

THE word rendered “called” in the text is found eight times elsewhere in the New Testament, Matt. 2:12, 22; Luke 2:26; Acts 10:22; Rom. 8:3; Heb. 8:5; 11:7; 12:25. This indicates the divine origin of the name. It is connected with the first missionary work of the church. See Acts 26:28; 1 Pet. 4:16, James 2:7, [worthy, or beautiful]; Eph. 3:15; 1 Cor. 12:12 [“the Christ,” like Gen. 5:2]

1. In faith, he is a believer in Christ, John 1:11, 12; 3:14-18, 36; 4:13, 14; 5:21-25; 6:28, 29, 40, 47, 50-54; 7:37-39; 8:24; 9:35-39; 10:7-11; 11:25, 26; 12:24, 32, 44-48; Acts 10:36, 43; 13:39; 16:31; Rom. 4:5, 16; 5:1; Gal. 2:16; 1 John 5:10-13.

2. In relationship, he is a child, John 1:13; 3:3-7, connected with verse 16; Rom, 8:3, connected with verses 14-17; Gal. 3:26; 4:1-7; 1 John 5:1; 5:17.

3. In character, he is a saint [The word means, “separate from common condition and use; dedicated.”] Acts 9:13; 26:10; Rom. 1:7; 8:1, 27; I Cor. 1:2; 6:11; Eph. 3:8; Heb. 2:11; 10:10, 14; 13:12; I Pet. 1:15; Lev. 11:44, 45; 20:24-26; Matt. 5:14-16.

4. In communion, a friend, John 15:15; 20:17; Heb. 2:11, 2; James 2:23; Gen. 15:6; 18:17, [communion is better than prayer]; I John 1:3, [“fellowship,” the same as “partnership” in Luke 5:7, 10].

5. In conflict a soldier, 2 Tim. 2:3; Matt. 10:24, 25, 32-42; John 13:16; 15:18-20; 16:33; 17:4-8; I Cor. 9:24-27; 2 Tim. 4:7, 8.

6. In experience, a pilgrim, Phil. 3:20, 21; Heb. 11:13; I Pet. 2:11; Gal. 6:14; 2 Cor. 5:1.

7. In expectation, an heir, Rom. 8:17 [joint-tenancy for eternity]; Gal. 3:29; 4:1-7; Titus 3:7; James 2:5; Matt. 13:43; Rev. 10:5, 6; 21:3, 4.