Who is a Christian?

Do You Follow Christ?
Simply put, a Christian is a true follower of Christ. A Christian sacrifices all to know Jesus. He follows Jesus even to the detriment of his own life. The Bible writes about "not loving life to the death". Jesus said it this way in Luke 9:23: "And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me."

There will be persecution and other troubles. The Christian walk is a race. However, those who endure to the end will be saved (Matthew 24). Despite any doubts or concerns they have, a true Christian knows that God will answer. God will be there for them and they grow more dependent on God. They know that their conduct is important and that the world judges us by our conduct. We also know that we cannot do the things that the world does, for the world will pass away. The true Christian knows the voice of God. But they will also have to fight a hard battle against the forces of darkness, but it is a winning battle. Satan hates the true believer. John 10:4 says, "And when he putteth forth his own sheep, he goeth before them, and the sheep follow him: for they know his voice."

The Word Christian comes from Acts 11:26. It states
"And when he had found him, he brought him unto Antioch. And it came to pass, that a whole year they assembled themselves with the church, and taught much people. And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch."
As written earlier, Christians will be persecuted for their beliefs. But despite the persecution, it is worth it. Our faith is what keeps us strong.
1 Peter 4:16 writes, "Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf."

However, there are differences between true Christians and false Christians. Sadly, the world often views on those Christians who do ungodly deeds. But there are differences. True Christians are not ignorant of Satan's devices. Nor are we ignorant of who Jesus is and what He has done and continues to do.

Matthew 7:21-23 writes about what will happen to prophets who call themselves Christians and true prophets of the Lord but really are not.
"21 Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.
22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?
23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity."
Also read Matthew 25. This chapter talks about the Ten Virgins, five of whom did not have their lamps lit. Therefore, they were not ready and God did not know them. Also in that chapter there were those on the left because they have not done unto the Lord.

Those who are false Christians are those who have not repented of their sins. They have fallen away. They have deceived and have been deceived. They have sinned willfully. Some have preached a gospel other than what it is written in the Bible. They have used the Bible for their own selfish purposes. They claim to know God, but really don't. Those who have never known God have flat out rejected God. There are people who have even not forgiven others.

These people include Mormons, Catholics, Jehovah's Witnesses, and other religious groups who reject many tenets of the Christian faith. This also includes many who think they are saved, but really are not. Sadly, the world often talks about those who are false Christians and end up thinking that this is how all Christians are, but that is not true.

1 John 1:6-9 says,
"6 If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth:
7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.
8 If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.
9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."
False Christians can repent of their sins and be forgiven. God is a merciful God. Nothing surprises Him. Be honest with yourself. Are you who you say you are?

Paul writes that we need to check ourselves spiritually. We need to get our spiritual houses in order.
2 Corinthians 13:5-6 says:
5 Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?
6 But I trust that ye shall know that we are not reprobates.

A reprobate is one who remains foolish or one who is depraved. Have you chosen a reprobate life over a free, Spirit-filled life with Christ as Lord and Savior? Are you spiritually depraved? Have you repented of your sins? Do you truly know Jesus? Who is head of your life? If you know for sure that you will spend eternity in Heaven, would your answer be yes? If your answer is not "Yes, I am a saved, spirit-fiilled born-again Christian who has been forgiven, saved, and delivered. I know that I will spend eternity with the Lord in Heaven. I know this because I have walked righteously. I worship Him in Spirit and Truth. I am led by the Holy Spirit. I believed with all my heart that Jesus died for me and rose on the third day. I know my name is written in Heaven. ,then you need to pray this prayer.
"Jesus, you are Lord. I believe that God raised you from the dead. I honestly cannot say that statement above. I confess that I haven't been living as a true Christian. Forgive me of my sins. Come into my heart. I accept You as my Lord and Savior. Write my name in Heaven. Thank You for saving me, in Jesus' name, Amen."