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About Christianity
Who are the
True Christians?
An essay donated by William Taylor Sr.
Disclaimer by the webmaster:
It is our web site's policy to not publish material that attacks or belittles
religious beliefs. However, since conservative Christians generally hold an
exclusivist position on their religion, it is not
possible to write an essay on this topic which does not attack the beliefs of
others. So we are forced to make an exception here.
Who are the true Christians?
There needs to be a biblical clarification of a true Christian since this
title is so loosely used these days by, Mormons,
Roman Catholics, Jehovah
Witnesses, conservatives, liberals, modernists, progressives, Masons, Shriners,
New Age (Christ conscience), 7th Day Adventists
... you name
it.
According to the Holy Scriptures there is only one voice that speaks the
truth about Christianity, Jesus Christ the Messiah. All true followers
(disciples) of Jesus speak the same thing he does. All other voices that
proclaim to speak for Christianity are either another gospel, another Jesus,
or another spirit. Jesus said in John 14:6, "I am the way, the truth, and the
life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me." If I may use the words of
Adam Clarke commentary on this verse:
I am the Way - That leads so the Father: - the Truth that teaches the
knowledge of God, and directs in the way: - the Life that animates all those
who seek and serve him, and which is to be enjoyed eternally at the end of
the way.
Christ is the Way:
- By his doctrine, John 6:68.
- By his example, 1 Peter 2:21.
- By his sacrifice, Hebrews 9:8 & Hebrews 9:9.
- By his Spirit, John 16:13.
He is the Truth:
- In opposition to all false religions,
- To the Mosaic law, which was only the shadow, not the truth or
substance, of the good things which were to come, and
- In respect to all the promises of God, 2 Corinthians 1:20.
He is the Life, both in grace and glory; the life that not only saves from
death, but also destroys it. No man cometh unto the Father - By any other
doctrine, by any other merit, or by any other intercession than mine.
Which brings me to my point and main comment: Who are "true Christians"?
Many who are said to be Christians or call themselves Christians, or answer
to the name of Christians are not "truly" Christians? Lets look to the Holy
Scriptures for this most important answer for the Word of God has the answer
to every question.
The Word of God says:
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2 Timothy 3:16-17: "All scripture [is] given by inspiration of God, and is
profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in
righteousness:
That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works." |
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2 Peter 1:20-21: "Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of
any private interpretation. For the prophecy came not in old time by the
will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost."
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The first mention of Christian in the scriptures is found in:
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Acts 11:26; "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." |
In the original Greek it is: Christianos; that is follower of Christ: a
disciple (pupil).
In order to follow Jesus Christ in His Kingdom a person MUST be born-again.
Jesus said:
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John 3:3: "... except a man is born-again he cannot see the kingdom of God." |
Being born again is a supernatural act performed by the Spirit of God. This
takes place when a person submits to the drawing of the Holy Spirit, repent
(turn from sin) and believe the gospel of Jesus Christ -- confess it with their
mouth believe it in their heart, begin to rely on, trust in and have faith
in the Lord God from then on.
This born-again Christian now relies on the Holy Spirit to teach and guide
him/her in all truth as they begin to renounce self-dependence, and selfish
pursuits; they deny themselves for the Gospel sake. They actually imitate
Christ, being transformed to his image in word and deeds. Jesus declared
that those who do the will of His Father, which is in heaven, are His.
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Mark 8:34: "And when he had called the people unto Him with his disciples
also, he said unto them," Whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself,
and take up his cross, and follow me." |
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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." |
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Luke 14:27: "And whosoever doth not bear his cross, and come after me, cannot
be my disciple. |
The "truly" born-again Christians follows Jesus who said: Love your enemies,
bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them
which despitefully use you, and persecute you. We live by the laws of God
kingdom not this earthly kingdom. We love our enemy even to our own
detriment even death. We love our brothers (these are those who do the will
of the Father). We love our neighbors (whoever they may be). We bless them
who persecute us, we bless and curse not, we recompense to no man evil for
evil. We provide things honest in the sight of all men. We avenge not
ourselves, but rather give place unto wrath. If our enemy hunger we feed
him; if he thirst we give him drink. We overcome evil with good.
"True" Christians look for a city, which hath foundations, whose builder,
and maker is God. Now being fully persuaded to be a doer of the word of God
we literally do what Jesus said to do.
There are many that confess to be Christians throughout history and even
down to the present day that engaged in bloody wars of conquest, slavery,
the Holocaust and cruel exploitation of the poor. The truth is they are not
followers of the Jesus Christ of the Holy Scriptures. They are not" true"
Christians they are hypocrites (pretenders) whom Jesus refers to in:
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Matthew
7:21-23: "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. 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?" |
This earthly kingdom is not ours. Nor was it our Lord Jesus
Christ's when He walked this earth. Jesus utmost concerns were not political
and economical issues during His ministry here on earth and shouldn't be
ours either. His concern was His everlasting kingdom being established and
manifested to his subjects now whereby we may by His grace and tender
mercies serve Him here and forevermore. Our duty is to pray for those in
authority of this earthly kingdom regardless of who they are: that we may
lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. For this [is]
good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior. The Sovereign God gives
kingdoms to even the abase of men for His Sovereign purpose. The Holy
Scriptures declare that God is the origin of power, and the supreme Governor
of the universe, he delegates authority to whomsoever he will; and though in
many cases the governor himself may not be of God.
We that are "truly" born-again are to take up our cross daily fulfill the
great commission. Preach the gospel in order that some men would repent,
believe and be saved from an eternal hellfire. Be a doer of the WORDS of
Jesus looking for and awaiting the new heaven and new earth. As we go forth
we always keep in mind that the preaching of the cross is to them that
perish foolishness; but unto us, which are saved, it is the power of God. AS
Paul wrote:
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1 Corinthians 1:23: "We
preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumbling block, and unto the Greeks
foolishness." |
Beware of those who claim to be Christians but follow another Jesus, another
spirit, and another gospel as the Apostle Paul was referring to in:
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2
Corinthians 11: 4: "For if he that cometh preacheth another Jesus, whom we have
not preached, or if ye receive another spirit, which ye have not received,
or another gospel, which ye have not accepted, ye might well bear with him." |
William Taylor Sr. is the webmaster of the ActionCross website at
http://www.actioncross.net
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Originally posted: 2006-OCT-02-
Latest update: 2007-JUL-27
Author: William Taylor Sr.
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