| Copyright 2005-2008 Dr. Jad Khalaf, Ph.D. All Rights Reserved |
| "Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth." II Timothy 2:15 |
| What is a Christian? BY JAD J. KHALAF By nature, a man or woman is born a sinner. Each one is to recognize that he or she is indeed a sinner. Romans 3:23 says, “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.” Sin is anything that is wrong in the eyes of God (i.e. lying, stealing, lusting, disobeying, killing, committing adultery, etc.). A sinner falls short of God’s glory. Jesus said in John 3:16, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” God wants to have a personal relationship with each man, woman, teenager, and child. The love God has for each individual is evident in the cross of His Son Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ came to earth, dwelt among men, and never once sinned. The Perfect Lamb of God, Jesus Christ, willingly went to the cross and bore the sin of every single person that has lived, will live, and is living. He gave His life as the Ultimate Sacrifice. The awesome and glorious thing is that Jesus Christ arose from the dead on the third day after He died. Christ reigns and rules in victory of the sting of death. He is alive! The fact of the matter is that Christ took the place of every sinner. Instead of a sinner having to die and pay for their consequences of sin, Christ paid the price once and for all for the penalty of sin. Romans 5:6-8 explains: “(6) For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. (7) For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die. (8) But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” A sinner must realize that consequence of sin is death. This death is separation for eternity from God. A sinner then realizes that accepting Jesus Christ into their heart leads to living and being in the presence of God for eternity. Romans 6:20-23 states: “(20) For when ye were the servants of sin, ye were free from righteousness. (21) What fruit had ye then in those things whereof ye are now ashamed? for the end of those things is death. (22) But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life. (23) For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” The question may now arise, “What is a Christian?” A Christian is a man, woman, teenager, or child that realizes they are a sinner. They understand that their sin will separate them forever from God. In short, each individual is a sinner in desperate need of Jesus Christ the Savior. The only way to salvation is by God’s grace through faith. Works cannot save, but faith in God does save. Ephesians 2:8-9 commands: “(8) For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not or yourselves: it is the gift of God: (9) Not of works, lest any man should boast.” They admit they are a sinner, believe in their heart that Jesus Christ will save them and that He is alive, confess with their mouth that Jesus Christ is Who He says He is, and commit their life to living for Him. Romans 10:9-13 provides direction: “(9) That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. (10) For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. (11) For the scripture saith, WHOSOEVER BELIEVETH ON HIM SHALL NOT BE ASHAMED. (12) For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him. (13) FOR WHOSOEVER SHALL CALL UPON THE NAME OF THE LORD SHALL BE SAVED.” A man, woman, teenager, or child that is a sinner who accepts Jesus Christ into their life as their personal Lord and Savior becomes a follower of Jesus Christ and are then known as a Christian. From the moment they surrender their life to Jesus Christ, they should seek to glorify God. The apostle Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 10:31, “Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.” |
| Dr. Jad Khalaf |