Being a Christian is not as simple as being a Human. There is price and commitment for becoming a true follower of Jesus Christ. The name “Jesus” was told to Mary by angel Gabriel. The word “Jesus” is derived from Hebrew word “Yeshua” which means “One who Delivers or Rescues”.
Mathew 1:21
She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.
The word “Christ” is the translation of Hebrew word “Messiah”, who was promised to be send by God for the whole world. Peter (disciple of Jesus) recognized Him as the Christ.
Mathew 16:15-17
“But what about you?” he asked. “Who do you say I am?”
Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.”
Jesus replied, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by flesh and blood, but by my Father in heaven
Hence most often Jesus is referred to as “Jesus Christ”. And His followers are called “Christians”. This word appears in Bible as well and was first used in Antioch.
Acts 11:26
The disciples were called Christians first at Antioch.
Well, now the first thing we understood here is when we call ourselves Christians, we confess boldly that we believe that Jesus is our Messiah. Well today Christianity is seen a major religion of the world with the highest number of followers in terms of population.
There is one important thing to be understood. One might say that Jesus was a Powerful Preacher and Thinker and he was able to lay the foundation of a new religion. But, that is not exactly the truth. Jesus did not came to make a new religion. Jesus was a Jew and he came to fulfill what was said about him by the Prophets. But Jews did not recognize him as the Messiah, so wherever the Gospel was preached and people accepted Jesus as their God and Savior, the followers were given name “Christians” and so is today that followers of Jesus are called Christians.
Mathew 5:17
Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them.
As I said above Jesus did not come to make a new religion. But remember this does not give us any excuse to simply say I believe in Jesus and I don’t require to accept Christianity as a religion. I mean simply instead of explaining yourself while introducing to someone with a long explanation of what you believe about Jesus being your savior. It is much easier for others to understand when you simply say I am a “Christian”. So, if you believe that Jesus is your savior you have no option but to call yourself as a Christian. I mean frankly speaking there is no easy way out, as you read further you’ll understand why I say this. Please don’t misunderstand my statement by thinking I am trying to convert the reader of this website to Christianity. No, that is not the case. I am only trying to give a brief and clear outline what actually being a Christian means. At the end it is one’s personal decision to think and adopt a religion which he feels is perfect for him.
Also, remember these articles are not just for Non-Christians alone to know what actually Christianity is but it’s even more important for Christians to analyze and see for themselves if they are True Christians as the God in Heaven requires them to be. It’s not that you just simply believe in Jesus being the Son of God and Messiah, become a Christian and your job is done. NO it’s not done yet! this is just the first step towards the kingdom of God. You have to live a life which is perfect and sinless. There are certain laws and commandments which our God in heaven requires us to obey.
So, in short serving God should be your first priority, you cannot run after Money or Riches of this world which are short lived or fall prey to the Temptations of Flesh. If you really care for your present life and after life. You have to abide with what the God commands us to do.
Mathew 6:24
No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.
But, don’t get frightened by thinking that if I go after doing the will of God, from where will I get my basic needs? Read what Jesus says here.
Mathew 6:31-33
So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.
So simply first know how the God in heaven requires us to lead our lives like. And start leading a fresh new life which is in accordance to a living standards as expected by God. And then don’t worry God will provide all your needs. Now you might be wondering what sort of Christian Life does God requires me to lead? You will know it by reading the Bible, which is the Word of God. And you will know for sure what to do and what not to do. It will also help to choose the right path.
Here I will split up my discussion into 7 topics, for you to read and know stepwise about being a Christian. What am writing is not a theory of my own. But, it is in strict accordance to what Bible says about Christian life.
- Reading the Word of God – BIBLE
- God in three persons – HOLY TRINITY
- Communicating with God – PRAYER
- Foremost requirement to enter kingdom of God – BORN AGAIN
- BAPTISM – for forgiveness of sins and to prepare yourself for Kingdom of God
- COMFIRMATION – of your faith in God and making a commitment
- Leading a CHRISTIAN LIFE – a narrow gate leading through hard path to Everlasting Life!