There has been a lot of talk by many people these days saying that they are "Christian" or that they believe that some one else is a "Christian" because that individual "said" they are. But just what is a person testifying to when they say they are a "Christian"?
The first followers of Jesus the Christ called themselves "Followers of the Way". They were not called "Christians" until several years later and then it was a term applied to them by the Romans in ridicule.
Now, just what does an individual saying when he or she states they are a "Christian? That individual is stating that they believe with all of their heart, all of their mind, and all of their strength that Jesus is the Christ; that He is God incarnate; that Jesus is as the Scripture says, "The everlasting Father, the Mighty God..." (Is. 9:6).
The individual believes that Jesus is the only way for any one to have eternal life with God (John 14:6);
That: "...if you confess with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved; " Romans 10:9).;
That, "They killed him by hanging him on a tree, but God raised him from the dead on the third day and caused him to be seen. .... and is ... commanded us to preach to the people and to testify that he is the one whom God appointed as judge of the living and the dead. that "all the prophets testify about him that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name.” (Acts 10:37-43);
That "[Jesus] Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. For since death came through a man, the resurrection of the dead comes also through a man. For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive." (1Corinthians 15).
That "Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?’ 23Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’ (Matthew 7:21-22).
Don't be decieved by those with flattering words for any one who does not follow the truth is a liar; "You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out your father’s desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he liesand is of their father the devil who was a liar from the beginning." (John 8:44)
