Being Christian

Contrary to popular beliefs and ideas, being Christian is neither a self-presumed label nor a self-assumed identity. Being Christian is actually a matter of fact. Nor is being Christian about merely our trying to live by a certain value system, professing certain beliefs or complying with a group of laws, rules and regulations. Jesus tells us His followers are revealed not self-proclaimed. They are revealed by what motivates them and so by what they genuinely desire, say and do. A Christian life will reveal God and His Love. A Christian knows their sinful nature, yet embraces what the Bible says about God, mankind, and salvation.

A Christian’s natural desire is to repent (that is, concede that what God calls sin is in fact sin and truly desire to turn away from it), confess (that is, acknowledge rebellion against God) and follow the way revealed in and by Jesus. (Luke 13:3, 5; Matthew 11:28-30; John 17:3; 1 John 2:3).

Being Christian is more than just knowing (or believing) facts about Christ; even non-Christians, fallen angels, and satan himself know about Jesus (Matthew 8:29, Mark 1:24, 5:7, Luke 4:34, Acts 19:15, James 2:19), but they don't love Him and so will not naturally obey Him. True saving faith will respond in obedience (Jeremiah 32:38, John 14:15, 2 John 1:6, Ephesians 2:10).

As we move forward …

Often people say being Christian is confusing and difficult. OnMission knows it can be, especially when the Way of Christ conflicts and confronts many of our tightly grasped human tendencies and desires. Christians are motivated from being Loved and Loving God. Things get complicated only when we try to make God compromise with us. It is either God’s way, or our way.