What Is A Christian? Part II
In Part I we saw that the word "Christian" is essentially the merging of the
words "Christ" and "in". The early believers in the book of Acts did many
mighty signs, miracles, and wonders because they tapped into the power that was
made available by the gift of holy spirit on the day of Pentecost in Acts
chapter 2.
If a person believes to receive the promise and has "Christ in" them, they are
a Christian. Being is Christian is defined by what God says. It is not defined
by what your denomination or mine says.
There are many phrases used in Christian circles that may be used to make you
feel like a Christian, but feelings do not make you a Christian. Phrases like
"give your life to Jesus" or "let Jesus in your heart" do not make you a
Christian.
Associating yourself with a particular group does not make you a Christian. Giving up
smoking or gambling does not make you a Christian. Lighting candles
does not make you a Christian.
Before we proceed further we need to define from the Word of God certain
terms, as they are vital to understanding the Word of God, and therefore life. They
are: body, soul, and spirit.
If you can understand these three words, the Word of God (and life) will simply
fit. If you get them wrong, nothing will.
Christian circles have basically adopted the thinking of Eastern religions in
that they equate "soul" and "spirit". The Word of God makes a distinction that
we need to be clear on.
A very condensed verse which we must thoroughly master to understand the origins
of man is in Isaiah:
Are the words "created", "formed", and "made" synonymous? Most people say
"yes". If the Word of God means what it says and says what it means, then we
must respect that and discover the meanings of these words, else why bother
reading at all?
Another verse vital to our understanding:
Are the three words "spirit", "soul", and "body" synonymous? No. We must go to
the Word and let the Word speak as to what is formed, made, and created, and
what is body, soul, and spirit.