Tract Number 8
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Analysis of A Christian
"Are you a Christian, Mrs. Smith?" asked Donnie.
"Yes," she answered absentmindedly.
"What is a Christian?" Donnie continued earnestly.
This time Mrs. Smith hesitated a moment before replying.
"Well, Donnie, a Christian is one who believes in Jesus."
"I believe in Jesus, too," Donnie said and went off to play, his curiosity satisfied for the moment.
Mrs. Smith continued to think of the question, "What is a Christian?" She realized her answer to Donnie was insufficient for did not the Bible say that even the devils believe? Putting all else aside she got her Bible and sat down to find a more complete description of a Christian.
A Christian is a disciple, learner and follower of Christ (Acts 11:26). To be a disciple one must receive Christ, become a child of God by the new birth (John 1:12-13; 3:3). That makes him a new creature (2nd Corinthians 5:17). By virtue of this new nature he is a saint of God (Romans 1:7; Eph. 2:19). He is a brother (or sister) to Christ and to fellow Christians (Mark 3:35; Hebrews 2:11). He loves God and man (1st John 4:19-21). He seeks for truth (2nd Tim. 2:15). He heareth or listens to God’s Word and obeys it (John 8:47; Matthew 7:21). He strives to be like Christ (Romans 8:29; 12:2; & Philippians 2:5). He seeks to serve the Lord and others (John 12:26; Colossians 3:24; 5:13; & 6:10). He lives in love, by faith, with hope (Titus 2:11-14).
ARE YOU A CHRISTIAN?
THE CHRISTIAN LIFE
Many people call themselves Christian even though they are engaging in all sorts of sinful pursuits and pleasures. Some of them are just plain hypocrites, but many of them do not really know what it means to be a Christian. If you will look in the dictionary you will find the word Christian means "a believer in the religion of Christ and a possessor of it." To possess His religion, we must obey His teachings. To know what His teachings are, we must study His Word, the Bible. Therefore, a true Christian will search the Scriptures (John 5:39; Acts 17:11).
We must become a Christian before we can live the life. When we come to the age of accountability, we realize we are sinners. "For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God" (Romans 3:23). God talks to the heart of every accountable person at least once in his life. He is a just God, and justice demands that He awaken each one to their lost condition and give them an opportunity to forsake sin and be saved. When this conviction comes, the question, "What must I do to be saved?" comes also. We "must believe that he [God] is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him" (Hebrews 11:6). Count the cost (Luke 14:28).
The devil offers the pleasures of sin for a season (Hebrews 11:25), power, glory, and worldly possessions (Luke 4:5-7). What will it cost you? YOUR SOUL, "For the wages of sin is death" (Romans 6:23).
Jesus offers your material needs (Matthew 6:31-33) in addition to: happiness (John 13:17); love (John 13:34); peace (John 14:27); joy (John 16:24); hope (Hebrews 6:19); and eternal life (Matthew 25:46).
"Choose you this day whom you will serve" (Joshua 24:15). "Behold, now is the day of salvation" (2nd Cor. 6.: 2).
Some dear people, on account of being brought up in a false belief, think they can sin more or less every day and still be a Christian. Did Christ sin more or less? No indeed, and He is our example. "He that sinneth is of the devil" (1st John 3:8). "The soul that sinneth shall die" (Ezekiel 18:4). Sin is the willful transgression of God’s law. "Be ye holy for I am holy" (1st Peter 1:16; Hebrews 12:14).
How can we live up to such a high standard? Not by our own will or power for though the spirit is willing, the flesh is weak; but through Christ we can do all things (Philippians 4:13). He promised us the Holy Spirit as our guide and keeper so we have no excuse.
Believe that God is. Acknowledge or confess your sin. Decide to live for God. Forsake all sin. Pray— open your heart to God and ask Him to save you. Believe that He does it. Go on to perfection as He leads you.
Author unknown
