In our day, professing oneself to be a Christian does not carry the weight, or the meaning that it used to, mainly because of the generic nature contemporary Christianity has morphed into. And even in our own Adventist circles, the designation has become quite blurred, because of the influx of erroneous theories, practices, and ideas borrowed from the mainstream Christian culture. Thus, for the purpose of this Bible study, the name “Christian” will refer to a converted follower of Jesus Christ, not merely a believer, or a follower, or one who professes such a persuasion.
In other words, a Christian is one who has had the necessary procedure of conversion implemented by the Holy Ghost, and who continues to be molded, managed, guided, and changed by The Spirit. Thus, before we begin our Bible study, there are certain erroneous concepts which must be debunked, to clear the way for a Biblical meaning of who, a real Christian is.
Many of us do not yet realize how badly we need Jesus. In many Christian households, where children are brought up in a religious surrounding, baptism is often seen as a necessary addition to the righteous things we had been doing all along. Thus, baptism is often viewed in some circles, as the icing on a cake that already existed. But being a Christian involves an entirely new cake with its own peculiar icing, and baked in the oven of God’s grace, by the One and only Master Chef, Jesus Christ.
The following erroneous concepts about Christianity must therefore be cleared up using the scriptures to guide our understanding, and to give us a balanced view of who we are, and what we may become, by the grace of God alone.
[1] Doing right things does not make any individual a Christian, neither does one become a Christian by making several good improvements on his/her old nature. Let’s read:
Matthew 19:16 And, behold, one came and said unto him, Good Master, what good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life?
This young ruler was searching, not for a Savior, but for more right things to do. But he was becoming so frustrated with himself, that he realized that there must be something missing, for doing right things was not producing freedom from guilt, or the peace that passes all understanding. After doing a number of right things, he still felt an unexplainable void in his soul, which prompted him to reveal his “Lack”. Let’s read:
Matthew 19:17 And he said unto him, if thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments.
18 He saith unto him, Which? Jesus said, Thou shalt do no murder, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness,
19 Honor thy father and thy mother: and, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself.
20 The young man saith unto him, All these things have I kept from my youth up: what lack I yet?
[2] Being born into a Christian family, or a Seventh-day Adventist household, does not make a person a Christian, because conversion is not passed on from generation to generation via genetics. Conversion is not transferable, and therefore the procedure has to be done on each person who so desires. In other words, conversion is not about what you do, instead it’s about what happens to you. Let’s read:
Matthew 3:1 In those days came John the Baptist, preaching in the wilderness of Judaea,
2 And saying, Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.
9 And think not to say within yourselves, We have Abraham to our father: for I say unto you, that God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham.
Romans 9:6 For they are not all Israel, which are of Israel:
7 Neither, because they are the seed of Abraham, are they all children: but, In Isaac shall thy seed be called.
8 That is, They which are the children of the flesh, these are not the children of God.
[3] Having good morals, and ethics does not make one a Christian. A good moral character, courtesy, and the willingness to earn one’s daily bread by hard labor is good, and is to be encouraged, but that too does not make an individual a Christian.
In commenting upon this very point, the servant of The Lord makes an important statement to all those who may be contemplating marriage with someone of a different persuasion, or who has all of the right stuff, with the above checks, and balances in place, but who has not yet submitted to the procedure of conversion. Let’s read:
[A.H. pp 63] The unbelieving may possess an excellent moral character, but the fact that he or she has not answered to the claims of God and has neglected so great salvation is sufficient reason why such a union should not be consummated.
[4] Being baptized by immersion does not make one a Christian. The question was once asked: “Why is there a seeming haste to baptize children, in some instances?” The answer was given: “Because as they grow older they may change their minds”. Thus, it seems as if it’s best to dunk them before they make an objective, well-informed choice!
Now, no one is saying that children should not be allowed baptism; what is being referenced is the idea of hastening baptism before they come to the age of reason, where they can understand their dire need of God’s grace as little sinners. I was baptized at the age of twelve, and went to church for several years, trying to do right things, and assisting with teaching the teenage class, but I never knew that I wasn’t a Christian. Thus, it’s imperative for us to remember that baptism by immersion does not necessarily make one a Christian.
[4] Believing on Jesus, and having an earnest desire in and of themselves does not make one a Christian. Desire alone is not enough to produce the will, nor the power to become a Christian. Contemporary Christianity focuses heavily on the word believe, but the scriptures teach us that “believing” is just the beginning point. But unless belief translates into a conversion procedure, a person is not a Christian. Let’s read:
James 2:19 Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble.
Acts 8:9 But there was a certain man, called Simon, which before-time in the same city used sorcery, and bewitched the people of Samaria.
11 And to him they had regard, because that of long time he had bewitched them with sorceries.
13 Then Simon himself believed also: and when he was baptized, he continued with Philip.
18 And when Simon saw that through laying on of the apostles' hands the Holy Ghost was given, he offered them money.
20 But Peter said unto him, Thy money perish with thee, because thou hast thought that the gift of God may be purchased with money.
22 Repent therefore of this thy wickedness.
23 For I perceive that thou art in the gall of bitterness, and in the bond of iniquity.
[4] Saying our memory verses is good, and being an active member of the AY, and pathfinders should be encouraged, but none of these activities makes one a Christian. In some instances, those presentations may look real cute, but we should bear in mind that being a Christian involves much more than being able to rattle off several memory verses, to the applause of cheering crowds.
[5] Giving Bible studies, and preaching on TBN, and helping the poor are all good deeds, and the human family will almost certainly be benefited from such exercises, but again, none of the above makes one a Christian.
This leads us to our Bible study today, A Christian is Born. After Christ had begun His ministry a Pharisee by the name of Nicodemus came to Him by night to find answers to some questions which had haunted his mind. But after his initial greeting, Jesus went to the heart of the real issue to be addressed, that of Nicodemus’ conversion. Nicodemus, was a teacher of the law, a renowned professor of theology, with his major probably in Hebrew or Greek.
But when Christ told him that he needed to become a Christian, he was taken aback, and shaken out of his comfort zone. Furthermore, there is reason for a grave concern for the students under his care, for if the professor was in need of conversion, then what about the many students in his class? Thus, Jesus was about to correct some of the many erroneous concepts then harbored, of who a Christian really is.
A Christian is born, not of the will of man but of the will of God, which means that the initiative begins with God, is received via our freedom of choice, by accepting Christ, and grows continually through the grace, will, and power of God alone, when coupled together with our freedom to choose. Our inability to save ourselves, or to change our own hearts may be humbling to human nature, but this aspect of the salvation Christ offers is what needs to be urgently understood, and grasped, for it clears the way for both young, and old to receive God’s perfect gift in Christ. Let’s read:
John 3:5 Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.
6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.
7 Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.
This new birth that Christ is referring to, is not an improvement on man’s fallen nature, for in order to become a Christian, the old nature of the man must be slain, and only God can do this, because if we try to slay the old man for ourselves we’ll soon discover that he will self-resurrect randomly and without any warning on numerous occasions, where unforeseen circumstances will fan into life our latent tendencies to evil, much to our chagrin. Let’s read:
Galatians 2:20 I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.
21 I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain.
2nd Corinthians 5:17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.
[D.A 324] When the soul surrenders itself to Christ, a new power takes possession of the new heart. A change is wrought which man can never accomplish for himself. It is a supernatural work, bringing a supernatural element into human nature. A soul thus kept in possession by the heavenly agencies is impregnable to the assaults of Satan.
In the book of Deuteronomy, God gave to parents, instructions on how their offspring should be taught the precepts, statutes, and laws, pertaining to right doing; but this was done with the knowledge that the unconverted heart would falter on numerous occasions. David, Peter, Abraham, Solomon, Isaiah, Moses, Daniel, John, and all the sons of Jacob, the twelve patriarchs all grew up in God-fearing homes, and did right things for a season, in harmony with the instructions received. Let’s read:
Deuteronomy 6:1 Now these are the commandments, the statutes, and the judgments, which the Lord your God commanded to teach you, that ye might do them.
2 That thou mightest fear the Lord thy God, to keep all his statutes and his commandments, which I command thee, thou, and thy son, and thy son's son, all the days of thy life; and that thy days may be prolonged.
3 Hear therefore, and observe to do it; that it may be well with thee.
6 And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart.
7 And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up.
8 And thou shalt bind them for a sign upon thine hand, and they shall be as frontlets between thine eyes.
9 And thou shalt write them upon the posts of thy house, and on thy gates.
Grace would then be given to those who tried with a sincere heart to do the right things, but sooner or later, God knows that all such persons would come to the realization that something was still lacking, at which point the conversion procedure, through The One and only Christ Jesus, would then be presented to our minds by the Holy Ghost as being warranted, necessary, and the only feasible way out of our dire predicament.
This moment of reckoning, when we must confront our humanity, with it’s frailties, and utter inability to save ourselves, occurred to each, and everyone who went on to become a Christian, and will be the inevitable experience of all who desire a deep, and abiding relationship with Christ, which constitutes eternal life. We are told of the moment of truth as it occurred in the experiences of some of the most God-fearing men. Let’s read:
Job 42:1 Then Job answered the Lord, and said, 2 I know that thou canst do everything.
3 Who is he that hideth counsel without knowledge? therefore have I uttered that I understood not; things too wonderful for me, which I knew not.
6 Wherefore I abhor myself, and repent in dust and ashes.
Isaiah 6:1 In the year that king Uzziah died I saw also the Lord sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up, and his train filled the temple.
3 And one cried unto another, and said, Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord of hosts: the whole earth is full of his glory.
5 Then said I, Woe is me! for I am undone; because I
am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips: for mine eyes have seen the King, the Lord of hosts.
6 Then flew one of the seraphims unto me, having a live coal in his hand, which he had taken with the tongs from off the altar:
7 And he laid it upon my mouth, and said, Lo, this hath touched thy lips; and thine iniquity is taken away, and thy sin purged.
Psalms 51:1 Have mercy upon me, O God, according to thy lovingkindness: according unto the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions.
2 Wash me thoroughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin.
3 For I acknowledge my transgressions: and my sin is ever before me.
10 Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.
Daniel 10:2 In those days I Daniel was mourning three full weeks.
4 And in the four and twentieth day of the first month, as I was by the side of the great river, which is Hiddekel;
5 Then I lifted up mine eyes, and looked, and behold a certain man clothed in linen, whose loins were girded with fine gold of Uphaz:
6 His body also was like the beryl, and his face as the appearance of lightning, and his eyes as lamps of fire, and his arms and his feet like in color to polished brass, and the voice of his words like the voice of a multitude.
8 Therefore I was left alone, and saw this great vision, and there remained no strength in me: for my comeliness was turned in me into corruption, and I retained no strength.
So, the question is: “How does one become a Christian? There are several answers to be given,
and which should be explained, and understood by those who seek a meaningful, covenant relationship with Christ. [1] The first initiative begins with God, by which a revelation of our true selves would show us both our sinfulness and our utter inability to fix ourselves. Let’s read:
Psalms 139:23 Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts.
24 And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.
[2] The next initiative also comes from God through Christ, as He is presented as the only way by which anyone can be redeemed, restored and empowered to live victoriously. Self-help, and every man-made method of salvation is left in the dust, for as the Bible teaches, without Christ, we can do absolutely nothing. Let’s read:
Romans 8:29 For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.
30 Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified.
31 What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?
Acts 4:12 Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.
[3] The third and ongoing step is that of abiding in Christ, through the supernatural power of The Holy Spirit dwelling in us. God gives us the mind to love righteousness, and hate iniquity, He also gives us His Spirit to enable us to grow continually, and if we were to continue submitting to His saving work of redemption, through our freedom of choice, the rest is history, for we will walk right through the pearly gates, all because of what God has done in us, for us, and to us. Let’s read:
John 15:4 Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me.
5 I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.
7 If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.
8 Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples.
9 As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you: continue ye in my love.
10 If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's
commandments, and abide in his love.
11 These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full.
Understanding that a Christian is born, that it is a supernatural procedure performed on the heart, by the power of God alone, will be of immense value in helping us to both understand, and deal mercifully with our fellowmen, and those who have not yet known Christ. It will also help us greatly in managing our expectations of those who have not yet been born again. Therefore, in closing, we would need to keep in mind that we all need the Person of Christ in our hearts, for any good, or right things outside of Christ is vanity. Let’s read:
[D.A. pp 296>297] As His representatives among men, Christ does not choose angels who have never fallen, but human beings, men of like passions with those they seek to save. Man needs power outside of and beyond himself, to restore him to the likeness of God, and enable him to do the work of God; but this does not make the human agency unessential. Humanity lays hold upon divine power, Christ dwells in the heart by faith; and through co-operation with the divine, the power of man becomes efficient for good.
God bless!