Biblically defining the word “Christian” is a much-needed discussion, for we are being flooded by today’s religious culture who misuse, misapply, and misunderstand the word “Christian”, and unfortunately, the church has never been immune to the influence of contemporary beliefs. This has been an ongoing battle for me, especially in the last decade among the churches of Christ. When I began preaching, I was dumbfounded by one who seemed to be a pillar in the church speaking about various people in town, adding in that they were Christians. My first thought was, if they are Christians then why aren’t they here? Why are they not members of the church? But they were talking about people who were a part of various denominations in town. And this was not a unique perspective, as I soon ran into this in other places. As Christians, it is not permissible for us to use words that God has established in a way other than the true, biblical use of the word. We ought to speak where the bible speaks, and be silent where the bible is silent, and call bible things by bible names and do bible things in bible ways. So, our interest lies in God’s use of the word “Christian”, for it belongs to Him, He gave this name to a special and limited group of people, which should not be taken from them.

            We only find the word “Christian” in three verses of the Bible, but in each context, it is used the same way and for the same type of people, and therefore, it’s meaning remains consistent. Below are the three verses:

Acts 11:26  “So Barnabas went to Tarsus to look for Saul, and when he had found him, he brought him to Antioch. For a whole year they met with the church and taught a great many people. And in Antioch the disciples were first called Christians.”

Acts 26:28  “And Agrippa said to Paul, “In a short time would you persuade me to be a Christian?”

1 Peter 4:16  “Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in that name.”

            Notice, in Acts 11:26, that it was in Antioch that the disciples were first called Christians. There are several important considerations here. First, they were “called” Christians; the word “called” (Greek – chrēmatizō), is defined as a divine command. So, these people were not called Christians because they were given that name from outsiders, or because they gave themselves the name, but God alone commanded the name “Christian” to be used for these people. This is most significant; if God called them “Christians” by divine command, then we certainly don’t want to be at fault for misusing this word. Second, God commanded them to be called “Christians” (Greek – Christianos), which is simply defined as a follower of the anointed (or Christ); the word carries no other meaning or definition. We can see the accuracy of this definition confirmed by the text when it was “the disciples” who were called Christians. A disciple of Christ is a pupil and learner of Christ. Jesus said it best when he told those who believed Him, “If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed” (John 8:31), and further, He said, “It is enough for the disciple to be like his teacher” (Matthew 10:25). Jesus’ idea of a disciple is one who is like Him and abides by His words. Such disciples of Christ were given the divine command to be called Christians. Anyone other than a true follower and abider of Jesus and His word does not fit the divine command; they are incorrect to call themselves by that name and we are scripturally incorrect to use that name for them. If someone is a part of a denominational church, they are sadly not Christians; for no denomination is found in the scriptures, thus they are manmade institutions of religion, not abiding by the word of Christ. If someone goes by the title “Reverend” or “Pastor”, or if their preacher holds one or those titles, then they are neither a Christian nor a part of a church that teaches the truth; for such terms are not scriptural, and are easy indications of false teachers. If someone is living their life as a morally good person who believes in God, but they did not see the need to take the steps of salvation, such a one is not a Christian. These were just a few examples of how the word “Christian” is misused today.

            There are some other considerations though, for since the last century, “Christian” is no longer a term applied only to individuals. Today, you will hear of Christian private schools, Christian colleges, Christian charities, Christian organizations, Christian businesses, Christian hospitals and nursing homes, Christian radio and tv networks, Christian music, Christian movies, and the list never ends. However, this is a misuse of the word “Christian”. Applying “Christian” to anything or anyone other than a true disciple of Christ is unscriptural. Things cannot become Christians. Businesses, schools, and restaurants cannot be Christians. Only people who have true fellowship with God are Christians.

If we are not cautious, these things will desensitize us from God’s word of truth. The word “Christian” is extraordinarily special, a term given by God, Himself, to His own holy people. We should take this seriously and not misapply a word that came by chrēmatizō (divine command). But celebrate the design of God and the salvation He supplies, for repented sinners to be forgiven and be made worthy to bear the name of Christ.

Article by Tanner Campbell