A Christian

 

What is a Christian?  - Bible answers

Three perspectives:

1       Sheep in the fold of Jesus Christ the Good Shepherd

2      Sinners forgiven by God as taught to the people at Rome

3      Children in the family of God as presented by the Apostle John

Please read the Bible section – John chapter 10 (Bibles available free on request)

Jesus was identifying the true compared to the false using the metaphor of sheep being cared for by the shepherd.

 

Verse 9 – “ I am the gate (door). Those who come in through Me , will be saved.” 

Becoming a Christian is a deliberate choice to enter the care of the Good Shepherd (Jesus Christ the Lord). He saves from sin and destruction. He feeds His own with spiritual food. He gives life in fulness now and for eternity.

 

Verse 11 “ I am the Good Shepherd, the Good Shepherd lays down His life for the sheep.”

All of us are like sheep that have wandered off into our own ways and the wages of our sin is death. But Jesus died for our sins. He died our death for us. Now that He is alive again, genuine Christians belong to Him. (not independent of Him)

 

Verse 27  “My sheep hear my voice and they follow me”

A true Christian will accept and trust the words of Jesus. And like sheep in His flock, will follow Him wherever He may lead (see Psalm 23) . 

It is rather thrilling to see people, young and old, searching the Bible for the words of the Lord Jesus, and then willing to go His way, obey His words and walk in His steps.

 

Verse 28  “ I give them eternal life and they will never perish.”

The genuine Christian can rest upon the promises of the Good Shepherd. By His death and resurrection, the gift of eternal life in heaven is sure, and the Father’s love and power will keep us from every enemy.

 

A true Christian is not about heritage, personal goodness, religion ceremony or emotional experience. It is about trusting (believing, faith) in the Very special person – Jesus Christ our LORD – the Good Shepherd who invites us all to enter in and be one of His sheep.

 

The Apostle Peter summarised the same truth in his letter –

 1 Peter:

2/25  ‘Now you have returned to your Shepherd’

1/18  ‘Redeemed .. by the blood of Christ….Born again ‘

2/3    ‘craving pure, spiritual milk’

2/21   ‘ follow in HIS steps’

1/4    ‘.. priceless inheritance kept in heaven for you’

 

I do hope that all my readers can say meaningfully :

 

        “The LORD is my Shepherd”

Taking our place as dependant sheep, takes away our fears and gives us sure hope for time and eternity. Then we can truly sing and praise the great Shepherd in heaven – for HE is worthy.

johnmckee@internode.on.net