Are You a Follower of Jesus Christ?
In The Quest book we discussed how the terms “Christian” and “believer” have degenerated in meaning. We’re not suggesting that we should all discontinue using those terms, but consider the following.
If we were to ask the average person in the US, “Are you a Christian?” How would they respond? Many might say, “Yes, I am.” But does that mean that they attend a church? Does it mean that they were born in a “Christian” country? Does it signify they were baptized as an infant? Does it merely establish that they’re not atheist or Muslim? Could it mean they prayed a prayer at camp when they were twelve? Or does it mean they are trusting Christ alone for their salvation and growing in their relationship with him daily?
You see, the question, “Are you a Christian?” really tells us little. To ask, “Are you a believer?”—especially in the 21st century—is even more ambiguous. “Am I a believer in what?” would perhaps be a common response. James reminds us, “You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that—and shudder.” (James 2:19) No, that’s not a great question either.
Another problem with the word believer nowadays is that we commonly associate it with belief in a set of doctrines rather than trust in the Person of Christ. Belief in doctrine is not a saving faith. But placing one’s faith (trust, reliance, dependence, belief) in Christ is our saving faith.
But what if we ask, “Are you a follower of Jesus Christ?” Or, “Are you following Jesus?” In fact, let me ask you right now, “Are you following Jesus? Is he your Leader, your Lord?”
Let’s stand up and say, “I’m a transformed follower of Christ and he continues to change me daily!”
©2009 Rob Fischer
3 comments
This is a very good point, Rob. Words are very slippery these days. Why, I’ve been shocked to discover that in some mainline “old school” denominational churches, belief in things like the Virgin Birth, the Ressurection, and the Divinity of Christ are all “optional”.
So someone could say they’re a Christian, attend a respectable sounding church, and even use a lot of Christian “lingo” (like saying “I’m saved” or “the Holy Spirit comforts me”)… and yet not really be following Christ.
I think it’s important for us to know what we mean when we each say we follow Christ, and to not take for granted what others mean when they say they do, too.
“I’m a transformed follower of Christ and he continues to change me daily!” I am inspired by your message today. In my transformation, I pray to be more like Jesus, that the ones in my space will recognize I am a Christian, without even asking! Look forward to more posts.
I agree. This reminds me of C.S. Lewis who compared the watering down of the term Christian to the use of the word Gentleman.
Gentelman used to mean a man with stature, a coat or arms or an estate and now it simply means a nice guy.
To be a Christian doesn’t just mean to be a good person. It means we follow the resurrected Christ that is written about in scripture. He alone is our Lord and Savior.
Great point with James 2:19 – I use that example often when speaking about God.
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