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So many call themselves a Christian but how would anyone know of an assurance who is and who is not a Christian just by their characteristics? All certified Christians are followers of God and His divine Word, but those are such generic terms. What does it mean to follow God and be called a child of the most High? The scriptures gives us a good description of what a Christian is, and shines a bright light on the few who actually hold the title of a God fearing Christian.

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All who shall have the honor of being called a Christian have obeyed the gospel of Christ and have been made free from sin. Paul said, “Know you not, that to whom ye present yourselves as servants unto obedience, his servants you are whom you obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness? But thanks be to God, that, whereas ye were servants of sin, you became obedient from the heart to that form of teaching where unto ye were delivered; and being then made free from sin, you became servants of righteousness” (Romans 6:16-18).

If a Christian is made free from sin then this means that they have faith in God (Hebrews 11:6). If one doesn’t believe Jesus is the Christ, they will die in their sins (John 8:24). Yet, faith is not enough to be saved because there is no where in the bible which says that by faith a person’s sin is removed. If that were true, then why on the day of Pentecost when the apostle Peter was asked, “Men and brethren what shall we do?” he said, “Repent and be baptized for the remission of your sins”? (Acts 2:38). Why did the apostle James say that one is not justified by faith only (James 2:24). In order to be made free from sin requires both FAITH and WORKS (James 2:14-26). Therefore, one is made a Christian by believing and being baptized into the body (the church) of Christ Mark 16:16 f; Romans 6:3,4).

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It was the psalmist David who said a godly man studies the law of God day and night (Psalm 1:1,2). Paul commanded a young Timothy to give attention to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine (1 Timothy 4:13). To seek diligently (to study) to show himself approved unto God, a workman that needs not to be ashamed, rightly discerning the word of truth (2 Tim 2:15). Solomon wrote that the heart of the righteous studies to answer (Proverbs 15:28). For the scriptures are able to make us wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. The scriptures, which are inspired of God, are profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness (2 Timothy 3:15-17).

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Jesus Christ from the very beginning of his existence upon the earth sought to be about his Father’s business (Luke 2:49). Jesus said, “I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day; the night comes, when no man can work” (John 9:4). He said, “The Son of man is come to seek and save that which was lost” (Luke 19:10). In the end of His existence Jesus proclaimed, “I have glorified You on the earth: I have finished the work which You gave me to do” (John 17:4).

If this was the Spirit of Christ, then so must a Christian also do. Paul said, “If any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of His” (Romans 8:9). He also said, “Be you followers of me even as I also am of Christ” (1 Corinthians 11:1). Solomon wrote that a wise man wins souls (Proverbs 11:30). James said if any errs from the truth, and one converts him, let him know that he which converts the sinner from the error of his way, shall save a soul from death and shall hide a multitude of sins (James 5:19,20). Let all men who preach the Word, preach in season and out of season: Reproving, rebuking and exhorting with all longsuffering and doctrine (2 Timothy 4:2).

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All Christian men must be prepared to defend the Word against false teachers and doctrine (Philippians 1:15-18). They must be able to prove the Word by the scriptures (1 Thessalonians 5:21). They also must be able to contend for the faith which was once delivered to the saints (Jude 3). As Solomon wrote, “They that forsake the law praise the wicked, but such as keep the law contend with them” (Proverbs 28:4).

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If one teaches another they should, by example, also be prepared to live by it. If one teaches another not to steal, then they must not be a thief themselves.

If one teaches another not to commit adultery, then they must not commit adultery themselves. If one teaches another not to worship idols, then they must not rob temples (Romans 2:21-22). Once one becomes a Christian they become a new creature (2 Corinthians 5:17). A Christian must show themselves a pattern of good works in doctrine showing uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity, sound speech, which can’t be condemned; This a Christian must do that sinners speak not evil against them (Titus 2:7,8). Christians must be an example in word, in love, in spirit, in faith, and in purity (1 Timothy 4:12).

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Christians must worship God faithfully each Lord’s day to remember the Lord’s death and to give of their means (Acts 20:7 f; 1 Corinthians 16:1,2). Christians must sing and make melody in the heart to the Lord (Ephesians 5:19). This means that a real Christian does not sing with the aid of instrumental music. Christians must speak where the Bible speaks, and remain silent where the Bible is silent (1 Peter 4:1 ff; Revelation 22:18,19; 1 Corinthians 4:6). A real Christian woman remains silent in all worship assemblies according to the scriptures and the commandment of the Lord Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 14:33-40). All Christian men prepare themselves to become preachers, teachers, elders, and deacons that the church be guided and fed with the truth of God (2 Timothy 4:2-5 f; Acts 20:28).

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A real Christian obeys the gospel, studies, practice what they preach, worships in spirit and in truth, seeks and saves souls, and defends the Faith. We all must do the work of God who are called by the gospel. Christian women serve God by their submission to their husbands and to the Lord. Christian men serve by preaching, teaching and leading the church and ruling their family according to the scriptures. Whatever role God has given us to do as Christian men and women, let us all be able to say that we have fought a good fight, we have finished the course, and we have kept the faith that we might have waiting for us a crown of righteous promised to all who endure till the end (2 Timothy 4:8 ff; James 1:12; Matthew 24:13; Revelation 2:10).

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It is our sincere desire and prayer that you obey the gospel today and be saved. Remember the words of Jesus, “1ot every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity” (Matthew 7:21-23).

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If you are not a Christian you can be by obeying the gospel. Jesus says, “He that believes and is baptized shall be saved” (Mark 16:16). Paul said; “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek” (Romans 1:16). The words of Jesus teach us that to become a Christian one must:

• Hear the gospel (John 6:44-45)

• Believe in Jesus as the Christ (John 8:24) • Repent of all sins (Luke 13:3)

• Confess Christ as Lord (Matthew 10:32-33) • And be baptized to be saved (Mark 16:16) • After baptism remain faithful to God.

(Matthew 10:22)

If we do just what our Lord commanded we know that our salvation is certain and we will hear Him say “Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord” (Matthew 25:21). Let us go back to the Bible, back to Christ and His church and do exactly what He commanded. Please let us help you in your obedience to the gospel before it is eternally too late.

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