who is a christian?

Who is a Christian? If you're interested in understanding some biblical teaching on this subject then I encourage you to get out your bible and follow through this diagram.

(1) Points out the centrality of Jesus Christ.

(2) Looks at the role of believing.

(3) Considers the obedience step the bible teaches we should take in response to our belief decision.

(4) Considers the beliefs we need to accept to be a follower of Christ. If we reject any of these core beliefs then we are rejecting Christ.

(5) Considers the idea that belief is not a static thing. We need to be walking toward Christ and growing.

(6) Looks at the teaching that we can walk away from our salvation.

(7) (8) (9) (10) Look at four positions we can be in. (7) Is a person who is headed in the opposite direction and who does not believe the central beliefs ie they are outside the boundary (blue line). (8) Is a person thinking about and considering Christ. They are walking toward him but have not yet committed themselves to the core beliefs of Christianity. (9) Is a person who is committed to Christ and walking toward him. This person is where each of us should be. (10) Is a person who is committed to the beliefs but is now walking away from Christ. They have decided to reject the implications of what it means to follow Christ. This person is in danger of completely rejecting Jesus Christ.

The implication of the biblical teaching is that a Christian is a person who both BELIEVES and who ACTS in accordance with those beliefs.

Hope this is helpful.