ARE WE LIVING UP TO THE NAME?

The disciples were first called Christians at Antioch of Syria (Acts 11:26). When Paul was before King Agrippa, the Herodian leader noted that the apostle had almost convinced him to be a Christian (Acts 26:28). The apostle Peter stated that suffering as a Christian brings glory to God (I Peter 4:16).

We can see from the Word of God that the greatest name we as followers of the Lord can wear is that of a Christian. After all, it is a divinely authorized designation for God's New Covenant people, the church of Christ. While the world often despises Christ and His followers, we cherish the blessings of being identified as disciples of the Lord Jesus.

Having scripturally established the glorious nature of wearing the name "Christian", we also need to understand the responsibilities associated with it. For instance, by failing to live up to the cherished name, we put ourselves in grave jeopardy of being cast into hell fire. John clearly wrote of this truth: "An whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast onto the lake of fire (Revelation 20:15). Again, the apostle made it crystal clear: "And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever" (Revelation 20:10).

Brothers and sisters in the Lord, let us wear the name faithfully, for our eternal souls are at stake. Initially obeying the gospel of Christ was only the first step. A lifetime of obedience is the second.

Steve Harris