You are saved, but are you a Christian?

Have you ever had one of those “aw-ha” moments when something you were familiar with but never really thought about was revealed to you at an ordinary Sunday night service? This happened to me last Sunday when my pastor, Brother Dennis Knowles, asked me, “Are you a Christian or are you just saved?” At first this question didn’t make much sense. However, through your message and with a lot of thought and prayer, the question can be overwhelming.

The word “Christian” has become so diluted in our society today that, if asked, almost everyone can believe they are Christian. Many times, especially in the United States, they may have one of multiple answers. “I was baptized …”, “I am a member of …”, My father was a preacher … “,” I go to church … “,” I am a good person … “and the list goes on. These are all great, but none of them define you as a Christian and none of them guarantee your salvation.

Salvation, “being saved”, is only possible when one accepts Jesus Christ as their personal Lord and Savior. John 3:16 is probably the most memorized verse in the Bible. “For God so loved the world that he gave his only-begotten Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish, but may have eternal life.” This promise is available to everyone. Many accept this promise that Jesus Christ is their personal Savior. But do we sometimes fail to make Him our Lord?

Wikipedia basically states that the word Christian can be defined as a person who follows the teachings of Jesus Christ. The term is also used as an adjective meaning “everything that is noble, good, and Christlike.” The Bible only gives us 3 verses where the word “Christian” is used:

Acts 11:26 gives us the origin of the word. “… And it happened that a whole year they met with the church and taught many people. And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch.” It is interesting to note that this body of believers did not invent this name themselves. Their names were attached due to their testimony. These followers of Christ had the behavior of Christ, their activities represented Christ, and their speech reflected Christ.

Acts 26: 27-28 calls us as Christians to witness. “King Agrippa, do you believe the prophets? I know you believe. Then Agrippa said to Paul: You almost persuaded me to be a Christian.” Paul was passionate about telling others what Christ had done for him. In 1 Timothy 1:15 Paul declares: “… that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost.” People need to see those who have accepted Christ living this message, but they need to hear this message.

1 Peter 4:16 reflects on how you handle suffering. “However, if anyone suffers as a Christian, do not be ashamed; rather glorify God for this.” Accepting Christ as your Savior in no way guarantees a life without pain, tragedy, or suffering. Even when you think that you are living within the perfect will of God, headaches occur. How do you handle yourself during these difficult times? Allowing God to work through you during these times is how God will be glorified.

So the question, “Are you a Christian or are you just saved?” Basically asks the question “Can others see Jesus in me?” If Jesus were physically sitting next to you, would you act differently? Would you tell others how wonderful this man is to you? Would you come to Him and make Him comfort you during the tragedy? Being saved is extremely important to you, but being a Christian is extremely important to others. Can they see Christ through you?