A Complete Interactive Guide to "What is a Biblical Christian?"

A Question of Eternal Importance

The author begins by drawing a sharp distinction between two types of knowledge.

Trivial Knowledge

There are many things we can be ignorant about without tragic consequence (e.g., theory of relativity, how a cow makes milk).

Essential Knowledge

However, there are some things where ignorance is both tragic and fatal.

'What is a biblical Christian?'

When does a person have the right to take this name, according to the Scriptures?

1. A Person Who Has Faced The Problem of Sin

Christianity is a sinner's religion. The journey begins by facing a two-fold personal problem: a bad record and a bad heart.

The Problem of a Bad Record (Guilt)

We sinned in Adam, our representative, and are part of a race under condemnation (Romans 5:12).

Additional guilt comes from our own transgressions in thought, word, and deed, all recorded by God (Eccles. 7:20).

The Problem of a Bad Heart (Corruption)

Our hearts are described as "deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked," the source of all sin (Jer. 17:9, Mark 7:21).

The unregenerate mind is not just hostile to God; it is hostility itself, unable to submit to His law (Romans 8:7).

2. A Person Who Has Considered The Divine Remedy

God has taken the initiative. The remedy is not self-help, but a divine provision with three focal points.

The remedy is not a philosophy but a Person: the Lord Jesus Christ, both God and man (John 14:6).

The cross is where God judged our sin in Christ, making Him a curse for us so God could be both just and merciful (2 Cor. 5:21).

This remedy is offered freely to all, without discrimination or pre-qualification. The invitation is open: "Come unto me" (Matt. 11:28).

3. A Person Who Has Complied With The Divine Terms

The remedy is appropriated through two inseparable terms: Repentance and Faith. They are like a hinge on which the door of salvation turns.

Repentance

Faith

Repentance: A Turn FROM Sin

A true sense and hatred of sin that causes one to turn from it, to God, with a full purpose of new obedience. It is being sorry enough to quit.

Faith: A Turn TO Christ

Casting the soul upon Christ in its need, trusting Him for all He is and all He provides (pardon, righteousness, etc.). It is taking Christ with an empty hand.

4. A Person Who Manifests a Real Faith

True faith is not a mere verbal claim; it is a living force that demonstrates its reality through a changed life.

True Faith...

...Works by Love...

...Which Produces Obedience.

We are saved by faith, not works, but a faith that produces no love or obedience is not real. This obedience is practical: taking a stand for righteousness, upholding moral standards, and not being ashamed of Christ. It is not perfection, but a life of purposeful adherence to Christ's ways.

"He that says, I know him, and keeps not his commandments is a liar and the truth is not in him." - 1 John 2:4