What's Wrong With Being a Christian?

Doctrine Article - D.0001

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After the Jews rejected Jesus for the final time and chose to stone Stephen (Acts chapters 6 and 7), God concluded the Jews in unbelief so that he could have mercy on the Gentiles. The young man, Saul, who became the Apostle Paul, and at whose feet the Jews laid their coats while they stoned Stephen, witnessed the death of this first true martyr.

After Saul's conversion, the gospel began to be preached to the Gentiles. This is the first record of people becoming "Christians".

Then departed Barnabas to Tarsus, for to seek Saul: And when he had found him, he brought him unto Antioch. And it came to pass, that a whole year they assembled themselves with the church, and taught much people. And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch. (Acts 11:25,26)

[Editor's note: It is interesting to note that the manuscripts underlying the King James Bible came from Antioch, where the disciples were first called "Christians"; not from Alexandria, from where the manuscripts underlying all of the modern versions come and from where much evil emanates.]

While rebuking and correcting the Corinthian church, Paul rejected the divisions that the people had created by labeling themselves as certain followers of men: For while one saith, I am of Paul; and another, I am of Apollos; are ye not carnal? (I Cor 3:4)

Being carnal is not a small thing. For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: (Rom 8:6,7a).

But today, people have returned to the same carnal divisions and self-labeling. Let's be honest:

a. Lutherans label themselves as such in respect of the works and teachings of Martin Luther,

b. Baptists label themselves as such in respect of the works and teachings of John the Baptist,

c. Calvinists label themselves as such in respect of the works and teachings of John Calvin,

d. Pentecostals label themselves as such in respect of the outpouring of the Holy Ghost at Pentecost (and in respect of the false outpouring at the turn of the 20th century at Azuza Street).

Aren't all who do so doing exactly what the Corinthian church did? At the very least their faith is out of balance with the word of God by their focus on certain doctrine to the detriment of the remaining counsel of God. (Wouldn't Paul say the same today of these people - are ye not carnal? (I Cor 3:4)

Don't be deceived by the momentum that denominational 'Christianity' has developed. The current drive towards ecumenism and interfaithism is wicked. Unity for the sake of unity will prove to be fruitless. That is why doctrine divides.

Let's prove all things; hold fast that which is good. (I Thess 5:21)

Let's speak the things that become sound doctrine. (Titus 2:1)

Then, let's simply call ourselves, "Christians."

* * * There's Nothing Wrong With Being a "Christian".

"Christian" is what we ought to be.