"Are You a Christian?" Acts 11:26; 26:28; 1 Peter 4:16

Dr. George Ragsdale, Pastor
West Marion Baptist Church, Morriston/Ocala, Florida

The word “Christian” today has become a household word and used by almost everybody. But the question is this: Are YOU a Christian? Some believe that they were born into Christianity by being a citizen of the United States. Some think they are Christians because their parents are/were, or because they had a preacher in the family years ago. Some think it's because they give to charity work or because they go to church.

*I’m a GOOD person
Romans 3:12 They are all gone out of the way, they are together become unprofitable; there is none that doeth good, no, not one.

*By doing WORKS
Ephesians 2:9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.
2 Timothy 1:9 Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began,

*By being RIGHTEOUS
Romans 3:10 As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one:
Titus 3:5 Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;

*By my DEEDS
Romans 3:20 Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin.
Romans 3:28 Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law.

*By keeping the LAW
Galatians 2:16 Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified.

Becoming a Christian, according to the New Testament, is a definite act with significant results. As a matter of fact, there are no fewer than thirty-three simultaneous and instantaneous divine undertakings and transformations, which collectively constitute the salvation of a soul, and take place the moment one exercises his or her Faith in Christ and is Saved. Here are just three:

1. A believer in Christ has the guilt of his sins REMOVED
1 John 1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
2. He is taken out of Adam, the sphere of CONDEMNATION and placed in Christ, the sphere of RIGHTEOUSNESS and JUSTIFICATION.
Romans 5:12 Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:
Romans 5:19 For as by one man's disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous.
Galatians 2:16 Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified.
3. He is given a new standing by virtue of his being placed “In Christ” by the Spirit’s BAPTIZING work.
1 Corinthians 12:13
Romans 6:3-4

Conclusion: A Christian then, is not one who does certain things for God (his own works [Eph. 2:8-9]) but...one for whom God has done for (God's unmerited favor and mercy: His grace [Eph. 2:8-9]). He is not so much one who conforms to a certain manner of life as he is one who has received the gift of eternal life. He is not one who depends upon a hopelessly imperfect state but rather one who has reached a perfect standing before God as being in Christ. It is Christ's blood that covers us and makes us pure before God. His blood (the spotless, pure Lamb of God) shed for us makes the transaction sure. Not our works.

Romans 5:19
For as by one man's disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous.
So, Are you a Christian? You can be sure today,
1. Call on Jesus today by faith in prayer: "For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved." Romans 10:13
2. Confess with your mouth that He is the Lord and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead. Romans 10:9-10
3. Believe that He is the Lord and Messiah over all. Romans 10:12
4. Receive Him into your heart and life.
But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: John 1:12