There is a broad and there is a narrow definition of “Christian” in our modern world.
The narrow definition is biblical and sound doctrine of what
it takes for one to enter into heaven’s gate. Jesus said in John 14:6 “…I am
the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” Meaning,
that it is through acceptance of Jesus Christ alone and by no other way will a
person enter into heaven where the Father resides. Hence, by the narrow definition - by accepting
Jesus as Savior and Lord, one is spiritually born again, becoming “saved” and
given the title “Christian” or “Believer.” John 3:7 says, “Marvel not that I
said unto thee, Ye must be born again.” The word “must” in this scripture is a
requirement.
The broader definition is becoming more popular by the
public, and is deceiving. In the broad since anyone can claim to be a Christian
if they believe Jesus was real, or that Jesus was good, or if they themselves
show a loving concern for others, or if they attempt to live a moral life or they
are a person who simply does not bond to another religion of the world. Then
they are “Christian.” But not everyone who calls himself or herself “Christian”
are true born again believers and sadly some will not enter into heaven’s
gates. Being good and kind is not the key. And the label of “Christian” is no
more than a label if not biblically defined. “Ye must be born again.”
(Narrow) Christian = One who entrusts his or her life to Jesus Christ while trusting Christ for forgiveness of all their sin, as well as guidance in life. Christians are also referred to as “believers” because of their belief in Christ and as “born again” because Jesus said that one must be born of the Spirit in addition to being born of the water (physical birth).
Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother's womb, and be born? Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. John 3:3-6
(Broad) Chris·tian (kr ch n)
adj.
1. Professing belief in Jesus as Christ or following the religion based on the life and teachings of Jesus.
2. Relating to or derived from Jesus or Jesus's teachings.
3. Manifesting the qualities or spirit of Jesus; Christlike.
4. Relating to or characteristic of Christianity or its adherents.
5. Showing a loving concern for others; humane.
n.
1. One who professes belief in Jesus as Christ or follows the religion based on the life and teachings of Jesus.
2. One who lives according to the teachings of Jesus.
Source: www.thefreedictionary.com/Christian
Christian
the name given by the Greeks or Romans, probably in reproach, to the followers of Jesus. It was first used at Antioch. The names by which the disciples were known among themselves were "brethren," "the faithful," "elect," "saints," "believers." But as distinguishing them from the multitude without, the name "Christian" came into use, and was universally accepted. This name occurs but three times in the New Testament (Acts 11:26; 26:28; 1 Pet. 4:16).
Source: EASTON’S 1897 Bible Dictionary
Christian
The disciples, we are told, (Acts 11:26) were first called Christians at Antioch on the Orontes, somewhere about A.D. 43. They were known to each other as, and were among themselves called, brethren, (Acts 15:1,23; 1 Corinthians 7:12) disciples, (Acts 9:26; 11:29) believers, (Acts 5:14) saints, (Romans 8:27; 15:25) The name "Christian," which, in the only other cases where it appears in the New Testament, (Acts 26:28; 1 Peter 4:16) is used contemptuously, could not have been applied by the early disciples to themselves, but was imposed upon them by the Gentile world. There is no reason to suppose that the name "Christian" of itself was intended as a term of scurrility or abuse, though it would naturally be used with contempt.
Source: Smith’s Bible Names Dictionary
Central to the Christian faith is the gospel, the teaching that humans have hope for salvation through the message and works of Jesus, and particularly his atoning death on the cross. Christians also believe Jesus is the Messiah prophesied in the Hebrew Bible. Most Christians believe in the doctrine of the Trinity ("tri-unity"), a description of God as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, which retains the monotheistic belief of Christianity's Abrahamic heritage through an ineffable confluence. This includes the vast majority of the churches in Christianity. A minority of Christian churches are Nontrinitarians.
Source: Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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Who can be a Born Again Christian?
Anyone and Everyone that will call upon the name of Jesus.
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