WHO ARE CHRISTIANS?

WHO ARE CHRISTIANS?

The Faith of Abraham Is the Faith of Every True Believer

By Dr. Maxwell Shimba

The word Christian was first used in Acts 11:26 to describe the disciples of Jesus Christ. But the story of God's people did not begin in Antioch. It began with God's eternal plan of redemption, fulfilled in Jesus Christ—the promised Messiah.

Jesus declared one of the most profound truths ever spoken:

"Before Abraham was, I AM." (John 8:58)

With these words, Jesus identified Himself with the eternal "I AM" revealed to Moses (Exodus 3:14). He is not merely a great teacher or prophet. He is the eternal Word of God.

The Apostle John confirms this truth:

"All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made." (John 1:3)

Then comes the greatest miracle in history:

"And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us." (John 1:14)

The Creator entered His own creation. God became man in the person of Jesus Christ to accomplish our salvation.

The Father Himself testified concerning His Son at Jesus' baptism:

"This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased." (Matthew 3:17)

This divine testimony leaves no room for doubt about Christ's unique identity.

Jesus also declared:

"Your father Abraham rejoiced to see My day, and he saw it and was glad." (John 8:56)

Abraham looked forward by faith to God's promised Redeemer. His faith was not in his own works but in God's promise.

The Apostle Paul explains:

"Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness." (Romans 4:3)

That same principle remains true today.

"Just as Abraham 'believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness'... those who are of faith are sons of Abraham." (Galatians 3:6–9)

The Old Testament saints looked forward to the coming Messiah. New Testament believers look back to the Messiah who has already come. Yet both are saved by the same grace, through the same faith, in the same Savior.

Christianity, therefore, did not invent a new God or a new way of salvation. It proclaims the fulfillment of God's eternal promise in Jesus Christ.

A Christian is one who believes that Jesus Christ is the eternal Son of God, the promised Messiah, the Creator who became flesh, died for our sins, rose from the dead, and offers eternal life to everyone who believes in Him.

Those who receive Him receive eternal life.

Those who reject Him reject the very "I AM" whom Abraham believed and worshipped.

Today, the invitation remains open to every nation, tribe, and language:

Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved.

"Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever." (Hebrews 13:8)

Soli Deo Gloria.