Question 4 What Is a Christian?

 Question 4 What Is a Christian?

A Christian is a person who believes in and confesses Jesus as Savior and Lord. 

For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, “Abba, Father.” Romans 8.15 (NKJV)

I remember the first time I realized what was involved in an adoption. I had a friend in grade school named Teddy who lived in an orphanage. It sounded like a nice place, but it wasn’t a home. One day our teacher announced that Teddy was going to be adopted into a new family. What amazed me the most about this thing was that everything was really based on the family that loved Teddy and wanted to make him a part of their family. 

Being a Christian doesn’t begin with our choosing Jesus but with Jesus choosing us. If it were the other way around, it might be a little wobbly. I make all sorts of choices in life, some good, some not so good. But God’s choosing me to call Him “Abba, Father,” is as good as it gets. I’m safe and secure in His arms. 

Prayer

Thank You Father for bringing me into Your family through Your Son and through Your Holy Spirit. Since You began this work in me, I know You will finish it (Philippians 1.6). I’m happy to believe in Your Son Jesus and confess Him as my Savior. Amen. 

Hymn

1. What a fellowship, what a joy divine,
   Leaning on the everlasting arms;
   What a blessedness, what a peace is mine,
   Leaning on the everlasting arms.

Refrain:
Leaning, leaning,
Safe and secure from all alarms;
Leaning, leaning,
Leaning on the everlasting arms.

2. Oh, how sweet to walk in this pilgrim way,
   Leaning on the everlasting arms;
   Oh, how bright the path grows from day to day,
   Leaning on the everlasting arms.

3. What have I to dread, what have I to fear,
   Leaning on the everlasting arms?
   I have blessed peace with my Lord so near,
   Leaning on the everlasting arms.

This series of devotions is based on the questions found in the Explanation to Martin Luther's Small Catechism, 2017 edition. I highly recommend purchasing this book in print, Kindle, or app form.