WHAT MAKES A CHRISTIAN?

            A man is not a Christian simply because he lives a good moral life, attends worship, understands correct doctrine or does good works. He is a Christian because of faith in Jesus and union with Him. One who is a Christian, however, is to live a good life which befits the gospel, worship God and encourage other saints, grow in knowledge and be zealous for good works.

I. Some things do not make a Christian.

   A. A moral life does not make a Christian.

        1. Cornelius was a good moral man, but he was not a Christian (Acts 10:1ff).

        2. All men break God's laws and are sinners before Him. No one is good enough to be a Christian.

   B. Church attendance does not make a Christian.

        1. Jeremiah was told to make such an announcement to God's people of his day (Jeremiah 7:1ff).

        2. Being in the company of Christians does not make one a Christian today. Some who sit "in church" will be cast out in the day of judgment (Matthew 7:21-23).

   C. Doctrine and issues do not make a Christian.

        1. Knowledge is not a matter of pride, or sufficient alone (I Corinthians 8:2, 3).

        2. One may have "all knowledge" and still be nothing (I Corinthians 13:2).

        3. The demons hold "right doctrine," but they are far from saved (James 2:19).

   D. Good works do not make a Christian.

        1. Salvation is not of our works (Ephesians 2:8, 9).

        2. We are not saved by works of righteousness which we have done (Titus 3:5, 6).

II. The Christian is one who has faith in Jesus, repentance toward God, and has become a new creation in Christ (Acts 20:21; II Corinthians 5:17-21; Colossians 2:12, 13).

III. Those things mentioned above do not "make" a Christian, but they are to be part of the growing Christian life.

   A. The Christian is to live a moral life appropriate to one who is in Christ (Ephesians 4:20; Colossians 3:1ff).

   B. Church attendance is for the Christian's edification and development (Hebrews 10:24, 25).

   C. The Christian is to grow in the knowledge of God's Word, and in healthy doctrine (Ephesians 4:14, 15; II Peter 3:18).

   D. Good works are to accompany the Christian wherever he goes (Ephesians 2:10; Titus 2, 3).