What is the difference between a Christian and a disciple?
The terms disciple and Christian are related but not synonymous. The Greek term for “disciple” in the New Testament is mathetes, which basically means “student” or “learner.” But a disciple is also a “follower,” someone who adheres completely to the teachings of another, making them his rule of life and conduct. The Pharisees prided themselves…
What does it mean that Christ is in us?
Many passages of Scripture communicate that Jesus Christ lives within those who trust Him for salvation (2 Corinthians 13:5). While this is an astonishing truth, it isn’t easy to grasp. Not only is Jesus Christ alive today, but through God’s Holy Spirit—called the “Spirit of Christ” in Romans 8:9—He lives and dwells within every child…
Are Christians sinners, saints, or both?
Christians are both sinners and saints. All human beings are sinners because we are born in sin. But not all humans are saints. According to the Bible, a saint is not someone who has done wonderful things, nor is it someone who has been deemed a saint by a church or organization. The word translated…
What is the meaning of coram Deo?
Coram Deo is a Latin phrase found in the Vulgate; it means “before the face of God” or “in the presence of God.” In the Latin Vulgate, the phrase coram Deo appears in Psalm 55:13 (Psalm 56:13 in modern translations). Translated into English, the verse says, “For you have delivered me from death and my…
What does it mean to be in Christ?
Galatians 3:26-28 gives us insight into the phrase “in Christ” and what it means. “In Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith, for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female,…
Why do people reject Jesus as their Savior?
The decision to accept or reject Jesus as Savior is the ultimate life decision. Why do many people choose to reject Jesus as Savior? There are perhaps as many different reasons for rejecting Christ as there are people who reject Him, but the following four reasons can serve as general categories: 1) Some people do…
What is the definition of a woman in the Bible?
God made all of humanity—both men and women—in His image: “So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them” (Genesis 1:27, ESV, see also Genesis 2:20–24; 5:2). A woman is a person of the female gender, and a man is a person…
What evidence is there of a spiritual realm?
The Bible teaches the existence of an immaterial, spiritual reality, unseen by human eyes. The physical reality is evident for all to see—although some doubt the existence of a material universe, too! The Bible says that the spiritual realm consists of both good—God and the holy angels—and evil—the devil and his demons. Demons are most…
What is a true Christian?
According to Acts 11:26, the followers of Jesus were first called Christians at Antioch. Why were they called Christians? Because they were “followers of Christ.” They had committed their lives to “walk as Jesus did” (1 John 2:6). Other Scriptures explain how a person comes to faith in Jesus Christ and begins this relationship. For…
What does it mean to be a woman of God?
A woman of God is first and foremost a daughter of God. Becoming a child of God happens through a saving relationship with Jesus Christ (John 1:12; 3:16–18, 36). When we trust in Jesus for salvation, we become new creations (2 Corinthians 5:17). God gives us His Holy Spirit who works in us and transforms…