May you all have peace!
Believing that JAHESHUA is the Son of God does not make one a christian. The demons believe (James 2:19), indeed, they know he is the Son of God (Matthew 8:29; Luke 4:34, 41; Acta 16:16-18)- and with the exception of one (Ezekiel 28:13-15) ... which one turned his face AWAY so as to not stand FAST... and so in union... with the Truth (John 8:44; 14:6; 15:1-6). Yet, they are not christians.
The word "christian" means "anointed (chosen) person/one". It comes from the Latin word which comes from the Greek word kristos... which means "anointed". That word, kristos, comes from the root word chrio... which means "receive" (Greek, chraomai)... and does so with regard to those who receive, by means of an anointing with... holy spirit - the "oil of exulation" - are "chosen."
The WORLD has changed the meaning of the word "christian" to denote a "follower of Christ." That is the WORLD's definition, however, and not God or Christ's... and it is inaccurate and an error. It misleads so as to compel people to STOP their search, STOP seeking, STOP asking, and STOP knocking... because they believe they have found what they were looking for/received what they wished for/are what they think they are. THINK they are "rich" and have received riches and so do not need anything at all. But that is NOT the case. (Revelation 3:17, 18) And one may rightly be "Israel"... even the seed of Abraham... but that, too, does not make one a christian.
At the time many started following Christ they were NOT chosen (sealed with an anointing)... because the promised holy spirit had not be poured out yet. Many of these followers, however, LEFT OFF from following him even before such spirit was made available. They were, for a time, followers of Christ... but they were NOT, ever, christians. Even after that spirit was made available, some who followed him... did not RECEIVE it. Those who follow Christ... by means of following his TEACHINGS (and NOT by means of following HIM, literally)... are his STUDENTS, his PUPILS... and thus, his disciples.
The Greek word for "disciple" mathetes, means "learner/pupil." It comes from the root word manthano, which means "to learn/acquire knowledge from". In that light, all christians are disciples of Christ; however, not all disciples of Christ are christians.
The early believers who HAD received holy spirit began to be called "christians" because they followed Christ (the "Way" - John 14:6), but because they were the chosen people who "followed the Way". And people could TELL who they were, NOT simply because they followed Christ's teachings (as the world erroneously teaches)... but because they manifested the GIFTS of their spirit that they had received and been anointed with (Acts 2:2, 4, 6, 8, 14, 17, 33; 3:1-8; 1 Corinthians 7:7; 12:1, 4-11; 13:2; 14:12; indeed, read Chapters 12-14, where Paul writes at length about the gifts) ALONG with following Christ's teachings. NOT the teachings they read in the Bible, but that which they receive directly from him. (Hebrews 12:25; 1 John 2:26, 27). These are the GOOD gifts and perfect presents... from God (James 1:17)
Many have heard the WTBTS' most erroneous interpretation of Ephesians 4:8, which states:
"Wherefore he says: 'When he ascended on high he carries away captives; he gave gifts [in] men."
The WTBTS changed the meaning of this verse to state that those "gifts" are the men themselves. The footnote of the NWT Reference Bible states:
"8 # Or, 'consisting in men.'" And so they use this to teach that it is elders, COs, etc., that God provided as "gifts" to the sheep. This is a LIE. The literal translation of the verse (which is also stated in that footnote) is "to the men." Hence, God gave gifts TO mankind! And it is those gifts that manifest when one has received the promised holy spirit. Because truly, what would be the POINT in giving such... if no one could KNOW of it? The purpose of the gifts were and are "for building up the congregation." Why? Because of Israel's LACK OF FAITH. They are a people who walk by SIGHT... not by FAITH. And so the gifts... and their various manifestations... are for UNBELIEVERS (1 Corinthians 14:22)... to help them perhaps become believers... so that perhaps they WILL seek Christ... and find him. Be found BY him. Those who believe, however, do not need the manifestation of others' gifts to believe. Their own faith does that.
I realize that this might be difficult for some to receive. I cannot help that - it is the TRUTH. Rather than take issue with me for SHARING the truth about these things, wouldn't the more prudent thing be to check them out for yourselves? Indeed, ASK as to these things... so as to have an ACCURATE knowledge and understanding of them... for yourselves?
You do NOT have to take my word for the truth of these things. I have shared with you many... many... many times how to know the truth for yourselves. You should also not take ANY man's word for it, either. Do not blindly accept what ANY earthling man tells you as to these things. Do NOT put your trust in earthling man... or in nobled. We die just as you can/will. We cannot save anyone, including ourselves! Go to the One about whom these things speak... the One whom you claim to FOLLOW... and ask HIM.
But... you must believe that he is ALIVE... and SPEAKS... to do that. Right? Else, what is the point?
You might SAY you believe the Holy One of Israel died and was resurrected... and so lives. But do you TRULY believe that, that he LIVES? If you DO... what would you say prevents him from SPEAKING? Indeed, many... most... believe demons speak! Why not the Son of God, the Holy One of Israel and Holy Spirit? Was not ALL authority given to that One? How then can demons speak... and to earthling man... but not him???
He can... and does. Nothing prevents him from speaking. He speaks. If you cannot hear him, however, don't start with blaming him, God, or others. Start with your own ears. Examine THEM.
Again, I bid you peace.
A slave of Christ,
SA