The Bible tells us that it was in Antioch, now located in the southern part of Turkey bordering with Syria, that the disciples of Jesus were first called “Christians” (Acts 11:26), followers of Christ. It was not a name chosen by the disciples but rather a name given by others. Jesus did not start a new religion called Christianity; instead, He offered us a relationship with God, His Heavenly Father.  Rightly that J. I. Packer, in his book, Knowing God, defines Christian as “one who has God for his Father.” And, Packer adds, “the gift of sonship to God becomes ours, not through being born, but through being born again.”  As aptly put forth by John (1:12-13), “But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name: who were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.” Amen!

Packer’s concise definition of what a Christian is puts matters into perspective, doesn’t it?  Christianity is not a religion even though it is called so, but a relationship between us and God. More than an acquaintance, God becomes our Father, not because we claim so, but because God says so.  It’s His will, not ours, and it’s His work, not ours, that has brought us into this relationship.  Being children is not a title we earn but a gift we receive.  This relationship is simply a gift, awarded to us who receive it.  God becomes our Father.

The other day Santy and I talked about some of our friends’ children who were brought up in the loving care of Christian parents who are not even clear where they are spiritually now.  Having gone through it ourselves with our children, our hearts go out to them who ache and pray for their children.  All this reminds us that we are not born into Christian family, but rather we are born into Christian home. To be born into Christian family where God becomes our Father, we must be born again; we must be in a Father-children’s relationship.

Pastor Paul