Simply Christian

I have a book by N. T. Wright called Simply Christian. My favorite part of the book (and the reason I bought it) is the title. Simply Christian. In an age of complicated and diverse denominational Christianity, simply being a Christian is quite appealing to me. But what does it mean to be simply Christian?

First, it means that I can state quite clearly, “I am a Christian.” I don’t need three or more qualifiers to nail down what I am. Some people have to be described with terms like Protestant, Evangelical or Reformed for you to get an idea of what kind of Christian they are. They might also attach a denominational label to further describe themselves. Jesus didn’t call us to be a part of anything other than the church He would build (Mat. 16:18— “I will build My church”). We’re simply called to be His disciples, His followers, Christians (Acts 11:26— And in Antioch the disciples were first called Christians).

Second, it means that I am adhering to the religion Christ established. Some folks need additional official documents and books (creeds, books of order, etc.) to describe what their religion is all about—what they believe, the things they do to express their devotion to Christ, and even how to go about doing it all. Those who are simply Christians only need the Book that contains the word of Christ (John 8:31— “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples”). They are only concerned with keeping His commands (1 John 2:3—And by this we know that we have come to know him, if we keep his commandments).

Wouldn’t it be nice if everyone decided to be simply Christian? It’s possible. That’s how it was in the beginning.

Read the book of Acts. It contains the history of the first Christians. As you read, ask some important questions about them: How did they become Christians? What were they called? What did they do? You’ll notice how they didn’t complicate things. Those who believed in Jesus, repented of their sins and were baptized in to Him for the forgiveness of their sins were counted among the disciples of Christ, added to His church. They were only what Christ had called them to be through the gospel.

Are you simply Christian?