The Highway Forums General Discussion Open Forum Is Jesus a Christian?

Understanding here a conservative Protestant's definition of Christian, (please feel free to defend your answer):

Is Jesus a Christian? single choice
	No
	Yes
	I Don't Know
Votes accepted starting: Sat Mar 26, 2005 2:00 AM You must vote before you can view the results of this poll.

Well, He's not a sinner saved by grace through faith in Christ who died as a propitiation for His sins. So Jesus can't be a "Christian."

I, without thinking it through, voted Yes. But I agree with CIB on this one.

A Christian is a person belonging to Christ. A follower of the teachings of Christ. A disciple. He is one who puts his trust in Christ Jesus for his salvation.

The Bible uses the term only three times.

Acts 11:26

"...the disciples were first called Christians in Antioch."

Acts 26:28

Then Agrippa said to Paul, "You almost persuade me to become a Christian."


1 Pet. 4:16

Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in this matter."

It's clear in these verses that the term applies to either those who are or would be followers of Christ, not Christ himself. In the first century, "Christian" was probably a term of contempt.


Wes

Well indeed Wes and CIB are correct (you stole my answer Wes <img src="/forum/images/graemlins/cheers2.gif" alt="" />). Christ as God did not need to lower himself to become a mere Christian .... He is God ...

Honestly, how many had to really think this through ... ? <img src="/forum/images/graemlins/idea.gif" alt="" />

Not me! Christ is the Eternal Son, the second Person of the Trinity--the same in substance--equal in power and glory. Such as the Father is, such is the Son.

I agree! My thoughts exactly!

Ouch, I did for a split second. I answered the question as soon as I read it. And immediately after that I thought "wait a minute...I need to change my answer." Oh well, I know without the opinions of others or my own lengthy ponderings, that Christ was not a Christian by definition. <img src="/forum/images/graemlins/rolleyes2.gif" alt="" /> ...Ya know, this is the first time I've ever "jumped the gun"...yea right <img src="/forum/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />

Jesus is the Christ. As his followers, WE are Christians.

I had to think this through, but when I thought of the meaning of the word "Christian" and then asked myself, is Christ a follower of Himself? The answer became apparent.

Nice brain teaser though.

Tom

While He is the firstborn among many brethren, no, He cannot be a Christian in the sense that He was not born again, reliant on a Saviour, etc. It's like one of those things I think they ask student ministers in Bible Colleges... We could ask, "Is Jesus part of the Church?" - well, He is said to be the chief cornerstone, follwed by a foundation of apostles and prophets, etc., and yet the Church, as His Bride, is seen as a distinct entity to Him, yet vitally united to Him. It's all about definitions.

He did not preach salvation by grace through faith alone, so no He would not be a Christian.

So, what exactly, in your opinion did Jesus preach if not a gospel of salvation by grace through faith alone?

In His grace,

Sorry, I know this was many months ago...but when I typed this I typed hurriedly and only a fraction of what I meant to say! This should have said "Although He preached salvation by grace through faith alone He Himself was not saved in such a manner, so no He would not be a Christian."