The Lord’s people have been identified in different ways through the ages. In patriarchal times by the father of the family such as Noah, Abraham, and Jacob. In the time of Moses and the prophets, they were Children of Israel. In these last days a new name and identity has been worn—Christians (Acts 11:26).

Just as those of Moses’ day, Christians today are “a holy nation” (Exod. 19:6; I Pet. 2:9). Jews, Americans, Russians, Pacific Islanders—all who follow God today are Christians. While many identify with this name, the true Christian is the true believer who has repented of every sin, confessed Jesus Christ as Lord, has been baptized into Christ for the remission of sins, and continues following Him.

When obedient, Christ adds the baptized believer to His kingdom (Acts 2:47). It is that Kingdom about which Daniel was inspired to prophesy (Dan. 2:44, 4:17, 25). Take heart if you’re a Christian and member of this Heavenly Kingdom for it is a kingdom which cannot be shaken (Heb. 12:28). A kingdom located in Heaven separated completely from the kingdoms of men. It’s in this Kingdom Christians sing: “There’s a Royal Banner given for display to the soldiers of the King.”

As spokesmen for the Heavenly kingdom, Kingdom of Christ, Christians are commanded to speak only that which they have seen and heard (Acts 4:18-20). In any kingdom messaging is important and controlled by the monarch. In the Heavenly Kingdom the King of Kings authorizes the message. No one has authority to say less or more (Rev. 22:18-19). Many do in fact change the message of God, but they do it to their peril for the Judgment Day of God is coming (Matt. 12:37).

The people of God have always been regarded for humility. They are a thankful people who have learned to appreciate every blessing of the Father. The blessings of liberty in earthly law and God’s design of civil law (Rom. 13:7) are to be appreciated. The Christian will not be an anarchist burning down and destroying things when not getting his/her way. It is the Christian man, woman, boy, and girl who humbly and graciously honor those in authority and who are deserving. It’s the Christian who loves the brotherhood, fears God, and honors the king (I Pet. 2:17). God-fearing people are law abiding even when those around them are lawless. It is not the case that Christians are the problem as some unbelievers accuse today, but rather the Christian has the answer to the problems of today. That’s who we are, and we should act in such a way.

It is unfortunate and sad that too many times Christians apologize for their Christianity. They let the world talk and shame them out of it, ultimately to be disrespected even more. Do you know who you are dear Christian? When in high school, I scored a date with one of the “top” girls in school. I bragged about it to my dad as I was leaving the house for the date to which he simply replied: “Remember who you are.” That admonition is good for every Christian in any situation. Who are we? We’re children of God.

-David Hill, President of Tennessee Bible College