My title may sound strange, but there are some churches that clearly are not Christian. For example there is a Church of Satan based in California. Over the centuries, numerous individuals, thirsting for power, recognition and wealth, have started organizations they called churches. Calling their organization a church, brought them respectability and tax exemptions. Interestingly, among the serial names used in Scripture for the church one never findes it called “Christian Church”. The adjective “Christian” describes a person or organization that exhibits the characteristics of and strives to live by the principles of Christ. Thus “the disciples were called Christians…at Antioch. (Acts 11:26)
A church that is Christian has no head but Christ. (Eph. 1:22)
It has no rule of faith and practice but the New Testament of Christ. (Matt. 28:20, Heb. 8:8)
In its worship observes all that Christ ordained, but nothing more. (Rev. 22:18-19)
The government of its congregations are modeled precisely after Christ’s original plan with elders and deacons in each church. (Acts 14:27; I Tim. 3:1-2)
It wears names that honor Christ and the God of heaven, but no other. (Rom. 16:16; I Cor. 1:1)
- Its members wear the name “Christian” without shame or apology. (Acts 11:26; I Pet. 4:16)
- It strives to do the work that Christ ordained for it to do, (seeking the lost , edifying its members and helping the poor), but refrains from social and political issues that distract from its heavenly mission.
- It teaches people how to be save and become Christ’s disciples, exactly as He did. (Mark 16:15-16)
