“...and the disciples were first called Christians in Antioch.” The name Christian means “of Christ” or “of the anointed one.” Jesus of Nazareth has, of course, been made “both Lord and Christ” by God Himself (Acts 2:36). He is the anointed High Priest and King over all, and His name is exalted above every name (Philippians 2:8-11) because Jesus fully did the will of the Father.
Since He is of such elevated stature, it is almost inconceivable that Jesus’ followers would be allowed to wear His name. Yet, sinners though we be, we are accorded this blessed privilege.
To wear the name of Christ is an honor. Christians should wear it with humility for it is the name of the Son of God, the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. No other name is above it.. The world will blaspheme and malign the name of Christ (James 2:7), but His disciples are unashamed to be called Christian.
To wear the name of Christ is a proclamation. When a person says that they are a Christian, the name of Christ is announced for all to hear. The proclamation is made that a certain Jesus has come to save humanity, and that He now rules from heaven. The world doesn’t necessarily want to hear this, and so we see the regular adverse reaction to all that is Christian. Nevertheless, the name of Christ and His gospel is what the world needs to hear.
To wear the name of Christ is a reminder. When a person says that they are a Christian, they remember they have been saved from their sinful state by the blood of Christ and brought into His kingdom under His lordship. It is a call to be true to the Savior’s name, to stand against all that’s evil and to live a righteous life.
It is a sad state of affairs, that so many today who claim to follow Jesus do not use His name but call themselves by some other name. If that is the case, Jesus Christ is not being honored. Such was never the case with the first century Christians. They died for the Name. Let me ask you: What name do you wear?
><> Jeff