The Bible's View on Who is Our Brother and Sister

If you read no farther, I want you to read this: A brother or sister of Christ is a brother or sister to me. I hope it is this way for you as well. I do understand that there are specifications for being a brother or sister in Christ, however, my assertion does not negate that. Our foundation is Christ and those he trained to follow after him. It is my desire that their words that were written will take precedence over my culture, denomination or even my own desires.

It seems that many Christians hold to views that aren't even Christian, the views I am going to talk about seem to be on the opposing ends of the spectrum.

Who Is My Brother?, Words, Actions and Enjoyments of Some Professing Christians, Christian Unity, Who is a Christian?

Exclusivism

One view is exclusivism, those who hold to this view feel their denomination, congregation or group is the only group following the Bible, they are the only Christians – they only call each other brother and sister. In fact, if one leaves their gatherings, they are excommunicated and are no longer called a brother or sister. Unfortunately, the Bible does not teach this, but teaches against it (1, 2). Does this make you feel uncomfortable? Who do you want to follow – Christ or a group?

Inclusivism

Just as detrimental is another type, they tip the scale to the other side – they are inclusivists. Anyone who practices any religion, and are faithful to that faith, will have hope of salvation through Christ, even if they do not follow him. If one is a good Muslim, Jew or you name it, also has salvation. No matter how good ones feels about this view, this is not what Jesus and those he trained taught for salvation (1).

Christian Narcissism, That Lonely Silly Man, Please, Don't Act Like a Christian, Casual or Carnal?

Pluralism

Others are pluralists, they believe all religions are truth and all lead to God and heaven. Strangely, not all can be true, because each say contrary things. One may say that Jesus is God and another that Jesus is not God. Both can't be true. This view is illogical and not biblical (1). This is perfect post-modern ideology – it makes people feel good.

Did I Offend You?

I understand that I may be offending many. In fact, denying any of these views leads to questions and concerns. I understand, however, if you are a follower of Christ, you must follow what he and those he trained said on this issue. The particulars can be worked out later. Many of those questions have been answered in previous posts. Specifications for being a follower of Christ have been given.

Who is a Christian?, Emulating The Carpenter, Big Thoughts on Christianity

Positive Going Forward

Fortunately there are those who do not believe in hard exclusivism, illogical pluralism, nor in un-biblical incluvisivm. But they are following Christ, they feel he is the only way to heaven. In addition they recognize other followers of Christ and treat them as brothers and sisters – even if they are not of the same group.

Sources
(1) John 14:6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. John 3:36 He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him. John 1:12-13 But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. Acts 16:31 And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.

(2) Titus 3:15 All that are with me salute thee. Greet them that love us in the faith. Grace be with you all. Amen. Matthew 12:50 For whosoever shall do the will of my Father which is in heaven, the same is my brother, and sister, and mother. Romans 15:7: Wherefore receive ye one another, as Christ also received us to the glory of God. Philippians 4:21 Salute every saint in Christ Jesus. The brethren which are with me greet you. III John 1:9-11, one named Diotrephes forbid others, and would not himself, receive the brothers. And then in Galatians 2:11-13, Paul withstood Peter to the face because he separated himself from the gentiles, because they were not circumcised.

Image source: Patrick McDonald

Apollos

I have been thinking about Apollos. Yes, In the book of Acts he was just a blip within a greater narrative. However, what was written in that book is a highly condensed and we can grow much from his story.

 "And a certain Jew named Apollos, born at Alexandria, an eloquent man, and mighty in the scriptures, came to Ephesus. This man was instructed in the way of the Lord; and being fervent in the spirit, he spake and taught diligently the things of the Lord, knowing only the baptism of John. And he began to speak boldly in the synagogue: whom when Aquila and Priscilla had heard, they took him unto them, and expounded unto him the way of God more perfectly. And when he was disposed to pass into Achaia, the brethren wrote, exhorting the disciples to receive him: who, when he was come, helped them much which had believed through grace: For he mightily convinced the Jews, and that publickly, shewing by the scriptures that Jesus was Christ" (Acts 18:24-28).

I find a number interesting attributes about him and others around him that may help us in our interactions with both believers and unbelievers alike.

His behavior and character

• He was eloquent
• He was a bold speaker
• He was humble to learn more

Are we "eloquent" as he was, persuading clearly and effectively the truth to those around us? He used clear language to convince and give evidence that Jesus was Christ. He was bold. Are we boldly persuading the unbelievers to the ways of Christ's gospel?

Knowledgeable

• He was mighty in the scriptures
• He was instructed in the way of the Lord
• He was willing to learn the ways of God more perfectly

He was a well learned individual. Being instructed in the Scriptures made him a powerful tool for Christ. We are also called to be knowledgeable and know the scriptures. We need to be willing to grow in our understanding of the Word of God. Always ask questions to become more clear on the ways of Christ.

Taught truth and had spiritual fervor

• He spake and taught diligently the things of the Lord
• He give evidence for Christ from the scriptures which convinced the unbelievers

He seemed to be a powerful speaker, he was not passive. While teaching the truth of Christ's gospel, he actively engaged others even in hostile environments where persecution would be ramped. Do we have this fervor for speaking the truth of the gospel?

Apologists

• He convinced the unbelievers by giving evidence for Christ from the scriptures
• He was eloquent - having the ability to use language clearly, effectively and  persuasively
• He knew what he believed and why, being well learned in the ways of God

Are we prepared to give an answer to those around us? If it is true, which it is, then all attacks against Christ's teaching will be fallacious. 1 Peter 3:15-16 "But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear."

Humility

• Being both knowledgeable and charismatic he was still humble to learn more and be corrected
• Being a "new comer" to the local body of Christ, they humbly received him with no apologies
• This local body was not embarrassed to learn from him and he helped them greatly

Are we humble not just in word but rather in action? Let's take note and see that we can do the most for Christ when we are bold and confident while being humble.

Reception

• Aquila and Priscilla did not cry against his understanding and call him a deceiver, rather they mercifully "...took him unto them, and expounded unto him the way of God more perfectly."
• He was open to receive Aquila and Priscilla along with the rest of the Church. He did not act as a "lone ranger."
• The other Christians also received him to their group

Being willing to receive Apollos, the local body of Christ did not erect artificial walls of division when scripture never demands division. Both he and the other Christians did not seem to divide over issues that have no foundation in the big picture of following Christ and preaching his word. He worked with them for the larger goal of the Kingdom of God!

Summery

Let's be full of good behavior, knowledge, truth and fervor, having a ready answer, humble, and receiving each other in Christ so the world may know that we are followers of him (John 17:20).

Who Is My Brother?

In the famous account in Luke 10, a Mosaic law lawyer asked Christ who was his neighbor. Jesus responded by telling him a parable of the "Good Samaritan". What about another question, who is my brother? Now I will not give an exemplum, but I want to discuss what the Bible teaches.

Some feel that only those in either their own Christian congregation or denomination can be called their brother and sister. It is interesting that the Bible does have something to say about this. But first their argument and my rejoinders. Some say that one does not know one outside their fellowship nor have they heard their testimony on what they believe. So they feel that they can't call someone else a brother or sister. First, the Bible nowhere teaches this is needed, at least I know of no a place. However, if this is an issue, than just ask the person in question, if he or she is a follower of Christ, that person would be happy to tell his or her testimony. Also, what great sin was committed if one calls another confessor of Christ a brother or sister in Christ even if one finds out later that it was not the case?

However, what does the Bible say? When one fulfills specific commands from scripture, one is a Christian, a brother or sister of Christ, and a brother or sister to any other follower of Christ (see this article). The Bible also talks about how we are to accept other followers of Christ as seen in Romans 15:7: "Wherefore receive ye one another, as Christ also received us to the glory of God."

It also talks about it a number of other places, but the most clear places include Philippians 4:21, 1 Thessalonians 5:26 and Titus 3:15. The first one Philippians 4:21 says this: "Salute every saint in Christ Jesus. The brethren which are with me greet you." This passage is clear, we are to "salute every saint in Christ Jesus." It does not say only of ones congregation, denomination or group. First Thessalonians 5:26 is just as unequivocal: "Greet all the brethren with an holy kiss." It says "Greet all the brethren." It does not say one has to test it out or prove if that person is a Christian. However, if that person is a follower of Christ you will see fruit. The last one I want to talk about is Titus 3:15, it says "All that are with me salute thee. Greet them that love us in the faith. Grace be with you all. Amen." If we love Paul and all those who were with him at that time and if another does the same, another true follower of Christ, we have a command that we need to greet those people as followers of Christ.

Let not your authority be based foundationally on your own opinion, the teachings of your denomination or local group fellowship. Rather let us be biblical, and let us follow Christ and the Apostle's teachings.