Expert: Rev Philip Dacre - 4/27/2005

Question
Does the word "Christian" appear in the Bible? I realize that the concept is there, but is the actual term? Also, did Jesus convert his followers to Judaism? Is there a verse that says that such conversion is no longer necessary?
* I just read my question and realize it may sound cold and confrontational. Neither is my intent, I'm merely succinct, a habit of my occupation. Thank you.

Answer
Joseph the word Christian was first used in Corinth some 20 years after Christ had ascended. Before that they were referred to at "The Way", because Jesus said he was the way, truth and life. And then they were also known as the Nararene sect which was derogatory but wide reachingly used.

Concerning Judaism we are not to follow this. It is strongly advised in many scriptures not to follow judaism.

But if came to a head in ACts 11 where the Jerusalme council sat on this issue and their edict was that the gentile church should not be given any rituals from judaism to follow because Christianity is not a religion but an application of faith in God. As such Jesus taught that we were forgive of sins by continuing to follow Him in faith and not by offering sacrifices for sins.

That tommorrows sins were forgiven because of todays faith. Its all to do with faith and not religious observances, although many church today have fallen away from this grace and added their own version and brand of rlegious obsevances. But then not everyone who says that he is a jew , actually is a jew.

God bless