Why Christians should be called “Christians”

One of today’s greatest preachers, Mark Dever, gave an excellent sermon and a 10 minute critique of those who think “Christians” should go by a different name like “Christ follower” or “disciple.” It’s entitled “God’s Word and God’s Picture – I Samuel.”

Changing the terms because they get misrepresented isn’t clever, effective, or God-honoring. It’s cowardice and confusing for everyone – nor will it prevent the possibility of further misrepresentation. If the word “Christian” can get slandered and skewed, then so can any other label of our faith.

It’s almost like the ultimate cop-out; I don’t have to take the time to do apologetics and correct misrepresentations and refute heresies because none of them apply to me anymore; they apply to “Christians” and not me, a “Christ-follower” or “disciple.” But our job is to clarify and stand by the truth, not redefine and run.