Greek4Christians

@ Vocabulary Topics~ Special Vocabulary:
Christianos (a Christian) Χριστιανός, מָשִׁיחָן, Unabridged version    

The Hebraic-Koine Greek word "Χριστιανός" (Christianos) means "a Little Sibling of Anointed-One." The proper Hebrew word is "מָשִׁיחָן" (mashiychan).

It refers to the special relationship that a genuine disciple of Jesus has with both God the Father and his Son Jesus.

Jesus is Yahweh's Anointed-One. In Hebrew, his name is YeShua.

This is the unabridged version, as required of me by Holy Spirit.
(still under development)

31 min read. Reading index: high school (11th)
Contents
    PART I: Meaning
  1. The Scriptural word Χριστιανός Christianos
    1. The root
    2. The suffix
      1. The HerOdians
      2. The Christians
  2. The relationship with God
  3. Properly translated into Hebrew, מָשִׁיחָן mashiychan
    1. Prior Hebrew placeholders
      1. In ancient Israel, נוֹצְרִי
      2. In adjacent lands, מָשִׁיחִי
      3. In modern Israel, מְשִׁיחִיִּים
      4. In conclusion
    2. Technical details
      1. Diminutive word specimens
    PART II: Usage
  4. Usage in Scripture
    1. First Usage, by Yahweh Himself
      1. But why at Antioch?
      2. How is it known that this was from Yahweh?
    2. Second Usage, by King Agrippa (II)
    3. Third Usage, by Ambassador Peter
    4. The external context of derision
  5. Proper usage in daily life
    1. A proper conclusion
  6. Improper usage in daily life
    1. Not an adjective
      1. As a classification
    2. Proper adjective forms
    3. Not a category
    PART III: Christianism
  7. Christianisms
  8. A Closing Reminder

PART I: Meaning

The Scriptural word Χριστιανός Christianos

The word "Χριστιανός" is derived from the word "Χριστός" and the special suffix "-ιανός". In its own context defined by Yahweh, it means "Little Sibling of Anointed-One," and it distinctly signifies both a subordinate and endearing relationship with the Eldest Sibling, which is YeShua Anointed, the Son of God.

The root

"ὁ Χριστός" is properly translated from Greek as "the Anointed-One." The concept is explicitly Hebraic, and its meaning is established by Yahweh himself.

In Hebrew, the word is "מָשִׁיחַ", which is transliterated into Greek as "Μεσσίας" or into English as "Messiah."

Now from the Hebrew context of Scripture, "Anointed-One" can only refer to these three roles:

  1. The high priest of IsraEl, the Anointed of Yahweh just as Yahweh directed Moses over Aaron, and then codified it in Torah-Law.
  2. The king of IsraEl, the Anointed of Yahweh just as Yahweh directed SamuEl over King Saul and then over King David.
  3. A very unique prophet of IsraEl, the only prophet Anointed of Yahweh just as Yahweh directed EliJah over EliSha.

Also from Scripture, we know the following about Jesus, whose Hebrew name is YeShua (יֵ֯שׁ֯וּעַ):

  1. YeShua himself is the eternal King of IsraEl by birthright (of both physical and spiritual lineage, being both the Promised Seed of AbRaham, the Son of King David, and also of the Seed of God, hence the spiritual heir to the throne, being the Son of God).
  2. YeShua himself is the eternal High Priest of IsraEl, according to the assigned order of MalkiTsedeq, just as Yahweh declared.
  3. YeShua himself is the special Prophet of whom Moses spoke, by the revelation given to him by Yahweh.

The suffix

The suffix "-ιανός" is a special diminutive form which can be translated from the Hebraic-Koine Greek as "one having a tight familial affinity, yet of a diminutive stature." It is applied to only two proper nouns in the New Testament. It is non-existent in the Septuagint.

The HerOdians

The first usage of this suffix in Scripture occurs in a political connection with the dynasty of HerOd the Great (murderer), who was the Edomite that served as King of IsraEl circa 37 - 4 BC. His son, HerOd AntiPas, reigned after him. During his reign, partisans of the royal family were called the "HerOdians," or in Greek "Ἡρωδιανοί". The singular form is "Ἡρωδιανός".

Thus, an "Ἡρωδιανός" is a partisan with a diminutive family association with the royal family of Herod. It is a close-knit relationship tight enough to bear an associated name conferring high respect, stature and benefit, but still diminished as not to enjoy the private privileges of the royal family.

The Christians

The last usage of this suffix in Scripture occurs as a direct result of Yahweh himself imparting a divine message to the disciples in Antioch, revealing to them that "The disciples are 'Christians,' Little Siblings of Anointed-One."

This specific Hebraic context is not political in nature, but rather fully relational both by the blood of Jesus and by the regeneration of Holy Spirit (distinctly for those who are born-again).

In this Hebraic context of family, this is used as a term of endearment, in the same way that we may use the simple English term, "Little Johnny" or "Little Susie" for an infant or toddler. Even in the case of an adult, we might still call a dear family member "Little John," even if he is over six feet tall.

However, in Hebrew, it is the more prominent family name or title that is used. In this case, "Anointed-One,"and the diminutive relationship expressed is that of being the "Little Siblings" of our eldest brother, YeShua (King and High Priest of IsraEl).

Only the Redeemed are actually "Christians." All other souls are misinformed and still have need to receive Jesus on his terms as expressed in Scripture, while they still draw breath.

The relationship with God

Now in English, to our harm (and with disservice to Jesus), it has been misconstrued that the word "Christians" means "Little Anointed-Ones," as though we were elevated to be the eternal King and High Priest of IsraEl co-reigning with Jesus on his Father's throne. To be explicitly clear, we are not elevated to the same honor as he who has "the name above all names." That honor belongs distinctly to YeShua (both by blood line, by Holy Spirit, and by God's explicit oath).

The Greek word for that misconstrued concept would actually use the standard diminutive Greek suffix "--ιονός" and would appear in this form "Χριστιονός" (which never occurs). Again, the actual Scriptural word is "Χριστιανός" is derived from the word "Χριστός" and the special diminutive suffix "-ιανός".

Now certainly (most certainly), it does remain true that Jesus shall bequeath a kingdom to us, just as the Father bequeathed the Kingdom of Heaven and of IsraEl to him. Just not his own kingdom which the Father gave directly to him... under which all other kingdoms are subject (including the ones we shall receive by his own hand). But we are indeed his Little Siblings, and as his beloved family, also co-heirs to the throne of God... upon which Jesus reigns both eternally and perpetually (just as it has been written).

So then, to our great benefit, encouragement, and delight in the Lord, he himself has made clear the meaning of the word "Christian," which is our eternal identity in God. And as a consequence, he has also made known both his eternal affection and care toward us.

We, the Redeemed, the disciples of Jesus, are indeed the "Little Siblings of Anointed-One." And he is indeed our eternal King and High Priest, and he is the distinctly special Prophet of Yahweh.

Properly translated into Hebrew, מָשִׁיחָן mashiychan

To properly express "Little Siblings of Anointed-One" in one Hebrew word, a diminutive form of the word "מָשִׁיחַ" (mashiyach, messiah) is required.

The proper spelling of the Hebrew word for "Χριστιανός" is "מָשִׁיחָן", and the plural "Χριστιανοί" is "מָשִׁיחָנִים".
Hebrew requires the feminine form, which is "מָשִׁיחָנָה", and its plural is "מָשִׁיחָנוֹת".
The adjective form is "מָשִׁיחָנִי".

Transliterated, it looks like this (with a pronunciation guide):

מָשִׁיחָן - mashiychan (ma̞śhıycʜa̞n̪ - maw-shee-chawn')
מָשִׁיחָנִים - mashiychanim (ma̞śhıycʜa̞niym - maw-shee-chaw-nim')
מָשִׁיחָנָה - mashiychanah (ma̞śhıycʜa̞na̞h - maw-shee-chaw-nah')
מָשִׁיחָנוֹת - mashiychanoth (ma̞śhıycʜa̞nôth - maw-shee-chaw-noth')
מָשִׁיחָנִי - mashiychani (ma̞śhıycʜa̞niy - maw-shee-chaw'-niy)

By necessity, this diminutive word form was properly discerned and coined by Mickelson, and it is published in the MCT Brit Chadashah and in the MCT dictionaries of the Old and New Testaments.

Prior Hebrew placeholders

In ancient Israel, נוֹצְרִי

The Nazarenes "οἱ Ναζωραῖοι", literally means "ones of Nazareth." Properly in English, the singular form for an inhabitant of the city is "Natsarethan", not a "Nazarene" (or in Hebrew, "נָצֶרֶתִי"). It is from the Hebrew name Natsereth "נָצֶרֶת", which actually means "a Hidden Branch" (or "One Kept Concealed"). And although the name is intentionally obscure in Scripture, it carries special significance when it is expressed in its various forms.

To be clear, the Greek term "Nazarenes" (as a group noun) carries the implied meaning of "followers of the Natsarethan," which also by inference means, "disciples of Jesus."

Due to the very casual method of transliterating Hebrew names into Greek, the Israeli city of Natsareth became called Nazareth. Due to this casual transliteration (and other casual derivatives, like "Nazarene"), many Western Europeans have thought Jesus was also a "Nazir," one having the oath requirement of not cutting his hair. Hence, their depictions of Jesus with long hair, which in fact, he did not have.

Now, the derivative Hebrew word Notsri "נוֹצְרִי" (plural "נוֹצְרִים") is from the Babylonian Talmud (circa AD 500), and it is still used today in Modern Hebrew to refer to gentile Christians. As is obvious, "Notsri" is a transliteration of "Nazoraioi" (but utilizing the correct letters, 'ts' instead of 'z', and also utilizing a spelling signifying a group, rather than signifying the inhabitants of the city).

In essence, many Christians (both Jews and Gentiles in unison) were identifying themselves as "of the Nazarene." And those that knew Hebrew would also have properly known this as "of the "Natsarethan."

In adjacent lands, מָשִׁיחִי

In Arabic and Persian cultures, they used the Hebrew term "מָשִׁיחִי" (Mashichi) - meaning, "of Anointed-One," and transliterated as "of Messiah." Of course, this is much closer than "of the Nazarene" in identity and association, but it is still deficient in the fullness of the original Hebriac-Koine Greek word, "Christianos."

Mashichi "מָשִׁיחִי" when expressed in Greek is the word "Χριστοῦ" (Christou) meaning "of Anointed-One," not "Little Siblings of Anointed-One." It is the genitive form of "Χριστός" (Christos).

In modern Israel, מְשִׁיחִיִּים

In Modern Israel, the Hebrew term Meshichi’im "מְשִׁיחִיִּים" (Messianics) is used as a plural adjective of Mashichi "מָשִׁיחִי" (literally meaning, "of Messiah," but with an informal tone). Mashichi "מָשִׁיחִי" when expressed in Greek is the word "Χριστοῦ" (Christou) meaning "of Anointed-One," not "Little Siblings of Anointed-One." It is the genitive form of "Χριστός" (Christos).

Thus, Yehudim Meshichi’im "יְהוּדִים מְשִׁיחִיִּים" means "Messianic Jews," or "The Jews of Messiah" (with the key emphasis on "The Jews" and an informal reference to "of Messiah"). The singular form for "Messianic Jew" is Yehudi Mashichi "יְהוּדִי מָשִׁיחִי", but in practice only the casual shorthand Mashichi "מָשִׁיחִי" (meaning, of Messiah) is used to describe oneself.  Also, "Messianic Judaisim" is Yahaduth Meshichith "יַהֲדוּת מְשִׁיחִית", which is a feminine plural derivative.

For comparison, a proper formal (subordinate) reference would be "אֲנִי לַ מָּשִׁיחַ" ("I am of [and belong to] Messiah") with the focus on Messiah's stature. Let's contrast this with the casual (egalitarian) reference in modern use "אֲנִי מָשִׁיחִי", meaning "I myself am of Messiah [and that represents who I am]" with the focus on the individual's stature.

In conclusion

None of these prior Hebrew terms convey the familial belonging that the New Covenant term "Χριστιανός" conveys, along with its diminutive (subordinate) stature and its accompanying endearment (in context). Hence, the need for the proper Hebrew term, Mashichan "מָשִׁיחָן", meaning Little Sibling of Anointed-One.

Technical details

Jonathan K Mickelson found the previously used Hebrew terms for "Christian" to be deficient of its full meaning, as well as misleading. And having been assigned the responsibility (by Holy Spirit) of further improving the translation quality of the "Brit Chadashah" (the "New Covenant" text in Hebrew), he diligently sought out the Hebrew equivalent for the Hebraic-Koine Greek term "Χριστιανός." Finding no equivalent over a lengthy period of time, Mickelson realized it was necessary to coin a new Hebrew word.

A Hebrew derivative of "מָשִׁיחַ" (Mashiach) was needed in a diminutive form, which would be instantly recognizable, pronounceable, and usable. It had to fit within the historic construction of Hebrew words, allowing for masculine, feminine, their plurals, and for a subsequent derivative to be used as an adjective. Furthermore, in English, the word form for "Messianic" (as well as "Christian") also gave weight to the final form, providing both cohesion and fluid interoperability between Hebrew, Greek, and English.

Thus, the diminutive "מָשִׁיחָן" won out over all the other diminutive candidates that were thoroughly considered.
(diminutive suffix: "ן  ָ", plural: "נִים  ָ")

Diminutive word specimens

These three particular Hebrew word specimens illustrate that both the diminutive suffix in Hebrew and also the subsequent word can have a meaning quite different from the root form. (There were a number of other Hebrew specimens also examined).

First specimen:
The Hebrew word "אִישׁוֹן" (iyshown) means "the pupil of the eye" and functionally refers to "a particular focus," but literally it mean "little man" (of the eye). The word is an uncommon diminutive form applied to the Hebrew noun "אִישׁ" ('iysh) properly meaning "a procreational male," but generally meaning "a man" (as being of age). The key point is that the suffix "וֹן-" (own) signifies a diminutive stature and assigns a contextual meaning much different than its root word. See entry H0380 אִישׁוֹן in the MCT Hebrew dictionary.

Second specimen:

The Hebrew word "קָטָן" (qatan), also spelled "קָטֹן" (qaton), means "abbreviated, or diminished" (as cutting a portion off, i.e. as stunted). It is the diminutive form of the Hebrew verb "קוּט" (quwt) generally meaning "to cut off (a portion)", but figuratively "to disgust." Again, the key point is that the suffix "ן  ָ" (awn) signifies a diminutive stature (being less or littler than another of the same type). See entry H6996 in the MCT Hebrew dictionary.

Third specimen:

The Hebrew word "שׁוֹשָׁן" (showshan) means "a lily" (the ornamental flower), like "the lily of the valley." It is a diminutive form of the Hebrew verb "שׂוּשׂ" (suws) meaning generally "to be bright", but typically (by implication) "to be cheerful." Lastly, the key point here is that the diminutive form is the name of a flower; the diminutive form can identify a living thing. See entry H7799 in the MCT Hebrew dictionary.

PART II: Usage

Usage in Scripture

The unique Greek word "Χριστιανός" (Christianos) occurs only three times in the New Testament.

First Usage, by Yahweh Himself

BarNabas and Saul (Paul) spent a full year among the local Called Out citizenry of Antioch. During that year, Yahweh himself imparted a divine message that "The disciples are 'Christians'," (meaning Little Siblings of Anointed-One, of Jesus by name).

It was in Antioch that Yahweh first made this known by a divine impartation, not by a mere prophecy. And since it is distinctly described as the "first," it is understood that it wasn't the only time or place that Yahweh did this.

[ Acts 11:25-26, MCT ]

25 Then BarNabas went​·forth to Tarsus, to​·diligently​·seek​·out Saul. 26 And after​·finding him, he​·brought him to Antioch. And it​·happened, such​·for them to​·be​·gathered​·together a​·whole year among the Called​·Out​·citizenry and to​·instruct an​·ample crowd. Also it​·was first to​·be​·imparted​·as​·a​·divine​·message in Antioch that “The disciples are ‘Christians,’ Little​·Siblings​·of​·Anointed-One.”

But why at Antioch?

Consider these two possible causes:
First, that Antioch was a favorable crossroads (an intersection) between "the ends of the earth" and Judea.

And second, that the brothers at Antioch fostered among themselves a kind and favorable mingling place for the Redeemed from among both those of Jewish descent and those of Gentile descent.

With Antioch being a model example of what Jesus himself accomplished in his own body on the Cross, it makes sense that Yahweh would choose this particular climate of sibling congeniality and tight-knit brotherhood to disclose the fact that the disciples are also "Little Siblings of Anointed-One" (Χριστιανοί, Christianoi).

[ Ephesians 2:14-22, MCT ]

14 For he​·himself is our peace, the​·one already​·making the both one, and already​·breaking​·down the middle​·wall of​·hedging between us, 15 after​·fully​·ren­der­ing​·inert in his flesh the hostility (namely the Torah-Law of​·the command­ments contained in decrees), in​·order​·that he​·should​·create the two in himself into one brand-new man​·of​·clay, thus making peace, 16 and​·also that he​·may​·utterly​·reconcile the both to​·God in one body through the cross, in himself already​·killing the hostility.

17 And coming, he​·proclaimed peace to​·yeu, the​·ones at​·a​·distance, and to​·the​·ones near​·at​·hand. 18 Because through him, the both of​·us have the embraceable​·access to the Father by one Spirit.

19 Now​·then, consequently, yeu​·are no​·longer foreigners and sojourners, but​·rather yeu​·are fellow-citizens with​·the holy​·ones and are family​·members of​·God, 20 being​·built upon the foundation of​·the ambassadors and prophets, with​·Jesus Anointed himself being the chief​·corner stone, 21 in whom the entire struc­ture, being​·fitly​·framed​·together, grows into a​·holy temple in the Lord, 22 in whom yeu also are​·built​·together for a​·residence of​·God in Spirit.

How is it known that this was from Yahweh?

The short answer is because of the special use of the distinct Hebraic-Koine Greek word, χρηματίσαι (chrematisai).

This distinct Greek word is first used in the Septuagint to describe the activity of Yahweh in Job (Job 40:8) and later in JeremIah (chapters 25, 26, (29), 30, and 36). It is the usage in JeremIah that cements the contextual use of this Greek word as being "something divinely imparted" by Yahweh.

This verb "χρηματίζω" (chrematizo) occurs nine times in the New Testament (in various forms), eight of which refer to something "divinely imparted," with its source being Yahweh God Almighty, even if the messenger was Holy Spirit or an angel, or whether it came directly via Yahweh himself in a dream or by other mechanism.

This distinct Hebraic-Koine Greek word should not be confused with the gracious bestowment of prophesying "προφητεύω" (propheteuo), nor should this word be oversimplified in English as "called" (from the Greek verb "καλέω" (laleo)), nor as "named" (from the Greek verb "ὀνομάζω" (onomazo)). Using these overly simple words misrepresent the divine impartation from Yahweh, and also greatly dilutes the message and surety of the expressed nature of our familial relationship.

Moreover, it should never be conflated with the demonic communication of an oracle, which uses the compound Greek word "χρησμο•λογέω" (chresmologeo) to indicate that one is "relaying oracles" (from the Greek gods). Please note that the Old and New Testaments do not ever use the Greek (or Hebrew) words for "oracle" or "relaying oracles." (Nonetheless, numerous translators have erroneously expressed these non-present Greek words when translating certain Scripture passages).

In summary, when the verb "χρηματίζω" (chrematizo) is used of heavenly communication in the New Testament, it is solely referring to something that came directly from Yahweh God Almighty (that is to say, from God the Father).


[ Acts 11:25-26, MCT ]
Ac
11:25
Bar­Nabas
ἐξῆλθεν δέ εἰς Ταρσόν Βαρνάβας ἀναζητῆσαι Σαῦλον
Ac
11:26
such·for it·was that are Little·Siblings·of·Anointed-One
καί εὑρών αὐτόν ἤγαγεν αὐτόν εἰς Ἀντιόχειαν ἐγένετο δέ αὐτούς ἐνιαυτόν ὅλον συναχθῆναι ἔν τῇ ἐκκλησίᾳ καί διδάξαι ὄχλον ἱκανόν χρηματίσαι τέ πρῶτον ἔν Ἀντιοχείᾳ τούς μαθητάς Χριστιανούς


Second Usage, by King Agrippa (II)

to be further addressed in detail

[ Act 26:28, MCT ]
Ac
26:28
AgrIppa such a·Little·Sibling·of·Anointed-One
δέ Ἀγρίππας πρός τόν Παῦλον ἔφη ἔν ὀλίγῳ μέ πείθεις Χριστιανόν γενέσθαι


Third Usage, by Ambassador Peter

(to be further addressed in detail)


[ 1 Peter 4:16, MCT ]
1Pe
4:16
any·man suffers a·Little·Sibling·of·Anointed-One
εἰ δέ ὡς Χριστιανός μή αἰσχυνέσθω δοξαζέτω δέ τόν θεόν ἔν τῷ μέρει τούτῳ


The external context of derision

(to be developed...

publicly, among the Romans, such a diminutive form was quite belittling to an adult, especially to one born free. In the best cordial context, it was considered inappropriately cute for use in a public forum, and best-suited among one's own family. It implied a stature of subordinacy to a family or to someone else of prominence, and of not being one's own man.)


Is this a "loan suffix" from Roman Latin: "-ianus"? If so, update "Suffix" section above


also the explanation of why the term "Christian" was also considered a derision. In many nations, the term is not used by those who are disciples of Jesus)

Proper usage in daily life

The word "Christian" is a proper noun, first expressed by Yahweh. It expresses an intrinsic state of being that is the fundamental nature of every soul that is born-again through trust in Jesus. It is the affectionate familial state of being a Little Sibling of the Anointed-One, Jesus by name.

This word "Christian" is a specific term which only refers to the brand-new man​·of​·clay that has been "born-again" of God's Holy Spirit, one having been redeemed through trust in Jesus.  And being "born-again" of God's Holy Spirit, this newborn is a Little Sibling of Anointed-One.

[ 2 Corinthians 5:17-19, MCT ]
17 As​·such, IF any​·man is in Anoin­ted-One, he​·is a​·brand-new creation. The ancient​·things passed​·away; be­hold, all​·things have​·be­come brand-new. 18 And all things are from​·out of​·God, the​·one al­ready​·re­con­cil­ing us to​·him­self through Jesus Anoin­ted, and giving to​·us the Service of​·the Rec­on­cil­i­a­tion— 19 how that God was in Anoin­ted-One pres­ently​·re­con­cil­ing the world to​·him­self, while​·not pres­ently​·reck­on­ing their tres­passes to​·them, and​·also al­ready​·placing in us the Re­demp­tive-word of​·the Rec­on­cil­i­a­tion.

[ 1 Peter 1:22-23, MCT ]
22 As​·such, having​·cleansed yeur souls in the at­ten­tive​·obe­di­ence of​·the truth through the Spirit unto a​·brotherly​·af­fec­tion with­out​·hy­po­crisy, yeu​·must​·love one​·an­other from​·out of​·a​·pure heart earnestly— 23 having​·been​·born​·again, not birthed​·from​·out of​·a​·cor­rupt­ible sow­ing​·of​·seed, but​·rather of​·an​·in­cor­rupt­ible sow­ing​·of​·seed through the Re­demp­tive-word of​·God, which​·is living and abid­ing to the com­ing​·age—

[ 2 Peter 2:1-3, MCT ]
2 Ac­cord­ingly, with​·yeu​·lay­ing​·aside all malice, and all guile, and hypocrisies, and envies, and all back­bit­ings, 2 as new­born babies, eagerly​·crave the rational milk of​·the Re­demp­tive-word, which​·is free​·from​·guile, in​·order​·that yeu​·may​·grow by it, 3 if​·ever ‹≈yeu​·tasted that Yahweh is kind.≈›

Although, the term "Christian" itself does not explicitly refer to maturity level, Yahweh himself makes his expectation plain: "the "disciples are Christians." These disciples are the ones following Jesus and adhering to his instructions as well as the instructions of his ambassadors.

While here in his mortal body, Jesus also made it plain: “... For who­ever should​·do the will of​·my Father, the​·one in the heav­ens, the same is my brother, and sister, and mother.”  (MattHew 12:50). Also prior to this, Jesus declared, “Not ev­ery­one say­ing to​·me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall​·enter into the king­dom of​·the heav­ens, but​·rather the​·one doing the will of​·my Father, the​·one in the heav­ens. (MattHew 7:21-22).

So then, what is the will of the Father? John (the Ambassador of Jesus) made a record of it, writing, But these​·things have​·been​·writ­ten in​·order​·that yeu​·may​·trust that Jesus is the Anoin­ted-One, the Son of​·God; and that trust­ing, yeu​·may​·have life-above in his name. (John 20:31). And again, Jesus declared, “And this is the will of​·the​·one send­ing me, that any­one, the​·one ob­serv­ing the Son, and trust­ing in him, may​·have eter­nal life-above, and I​·my­self shall​·raise him up at​·the last Day.” (John 6:40).

A proper conclusion

This, in an elementary portion, is who and what a Christian is:

Forgiven, redeemed, adopted, born-again, a Little Sibling of Jesus, a Little Child of God, a disciple growing toward maturity, and already placed into "the Service of the Reconciliation."

From the Holy Scriptures of Yahweh, one may properly comprehend these truths regarding a Christian, a Little Sibling of Anointed-One:

  1. He has already trusted in Jesus (the Anointed-One of Yahweh) for Salvation and forgiveness.
  2. He is of an age to comprehend his own moral failures and his own need for Salvation and Redemption (comprehending this as appropriate to his age).
  3. He has been reconciled to God the Father, through trust in Jesus.
  4. He is a Little Sibling of Anointed-One, of Jesus his Eldest Brother. Thus, he is subordinate to Jesus.
  5. Being born again, he is a Little Child of God the Father (both by spiritual birth and by adoption)
  6. As a consequence, he is also a citizen of Heaven (by birthright).
  7. He is progressing in growth from a newborn toward maturity by being an active disciple of Jesus.
  8. He is indeed a brand-new creation, a brand-new man of clay.
  9. Along with all other Christians, he has been given the "Service of​·the Rec­on­cil­i­a­tion." That is, the Service of Reconciling other lost (human) souls to God by proclaiming to and sharing with others the straight-forward Good-News of Salvation through trust in Jesus.
  10. This Service of Reconciliation occurs by "an incorruptible sowing of seed through the Redemptive-word of God."
  11. A Christian has within himself the Redemptive-word of the Reconciliation, already placed there by Jesus himself.
  12. This "incorruptible sowing of seed" also entails that a Christian is walking in renewed holiness and keeping himself unstained from this dark and corrupt world (from which he has been saved).

Improper usage in daily life

Not an adjective

The word "Christian" is not an adjective nor a descriptor, it is a proper noun.

Although the term "Christian" could qualify as a classification, it is distinctly clearer to use a proper adjective form of the noun (as demonstrated in a later section).

As a classification

A "Christian gathering" to denote a "gathering of Christians (plural)" (regardless of Jewish or Gentile ancestry) is an acceptable classification, because it refers to the redeemed souls themselves.

However, a "Christian business" (i.e. a business of Christians) is not acceptable, because it refers to an activity or a corporate entity, not the Redeem-Kinsmen themselves. Nonetheless, the distinct phrase, "Christian-owned," is an acceptable use because it refers to the Christian who owns the business.

A few more examples:
A "Christian community" to denote a community of Christians is fine, if it is purely so.  Otherwise, it is a community based on some other criteria (such as, whoever shows up).

However, a "Christian neighborhood" refers to the physical location (not the redeemed souls), and this should be avoided since the neighborhood isn't a "Little Sibling." A neighborhood can change occupancy, or it can be bought by a commercial developer, or eminent domain can be applied to it by the government to establish a new highway in its place.

Also, "Christian music" refers to the music of Christians. Here, the word "music" does not refer to the redeemed souls themselves; it refers to either the targeted audience, or to the nature of its content. "Christianic music" (or "Commercial music") is the more appropriate term, (especially when the music doesn't conform to "Scriptural" standards). Regarding the music artistry of the Jews, it is not "Jew music, but "Jewish music" or even "Judaic music."

Proper adjective forms

Provided here are examples of the adjective forms for the proper noun "Christian" (for when it's necessary to communicate about the things regarding the Little Siblings of Anointed-One):
Christianic, Christianal, Christianary, Christianish, and Christianesque.


explore a side note: describe one who is a Christianalist compared to a Scripturalist, or even a Traditionalist.

explore Christiandom (christendom) and Kingdom; the domain of Christians and the domain of a King. Carnal Christians misconstrue this present physical world as being their domain of dominion; not so.

explore Carnality, Christianality, Scripturality, Spirituality (also Carnally, Christianally, Scripturally, Spiritually -- Obediently

Not a category

When Yahweh himself coined the word “Christian,” he denoted a subordinate, but affectionate family relationship.

The term "Christian" itself does not explicitly express a standard of behavior or a category, it explicitly expresses a state of being. There are both young and old Christians who are born-again, yet all of them widely vary, whether being infantile or mature, carnal or spiritual, soulish or adhering closely to Christ Jesus.

Nonetheless, whether mature or infantile, the Redeemed of the Lord remain affectionately the "Little Siblings of Anointed-One," that is, they are Christians.

And to be clear, the Kingdom of God does indeed have a royal standard of conduct to which its citizens are held accountable. Continual maturing growth and renewed holiness are required of them. God holds his Sons accountable for their conduct, and we Little Siblings shall give a full account to Jesus at his Bema judgment seat.

In stark contrast, the kingdom of this world has a imposing standard of misconduct to which its citizens are regularly enticed and encouraged (even though they are harmed by it and punished for it). The standard is socially sanctioned lawlessness and debauchery. And this imposing dark standard wages war against and entangles many Little Siblings of Anointed-One.

PART III: Christianism

Christianisms

A "Christian" is not someone who merely adheres to "Christianity," or as more properly defined, to the various regional "Christianisms" (which are the various practices and creeds of a particular community, region, or nation-- whether of those who self-identify, or are identified by others, as being Christian).

items to be addressed...
... since the word "Christian" is not used in many other nations or languages to denote Disciples of Christ, show the date when this (and "Christianism") came into usage in English (refer to OED). Also, touch on carnal and "carnality"

Such "Christianisms" were categorized and catalogued, and then later collated into the singular umbrella term coined as "Christianity," as though it had any spiritual validity toward Father God (Yahweh God Almighty) and YeShua Anointed our Kinsman-Redeemer (Yahweh of Hosts). Typically, "Christianisms" contain many creeds and practices which both directly and indirectly contradict the Holy Scriptures, the will of God, and the words of Jesus himself.

No Christianism (local creeds and practices) has any superseding authority over Scripture, nor is its transient nature binding upon adjacent communities or subsequent generations. However, the Holy Scriptures of Yahweh and most especially the Brand-New Covenant (established by the blood of YeShua) is completely binding on each genuine community of Christians (and both those being adjacent, and those of subsequent generations).

Following "Christianity" is most certainly not the same as following Christ Jesus our Lord and Kinsman-Redeemer, nor is it equivalent to adhering to the clear instruction of the Holy Scriptures.  In fact, much of "Christianity" is about altering, circumventing, marginalizing, subjugating, reinventing, or flat-out ignoring the written communication of Yahweh expressly contained in the Holy Scriptures. Again, in fact, such men are "the ones your father warned you about" (from the Holy Scriptures and repeatedly confirmed by the Holy Spirit).

Jesus established the Kingdom and its Called-Out Citizenry, along with the conduct and character thereof.
Carnal Christians, wolves, "bad workmen" have replaced it with distorted religion, containing contrary commandments of men placed alongside of and in front of the Kingdom of God, (as though the commandments of Jesus were deficient or most undesirable).

(Note: become very comfortable using "Christ Jesus", "YeShua Anointed", and "YeShua Ha Mashiach", for he himself responds to each and honors those who call upon him in spirit and in truth).


A Closing Reminder

YeShua himself is the Good Shepherd, and he is able (via Holy Spirit in us) to take us Little Siblings from where we are unto where we need to be, without harming the soul. Not necessarily without pain or great discomfort, but without harm to the soul.
I do trust Jesus to take us out of the cesspools of stagnant backwaters and eddies that every present-day Christian is mired in, and to lead us together toward fresh and clear waters unto the source of the headwaters, which is Jesus himself. Until we all come to "the oneness of the trust.. into a complete man... into a measure of maturity... of Anointed-One." (Ephesians 4:13, abbreviated)

YeShua is not ashamed to call us "brothers," that is, we the Redeemed. (Hebrews 2:11b)

[ Hebrews 2:9-15, MCT ]

9 But we​·look​·upon YeShua— the​·one by a​·cer­tain small​·degree having​·been​·made​·lesser than the an­gels on​·ac­count​·of the af­flic­tion of​·Death, but​·now having​·been​·vic­to­ri­ously​·crowned with​·glory and honor, that by​·the​·grace of​·God he​·should​·taste death on​·be­half of​·all.

10 For it​·was​·be­fit­ting​·for Father God (on​·ac­count​·of whom all​·things exist and through whom all​·things exist), in​·bring­ing many sons to glory, to​·make the Initiator of​·their Sal­va­tion com­pletely​·ma­ture through af­flic­tions.

11 For both the​·one making​·holy and the​·ones be­ing​·made​·holy are all birthed​·from​·out of​·one Father. On​·ac­count​·of which cause, YeShua the Initiator is​·not ashamed to​·call them broth­ers, 12 say­ing to​·Yahweh, “I​·shall​·an­nounce your name to​·my broth­ers. In the midst of​·the​·gath­er­ing, I​·shall​·splen­didly​·praise you.” 13 And again, "I​·my­self shall​·be having​·con­fi­dence on him." And again, “Be­hold, I​·my­self and the little​·chil­dren which God gave to​·me.”

14 Ac­cord­ingly, since the little​·chil­dren have​·a​·com­mon​·fel­low­ship of​·flesh and blood, also he​·him­self like­wise​·per­son­al­ly par­tic­i­pated​·and​·be­longed​·to the same, in​·order​·that through the death, he​·may​·fully​·ren­der​·im­po­tent the​·one having the might of​·Death, that​·is, the Slan­derer; 15 and that he​·may​·re­lease them, as​·many​·as​·who (through fear of​·death) were all their life­time held​·in slav­ery.


[ Ephesians 4:11-16, MCT ]

11 And he​·himself, in​·fact, is the​·one who gave​·forth the ambassadors, and the prophets, and the proclaimers​·of​·the​·good​·news​·of​·redemption, and the shepherds and instructors—

12 toward the complete​·development of​·the holy​·ones unto a​·work of​·service, unto an​·edification of​·the Body of​·the Anointed-One—

13 for so​·long​·as​·until we​·all should​·attain unto the oneness of​·the trust, and of​·the recognition​·and​·full​·knowledge of​·the Son of​·God, into a​·complete man, into a​·measure of​·maturity of​·the complete​·fullness of​·the Anointed-One—

14 in​·order​·that we​·may no​·longer be infants, who​·are​·being​·tossed​·about​·by​·surging​·waves and being​·carried​·about by​·every wind of​·instruction, by the artful​·manipulation of​·men​·of​·clay, and by the shrewd​·cunning pertaining​·to the trickery of​·deceit.

15 But being​·truthful in love, we​·should​·grow​·up in all things in him who is the head, namely the Anointed-One, 16 from​·out of​·whom all the Body is​·being​·fitly​·framed​·together and is​·being​·united​·together through every amply​·supplying connection​·joint, according​·to an​·effective​·working of​·each individual part in its measure. He​·himself​·produces the maturing​·growth of​·the Body for its​·own edification in love.




NOTE: The offer of Salvation, forgiveness, and Redemption is available only through trust in Jesus. The work he did on the cross paid the blood price for our souls. When Jesus arose from Hades, he fully secured our redemption, setting those who trust in him free from both Hades and Death.  The price was paid for every lost soul. But only those who trust on him actually partake of the ransom.
    Will you trust him or will you perish?

Author: Jonathan K Mickelson, Published: 2020-11-25, Last Edit: 2021-05-01
Proofreader: CMickelson, Proofed: 2020-11-26 (PART I only)
Proofreader: RKoch, Proofed: 2021-01-21 (PART I only)
Proofreader: (A Christian), Proofed: 2021-03-18 (PART I & II, while still in progress)
Proofreader: CMickelson, Proofed: 2021-04-02 (PART I, II, & III, while in progress)
Proofreader: PKotronis, Proofed: 2021-04-29 (PART I, II, & III, while in progress)
Proofreader: RKoch, Proofed: 2021-04-29 (PART I, II, & III, while in progress)