What is an Orthodox Christian?
By Emmanuel Deligiannis
Septermber 4, 2018
An Orthodox Christian is a believer in ONE God, the Father, the Son (Jesus Christ), and the Holy Spirit.
An Orthodox Christian Believes that God is the creator of all things, v visible and invisible. God is ONE though he is a compound unity. God is self-existent, all-powerful (omnipotent) all knowledgeable (omniscient) and all present (omnipresent).GOD IS.
He revealed Himself in the Old Testament as the “I AM”. Time has no effect on God since He created the time. In Human terms He was, He is, and He always will be. As a creator God made heavens and earth. He made man in His likeness and His image. He wanted to have a human family to enjoy and to fellowship with. He put his spirit in the man, which He made out of the dust of the earth. There was no sin around until man disobeyed His command. Through Adam’s (man) sin all mankind was contaminated and death entered the world. What a loss for God. But He did not give up on the humanity He created. He sent His Son Jesus Christ in the World to save the world
An Orthodox Christian believes that in the beginning was the LOGOS (word) and the Word was toward God and God was the Word. Gospel of John 1. God made everything through His Word and the Word became flesh by the Holy Sprit and Virgin Mary. Jesus, the Son of God was both man and God. He was sinless. But He took man’s sin upon Himself and then crucified sin and our sickness on the Cross-upon, which He died. He paid for the sin of humanity and restored eternal life to them that believe on Him and accept Him as their personal Savior. Both Jews and Gentiles – by Pilate and Caiaphas, crucified him. He died for all Jews and Gentiles. God is the God of all flesh. For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. John 3:16.
Orthodox Christians believe in the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, that He was buried and arose the third day according to the scriptures. The Sprit of God brought Him to the throne of God where He was before incarnation.
An Orthodox Christian believes in the Holy Spirit. God is Sprit and the Holy Spirit is God – three hypostasis (persons) but only ONE God. The Holy Spirit proceeds from the Father and by given by the Son to those who believe in Christ Jesus. The scripture says, “If the Spirit of them that raised Christ Jesus dwells in you, He who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal body, through the Spirit who dwells in you. Romans 8:11. It is imperative for every believer to receive the Holy Spirit.
An Orthodox Christian believes in regeneration – the new birth or to be born again as it is written “unless one is born of water and the Spirit he cannot enter into the Kingdom of God. John 3:5.
Orthodox Christians believe in being baptized in water. They also need to be born of the Holy Spirit, John 3:6. This new is not a form or ritual – it is an experience with the living Christ. It is Jesus who said: You must be born again John 3:7. It is the work of the Holy Spirit in us when we surrender ourselves to Christ. It is not a simple religion – it is an experience with the Sprite of God. The Holy Spirit also empowers us to live a life pleasing to God – to love God and our neighbor. Christians need the anointing (Chrisma) of the Holy Spirit.
An Orthodox Christian must worship the Lord in Spirit and in truth. The truth is Jesus, the Son of God – without Him there is no salvation. In no one else! For there is no other name under heaven that has been given among men by which we must be saved. Acts 4:2. The name is the LORD JESUS CHRIST. He who belongs to Jesus belongs to the church.
An orthodox Christian believes that there is one Holy Universal (catholike) and Apostolic church. There are many Christian denominations but the church is ONE, Yes it is Holy because Christ sanctifies His church, it catholic (universal, international) open to all believers of every tongue, race and nation. It is Apostolic because Christ and His Apostles founded it. It is Apostolic because it continues to accept the teachings of the Apostles. The Church is known also as the Body of Christ, as the Bride of Christ. Indeed it is the “Communion of the Saints.”
An Orthodox Christian confessed forgiveness of sins in water baptism and in his confession of sins as it is written; “If we confess our sins HE is faithful and righteous to forgive our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” 1 John 1:9 God is a God of love and forgiveness. Jesus is our High Priest Hebrews 9:11 and offered Himself that we may have eternal salvation. Hebrews 9:28.
An Orthodox Christian holds fast the confession of our blessed hope of Christ’s return. Our blessed hope of Christ’s return. Christ is both Savior and also a righteous judge. He will judge the living and the dead. There will be a resurrection of the dead and also eternal life foal l believers in Christ the Lord.
Be an Orthodox Christian. Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and you shall be saved.
