What is a Christian? Does it even matter?

He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by his wounds you have been healed. - 1 Peter 2:24

What is a Christian? I think the first question is why does it even matter? Do we need to be saved, and if so from what?

The verse above tell us that He (Jesus) bore our sins. So lets start with that. What are our sins? Sin is simply defined as any breaking off from God's law, whether by deed or by thought.

Many of can say we keep God's law outwardly. That is, we don't kill people and we don't do drugs. But what of this idea that our thoughts even condemn us? We are told by Jesus that if we just lust after a woman in our minds we are guilty of adultery, or if we are angry with another without good cause, we are guilty of murder.

Let's expand on this concept. Have you ever been driving down the road and been cut off by someone? What was your reaction? Did you respond kindly in word and deed? What about in thought? Yes, they cut you off and that is rude, but what was your response? Did you kill them with your mind?

Now let's consider our outward deeds. Do you know any of the 10 commandments? Here are a few:

1. You shall have no other God's before me.
4. Remember the Sabaath and keep it holy.
5. Honor your father and mother.

Of these three which have you broken? Where were you last Sunday? Church? Football game? Sleeping? Working? If Sunday is now the Lord's Day, then what should be done on that day?
What about your parents? Have you ever talked back to them? I am willing to bet that all of us at some point have disobeyed our parents. Think back to highschool.....

So, we are guilty of breaking God's laws. If not in deed at least in thought. And if we are guilty then God tells us that the punishment is eternal punishment in Hell. Since we are guilty of breaking his laws, then we are deserving of the punishment that he tells us will come to those who break his commands.