The Mark Of The Christian

The Mark of the Christian Francis A. Schaeffer Foreword Christians have not always presented a pretty picture to the world. Too often they have failed to show the beauty of love, the beauty of Christ, the holiness of God. And the world has turned away. Is there then no way to make the world look again — this time at true Christianity? Must Christians continue to stand with arms folded, going on in their old sweet ways, presenting to men a tarnished image of God — a shattered body of Christ? Francis A. Schaeffer meets these questions head-on. He is the founder of L'Abri Fellowship in Switzerland, is the author of many books, including The God Who Is There and Escape from Reason. He was, until his death in 1984, a vibrant example of the kind of love that marks true Christian character. His love for both those who agreed and those who disagreed with him continues to be a model for all Christians today. This small book was originally intended solely as a part of a longer work — The Church at the End of the 20th Century. But the message of this essay is so significant that we feel it should take its place alongside Escape from Reason, The God Who Is There, Death in the City and The Church at the End of the 20th Century. To conclude the book the author has chosen "Lament," an appropriate poem by Evangeline Paterson. - the publisher The Mark of the Christian Through the centuries men have displayed many different symbols to show that they are Christians. They have worn marks in the lapels of their coats, hung chains about their necks, even had special haircuts. Of course, there is nothing wrong with any of this, if one feels it is his calling. But there is a much better sign — a mark that has not been thought up just as a matter of expediency for use on some special occasion or in some specific era. It is a universal mark that is to last through all the ages of the church till Jesus comes back. What is this mark? At the close of his ministry, Jesus looks forward to his death on the cross, the open tomb and the ascension. Knowing that he is about to leave, Jesus prepares his disciples for what is to come. It is here that he makes clear what will be the Page 8 distinguishing mark of the Christian: My children, I will be with you only a little longer. You will look for me, and just as I told the Jews, so I tell you now: Where I am going, you cannot come. A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another." (John 13:33-35) This passage reveals the mark that Jesus gives to label a Christian not just in one era or in one locality but at all times and all places until Jesus returns. Notice that what he says here is not a description of a fact. It is a command which includes a condition: "A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another." An if is involved. If you obey, you will wear the badge Christ gave. But since this is a command, it can be violated. The point is that it is possible to be a Christian without showing the mark, but if we expect non-Christians to know that we are Christians, we must show the mark. Men and Brothers The command at this point is to love our fellow Christians, our brothers. But, of course, we must strike a balance and not forget the other side of Jesus' teaching: We are to love our fellowmen, to love all men, in fact, as neighbors. All men bear the image of God. They have value, not because they are redeemed, but because they are God's creation in God's image. Modern man, who has