Christians: What is a true believer?

[Just_me_Mike]

Can anyone answer that for me?

 

[Storm]

Whoops, DIR. Apologies.

 

[Skwim]

A true believer is someone who believes exactly as you do.

 

[Misty]

What is a true believer? How long is a piece of string? No doubt each believer thinks they have the handle on their belief system, whatever their dogma.

 

[sandandfoam]

'True believer' with it's implication that there are 'false' believers is normally taken by me as a marker for narrow minded blather to follow.

 

[Thesavorofpan]

A true believer is someone who finishes the race he started.

 

[CCAPalandiriel]

Hmmmm, well, I can't speak for all Christians, because like Misty said, each believer probably thinks that they know what a true believer is. Most people who consider themselves to be believers think that they have it all right as far as theology goes.

But I'm beginning to get off topic.

I think that most Christians would agree that there are a few basic doctrines that are critical to being a "believer".

1) Jesus is the Son of God. (How that is interpreted by some may be interpreted differently by others, but the general idea is that Jesus is both God and Man, human and divine)

2) Jesus is the only path through which we may be reconciled with God. (Again, that may be interpreted differently by different people)

3) Jesus' death on the cross was a sacrifice. We, being sinful, deserved to die, but Jesus stepped in and took our place.

So, in essence, to be a "believer", you accept Jesus' sacrifice, and since the "debt" is paid, we can once again be in communion with God.

All the other stuff, such as the nature of God, free will vs. election, baptism, etc. is for the most part secondary issues. They're important, but they are not critical to salvation. (I've said it before, but I'll say it again for kicks: not all Christians may agree with this, but it is the widely held belief)

 

[James C]

a true believer is some one who is willing to give up his life for the cause no i dont nesesarily mean die for a cause i mean he is someone who is willing to dedicate his life for the good of god or a cause in what he believes in=)
:troll:

 

[Peacewise]

A true believer will follow the commandments of their faith in all things. They are true to their beliefs. They will make sense of their choices before making the choice and they will reflect upon the outcome of the choice to see if it resonates with their belief. A true believer will acknowledge their mistakes of understanding the commandments and seek to correct their understanding.
A true believer will grow in their faith.

 

[Pegg]

Yes as Peacewise said, a true believer will apply what they learn. They will follow Christ, not in word only, but also in deeds.
Their lifecourse will show a true Christian spirit...they will follow Jesus steps and live the same sort of life that he lived.

 

[Madhuri]

A true believer is someone who finishes the race he started.

This is quite meaningful and best answer imo.

 

[IKNOWNUFFINK]

Hmmmm, well, I can't speak for all Christians, because like Misty said, each believer probably thinks that they know what a true believer is. Most people who consider themselves to be believers think that they have it all right as far as theology goes.

But I'm beginning to get off topic.

I think that most Christians would agree that there are a few basic doctrines that are critical to being a "believer".

1) Jesus is the Son of God. (How that is interpreted by some may be interpreted differently by others, but the general idea is that Jesus is both God and Man, human and divine)

2) Jesus is the only path through which we may be reconciled with God. (Again, that may be interpreted differently by different people)

3) Jesus' death on the cross was a sacrifice. We, being sinful, deserved to die, but Jesus stepped in and took our place.

So, in essence, to be a "believer", you accept Jesus' sacrifice, and since the "debt" is paid, we can once again be in communion with God.

All the other stuff, such as the nature of God, free will vs. election, baptism, etc. is for the most part secondary issues. They're important, but they are not critical to salvation. (I've said it before, but I'll say it again for kicks: not all Christians may agree with this, but it is the widely held belief)

I'd go along with that - well said. :clap

 

[IKNOWNUFFINK]

Originally Posted by Thesavorofpan
A true believer is someone who finishes the race he started.

This is quite meaningful and best answer imo.

A true Christian believer can neither boast that he/she started the race let alone finished it. (but I can give the benefit of the doubt as to what this poster means) Perhaps a better clarification of this would be "the fruit of a true beliver is someone who allows to God to finish what God started." Although even that can be challenged because "the battle belongs to the Lord."