That seems like a reasonable definition.
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What Does It Take To Be A Christian?
- Thread starter Thehoodedmonk
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I'm not sure how you get from point A to B. Or why that would even be a point to discuss. Certainly, as Christians, we are suppose to be doing something.
I'm not sure if you are making a mountain out of a molehill.
The term "Christian" is derived from the word anointed. It carries the connotation of Christ-like one. It is just a definition. Whether it is useful to you or not, isn't that irrelevant? There is a definition for antidisestablishmentarianism. It isn't useful to me by and large, but it is still a definition.
So I'm not quite sure what your point is.
McBell
Unbound
So your list only has one item.
Thank you.
roger1440
I do stuff
What Does It Take To Be A Christian?
The following is taken from my own personal observations.
What is takes to be a Christian is the firm belief you belong to the right church. The church across the street has the wrong beliefs. You have been fortunate to be born within the right Christian household. It is not necessary to read, study and understand the Bible. All that is necessary is to believe Jesus is your lord and savior and you will spend eternity in heaven. The reward of heaven is what motivates the Christian. Constantly remind people unless they believe in your version of Jesus they will burn in hell. Preach the Gospel by telling people how right your life is because you accept Jesus into your heart and how wrong other people’s life is because they hadn’t accepted Jesus. Jews do not accept Jesus because they do not understand their own scripture. It takes a Christian to explain Jewish scripture to a Jew. All Christians know this. It is not only permitted but also the duty of every Christian to segregate the non-Christian from the Christian. To inflict physical harm to the non-Christian as a means to coerce the non-Christian to convert to Christianity is encouraged. The reasoning behind this is that it is better that a person suffers temporarily in this life rather than suffer for eternity in the next life. The goal is to save the soul of the non-believer. It is not to punish them.
These are just a few of the highlights.
The following is taken from my own personal observations.
What is takes to be a Christian is the firm belief you belong to the right church. The church across the street has the wrong beliefs. You have been fortunate to be born within the right Christian household. It is not necessary to read, study and understand the Bible. All that is necessary is to believe Jesus is your lord and savior and you will spend eternity in heaven. The reward of heaven is what motivates the Christian. Constantly remind people unless they believe in your version of Jesus they will burn in hell. Preach the Gospel by telling people how right your life is because you accept Jesus into your heart and how wrong other people’s life is because they hadn’t accepted Jesus. Jews do not accept Jesus because they do not understand their own scripture. It takes a Christian to explain Jewish scripture to a Jew. All Christians know this. It is not only permitted but also the duty of every Christian to segregate the non-Christian from the Christian. To inflict physical harm to the non-Christian as a means to coerce the non-Christian to convert to Christianity is encouraged. The reasoning behind this is that it is better that a person suffers temporarily in this life rather than suffer for eternity in the next life. The goal is to save the soul of the non-believer. It is not to punish them.
These are just a few of the highlights.
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Thehoodedmonk
Member
Answer: God
If you think that Christianity is simple you are living in one of greatest dream worlds one could possibly live in.
Thehoodedmonk
Member
If one has accomplished the four points which I have presented one would not only be a good Christian, he would a Christian, and if you are a real Christian, your would be a good Christian.
Thehoodedmonk
Member
"For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many." There are many false religions, but only one right one. I do not attend church, because I have not found the right one, and I am 80 years old. I feel that I have found the right one, and that "church" is in me.
Thehoodedmonk
Member
Hello and welcome to RF.
I agree....but with some qualifications.....
Do you think the churches of today really "know" what Christianity is?
What I see them believe and practice is nothing like the model Jesus left. It was foretold that Christianity would be corrupted, just like Judaism (the weeds of Jesus parable) So IMO I don't see too many "Christians" today who know what it really means to call yourself a follower of Christ. (Matthew 13:24-30; Matthew 7:21-23)
It's not really a matter of just understanding "the religion", but more a matter of "knowing" God and his Christ and understanding what they require of us. (John 17:3)
Humans invented 'religion', not God. (what 'religion' were Adam and Eve?) The only reason that God chose Israel as his people was to separate them from the nations who did not worship the true God. He gave them a unique set of laws and a unique way of worship that set them apart from everyone else.
What does it mean to "believe"?
James wrote...."You believe that there is one God, do you? You are doing quite well. And yet the demons believe and shudder." (James 2:19) 'Believing' then has to be more than just accepting that something is true, because the demons believe in God, but they are sentenced to eternal destruction. (Matthew 25:41)
Perhaps "follow" would be a better word.The apostle Peter wrote of Jesus......"He committed no sin, neither was deceit found in his mouth. When he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten, but continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly." 1 Peter 2:22-23)
He also said...."In fact, to this course you were called, because even Christ suffered for you, leaving a model for you to follow his steps closely."
Following Jesus closely isn't just something you "do"...it is a way of life. A Christian is one 24/7....never off duty.
We have to remember that Jesus was perfect...without sin. We, on the other hand, find it difficult at times to maintain Christian standards because we are far from perfect. What are we to do then? Jesus' sacrifice makes it possible for God to forgive us on the basis of Jesus' shed blood. (Hebrews 9:22) This cannot be used as a license to sin, or taken for granted as an excuse to do the wrong thing wantonly; it is a precious gift that only truly repentant ones can receive. The sinning has to stop in order for forgiveness to be given.
Thehoodedmonk
Member
Yes, you are right, the sinning has to stop. The reason Christ died on the Cross is for you to STOP sinning. If you think you will be saved and still a sinner you will have a wide awakening on God's judgement day. Some how, as a sinner, you think that if you are taken into heaven that you will some how stop sinning? It is not in heaven were you prove you will stop sinning, it is here and now where you prove you will not sin. Hope I can make it.
So in your mind, bad Christians don't exist?
We all hope we can be found in the right spiritual condition on judgement day.
The apostle Peter said....concerning these last days:
2 Peter 3:11-14....(HCSB)
"Since all these things are to be destroyed in this way, it is clear what sort of people you should be in holy conduct and godliness as you wait for and earnestly desire the coming of the day of God......But based on His promise, we wait for the new heavens and a new earth, where righteousness will dwell."
Therefore, dear friends, while you wait for these things, make every effort to be found at peace with Him without spot or blemish."
That is pretty clear direction IMO....to be found at the judgment to be at peace with God and with our fellow man....and having no spiritual 'blemishes'.
Lirille
Member
Which religion though? There are many Christian religions...
In my view, being a Christian has nothing to do with sacraments, or organized religion at all. To me, a Christian is simply someone who looks to the Gospels as their main source of spiritual guidance, and honestly tries to follow Jesus' teachings to the best of their abilities. I believe the only one who can determine whether someone is a true Christian or not is oneself.
McBell
Unbound
Can you be more specific?
The uber generic answer of "god" just does not narrow it down enough within Christianity, let alone the rest of the world.
RESOLUTION
Active Member
I believe that none of the above are really about what it takes to be a Christian.
What the bible teaches us, is that we must know God to be a Jew or Christian,. The example can be seen throughout the two Covenants. The way to know God was to obey the Law in the OT (Old Covenant.) and the NT shows us Christ is the way to know God in the (New Covenant).
The OT showing man what is sin and the law convicting man of his sin.
Christ showing repentance and taking away the sin allowing man to live in Spirit and Truth.
It is always by Gods presence made known to man through the Spirit. Abraham believed what God said and this was accounted to him as righteousness. We see in Christ we believe what God has said about his Son and this is accounted for righteousness toward the believer. Living in the word is not about system but about understanding and obeying the truth.
First, and foremost the two covenants are based on the teachings of the Prophets and the whole law.
Love God and love your neighbour. Ultimately God is Love and it is about loving God and others we are seen to be obeying the whole of Gods laws and knowing him,
Thehoodedmonk
Member
That is right, "bad Christians do not exist."So in your mind, bad Christians don't exist?
Thehoodedmonk
Member
For God to love you, you must obey the commandments, and for you to love God you must obey the commandments: "If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my father's commandments, and abide in his love." Saint John 15:10. There are no sinners in the Kingdom of God. One does not prove they are no sinner in the Kingdom of God, one proves they are no sinner right here and now on this earth. It is a Satanic idea that one get's saved although they are a sinner. In order for Satan to achieve his goals he must cause men to sin, and he whispers in men's ears "It's OK to sin, you're gonna be saved anyway!" No, it is not OK. A sinner is a companion of Satan the Devil, trying to help Satan defeat Christ, so that Satan can become God, his admitted goal.
Well, a desire to love God and His creation is a good place to start, imo...
That's ridiculous.
RESOLUTION
Active Member
I think you misunderstand. John 3:16 tells us God loved the world he gave his only begotten Son that whosoever believes on him should not perish but have eternal life.
If we confess our sins God is just and will forgive us our sins. A child of God does not deliberately carry on sinning.
Why would they if they love God and others. Christ said to do as he did and that is the main direction.
Satan already been judged and Christ never loses any who come to God through him.
I am not sure what it is you are implying? Please explain as the above does not represent anything I posted.
Thehoodedmonk
Member
You are saying just what I said: "A child of God does not deliberately carry on sinning."