Christians, do you assume that every person that calls themself a Christian IS in fact a Christian?

Question

Or do you keep a skeptic mind until you see how they live their life? I only ask because it seems that if someone acts in a way uncharacteristic to Christianity that afterwards other Christians denounce that person as being "Not a true Christian". Does this mean they're assumed true Christians until proven otherwise?

Answer 1

It's not our job to determine whether they are a true Christian or not. All christians at some point are going to do something that does not following the christian guideline that is when our earthly flesh takes over. Now if we see a christian acting in a non-christian way then it is our responsibility to call that person on it. Then we usually keep that person in our prayers but we do not assume that they are not a true christian because everyone makes mistakes. The devil actually attacks Christians more because we are children of God and he wants to corrupt us.

Answer 2

I don't get to judge whether a person is a true Christian or not. That is between that person and God. That sounds very stuck up to decide that you have the authority to decide whether someon is in fact a Christian.

I, personally, tend to remain skeptical. I try to treat everyone the way I think God wants me to treat them; with love and respect (and not talking about them behind their backs). If someone says they are a Christian and I think they are acting otherwise or I have a problem with their behavior I will talk to them face to face.

I will be more open to someone who lives like a Christian, but I aam also aware that all Christians are still sinners, they are human and make mistakes and sin.

Not all Christians are alike. God made each of us unique, and his grace is sufficient for us all.

Answer 3

I guess I don't look at it that way. When someone says "I'm a Christian too", or something like that, my mind doesn't say "well, we'll see if you are or not, the clock is running, show me!" Besides, it's not my job to judge if someone is a Christian, don't you agree? That's up to God? But if someone says they are a Christian, but they (1) don't believe the bible (2) defend people who are sinning (3) live any way they please...etc...then I may go, "hmmmmm." But still, God is the judge of each person, and that includes myself.

I am a born again, blood bought, bible believing Christian who loves Jesus with all my heart. And there are days when I do things and say things that I am thoroughly ashamed of! I wouldn't want someone to judge if I'm a Christian or not in those moments.

Answer 4

Unlike God, we humans can't see a person's heart and know their true intentions or beliefs regarding anything. Therefore, we analyze the persons actions to see if they line up with what they are saying. If someone says they're a Christian and consistently exhibits Christ-like behavior, I will assume they are a Christian, even though I really don't know for a fact. On the other hand, if someone consistently exhibits behavior unChrist-like , I will assume that they are not a Christian even if they proclaim to be one. Again, as I said before I don't know for a fact if they are one or not, because they could be a backslider. Only God knows who truly belongs to Him. I can make assumptions based on people's behavior, but I don't absolutely know. The only person I absolutely know for a fact belongs to God is myself.

Answer 5

No, everyone who has accepted that Christ died for their sins, and believes he rose again after his death is a Christian.. They are a follower of Christ.

Whether they are actively living their life in the manner in which God prefers, we do not know. We can only pray for them, and help them to begin to live "more like Christ." But just because someone may not be currently walking closely with God, does not mean they're not a "true Christian".

They're just off track, and we should feel compelled to help them get back ON track, not cluck our tongues at their behavior and denounce them, proclaiming them unworthy, or non-believing. Honestly, would not that behavior make you just as far from living as a "true Christian" as they are?

Answer 6

Yes, if someone claims to be a christian, they are christian. But, like any other faith, christians have rules to live by. If they do not live by the rules then they are considered liars or false christians. If they break the rules but ask God for forgiveness and try never to break the rules again, then they are still christians

Answer 7

I don't think its up to us to denounce people because everyone sins. The key is Jesus the forgiver of sins. One man should never denounce his brother or say bad things about him because he might save his life someday. I dont believe any christian is better than the worst sinner because we all sin. We should just keep in mind to help our brothers and sisters rather than denounce them. Prayer is an amazing tool!

Answer 8

The Bible is clear that you will see evidences that a person who calls themselves a Christian are.
The Christian will seek to do the will of the one who they represent. They will have a desire to share Jesus with others.
Jesus said that they will not be the ones that said that they did this and that in His name. Works are a outward sign of the Christian but not what gets them into heaven. Jesus said they would be known by their fruits (the way they conduct their lives).
We are not to judge but we are to be aware lest those who do not believe in Christ come into the church and teach false things.

Answer 9

LOL
God I hope no one see how I live, It would make a believe turn to Baal for salvation! At least to get there sight back!

I myself feel its what a Christian knows that is more important. Most that call themselves Christians haven't a clue.

Answer 10

Who decides who is a Christian? Is there some sort of Christian vetting committee? I know that you cannot be a Catholic unless you are a papist but does that mean you cannot be a Christian? Surely whether someone is a 'true' Christian or not is between him or herself and God.