In what ways do you feel there is a separation from 'good' Christians to 'bad' ones? Or is the concept of being good or bad and being a Christian really relevant?
Everybody makes mistakes yes; but realizing that you in fact did make a mistake, feeling remorse, and trying to never make that mistake again, is that all it takes?
I guess this question revolves around the fact that in my short time on this planet I have seen many Christians who are active in the pursuit of God, of meaning, of purpose, take none of that same meaning, purpose, even God's own words to heart.
Is being a Christian defined by helping others, actively pursuing God, worshipping God, seeking meaning within the Bible? Is that enough?
Or is it being able to tell yourself that the answers found, the meaning discovered, even the journey itself - That you took all this to heart and applied all of it to your life via your thoughts, feelings, decisions, and actions. To become a better person, in our creators eyes?
2006-09-20 06:26:35 · 27 answers · asked by easy2demonify 1 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
a dead one
2006-09-20 06:32:08 · answer #1 · answered by Doomsday 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
You have about 90% of it. It starts with realizing that you make mistakes (sin) and are remorseful for it. And with a desire to change. But the Christian faith teachs that such change requires more than use "will power" or "disciple" and "trying to do the right thing". It requires a total rebirth of the spirit within each person. A changing of their very nature at the deepest level.
That is what the resurrection of Jesus Christ was all about. His death paid the penalty for sin. His resurrection makes available a new life. The Bible does not say a person becomes a Christian by believing Jesus died on the cross. It says (Romans 10:9) that we are saved by believing Jesus rose from the dead.
A Christian is one who has accepted that new, resurrected life into his heart and allowed it to become born again. That new heart causes him to want to "helping others, actively pursuing God, worshipping God, seeking meaning within the Bible". But those are the RESULTS of his changed heart, not what CAUSES his changed heart.
You do not become a Christian by doing those things and growing into a better person, rather you become born again which makes you a better person inside and then the good works just naturally follow.
Becoming a Christian is very simple. You declare that Jesus is the Lord of your life, and believe in your heart that He is raised from dead, and you will be saved. (See Romans 10:9)
2006-09-20 06:49:42 · answer #2 · answered by dewcoons 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think there is no difference between someone who has just become a Christian today and one that's been a Christian for 80 years. There is however, many people that call themselves Christian, but are not. These are luke warm Christians. Christians in name only. In my opinion it's all or nothing...we can't pick in choose what we think is right or wrong based on how society feels about a given topic. If we believe the Word of God then our actions and thoughts as Christians must be for His glory. They must reflect what He says is right or wrong. No matter how unpopular that is to the "world."
In addition, the Holy Spirit reveals only what a person is able to handle. What I mean is that a Christian needs to grow and strengthen in faith a little more before some truths are revealed to them. It is a pattern of growing and strengthening in faith. Someone that has been a Christian for a longer period of time will have more strength of faith than a new Christian. That's just part of growing in faith. In the end, a true Christian is a true Christian, whether early or late in their walk with God.
Your last couple sentences are what being a Christian is all about. You take all His words to heart and apply all of it to your life through your thought, feelings, decisions, and actions. To become pleasing in our creators eyes. For His Glory...not our own. You die to yourself, pick up your "cross" and follow Him. Because He alone is worthy of all our praise and love.
2006-09-20 06:55:01 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't believe there is such a word as 'good Christian'. One should be 'a Christian' meaning a disciple or follower of Christ. Most people measure and judge another by their outward appearance and then label them. But all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. So if this is true, then my justification holds only in and through the blood of Jesus Christ. So one doesn't have to be a Christian to do good. Ungodly men do good deeds- that doesn't make him a Christian and on the other hand Christians do bad deeds, that doesn't make him an ungodly. We just have to give our shortcomings to God every time we fall short. God is not so much interested in the outward man as He is concerned about the inner man (heart). If your heart is in the right place, then God is most pleased.
2006-09-20 06:43:04 · answer #4 · answered by charmaine f 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A good Christian would try to spread the Good News as opposed to a bad Christian who would try to force their values on everyone using political clout or even terrorism.
A good Christian would know that we are all brothers/sisters whereas a bad Christian would take on an "Us versus Them" stance.
A good Christian would strive to be honest, caring and giving without being a complete idiot whereas a bad Christian would be disingenuous, self-centred and looking out for number one, believing that any money they have or their church has is God's money and doesn't belong to anyone else, 'Thank you very much.'
In a nutshell, a Good Christian realises that we're all in the same boat and should try to get along whereas a Bad Christian knows that we're all in the same boat but wants to heave the 'undesirables' overboard.
2006-09-20 06:58:10 · answer #5 · answered by eantaelor 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I once told an older man that I was doing my best to be a "good Christian." He said, "I don't see how anyone could be a bad Christian. Either you're a Christian or you're not." lol.
The term Christian means being a follower of Christ. Trust and obey Him, believe His words, live by the same standards that He lived. If you're not sure what those standards are, then it's time to open the Bible. =-)
2006-09-20 06:46:29 · answer #6 · answered by Monkee 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A christian journey begins with followership of Jesus christ as Lord and Saviour. Lord meaning Him (christ) being ur master and the one whose instructions determine ur steps in life and Saviour( being ur recognition that the life u now live is no longer ur own but that purchased by Christ for u).
If these truths are properly entrenched, then the other things like being good will be fall outs of the change in nature as a result of genuine love for the ways of God.
u dont need to be a christian to do good, but christianity ehnaces ur goodness. i hope u can find meaning in wht I've said so far.
2006-09-20 06:35:51 · answer #7 · answered by lifejourney 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't really understand your question. You seem to be saying, "to be a good Christian, do you have to pursue God and try to live a good life, or do you have to pursue God and try to live a good life?" If you are talking the talk AND walking the walk, how much more can one be expected to do? That should be enough for any standard of measure.
2006-09-20 06:33:31 · answer #8 · answered by Open Heart Searchery 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
being a christian means you have to be good, and comparing it to bad is i think, senseless.
to become a good christian, you have to practice being good of course..the bible is your guide, in detailed, you just have to read.
in this world, it is really impossible not to commit mistakes, and god understand that. so ask for guidance, for temperance, for patience, in time you'll find out you've grown in facing obstacles..
knowing god should follow to know his laws too, and you must live with it..
It seems that you already know the answers in your questions. maybe your just confuse..what makes you confuse?.. do you know Eli Soriano?.. maybe he can answer your question with the help of god.
..and you know what, it is really true that when you start asking for the truth, many false religions will rise and claim that they're the right one.. but the answer is in the bible also..just read it, you'll realize it's not too late after all.
2006-09-20 06:49:15 · answer #9 · answered by _cries_ 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My brother in Christ, our Father which is in heaven does not see how many religious traditions you fulfill. What he wants to see from his children is obedience to his word. Not obedience out of religious mandate, but abidance out of love for Him, His son, and His presence. To love the Lord is to follow after his commandments. I know everyone makes mistakes and repentance is required for those mistakes, but it must be done because you want to walk uprightly before the Lord. It is not enough to just go to church, read the word, and think all is well, because it is the position of your heart that matters. The word of God say "depart from me ye workers of iniquity". Iniquity is the position of your heart toward life and the word of God. If I say I love you, and my heart hates you, then do I really love you, no I don't. The bible says "Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it." Christianity is a lifestyle choice. It is a way of life ordained by God that positions us to receive his blessing and his correction so that he can say well done good and faithful servant. Continue to dig deeper and seek out the heart of God. For he is a reward er of those who diligently seek him.
2006-09-20 08:20:26 · answer #10 · answered by Nico Suave 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I guess we could draw a distinction between saved as a child of God and being a christian. When we commit to Christ we are made children of God by His authority. As a person grows in their fair God provides them good works to do. This is right straight out of Eph 2:8-10
For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
Not of works, lest any man should boast.
For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.
I hate long quotes I hope this one wasn't too bad... Jim
2006-09-20 06:34:21 · answer #11 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋