what if i really do believe in jesus christ, and that he did indeed die for my sins, but i have no urge to ask him into my life because i don't want to change my lifestyle..am i a christian simply because i have faith? my faith in christ is very real, but i have not asked him into my life.
2006-10-09 13:58:45 · 29 answers · asked by Mystery Guest 2 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
i would say that a Christian = Christ follower. if you are not following Christ with your life, then i would say your faith is not the kind he is asking for.
2006-10-09 14:01:52 · answer #1 · answered by truth seeker 5 · 4⤊ 0⤋
Since 1st John was written "That ye may know that ye have eternal life" (1 John 5 v 13), why don't you take the 12 point test outlined in John's epistle.
Do you have?
A saving faith in Christ? 1 John 5 v 13
A personal relationship with the Father and Son. 1 John 1 v 2-3
A sensitivity to sin - 1 John 1 v 5-10
A desire to be obedient to God - 1 John 2 v 3-6
A love of the Father rather than the world - 1 John 2 v 15-17
An expectant anticipation of Christ's return - 1 John 3 v 2-3
A decreasing pattern of sin in your life - 1 John 3 v 4-9
A experience of the fact that the world hates you - 1 john 3 v 13
A love for the believers - 1 John 3 v 13
Regular answered prayer - 1 John 3 v 22, 5 v 14-15
Discernment of error and false doctrine - 1 John 4 v 1-3, 6
The witness of the Holy Spirit within you - 1 John 5 v 10
2006-10-09 21:08:11 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
You presuppose that you have originated a real puzzler here. Actually your question is pretty simple and not extremely deep at all. A christian is someone who believes that Jesus Christ is the son of God. That he atoned for our sins and that through faith, good works, and repentance we can return to live with our Heavenly Father. There are no "card carrying Christians." If you do not believe that he is the Son of God then you are not a Christian. If you believe he IS the Son of God then you are--regardless of how willing you are to let Him into your life. You are simply rebellious and akin to the thirsty horse that is led to a cool fountain but doesn't have the good sense to drink from the water to relieve its thirst.
2006-10-09 22:03:28 · answer #3 · answered by Mr. Curious 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No, you are not a Christian. Jesus said in John 3 to Nicodemus that for Nic to see the Kingdom of God, he had to be "born again". Jesus was talking about a spiritual birth. The spiritual birth comes after repentance of sin and asking Jesus Christ to be Lord and Savior of your life. As far as those who believe that works are a part of salvation, well that is false. The Bible specifically says in Epehsians 2 that we are saved by faith through grace, not by works so that no man can boast. However, once we invite Christ into our lives, He changes our desires and we do good and godly works because we are showing God gratitude for His free gift of salvation.
2006-10-09 21:11:00 · answer #4 · answered by Youth Pastor 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
If you have not repented of your sins and asked Jesus Christ to come into your heart and your life, and ask Him to forgive you of your sins and to change your life, then the answer is No.
One cannot have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ without inviting Him into their heart and life and personally ask for forgiveness. Think of Jesus Christ as the door. One can only go through the door (Jesus Christ) upon accepting Him into their heart and life and repenting of their sins.
Just what is it you think you will be giving up in your lifestyle to cause you to make such a decision? There is nothing in your life that can be worth this much, giving up the free gift of salvation.
2006-10-09 21:10:40 · answer #5 · answered by son-shine 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You may not have asked God into your life, but He is there !!! On days when you felt you were alone, that is when God carried you through. Your wonderful believing in Jesus Christ is what is carrying you on your way. This is a wonderful question and always remember. Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ and Thou Shalt be Saved !!! You are Saved, because you Believe. Take care and may God bless and Protect you, Always !! Keep up your Faith. Ask and Ye Shall Recieve.
2006-10-09 21:16:48 · answer #6 · answered by Norskeyenta 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
No, there is a verse in James that says even the demons believe and they tremble with fear. Simply consenting that Jesus is who he says he is, but choosing not to take part in the work of the cross is not saving faith. And it's not a very deep faith. If I claimed to believe that I had a thousand dollars waiting for me at the bank but never showed up to pick it up, after awhile it would seem unlikely that I actually thought I had the money.
2006-10-09 21:03:44 · answer #7 · answered by westfallwatergardens 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The answer is simple- no.
I don't know if you have read the Bible or not, but if you have, then why ask such a ridiculous question? There is overwhelming amounts of Scripture which speak of how this topic. However, if you haven't read it, why try to ask a "riddle" about something you have not knowledge on? It is ludicrous!
No where in the Bible does it say that we should "accept" Christ. We are to follow Him. In dying He accepted us despite our imperfection, and if you truly understand the greatness of what He has done, you won't be able to help doing anything but following Him.
2006-10-09 21:01:25 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 0⤋
you don't change your lifestyle in order to ask Jesus into your life. You ask Him because you believe, you ask Him no matter where you are in your life and what your lifestyle is. Then, if you truly give your life over to Him- HE will sanctify you, He will change your desires- you don't have to feel like you want to change right now but if you believe Jesus, he will change your desires-
you cannot imagine changing what you feel , believe or think about things right now, you cannot imagine changing your ideas about the things you want, but it just happens and it happens so naturally for those that truly accept Christ , it doesn't feel like oyu are being deprived, coerced, or anything like that- the change just comes.
2006-10-09 21:11:18 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Belief does NOT MAKE ANYONE CHRISTIAN.
Acts 2:37 When the people heard this, their hearts were filled with shame. They said to Peter and the other apostles, “Brothers, what should we do?”
38 Peter replied, “All of you must turn away from your sins and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Then your sins will be forgiven. You will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39 The promise is for you and your children. It is also for all who are far away. It is for all whom the Lord our God will choose.” 40 Peter said many other things to warn them. He begged them, “Save yourselves from these evil people.”
41 Those who accepted his message were baptized. About 3,000 people joined the believers that day.
Peter DID NOT SAY, "JUST BELIEVE" as MANY FALSE TEACHERS are teaching people today.
2006-10-09 21:07:03 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋