It was asked before, and the overwhelming response was that you know a Christian by their good works, their "fruits".
But I just read an answer that said you are saved by the grace of Jesus, not by any good deeds. (And years of bible camp have me singing, "Not by works of righteousness which we have done but according to his mercy he saved us..."
So how do we know? Evil people have claimed to be Christian, only to have it said of them, "Oh, they weren't a TRUE Christian -- not if they lived their life like that and committed those evil acts." But if it is through Jesus' grace that they are Christian, the only people who would know for sure are that person and Jesus, right?
I am one confused atheist tonight.
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2007-02-12 12:52:22 · 13 answers · asked by Chickyn in a Handbasket 6 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
No, Devon, they are not. But "enlightened" and "atheist" are. :)
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2007-02-12 13:02:52 · update #1
Not considering conversion; no, thank you. Been there before. I am here to find out what other people think, as I am already well acquainted with my own thoughts. :)
2007-02-12 13:04:42 · update #2
We as fallible human beings don't know, and it isn't our place to judge. Only God knows who His real followers are, I think.
2007-02-12 13:03:30 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
I think you have to take this on a person by person basis. Not particularly religious myself, I find that people who are "true" Christians are the ones who do their best to live up to the precepts of their rewligion. "By their works you shall know them" is describing how they behave and what they do as a Christian.
Technically, I'm saved - at one point, I did go through that whole deal and accept Jesus into my heart, etc. However, I'm not a Christian. Making a statement and going through the process doesn't make you a Christian.
Learning and living by Jesus' example does
That's my opinion, based on the Christians I have known - the true oens and the ones who just mouth their religion and don't live it.
2007-02-12 21:00:08 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Hope this helps.
Salvation is the "saving" of a sinner from the righteous judgment of God. When someone appeals to God and seeks forgiveness in Jesus, his sins are forgiven. He is cleansed. His relationship with God is restored, and he is made a new creature (2 Cor. 5:17). All of this is the work of God, not man. Salvation is a free gift (Rom. 6:23).
Grace is God's Riches At Christ's Expense. Grace rules out all human merit. It is the product of God that is given by God, because of who He is not because of who we are. It is the means of our salvation (Eph. 2:8-9). We are no longer under the Law, but under grace (Rom. 6:14). (See 1 Cor. 15:11; Rom. 5:2, 15-20; 2 Cor. 12:9; and 2 Cor. 9:8).
2007-02-12 20:58:26 · answer #3 · answered by Jo 4 · 3⤊ 0⤋
I am wondering why an atheists would want to know such things.
Are you considering converting to Christianity?
Christianity is a very practical Subject.
It's true that we are all saved by Grace; however. when someone is filled with the Grace of God, he will be doing the wishes of God...loving and caring each other.
2007-02-12 21:01:19 · answer #4 · answered by gnostic 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
True you are saved by Grace and also true you will know them by their fruits. How can both be true. Well when you're truly saved by Grace, you will produce Good fruit. Because you understand what God did for you, and it is such a great love, that you want to do good.
2007-02-12 20:57:24 · answer #5 · answered by ۞ JønaŦhan ۞ 7 · 3⤊ 1⤋
A true Christian believes the word of Christ is the Truth and follows His teachings as one comes to learn them.
Mark 8:34
Then he called the crowd to him along with his disciples and said: "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.
2007-02-12 20:57:09 · answer #6 · answered by ? 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
you may know by this question.
ask this and restrict the answer to YES or No only.
"Is Jesus Christ God?"
a true Christian will answer yes.
a pseudo-christian will answer NO.
(Son of God is not good enough)
2007-02-12 21:22:28 · answer #7 · answered by Chef Bob 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think that there are very few "true" christians, those who sacrifice their lives totally to Christ and dedicate their lives to helping those in need. Yet, all of us have sinned and come short of God.
2007-02-12 20:57:06 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
It is by their works you will recognize them. It is by faith they are changed and It is by the grace of God provided by the atonement and resurrection of Jesus Christ that they are saved.
2007-02-12 20:57:36 · answer #9 · answered by djmantx 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Faith saves us, but it is invisible. Works do not save us, but they are visible. When your faith leads you to do good works, your faith is made visible and people can see that you are a member of Christ.
2007-02-13 00:56:41 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋