Is there a misconception of "how to become Christian?"?

Question

Many people erroneously believe that one becomes a "Christian" by joining a church, or by water baptism, or by giving a testimony before the church.

The Bible, the law book of God, clearly teaches that one must be born again (John 3). We know that no person told their parents waht eye/hair color they wanted. We do not choose our gender nor our intelligence. Neither do we choose the date that we are born into this world.

So it is with the spiritual birth. Many people on Y/A Religion quote John 1:12 but do not quote verse 13, which states: "Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God." We also read in Romans 9:16, "So then it is not of him that willeth, nor of him that runneth, but of God that sheweth mercy."

God has chosen those whom He would save (redeem) before the earth was even created (Ephesians 1). Our works cannot save us! Since faith is a work, your faith cannot save you either (1 Thess 1:3; 2 Thess 1:11)

Answer 1

Exactly...

God is the One who does the choosing...not us.
We need to be empowered by the Holy Spirit of God in order to believe.

Answer 2

There is one point that perhaps is overlooked here i will point out, No one does not join a church to "become" a christian but in Acts 27 Jesus added daily TO THE CHURCH as such as should be saved, we belong to the church "BECAUSE" we are saved not to become saved. Now lets pick on the name "Church" shall we, in Rev. 12:17 The dragon [satan] was wroth [angry] with the remnant and they are described as those who kept the commandments of God [there are 10 commandments Not just nine] and have the testamony [spirit of prophecy is the testamony of Jesus Christ see Rev.19:10] now the fourth commandment deals with The Sabbath [seventh day sabbath, sunday has never been called the sabbath or holy in all the bible] so joining the correct chruch becomes a issue does it not, find out more free bible lessons www.amazingfacts.org OR www.itiswritten.com talk to me also [e-mail] God bless

Answer 3

Be careful.

Then what about those whom God has chosen before the earth was created and refuse to follow him or obey his commandments? Are they saved even though they blaspheme?

What about Jesus' statement in Luke 7:50? "Your faith has saved you, go in peace."

You can't scrape together a few verses and call it God's will or God's plan. The Bible has to be evaluated as a whole. Each person should read the Gospels and then decide for themselves. If you accept Christ: Great! If not: I hope you change your mind later.

Answer 4

We are not "predestined" as you are referring to when you mention that "God has chosen those whom He would save (redeem) before the earth was even created".

God has given man a free will to follow him or not. There are certain thing we must do in order to receive salvation. Faith alone is not enough, belief is not enough. Those that believe that and quote scripture are leaving other scriptures out.

James 2: 26 " For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also."

Belief is not enough by itself...

"Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven." Matthew 7:21

We must DO the will of the Father. That means we cannot just say, "I believe" and sit back and do nothing. That would negate the verse above. So what do we have to do?

Luke 13:3 Jesus said this about the need for repentance-
"...except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish."

Romans 10:10-"For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation."

Mark 16:16-"He that believeth AND is baptized shall be saved...."

1 Peter 3:21-"...baptism doth also now save us - not the putting away of the filth of the flesh - but the answer of a good conscience toward God."

Belief, repentence, confession AND baptism are ALL required for salvation. And we must live a faithful life because we can fall away.

Revelation 2:10 -"...be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life."

And finally, we do not "join" a church to become a christian, we follow the steps outlined above and are "added to the church." Acts 2: 41 "Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls."

Acts 2: 47 "Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved."

If we do not follow the will of God and the commandments he has set before us, we will hear....

Matthew 7:22-23 "Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity."

Answer 5

Correct-

Also one must come to Christ John 3:16 but only after His Father allows it John 6:44

Isaiah talks about good works with out faith are like filthy rags.

Answer 6

Unfortunately there are lots of misconceptions about what it is to be a true Christian. Our scriptures have been corupted, important things left out. The bible is best we have, but it hardly the full gospel. The only way we have the full gospel in our life is to have personal relationship with Jesus everyday. If you spend time with him everyday he will lead you all you have to do it ask. Churches are great, and if you can find one where you fit in and most of what is taught feels true in your heart then good for you. But if you never find that study on your own, and build that relationship. No one on the planet today has the full truth all you can do is your best.

Answer 7

If what you say is true-then Jesus died for nothing.
I do understand "born again", and agree that without a spiritual birth one will never see the kingdom of God or heaven.
But, I disagree that faith is a work. It is a gift from God, and is salvation to those who exercise it. God does not withhold grace to those who seek it.

Answer 8

buddy, you recognize the Indian Politics and politicians. The SCAMS are sprouting up one by using one ...all Multi crore Scams. a number of the persons in severe Positions are in touch in it.we are examining in information Papers and likewise seeing the minister resigning and sitting in penitentiary. So while the insiders are in touch , HOW do you anticipate the Lokpal invoice to become a regulation or Ordinance? by no ability ...further , super persons would be Crying and doing deekshaas .....the thick skinned government,, won't concepts those , it has such fairly some issues to guard. so which you will call it JOKEPAL. that's my opinion.

Answer 9

Sounds like you are talking predestination to me. If so, yes there are some Christian Faith's that believe this. Some believe you must be "born again" or be saved, accepting Jesus in your heart.
I guess its all in the interpretation, and that is why we have so many different churches and faiths.

Answer 10

No misconception on my part,
but it does still leave a taste of paradox, because I became a Christian on that understanding, and now I'm an atheist. So presumably I'm a vessel destined for destruction (Romans 9) with no say in the matter.