I know this sounds very dramatic, but I didn't go to church and I decided myself that I would be a christian..

Question

and pray to God, it started only about two weeks. But ever once I feel annoyed or confused, only when I think of God, there's answer right away from my heart. I used to be a Catholic for many years but never feel this way. My question is am I officially a Christian? I know some ceremony needed but if I only see myself as one then am I??

Answer 1

Well, you are technically still a Catholic, but will need to go to Confession soon because you haven't been to Mass in so long.

But welcome back!!

Answer 2

You can be a Christian without belonging to a church or doing anything official. What you are experiencing, contact with the living God, is what makes you a Christian.

The only reason why you might want to be part of a church is to have contact with other Christians. Ceremonies are there to celebrate what you have discovered, or to declare it in public. But these things come second, and only if you want them.

You already are a Christian. I'm so happy for you.... Enjoy this new adventure. It's WONDERFUL to walk with God!

Answer 3

By the loosest commonly accepted definition of "Christian", just believing in God is not enough to be Christian.

Technically, Christians (as the word implies) believe that Jesus Christ was the son of God, and died to atone for the sins of all people, and that he later "rose" (came back to life, and eventually ascended to heaven).

There are many branches of the religion Christianity. You probably already know that Catholics are a large branch; Protestants are another.

So - if you believe that Jesus was the son of a single, all-powerful God, and Jesus died and then rose from the dead, then you are Christian.

If you only believe in God, but not the parts about Jesus being his son, etc., then you are probably a "Deist" (someone who believes in a God, usually an all-powerful one).

On a personal note - I think that it's more important that *you* are comfortable with your religion, rather than worrying too much about whether you are technically a Christian, or a Deist, etc.

Answer 4

I see myself as a devout Christian and I see you as one also. I got tired when the money scandals swept the 80's and 90's and I feel out of grace. I decided I could read the bible for myself and didn't need pantyhose and a growling stomach to listen to a man interpret one verse for an hour. It was boring.
Now I am even questioning the bible after the announcement about the bones of Jesus.

I know God is real because I saw an angel and because I was healed by His power (at different times) and my condition was scheduled for surgery yet it healed overnight. Doctors see these things and give the brain the credit. But I felt my husband's prayer the night before and wondered what would happen.

However, the bibile says Blessed is he who has Not Seen and yet believes. So I have no excuse to miss Jesus Christ when my time here is over. I am no goody goody, I just love my Savior and best friend, Jesus. He knows my name and He forgives my sins. He lives.

Answer 5

If you believe that Christ was the savior (or potential savior) of humanity as the Bible claims, that is all that is needed for you to be a Christian. Various sects require certain rites or ceremonies, but those are not really necessary unless you think that they are. If you were a Catholic, then you were (or already are) a Christian; it seems that many who participate in this forum are confused as to who is actually a Christian when a belief in Christ is the criterion; even church attendance is not mandatory...

Answer 6

Having been there and done that... You do not need a ceremony, you simply are one if you repented of your sins and asked God to be your Lord and Savior. It is a personal, one on one relationship with our living God. The moment you did that you were sealed by His Spirit, adopted as His child and so much more. You will find that as you grow in your relationship, so will your faith and love for Him. No church or ceremony is going to do that for you.

If there is a ceremony, it would be baptism. Not that it does anything for your faith, but it is a public declaration of the changed life you feel inside your heart. Most Catholics are baptized as babies, and technically you could say that are already baptized. Up to you if you want to rededicate yourself in this way.

It is also up to you which church you want to attend, if that is God's will for you to decide at this point. I would pray and ask that His Spirit lead and guide you. I spent some time in the Word, reading and learning on my own for awhile. I found some other Christians to ask questions and to help explain some things, using the bible as a reference source.

You may decide that you want to continue being Catholic, or even consider one of the many Protestant beliefs. Personally, I consider myself non-denominational.... simply a "born again" Christian with a love for God and other people. Just pray To God, in Spirit and truth, and He will light your path.

Answer 7

Read Romans 10:9-10, if this is how you feel-then yes you are a Christian.
If so-then you will need 3 things:
1-you need to pray, often, daily if possible.
2-you need to read the Bible, often, daily if possible.
3-you need fellowship with other believers, not any particular denomination, just a good Bible teaching church.

A very good "safe" church to start with is a Calvary Chapel. They are a Bible teaching group with very few rules and regulations. You can remain anonymous there, no membership required. Just come as you are. You may come and go as you like-no strings. If later you decide you like the Methodist or Baptist, or Pentecostals-just leave. Like I said -Calvary Chapel is a good safe place. You can look them up on the net and find a church near you. There are about 2500 across the USA and a few in Europe.
Good luck.

Answer 8

The only way you can be a true christian is to believe with your heart and soul that Jesus Christ was crucified on the cross to save humans from sin, that He died and then rose again. Read your Bible and you will find the answer to your question. Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth. Remember christians are not perfect but are forgiven.

Answer 9

From the little comment you made, I would say that no, you aren not officially a Christian.

The reason why is because you immediately mention having some ceremony. Cemonies are an expression of something. Marriage is a ceremony of uniting two. Baptism is a ceremony of conversion.

Do you know the Bible? To be a real Christian you need to know many things.
1. Who are you and why do you need God?
2. Who is Jesus?
3. What is the only way God will allow you to enter heaven?

The answers to these questions are found in the Bible.

The WORST way to judge yourself is by your heartfelt feelings.

The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it?

There are many people that think that a decision to be friendly towards Christianity is all they need to get into heaven.


Jesus said...
Matthew 7:21-29
21 "Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. 22 Many will say to me on that day, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?' 23 Then I will tell them plainly, 'I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!' 24 "Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock.

Answer 10

My advice: don't get caught up in the religion itself but focus instead on your spiritual connection with God. What good is a bunch of hand symbols, watered-down wine and stale unleavened bread if you don't find any sort of spiritual connection.

For the record, the only true difference between Christian churches and Catholic churches is the ritual. They read from the same book and believe the same things.

Answer 11

There are different schools of thought on what one must do to be considered a Christian. Some believe you must be baptized, while others say you just have to "accept Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior." Many are practicing Christians who never, or rarely, attend a physical church, while others say that "fellowshipping" with other Christians is essential.

Best of success on your spiritual journey.