How about a divorced/remarried person...how can they be a Christian..because they continue to live in adultery each day they are with their new spouse...
How about an obese person...how can they be a Christian...because they continue to live with the sin of gluttony each day they are not eating well and exercising...your body is the temple of God...and we are to keep ourselves clean and healthy in mind and body.
How about someone who filed bankruptcy...how can they be a Christian...because each day they do not repay their debt, they are continuing to live in sin by stealing...and not repaying their loan.
I could go on and on...smokers, those who use too much caffeine...those addicted to coffee in the morning...
Why do so many want to judge other's hearts...I don't believe that is of God.
2007-05-21 05:28:31 · 13 answers · asked by G.C. 5 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
A Christian is a Christian because they trust God for what he promised. I think that what you are asking is more about morals and being 'perfect'.
But Paul had something to say about that kind of thinking, actually more than one thing.
Romans 14:4
Who art thou that judgest another man's servant? to his own master he standeth or falleth. Yea, he shall be holden up: for God is able to make him stand.
and
Romans 12:3 For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.
2007-05-21 05:39:52 · answer #1 · answered by Christian Sinner 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
It seems as though you're a bit misinformed on some of these things.
Divorce- While God doesn't approve of divorce itself, the only two instances when divorce isn't considered sinful is if abuse or unfaithfulness is involved. However, sometimes both of these issues can be worked through with prayer and counsel.
Obese- An overweight person doesn't necessarily indicate gluttony. Gluttony involves greed. I know some very thin gluttons.
Bankruptcy- Some people make poor financial decisions in their life, even Christians. Often times, people have to hit rock bottom before they ever turn to God for help. While their own sins of greed and not being good stewards of their finances got them into the situation they may be in, filing bankruptcy is a blessing in a way. It allows someone to start fresh, even if it goes on their credit record.
We're all sinners. We were all born into a nature of sin, which is why we need Jesus Christ in the first place, who is the redeemer of our sins.
The whole point of Christianity is to acknowledge our sins, ask God's forgiveness, turn completely away from them, and, receiving His gift of salvation through Jesus Christ, ask Him to reconstruct our hearts. Our hearts are where all the problems of sin begin.
As for homosexuals, while a homosexual CAN indeed confess their sins to God and receive forgiveness and salvation, thus becoming Christian, they, like all new Christians, are called to leave their old sinful life and enter a new life with Christ. Personally, I've met two pastors who are former homosexuals.
So, while someone living in sin may consider themselves Christian and they very well may have accepted Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior, there's still a heart issue to deal with. It doesn't mean they're not Christian. It means God's not done with them yet. But no, God doesn't want us to remain walking in our sinful lives.
2007-05-21 07:26:31 · answer #2 · answered by Evan S 4 · 2⤊ 1⤋
If you use a measure to fix the nature of sin, they are all still sin? Is a white lie as much of a sin as child molestation, or the wages of murder equal to an outburst of anger at your father?
No matter, the Lamb of God takes away the sins of the world, but the human will remains free under the influence of this grace of the Lamb to struggle against sin, to repent of the nature of the flesh, to become a new person, reborn by baptism with the Holy Spirit. To have God Laws written upon your heart.
.
So Jesus taught us about this. He said "Your sins are forgiven you, go and sin no more". How can you be absolved of your sins if you don't repent? You can not put darkness in place of light and expect to progress.
2007-05-21 07:34:00 · answer #3 · answered by pwrslm23 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
All those things you mentioned are outward things. Being in debt, and matters of food and drink, those are outward things. Sexual immorality is an inward corruption though. But the real point is that many people tend to justify homosexuality, and say, "I am a Christian, so I can do whatever I want". This is exactly what Jude 1 and 1st Peter 2 condemned. We have to set a higher standard.
2007-05-21 05:50:41 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Who says Christians don't sin?????
Only one person ever lived completely without sin. That was Jesus Christ, and he was perfect. Nobody else is or will ever be without sin.
Homosexuality is more than just sin, though. It is called an abomination. I think there's a difference when you know you are sinning and choose to continue and don't wish to repent.
But in the end, there is a judge of man, and thankfully it is not me.
2007-05-21 05:35:45 · answer #5 · answered by dbackbarb 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
You've made several good points. So in other words, there is no perfect Christian, and we should not be judging one another. If there is a god, let god do his job and do the punishing/rewarding. We should all be civil to one another and not worry about the other guys lifestyle, politics or religion. Live and let live.
2007-05-21 05:33:42 · answer #6 · answered by kathy s 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I completely agree. Techincally we all live in sin. It's life. God is aware of that. The only way you can't be granted into the Kingdom of Heaven is if you deny God at the Pearly gates. Plenty of my Gay friends go to churches that accept them and I'm pretty sure they've accepted Jesus as their savior. I'm sure they will have no problem being granted into Heaven.
2007-05-21 05:38:54 · answer #7 · answered by Water Witch 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Christianity has a long shameful history of doing just that..judging others and blame them for their problems. It's happened over and over again. Christians blamed Jews for "moral decay of society" during the inquisitions, later on it would be women and Christians executed them both (along with homosexuals) by the thousands. Today, Christians blame homosexuals for the same things. It's easy than, as you pointed out, taking responsibility for their own failings.
2007-05-21 05:37:47 · answer #8 · answered by St. Tom Cruise 4 · 0⤊ 2⤋
Good points. I believe there are people in heaven who still had same-sex attractions when they died. What I believe God will judge on is what was more important to them-- the same sex attractions or their love of God.
But of course, only God knows this for sure.
2007-05-21 05:33:56 · answer #9 · answered by Rossonero NorCal SFECU 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
I do not judge hearts. Behavior is of question.
The Just Judge will judge men, that is not our job. We are not to embrace sin however. Behavior that has been condemned by God cannot be acceptable to us.
2007-05-21 05:36:58 · answer #10 · answered by Calvin 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋