What is a REAL Christian?

Question

Seems like so many Christians do not consider other Christians REAL Christians.

When you ask about the millions of prisoners, divorced people or overweight people (despite US census reports that show they are mostly Christian) you are told, "Oh, well they are obviously not REAL Christians". Christians who are gay are also said not to be REAL Christians. Christians who are Roman Catholic are accused of not being REAL Christians. JWs and Mormons? Yup you guessed it, not REAL Christians. Christians who observe the Sabbath and OT laws, are not REAL Christians. Those who do not baptize with water are accused of not being REAL Christians either. Those who do not speak in tongues are accused of not being REAL Christians. Those who vote Democrat- Not REAL Christians. Those who vote Republican- Not REAL Christians. Those who allow female pastors and ministers are said not to be REAL Christians. That doesn't leave much REAL Christians left.

So what exactly IS a REAL Christian?

Answer 1

The bible says the "fruit" of someone will show.

1. love
2. joy
3. peace
4. patience
5. kindness
6 goodness
7 faithfulness
8 gentleness
9 self control

Jesus says that we will know them by their fruit (john 15: 1-17)

Answer 2

I have been a Christian for almost 9 years and a minister for almost 3 years. With all of my studying and research, I have yet to be able to answer your question. I can say this with all certainty and honesty. Even friends of mine who have been Christians for a greater length of time have a hard time with that question. That includes elders, pastors, worship leaders.

All I know is that it isn't about religion or doctrine. It is ALL about a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. It is about being led by the Holy Spirit of God in every area of your life and never compromising your principles. It is being talked down to and abused verbally and sometimes physically for believing in Jesus and trusting God. Being a Dem. or Rep., Catholic or Baptist, man or woman isn't what defines a "real" Christian. Being able to withstand hardships, trials, tests, pain, affliction, sickness, disease and any other sort of thing and still stand up for Christ and claim "He IS Lord" and mean it with your whole heart, being able to put God first above your spouse and children regardless of the consequences and not having any regrets about doing so. Those are examples of how to define a "real" Christian.

I could continue but there is no need. Hopefully you got the point of the answer. And if you want another example... Billy Graham.

Answer 3

The word "Real Christian" seems to be a catch-all word that allows anyone who is a follower of Christianity to justify his/her position morally in relation to society, in relation to his belief of what christianity is. According to some people, a REAL christian is one who follows the 10 commandments, practices love an charity and reads the Bible. It really depends on your position in relation to your own belief. That is a very good question. Hope this answer helps.

Answer 4

Different beliefs such as baptism, female pastors, keeping the whole law or not, political standing and such will not send someone to Heaven or keep them out.

Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. No one can get to God without believing that.

I can not judge anyone as to whether or not they have genuine faith in Christ. I am responsible, however, for living as Christ would want me to live. Only God knows our hearts, and it is not our job to decide someones fate. (Thank Goodness)

Answer 5

A real Christian is someone who has asked Jesus to come into their heart and make them new
All that^ is just mans nature to fight with each other because not even Christians are perfect

Answer 6

Deke: Since christians are followers of Christ, Christ himself could not have been a christian. Get a grip, my friend.

True christians are those who are true followers of Christ. They are those who honor the sabbath and try to adhere to God's law, which is the 10 commandments. True christians study God's word and live their lives by faith. True christians live their faith, rather than preach it. Their hope is in God's new kingdom in Earth, not man's corrupt government.

Answer 7

The only real Christian died on a cross 2000 years ago. The others just have a messiah complex.

Answer 8

In this instance, "real Christian" is defined as "one who believes EXACTLY as I do, or EXACTLY as I think they should" or one is not a REAL Christian.

In the Bible, the "real christians" did not even refer to themselves as "christian" but as SAINTS. The word "Christian" is in the Bible THREE times. "Saints" appears in the NT approx. THIRTY FIVE times. And in all cases, it is referring to BELIEVERS in Christ.

In the three times the word "christian" appears, it seems to be a nickname given by outsiders, Gentiles, pagans.

They were first called Christians in Antioch. Not they first called themselves Christians, but they were first CALLED that.

King Agrippa tells Paul, almost thou persuadest me to be a christian. There is no record of Paul ever using the word himself.

And Peter likens "suffering as a Christian" to suffering as a murder, thief, evildoer and busybody in other man's affairs, or apparently, as a crime. We know that the Romans did torture and kill Christians for being Christians. Peter said don't suffer as a murderer, thief, etc., but if you have to suffer as a Christian, which suggests that one can choose not to be a murderer, etc., but one can't help it if their faith is outlawed.

Answer 9

A REAL Christian is a self-determination that results in lifestyle choices that are in line with Christ's teachings. Others have nothing to say about one's personal relationship with Jesus Christ. If they do, you can be assured it is nothing but ignorant hubris on their part.

Answer 10

What is a REAL Christian?
Thats very very rare, most claim to be, but they are to true Christianity what "fools gold" is to real gold.