Does your everyday life prove you are? Can people tell you are because of your actions? Do you just put on a act at church and the rest of the week live like you want? Is Jesus just your Savior or is He Savior and Lord? Do you know what it means to have Jesus as Lord of your life not just your Savior?
2007-06-18 09:59:34 · 20 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
The Bible says "You will know them by their fruits."
But what is a "true Christian?"
As long as we live on this earth, we are in a constant battle between our flesh and the Spirit. (Paul describes this in detail in Romans). Christians will continue this battle until we get to Heaven. Only then will God make us complete and perfect.
But in the meantime, if you want to know if I (or anyone else) am a "true Christian." Check my fruits. Understand that I am not perfet (yet), but also check to see which fruits are present in my life. Again "you will know them by their fruit."
Galations 16-24
"So I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature. For the sinful nature desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the sinful nature. They are in conflict with one another, so that you do not do what you want." But if you are lead by the Spirit, you are not under law.
The acts of the sinful nature are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery, idolatry and witchcraft; haterd, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissentions, factions and envy, drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the Kingdom of God.
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Against such things there is no law.
Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with it's passions and desires."
Perhaps rather than asking "Are you a true Christian?" One might ask something like "where are you/they with Christ?" You can answer by checking my (or whomever's) fruit. Do you see friuts of the Spirit? Or do you see fruits (or acts) of sin? You're welcome to check on me. (Me by my postings, and/or others by whatever you see) But more importatntly, I would encourage everyone to also check on their own friut privately and communicate and work with God accordingly. It is a life long process for us all.
Many blesings.
2007-06-18 10:32:29 · answer #1 · answered by Consuming Fire 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The first step is well known to Christian and non-Christian alike: a Christian must accept Jesus Christ as his/her Savior.
But actually living a Christian life is tough. This is where the validity of your faith is tested. Following Christ means that you become less self-focused and more focused on what God really cares about -- namely other people. When Jesus is Lord of your Life, your focus changes; who you are changes. This is a real change, not just a change for show at church. This change is difficult because, as humans, we are all innately selfish!
You will know if you are a true Christian if you spend more time helping someone else (I mean real help - being a friend, helping in the soup kitchen, etc. as well as sharing your faith) than helping yourself. A true Christian has a peace and joy that is unshakable -- and the rest of the world wants to know how to get it!
It is easy to become a Christian -- no exclusive club to join, no race or gender requirement, all are welcome! But the hard part is giving up our own self-focus and "I-know-it-all" attitude, and taking on the willingness to serve others and to be open-minded to the possibility of something greater than ourselves!
2007-06-18 10:48:51 · answer #2 · answered by Katy D 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yes I am a true christian! I going to heaven when I die! Yes my everyday life shows that I am! The people that I tell that I'm a christian can because of my action, people that don't know I'm a christian just think I'm a nice guy! I don't put on an act at chruch or the rest of the week! He both my savior and lord
As a true christian you can't seperate one from the other.
Now why do you ask?
2007-06-18 10:15:58 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
My first thought was, "I wonder what this guy thinks he is?" The question is worded in a rather negative light, after all.
For many years, I thought I was a Christian, and had a demeanor that was arrogant and self-righteous. That is probably because I was following a religion that was works oriented, where faith and grace were given lip service only.
After having that little world of mine shaken, and I got down to serious study, I learned what the true gospel was and believed it. There were manifestations of the spirit, but I won't get into that.
From that time forward, I found myself interacting with people in a way I had never done before, and people responded to me in a manner as never before. I am much more kind and considerate, and people respond in a positive way to being treated properly.
As far as Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord, I have a much greater appreciation for what that means, as well as what it means to know that He is also our elder brother.
2007-06-18 10:06:42 · answer #4 · answered by Hogie 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
a true Christian acts like a Christian all the time although sometimes they can slip up and make mistakes. your everyday life should prove that you are a Christian. Jesus is our Savior and Lord. if Jesus is your Lord then youwill do God's will and try to be a good example and not sin, etc.
2007-06-18 10:05:06 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
it is the action of waking up in the morning and telling god that today you are going to be a witness in words, in actions and in spirit. Therefore Jesus becomes the Lord of your life not just your savior. Good question!
2007-06-18 10:02:51 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Wow, dude, must we have the Reformation all over again? If I needed my everyday life to "prove" that I'm a Christian, I'd be in some serious trouble. Wouldn't you too? Be honest, now.
I know I'm a Christian because God's promise of salvation was attached to the baptism I received as a child, that promise is renewed every time I receive Him in Holy Communion, and the forgiveness Christ already won for me is delivered to me in person every time my pastor tells me my sins are forgiven.
The whole life of my church revolves around the continuous renewal of God's promises, by which the Holy Spirit empowers me to obey Him every day. Thank goodness I don't have to "prove" anything.
2007-06-18 10:21:33 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous Lutheran 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I don't think you can just look at a person and be like, "now that's a christian. I believe I'm a Christian. I go to church and I love God. I believe in Jesus Christ. I try to act nicely to everybody. I try to speak appropriately. Nobody is perfect. Everybody sins. We are human, we make mistakes. I try to act well 24-7, not just on sundays.
2007-06-18 10:03:23 · answer #8 · answered by Beth Z 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
1) A "true Christian" is not something we can become on our own. It is a gift of God.
2) A true Christian is made by God.
3) A true Christian can only be made by the Grace of God.
4) And that grace comes through the outward and visible sign of the Sacrament of Holy Baptism.
2007-06-18 10:03:44 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 2⤋
The sign of a true Christian is the love he shows to each other. Period.
2007-06-18 10:04:01 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋