What criteria does a person have to meet in order to be considered a Christian no as a matter of fact a true Christian? Why do you believe the way that you believe? Who do you consider to be saved Christians? Also what denomination are you as well? Thank you for your answers in advance. God bless you with much love in Christ. Amen.
2007-09-03 13:33:23 · 20 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Well, it is not my opinion that counts. It is God's. According to the Bible, which is the Word of God, in order to be saved, one must be a Christian. In order to be a Christian, one must believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, sent to earth as a man to pay the penalty for the sins of mankind, through His death on the cross, even though He Himself was perfect and had committed no sin. One must believe that Christ rose again from the dead on the 3rd day and that He dwells with God in Heaven, and that if we believe in Him and accept Him into our hearts, we can have eternal life in Heaven after we die.
Obviously the man on the cross next to Jesus did not have enough time in his life to live a life pleasing to God in his relationship with Christ. He accepted Christ as his Lord and Saviour just moments before he died. So it is not so much having the type of relationship with Christ wherein one grows in their Christian walk that is of importance here, but rather the belief that Jesus is the Son of God, that He died for our sins, that He was resurrected from the dead and then to ask Him to forgive us from our sins and accept that forgiveness that counts with God.
As to what makes someone a "true" Christian, that again is not for me or anyone to say, for only God can judge what is in our hearts. Still, the Bible does say that we will be judged by the fruits of our spirit. In other words, if we call ourselves a Christian but do not act like one, or if we bring dishonor to the name of Christ through our actions or if we turn others away from God rather than to Him through the way that we act, then we are not behaving as true Christians should behave. God alone will judge us, and we will surely be judged for how we conduct ourselves as Christians. The fact that we are guaranteed a place in Heaven by our acceptance of Christ into our hearts does not excuse us when we sin against God by hurting others in the name of Christ. We ought to be the best example to others, a light in the darkness if you will, that we can be. We ought to look to the life of Christ on this earth as an example of how we should conduct ourselves, for He set the example for us.
As for what denomination I am, I am a non-denominational, Protestant Christian. I was raised in the Southern Baptist and traditional Baptist churches. As an adult I attended Nazarene, Baptist, Assembly of God and Methodist churches, as well as non-denominational Protestant Churches (the majority of which patterned themselves after Baptist teachings).
As for who I consider to be saved Christians, I consider anyone who recognizes Jesus Christ for who He is, asks for His forgiveness for their sin and accepts Him into their hearts as their Lord and Saviour, to be saved. As for if they were sincere in their asking and acceptance, and if their life bears the fruit of being a follower of Christ, that is for God to decide - not me. I can only say how someone appears to be, and with some people, their fruit appears to be rotten, while others appear to have the sweetest and most abundant fruit.
2007-09-03 13:47:23 · answer #1 · answered by Chimichanga to go please!! 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
A Christian is a person who accepts that Jesus is the Christ; the Son of God.
I believe the way I believe because, like you, it is what I was taught as a very young child. As a much older child, now, I see no reason to change my belief. If Jesus is a hoax perpetuated upon mankind, it's the best one ever attempted. Two Thousand years and counting....not a bad hoax. Also, He never said ANYTHING I can disagree with...His message is Peace, and Love, and DO UNTO OTHERS...no argument from me...
As to the "True Christian" and Whom do I consider to be "saved Christians"...not my call. I cannot see into anyone's soul but mine. (And mine is pretty murky, sometimes..) My denomination is Protestant. Also the way I was raised as a young child. As an older child, it has saved me much ...unrest... because I cannot agree with much that the Roman Catholic Church espouses. And that, after all, is what they were protesting....I think that all of us would be wise to hark to the ten commandments...very little to argue with there, either...And a whole lot easier said, than done... }:>
2007-09-03 14:00:31 · answer #2 · answered by Ja'aj };> 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
What a great question.
I'm going to make a cup of tea and watch this one.
*sip*
I'm not in the groups you ask about, but I want to know what a Christian is since I've been assured I'm not one by those that say they are.
I believe the point is to Love, and since God is Love you're part of God, the more you Love the more aware you are of God. You don't need to know Jesus to do this Melchezidek, the King of Salem, did it long before Jesus was around (That's in the Bible, Book of Hebrews).
Like Jesus and Melchezidek I am on my way to becoming a High Priestess in the order of Melchezidek (That means the eternal godlike qualities not an organization) just as we all should be.
So no I'm not a Christian but I love all those who choose to be less than God has offered.
2007-09-03 13:58:43 · answer #3 · answered by gnosticv 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
we believe in the ABCs of salvation (easy to remember)
A=Admit you are a sinner
B=Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ (Lord means in control, Jesus was the one who was the chosen one of God)
C=Confess with your mouth that Jesus Christ is Lord.
But where some of the fundamentalists will disagree with me, is that this is only accepting the invitation. Because you make a Decision for Christ. In other words, you make a decision to turn away from your existing lifestyle (those things that separate you from God) and let God take control of your life. It's more than just a prayer. It's about turning your heart, life, and soul over to Jesus Christ as your Lord and Personal Savior.
2007-09-03 13:43:19 · answer #4 · answered by Searcher 7 · 2⤊ 1⤋
Christian is only a label used for people who profess Christ.
Once I acknowledge that I am a sinner(spiritually destitute), I confessed my sins and repented then accepted Christ(entrusted my life) as my LORD and personal Saviour.
I accepted(by faith) the free gift of GOD.
I am a born-again Christian...
2007-09-03 13:57:31 · answer #5 · answered by Mikey 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Definition: Follower of Christ.
Criteria: Accept the teachings of Jesus Christ and live so that others can actually see Jesus through how we act - treat others the way Jesus would have treated them.
Why: He offers me eternal life, peace, and love.
Who: Those who are followers of Christ, doers of the Word. But it's not for me to judge (Matthew 7:1-2)
Denomination: The Salvation Army is my church - we are basically Wesleyan
You're welcome. God Bless you too!
2007-09-03 13:41:07 · answer #6 · answered by Patti R 4 · 3⤊ 1⤋
To live by the standards of God and God alone. Not the standards of men. Not the pope or mother Teresa or Bill Gates. Only God can point out salvation and proclaim one as righteous. Because He is perfect.
Christian non denominational.
God bless
2007-09-03 13:43:05 · answer #7 · answered by F'sho 4 · 1⤊ 1⤋
A Christian is a person who follows Christ. Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he/she is a Christian. It's as simple as that.
2007-09-03 13:40:51 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
A true Christian believe,s in his heart that God is real ,that God sent his Son Jesus to die so we may live [be saved ] and a Christian obey,s what God,s word say,s and has Faith that all is true,beyond any doubt.
2007-09-03 13:44:51 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
My definition of a Christian is someone who genuinely tries to follow Jesus' example and has faith in Him as their saviour. They don't just talk the talk, they walk the walk. "Many will say 'Lord, Lord' but only those who do the will of my father in heaven will enter the kingdom."
2016-05-20 22:13:44 · answer #10 · answered by michele 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
a follower of Christ, one that loves, worships, and gives Christ all the glory. the denomination doesnt matter. your religion doesnt save you, it is Christ our Lord that saves us. i consider a christian one that not just talk the talk but walk the walk.
2007-09-03 13:46:56 · answer #11 · answered by warrior*in*the*making 5 · 1⤊ 1⤋