What would I be considered? I want to reap the benefits like eternal life and miracles being granted, but I don't like all the rules and restrictions. I want to be able to do what I want, but I want everyone else to adhere to the rules. I can do this and still be a Christian, can't I? I just have to remember to repent on a regular basis.
2007-10-21 10:36:04 · 22 answers · asked by Greg T (Christian) 1 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
What's a libertine?
2007-10-21 10:40:00 · update #1
I am a Christian though because I believe in Jesus and that He will forgive all of my sins.
2007-10-21 10:41:14 · update #2
But I thought you couldn't earn your way into Heaven with works. You just have to have faith. Your conduct has nothing to do with it. Jesus died for ALL of our sins, right?
2007-10-21 10:43:01 · update #3
So I'm a Christian and I'm going to Heaven.
2007-10-22 12:39:59 · update #4
What is this?? Are you calling God stupid?? What makes you think you can just do whatever you want and God is just going to pat you on the head and say "Oh its okay because you repented"?? You obviously don't know the real meaning of repenting or being a Christian for that matter.
Repent - to turn from sin and dedicate oneself to the amendment of one's life; to feel regret or contrition.
When you decided to turn your life over to Christ and become a Christian you automatically agreed to living by the rules that allow you to call yourself a Christian. If you don't want to live by those rules, then please do not call yourself a Christian.
2007-10-21 10:58:10 · answer #1 · answered by Ms. Kitty LIVES!!! 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Being a Christian means to 'repent' which means to turn away from your old way of life, and walk in newness of life, having seen the error of your way.
We all have to live by rules, whether we are Christians or not, and the rules which God gives us to live by, actually bring us into freedom.
It is for freedom that Christ has set you free
no longer to be subject to a yoke of slavery.
Romans chapter 6 begins by saying:
Well then, should we keep on sinning so that God can show us more and more kindness and forgiveness? Of course not! Since we have died to sin, how can we continue to live in it?
It would be helpful to you to read the book of Romans.
2007-10-21 17:47:40 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Look, pal, we all want to. you'll have to make that decision. I would advise you to follow the rules with some enthusiasm. Don't just follow the rules because they're there.
P.S. The statement that we get to heaven by faith alone is symbolic, not literal. A man can believe in god and be responsible for 3 rapes, 8 murders, and 7 thefts. Get the picture?
2007-10-21 17:45:56 · answer #3 · answered by Bob N 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I suppose you're a Christian by Ann Coulter's view of things where you don't have to follow any rules because Christ redeemed your sins.
Personally, that strikes me as theologically naive and individually immoral. You follow up by reiterating that you don't want to follow any rules but, incredibly, want others to do so.
You want eternal life? What have you been doing with the one you have now? I would suggest that all this makes you childish. If you have more than a child's years, I would suggest you are irredeemably childish and aspire to an eternal life without meaning.
2007-10-21 17:44:05 · answer #4 · answered by LucaPacioli1492 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
You'd be a nominal Christian (a Christian in name only). It's a good question because the New Testament has alot to say about it, and is very explicit on the subject. Much of the book of 1John is devoted to the subject (http://www.bcbsr.com/books/1jn.html) as is the book of Jude (http://www.bcbsr.com/books/jude.html) and 2nd Peter chapter 2.
But here are a few verses indicating that those which such a thought have been led astray:
1Cor 6:9,10 Do you not know that the wicked will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor male prostitutes nor homosexual offenders nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God.
Gal 5:19-21 The acts of the sinful nature are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, 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.
Ephesians 5:5,6 For of this you can be sure: No immoral, impure or greedy person— such a man is an idolater— has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of such things God’s wrath comes on those who are disobedient.
1John 3:7,8 Little children, let no one lead you astray. He who does righteousness is righteous, even as he is righteous. He who sins is of the devil, for the devil has been sinning from the beginning.
2007-10-21 18:49:47 · answer #5 · answered by Steve Amato 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
The Bible says Faith without works is dead. You can't get into heaven by works alone- that is right, but if you have faith and are a Christian, you will have works also. You can't have one without the other. The Bible also says, "By their fruits you will know them". Living right is a struggle sometimes and that is where grace comes in but you have to be trying to live right and have a relationship with God. By your question, it doesn't sound as though you are really trying to live right. Hope this helps!
2007-10-21 17:46:34 · answer #6 · answered by Jenn 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It is not that you have to do those things to get to Heaven. It is that genuine saving faith changes gives you a new nature, and you are gradually transformed to not *want* to do those things. Your works don't save you, but they are the EVIDENCE that you are saved.
Again, those things aren't damning you. But when James says "Faith without works is dead" he's being dead serious. What that means is, your faith is dead if they do not produce works. Again, works isn't what's saving you, but genuine salvific faith produces good works out of the overflow of the heart.
Jesus said that people would know a Christian by his FRUIT. If the fruit you're producing is *only* worldly, and it isn't showing any signs whatsoever of being the fruit of the Spirit, you might want to examine yourself. Please don't think I'm trying to condemn you; I am not. But saving faith produces a love for the Lord that leads to obedience. Do you want to slap the love of your life in the face repeatedly? I hope not. Neither should you want to slap the Lord who DIED for those very sins by continuing to not only do them but to love them and see no need to change them. Jesus said we are to believe *and* to repent. Again, you don't have to be perfect overnight. The Lord has *His* time to address the sin in your life. Ask the Lord to 'take your heart of stone, and make it a heart of flesh'!
2007-10-21 17:48:19 · answer #7 · answered by KL 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Question: "I am a Christian. I want eternal life, but I don't want to follow any of the rules. What does this make me?"
Answer: A Christian bound for Hell. Christianity ain't Burger King.......You can't have it your way.
2007-10-21 17:42:52 · answer #8 · answered by The Cub 4 · 3⤊ 0⤋
u will not recieve eternal life if u dont obey God, and u must make the descision to follow the rules that he has set 4 u to keep u safe, to go to heaven
2007-10-21 17:41:10 · answer #9 · answered by abby 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
“You believe that there is one God. You do well. Even the demons believe -- and tremble! But do you want to know, O foolish man, that faith without works is dead? Faith… working together with… works…, by works faith is made perfect. For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also. (James 2:19…26)
"Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Therefore by their fruits you will know them. Not everyone who says to Me, 'Lord, Lord,' shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven. Many will say to Me in that day, 'Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?' And then I will declare to them, 'I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!' (Matthew 7:19-23)
You asked. So I’m giving it to you straight.
2007-10-21 17:53:16 · answer #10 · answered by Jedidiah 3 · 3⤊ 0⤋