A Christian is someone who is christ-like in spirit, attitude AND action by the power of the Holy Spirit. A Believer (in Christ) is someone who knows and accepts the truth of Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Many people feel that a Believer and a Christian are interchangible. I don't see it that way. Even Satan is a believer, since he knows the truth of God, but he's not Christian since he is the farthest from the definition. I think this is why many unbelievers view a Christian in such bad a light because many Believers who do/say terrible things assume that they, by default, are also Christian. Now I feel the reverse is true that a Christian is by default a Believer because to live a life that is christ-like WITH the power of the Holy Spirit is difficulty, and without it, impossible
For me, I'm a Believer trying, by the grace of God, to be Christian. The only one to have ever pulled it off was Our Lord, Himself. (^_^)
Is this a healthy way to look at?
2007-11-02 13:50:08 · 13 answers · asked by Phoenix Souvenir 3 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Kate: IMHO, that would be right
2007-11-02 14:38:34 · update #1
Witchie: Being a Christian is more than just being a "good person". To be christ-like is to be perfect; which is why it is impossible without the Holy Spirit.
2007-11-02 14:43:54 · update #2
Tater: Very good points. Something to think about. (^_^)
2007-11-02 14:50:15 · update #3
I have to disagree with you on this one because it does not line up with scripture. I will give some examples; 1 Thessalonians 1:6-7; (this is the Apostle Paul speaking to the church at Thessalonica); 6; You also became imitators of us and of the Lord, having received the word in much tribulation with the joy of the Holy Spirit, 7- so that you became an example to all the believers in Macedonia and in Achaia.
Notice, they were imitators of the Apostles and the Lord.
Acts 5:14; And all the more believers in the Lord, multitudes of men and women, were constantly added to their number.
Then we have Paul talking to King Agrippa in Acts 26:27-28; King Agrippa, do you believe the Prophets? I know that you do. And Agrippa replied to Paul, In a short time you will persuade me become a Christian.
Acts 11:26b; the disciples were first called Christians in Antioch.
I agree with you that a Christian is to be Christ-like but, no Christians does this automatically after becoming one and they do not live this way at all times because we are learning and growing or at least we should be. We have to depend on the Holy Spirit and that in itself is difficult because of self.
I will say this though, I think a lot of people are calling themselves believers who do not believe. Many people claim to be believers and they cannot tell you what they believe or if they can tell you what, they cannot tell you why.
Jesus is the only one who ever lived as a true believer or Christian and that is why we must depend on the Spirit of Christ within us to live as one too.
I hope this will be helpful to you.
2007-11-02 14:39:44 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is. Now, here's a question.
Is it possible for someone to be wiccan and Christian, by your definition, but not a believer?
Is that person still a good person? Do they still go to heaven, or do they go to hell?
(btw, I'm not being facetious, I was discussing this with a Christian yesterday)
EDIT: Worshipful-
So, basically the gist is...I can be a good person and display Christ-like qualities, but because I choose a different path, in the end, it's all for naught?
2007-11-02 13:54:33 · answer #2 · answered by witchiebunny 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It is certainly well thought out, and a logical way to think of it.
Can I surmise the following?
A Christian is a believer, but a believer is not necessarily a Christian?
Is that right?
2007-11-02 13:54:23 · answer #3 · answered by Kathryn P 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Very nice points. I like where you are going with your topic. I doubt I will ever be a Christian or a full-believer, but you raise a good point. More people should call themselves believers rather than Christians, otherwise they are hippocrits...oh, too late.
2007-11-02 13:54:12 · answer #4 · answered by Michael 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Amen
2007-11-02 13:53:36 · answer #5 · answered by tracy211968 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I think oyu have hit the nail right on the head - only by the grace of God are we continually moved from glory to glory , daily being perfected in His image because we know He has redeemed us
God bless you and strengthen you in your walk
2007-11-02 13:55:44 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
I think so. We are only human. We are only going to get but so Christ-like. Trying is all we can do.
Gandhi said it best: "I like your Christ, but I do not like your Christians. They are so unlike your Christ."
2007-11-02 13:54:05 · answer #7 · answered by Lady Geologist 7 · 4⤊ 0⤋
Hey thanks you actually cleared up a question I've had for a long time. Ya, I would say that's a really good way to look at it.
2007-11-02 13:54:52 · answer #8 · answered by Queed 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Amen my Brother, I'm just like you
2007-11-02 13:54:32 · answer #9 · answered by St. John Bosco 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sure is all you want to do is BELIEVE. I rather KNOW.
Study to show yourself approved. Jesus was a Jew...but he wasn't a Christian.
2007-11-02 13:54:08 · answer #10 · answered by Anna C 3 · 0⤊ 2⤋