I think that the term Christian is used to openly now days. People call themselves Christians for going to church or being baptized. I think the only way a person should be called a Christian is if they truly accepted Jesus Christ for remission for their sins. What is your opinion?
2007-12-19 03:48:06 · 19 answers · asked by King Arthur 3 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
I agree that the only way to become a Christian is by confessing Jesus as Lord, accepting remission of sins, and turning from a sinful lifestyle and the sin nature.
I agree that the term "Christian" has lost its meaning because so many use the word so loosely. I see many who call themselves Christians, yet bear no resemblance to the character or behavior of Jesus Christ. Many profess Christianity because their families have traditionally followed Christian thought or because they were born into a Christian nation, yet do not follow his precepts or emulate his love for others or his actions. Of course, the word "Christian" means Christ-like; therefore, I hesitate to say, "I am a Christian." Whether I am Christ-like is to be determined by those who observe my life.
I have used the term "believer," which brings up still more questions. "Believer" is not a perfect identifier, either, for Scripture states that "Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble" (James 2:19).
While we are not privy to the private issues of a person's heart, and are therefore not qualified to judge their spiritual condition, Jesus *did* say that we could recognize Christians / believers / his disciples by several indicators: by their fruits (what kind of results their lives produce -- Matthew 7:16, 20), by their love (John 13:35), and by various signs (Mark 16: 17-18). While none of us has reached perfection, we strive to develop the character of Jesus Christ and to become all that Scripture indicates that will make us recognizable as his disciples.
2007-12-19 04:23:44 · answer #1 · answered by reap100 4 · 4⤊ 0⤋
Christian means Christ-like/ What separates a Christian with an unbeliever is the christian has a personal relationship w/ Christ.
2007-12-19 11:55:13 · answer #2 · answered by drumcatblue 4 · 3⤊ 0⤋
No, I don't believe people are Christians if they only go to church, even though that's still apart of being a Christian (grouping together) it's still not the only thing you should have in your life.
2007-12-19 12:19:20 · answer #3 · answered by Megan 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Well we mormons do accept Christ as our savior and the atonement and still dont get called christians.
Who has the right or the authority to proclaim who is or is not a christian and where did they get that right?
2007-12-19 12:39:41 · answer #4 · answered by cadisneygirl 7 · 2⤊ 1⤋
Well the definition of a christian is this:
NOUN:
One who professes belief in Jesus as Christ or follows the religion based on the life and teachings of Jesus.
One who lives according to the teachings of Jesus.
So if they profess the belief (and I believe you'll find that in Romans as well), who are you to say they are not a christian?
I certainly do not call myself one, as I do not profess a belief in Jesus Christ and while some of his alleged teachings also coincide with my own personal beliefs, that isn't enough for me to want to be called one.
I believe your bible also says that only God is qualified to judge whether someone is a believer or not. It says He sees into the hearts of men, not you.
2007-12-19 11:53:11 · answer #5 · answered by Kallan 7 · 2⤊ 2⤋
I think it's just one branch of Christianity that says you have to accept Jesus as your personal savior. So if you think you're a Christian then there is nothing wrong with telling people you are whether you believe in all of it or not.
2007-12-19 11:54:25 · answer #6 · answered by Just Me 5 · 0⤊ 3⤋
I think in order to call yourself a certain religion you should be parcticing that faith. I was baptized catholic, but I am not a practicing catholic. Actualy, I would consider my self a theist agnostic.
2007-12-19 11:54:37 · answer #7 · answered by koda 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Agreed.
That Is why I use the term Believer-it means someone who HAS come into that personal relationship with Christ, & has been Born Again.
2007-12-19 11:52:22 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 5⤊ 1⤋
Of course. Remember, Christ Himself not everyone who calls me LORD will enter the Kingdom of GOD.
2007-12-19 12:08:21 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 1⤋
I agree the only way you are a Christian is is you have truely accpted Jesus Christ.
2007-12-19 11:50:41 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 5⤊ 2⤋