What is your definition of "Christian"
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What is your definition of "Christian"
Post #1I was just wondering how you guys define "christian". i know that lots of people say that they are christians but they dont act like it at all, you know they just seem to say it just so that you will think that they are "good". so just post what you define a christian as.
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poorpilgrimpro
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Post #2
a christian is someone who makes there actions match Jesus's. not that your going to be perfect but someone who is truely trying and that Jesus is not just savior but Lord! cause you can be saved but not be a true blue christian, i think its when you take up your cross and carry it
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Pentecostal
- Student
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- Location: Glendale, Queens, New York
Post #3
Perhaps more to the point - What defines a "TRUE" Christian. 
IMHO, this is where the wheat
is separated from the chaff. 
IMHO, this is where the wheat
is separated from the chaff. DAV - USAF
For God & Country
To Serve, Defend & Protect
American, Republican, Conservative, HAWK
For God & Country
To Serve, Defend & Protect
American, Republican, Conservative, HAWK
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nikolayevich
- Scholar
- Posts: 312
- Joined: Tue Aug 17, 2004 5:51 pm
- Location: Vancouver
Post #4
A true believer is one God declares to be so, not man.
A Christian in the theoretical sense is one who follows Christ and His teachings.
A Christian in the theoretical sense is one who follows Christ and His teachings.
What does it mean to call yourself a Christian
Post #5Hi All - This is I just joined this forum and this is my first post 
What is a Christian? To me that's a simple and complicated question all at once. In it's simplistic in that the Bible's central theme is that Jesus was came to offer us eternal life by offering himself as a sacrifice for our sins. Those who will reject sin, accept Christ as their redeemer, and turn the remainder of their life over to Him will inherit Eternal Life. Though the term "Christian" is not used in the New Testament, I agree with the commonly accepted definition as, "one who is Christ-like" and/or "A follower of Jesus Christ."
The complexity, at least for me, is what is involved in being Christian is found in both of those simplistic phrases. Am I Christ-like? Do I act Christ-like? Do I live Christ-like? Those are questions shake me to the core. It's easy to say, "yep, I'm a Christian" but when you consider what is involved, it should cause even the most devout follower to be humbled and awed by the use of that phrase.
Personally, I'm dealing with a lot of issues related to my personal failings over the years. I'm certain that if I were put on trial for being a Christian that I would be acquitted for lack of evidence. That hurts...but it's a true assessment of where I am. But it is NOT where I want to remain. So, I've asked God to give me the power to start REALLY living as a Christian. My past is proof to me that I have absolutely no power to do so - I must draw totally on God for that.
Sorry for the mini-sermon) but perhaps this might help someone else who is struggling. If not, I thank you all for allowing me to get these thoughts out. I saw the topic, and was immediately drawn to it.
God Bess you all (I mean that sincerely)
mark
What is a Christian? To me that's a simple and complicated question all at once. In it's simplistic in that the Bible's central theme is that Jesus was came to offer us eternal life by offering himself as a sacrifice for our sins. Those who will reject sin, accept Christ as their redeemer, and turn the remainder of their life over to Him will inherit Eternal Life. Though the term "Christian" is not used in the New Testament, I agree with the commonly accepted definition as, "one who is Christ-like" and/or "A follower of Jesus Christ."
The complexity, at least for me, is what is involved in being Christian is found in both of those simplistic phrases. Am I Christ-like? Do I act Christ-like? Do I live Christ-like? Those are questions shake me to the core. It's easy to say, "yep, I'm a Christian" but when you consider what is involved, it should cause even the most devout follower to be humbled and awed by the use of that phrase.
Personally, I'm dealing with a lot of issues related to my personal failings over the years. I'm certain that if I were put on trial for being a Christian that I would be acquitted for lack of evidence. That hurts...but it's a true assessment of where I am. But it is NOT where I want to remain. So, I've asked God to give me the power to start REALLY living as a Christian. My past is proof to me that I have absolutely no power to do so - I must draw totally on God for that.
Sorry for the mini-sermon
) but perhaps this might help someone else who is struggling. If not, I thank you all for allowing me to get these thoughts out. I saw the topic, and was immediately drawn to it.God Bess you all (I mean that sincerely)
mark
Post #6
Hmmm... The one true objective definition of a Christian? Simple. Someone who attains entrance to heaven through the atonement of Christ (and that's assuming that universal atonement ISN'T true!). This definition also assumes two things - the existence of God, and the existence of Jesus Christ as the sacrificed saviour. If God is Allah, or in fact if God did not exist at all, 'Christian' would simply be a subjective term applied to describe either the self or a group of people selected upon certain (subjectively adjudicated) criteria.
The best question is - what are the marks of such a person on earth? What theology do they hold? How will they act? Unfortunately, the interpretation of this is all subjective.
The working definition that I choose to use is this: a Christian is someone who recognizes the existence of Yahweh as God, man's imperfect relationship with Yahweh, and has asked Jesus to act as the atoning sacrifice to make this relationship right. It's that simple.
Asa
The best question is - what are the marks of such a person on earth? What theology do they hold? How will they act? Unfortunately, the interpretation of this is all subjective.
The working definition that I choose to use is this: a Christian is someone who recognizes the existence of Yahweh as God, man's imperfect relationship with Yahweh, and has asked Jesus to act as the atoning sacrifice to make this relationship right. It's that simple.
Asa
Post #7
hmmm... yes i see all of your points.
somewhere in the bible it says "You will know them by thier love one for another"
so does that mean you not a christian unless you love your fellow christians? or is a christian simply someone who has admitted thier sins and accepted Jesus as thier savior?
somewhere in the bible it says "You will know them by thier love one for another"
so does that mean you not a christian unless you love your fellow christians? or is a christian simply someone who has admitted thier sins and accepted Jesus as thier savior?
Post #8
First off, to markm:
brother, I hear your concern, but there is one important thing you must realize. Your good deeds and bad deeds will not have you viewed higher or lower in the eyes of our amazing graceful Lord and Father. If you believe in your heart, and God knows if you do or not, that Jesus was the perfect sacrifice for your sins, and accept Him as your single and sole way of receiving your gift of eternal life, I'll see you in Heaven
We all fall and we all lose sight of God's will brother. This does not make us unworthy, because guess what, we were never worthy and never WILL be! Only through Jesus can we receive eternal life, Amen! Good luck to you, and please reply with what you think about what I said. I truly hope it helps.
Now, to the OP:
You ask if Christians are defined by their love for fellow Christians. You know what, if I could look at someone and know they were a Christian at heart, I would love them like my family. Knowing the trials and tests we are put through in this world, I love every last one of you, and feel closer to you than possible through our connection: God.
Technically speaking though, Christians are simply believers in Jesus Christ, and that through His sacrifice and ressurection, then and only then, we received eternal life with our Father in Heaven. There is ABSOLUTLY no other way to get there but through Jesus. He is our lawyer infront of God, and if you don't know Him, He will not be on your side. Simple as that.
The definition could be pages and pages deep although. Religion is just a blanket we put over our true search for God. I love God, and I know Jesus died for my sins because of my relationship with God. I know it to be true. We can all define it in our own way, because we are all created unique. None of us have the same relationship with God, and none of us have the exact same beliefs, and we won't during this life. Not until we finally know the truth
God bless both of you, and all of you as well. Hope my reply helped you two. <3
brother, I hear your concern, but there is one important thing you must realize. Your good deeds and bad deeds will not have you viewed higher or lower in the eyes of our amazing graceful Lord and Father. If you believe in your heart, and God knows if you do or not, that Jesus was the perfect sacrifice for your sins, and accept Him as your single and sole way of receiving your gift of eternal life, I'll see you in Heaven
We all fall and we all lose sight of God's will brother. This does not make us unworthy, because guess what, we were never worthy and never WILL be! Only through Jesus can we receive eternal life, Amen! Good luck to you, and please reply with what you think about what I said. I truly hope it helps.
Now, to the OP:
You ask if Christians are defined by their love for fellow Christians. You know what, if I could look at someone and know they were a Christian at heart, I would love them like my family. Knowing the trials and tests we are put through in this world, I love every last one of you, and feel closer to you than possible through our connection: God.
Technically speaking though, Christians are simply believers in Jesus Christ, and that through His sacrifice and ressurection, then and only then, we received eternal life with our Father in Heaven. There is ABSOLUTLY no other way to get there but through Jesus. He is our lawyer infront of God, and if you don't know Him, He will not be on your side. Simple as that.
The definition could be pages and pages deep although. Religion is just a blanket we put over our true search for God. I love God, and I know Jesus died for my sins because of my relationship with God. I know it to be true. We can all define it in our own way, because we are all created unique. None of us have the same relationship with God, and none of us have the exact same beliefs, and we won't during this life. Not until we finally know the truth
God bless both of you, and all of you as well. Hope my reply helped you two. <3
Christianity is really not all that hard!
Post #9Christianity is ALL ABOUT LOVE! I mean seriously what is the Bible? Right a love letter! God is a loving god. Jesus preached so much on loving one another and loving God! I mean you obviously have to accept Christ but to be like Christ after that you have to be totally lovin on others. Jeus loved the "sinners" and the people that hated him, he loved/loves everyone! Even on the cross as he was dying he asked God to forgive the people of their sins the people that were mocking him and he performed the ultimate love sacrifice for us, DYING ON THE CROSS! So i would have to say in my opinion Christianity is all about love
Defying Gravity
Post #10
my definition of a Christian is "Christ-like" of course Jesus was perfect and no one can achieve perfect. I feel to be a true Christian, you have to believe Jesus is the only way to get into Heaven, and you have to repent of your sins. Repentence isn't a one time thing. Of course you need to turn from the sinful ways, but we are humans and tend to mess up in our lives so we in reality should be repenting everyday.
