Was I a true Christian?

[OnceConvinced]

I was brought up in a Christian home, having been taught Christianity and its virtues from birth. I believed it by default. My parents were genuine Christians, believing it was their job to teach me the ways of the lord. They lived the Christian life. One of the things I have always respected them for was that they way they were at Church was no different to the way they were at home. I saw them as good Christian role models and I believe that is part of the reason why I followed in their footsteps.

I officially became born again at the age of 7. I always tried hard to emulate Jesus, following his teachings, taking his advice. At the age of 16 I went into ministry for the first time, as a leader at kids camps. My church pastor recommended me and I was being called “Uncle Richard” by kids only 6 years younger than me. This was definitely not a pride thing. I felt privileged to be able to do something for God. I always welcomed opportunities to do things for God.

My life as a Christian, was simple. I believed Jesus to be the son of God. I had absolute faith that Jesus was who he said he was. I strived to be like him. I prayed regularly, read my bible and studied. I believed the bible to be the infallible word of God. I regularly put my life right with him, asking for forgiveness when I felt I needed to. I attended church most Sundays, and often evenings. I attended cell groups. I helped people when I could who needed it.

When I left home, I continued to follow Christ, eager to be involved in ministry, eager to worship and praise him. I was put in leadership roles, trusted and respected. But please don’t think I am trying to blow my own trumpet. I am just telling you this because I want you to see that there were many people who believed me to be a true Christian. Even non-Christians did not question my integrity. – apart from one when I was about 19 who criticized me for swearing occasionally, telling a few crude jokes and for once wearing a shirt with dragons on it.

I made no secrets of the fact I was a Christian. I loved to talk about the lord. I always attempted to set an example.

I was never a fan of religion. I never approved of churches like the catholic church which focused on a lot of religious ritual. I chose to go to churches where religion was generally looked down upon. I believed I had a “relationship with God”.

I have always strived to better myself. To be more like Christ.

Of course a couple of years ago, I left the faith (that’s another story)

There are many Christians I have come across on-line, including some here, who although they know little (or nothing at all) of my background, insist I was never a true Christian – or insinuate it. Some are quite judgemental about it. Some try to be polite about it. I know I shouldn’t let it bother me, But I served the lord genuinely for over 30 years. I know I did what was expect of me as a Christian. I put my heart and soul into it. I wasn’t perfect by any means, but no Christian is.

So my questions:

Based on what I’ve told you here…

Was I a true Christian? If not, why not? Where do you think I went wrong?'

BTW, I'm happy to elaborate on any issues if you wish to ask questions.

[Cathar1950]

One question:

Did you come to Jesus after realizing how lost a sinner you are without Jesus?

I would like to know how you know "how lost a sinner you are without Jesus" before you have Jesus?
This would seem to form after you believe not before.
One of the problems is much of the ritual is post-belief formation projected back into your pre--believer life.
How would you know how lost you are without Jesus before Jesus as you would just be lost?

[disciplex]

It's impossible to remember back that far. But I did rededicate my life to the lord as a teenager. I believed that "all had sinned and fallen short of the glory of God" and that I needed forgiveness of my sins and continued forgiveness for the times I failed.

So you believed, as a Christian, that you had nothing good in you whatsoever that could cooperate with God in saving you through Jesus, and that the only thing you could do was believe, correct?

Also, tell me what the Gospel is. Why exactly did Jesus die for me? Why do I need Jesus? To give me a smile on my face, or to save me from what I deserve (hell)?

I am asking you not to challenge you (or give you a hard time), but to see what I can learn from this, so please answer as honestly as you can. Thanks in advance.

[OnceConvinced]

One question:

Did you come to Jesus after realizing how lost a sinner you are without Jesus?

I would like to know how you know "how lost a sinner you are without Jesus" before you have Jesus?
This would seem to form after you believe not before.
One of the problems is much of the ritual is post-belief formation projected back into your pre--believer life.
How would you know how lost you are without Jesus before Jesus as you would just be lost?

That's actually a good question. And really what would a seven year old understand about that?

I do know though that the sunday schools I went to were pretty much of a muchness and they taught how bad sin was and how people needed Christ. That we were all "lost", until we became "found". I was certainly well aware of the hymn "Amazing Grace", I've known that song as far back as I can remember. I always remember undertstanding what it was about.

[disciplex]

One question:

Did you come to Jesus after realizing how lost a sinner you are without Jesus?

I would like to know how you know "how lost a sinner you are without Jesus" before you have Jesus?
This would seem to form after you believe not before.
One of the problems is much of the ritual is post-belief formation projected back into your pre--believer life.
How would you know how lost you are without Jesus before Jesus as you would just be lost?

Through the law. The law convicts me of sin. It makes me realize how bad a sinner I am and how much I need Jesus Christ to save me.

The law shows that I have failed God constantly and have rebelled against Him many times. I've stolen, lied, lusted, dishonored my parents, hated, committed idolatry, etc. The Ten Commandments God gave to Moses I've broken many, many times. So how can I deserve heaven with all of my sins, sins that God hates? The only choice I have, to be saved, is Jesus Christ, the One who died for me on the cross, who took the punishment for the sins of every person who believes. So what do I do? Admit to myself and to Gd that I'm a sinner who deserves hell, and ask God for His gift of salvation through Jesus? Or deny that I'm a lost sinner and continue in my rebellious ways?

As you can see, a man can know he is a lost sinner before coming to Jesus. In fact, he has to before even wanting to come to Him.

For blessed are the poor in spirit (those who see how poor they are spiritually), for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

[OnceConvinced]

So you believed, as a Christian, that you had nothing good in you whatsoever that could cooperate with God in saving you through Jesus, and that the only thing you could do was believe, correct?

Well I already believed. I believed what I was taught, one ususually does when they are a small kid. They have no reason to distrust their parents or sunday school teachers. I can never recall a time where I didn't believe, so unlike most people I don't have a time in my life I can identify that the truth of God suddenly hit me one day and I just had to give my life to Christ. I think when I was seven, I did it because it seemed like the right thing to do and I was encouraged to do it (I can only go by how it works - having been attending Sunday School all my childhood and having taught it as a teenager and young adult). It wasn't until I was a teenager that I started to "walk my own walk" independent from my parents (which was when my church leadership recommended me for leadership in kids camps and children's church - children church as a junior leader - not really any teaching involved). But I would agree with you, that there was nothing I coud do in my own strength to gain salvation.

Also, tell me what the Gospel is. Why exactly did Jesus die for me? Why do I need Jesus? To give me a smile on my face, or to save me from what I deserve (hell)?

The gospel is the good news. We are all destined to hell because of sin. Sin needs to be atoned for and the only way for that to happen is for innocent and pure blood to be spilt. We can't save ourselves, because we are sinful. So God sent his own son (pure and sinless) down to the earth to act as that sacrifice to atone for our sins and then to be raised again three days later, thus defeating death. So instead of death through sin we can have eternal life through his glorious death and resurrection. (my words. Not copied and pasted from anywhere.)

[Jester]

That's an "I think so" from me. It would be a "yes", but that I don't claim to have that much knowledge of what goes on in other people's hearts.

Personally, I've never understood the mentality that, if you decided not to be Christian, you obviously were never one to begin with. I've never found anything that I believe supports it (and believers in it seem to have a very difficult time explaining the fall of Satan).

[disciplex]

So you believed, as a Christian, that you had nothing good in you whatsoever that could cooperate with God in saving you through Jesus, and that the only thing you could do was believe, correct?

Well I already believed. I believed what I was taught, one ususually does when they are a small kid. They have no reason to distrust their parents or sunday school teachers. I can never recall a time where I didn't believe, so unlike most people I don't have a time in my life I can identify that the truth of God suddenly hit me one day and I just had to give my life to Christ. I think when I was seven, I did it because it seemed like the right thing to do and I was encouraged to do it (I can only go by how it works - having been attending Sunday School all my childhood and having taught it as a teenager and young adult). It wasn't until I was a teenager that I started to "walk my own walk" independent from my parents (which was when my church leadership recommended me for leadership in kids camps and children's church - children church as a junior leader - not really any teaching involved). But I would agree with you, that there was nothing I coud do in my own strength to gain salvation.

Also, tell me what the Gospel is. Why exactly did Jesus die for me? Why do I need Jesus? To give me a smile on my face, or to save me from what I deserve (hell)?

The gospel is the good news. We are all destined to hell because of sin. Sin needs to be atoned for and the only way for that to happen is for innocent and pure blood to be spilt. We can't save ourselves, because we are sinful. So God sent his own son (pure and sinless) down to the earth to act as that sacrifice to atone for our sins and then to be raised again three days later, thus defeating death. So instead of death through sin we can have eternal life through his glorious death and resurrection. (my words. Not copied and pasted from anywhere.)

Ok, thanks for answering.

In answer to your poll question, I really can't tell. I don't have the ability to read your heart, especially online. If you were really saved, then I believe that Jesus will bring you back to the right path eventually. But then again, there's always the case you were probably not saved in the first place.

[disciplex]

That's an "I think so" from me. It would be a "yes", but that I don't claim to have that much knowledge of what goes on in other people's hearts.

Personally, I've never understood the mentality that, if you decided not to be Christian, you obviously were never one to begin with. I've never found anything that I believe supports it (and believers in it seem to have a very difficult time explaining the fall of Satan).

Jesus said that His sheep shall never perish. What does this mean to you?

[OnceConvinced]

That's an "I think so" from me. It would be a "yes", but that I don't claim to have that much knowledge of what goes on in other people's hearts.

Personally, I've never understood the mentality that, if you decided not to be Christian, you obviously were never one to begin with. I've never found anything that I believe supports it (and believers in it seem to have a very difficult time explaining the fall of Satan).

Jesus said that His sheep shall never perish. What does this mean to you?

I don't know about Jester, but that to me says that those who are saved will have eternal life and not be sent to Hell. If however one ceases to be a sheep any more, that would not apply.

[disciplex]

That's an "I think so" from me. It would be a "yes", but that I don't claim to have that much knowledge of what goes on in other people's hearts.

Personally, I've never understood the mentality that, if you decided not to be Christian, you obviously were never one to begin with. I've never found anything that I believe supports it (and believers in it seem to have a very difficult time explaining the fall of Satan).

Jesus said that His sheep shall never perish. What does this mean to you?

I don't know about Jester, but that to me says that those who are saved will have eternal life and not be sent to Hell. If however one ceases to be a sheep any more, that would not apply.

Well, Jesus also said that no one can snatch them out of His hand. What does this mean?