Definition of a Christian

The exact definition of a Christian means "little Christ". It was applied by outsiders to the followers of Jesus who believed that "Christ lived in them."

Just believing in Jesus gets no one anywhere, since even the devil knows who he is, but a Christian in the "what is a Christian sense" has accepted for themselves the redemption from their sins that Jesus offers.

I think your question might better be asked: "What makes a Christian, a 'Christian'?"

"Not everyone who says to me, Lord Lord, will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father in heaven." Matt 7:21

"The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance." -2 Peter 3:9

"Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord, and that he may send the Christ, who has been appointed for you--even Jesus." Acts 3:19-20

"I preached that they should repent and turn to God and prove their repentance by their deeds." Acts 26:20

"Submit yourselves then, to God. REsis the devil, and he will flee from you. Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded...Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will lift you up." James 4:7-10

"Every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit...every tree tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown in the fire." Matt 7:17, 19

"Yet to those who received Him, to those who believe in His name, He gave the right to become children of God." John 1:12

That's all one needs to know.
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"Not everyone who says to me, Lord Lord, will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father in heaven." Matt 7:21

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I find this to be a mis-used verse alot of the time. The way you put it tells me, that not all people who call on Jesus to save them, will be saved. Which is totally wrong. I think the verse applies to those who, at the second coming, just begin to realize that Jesus is who us Christians said he was, and those people will not have the oppertunity for salvation at that point.

On a second note... what is the will of God? That all have faith and believe Jesus dies for all the sins of man.

Interesting, isn't it? I find it fascinating! As I travel the forums and see some of the "discussions" turn into stalemates and even fights, when you wonder how something so basic could bring about different views. Now I smiled as I opened this thread and see a developing "disagreement over the definition of the term "Christian". LOL

Who would have ever thought it? Nevertheless, that which is a rose, by any other name, will smell as sweet.

Actually I would consider this question and answer session as a "process of discovery." If you note, no one has yet disagreed with another in this thread.

Amazing! You are so right!

The exact definition of a Christian means "little Christ". It was applied by outsiders to the followers of Jesus who believed that "Christ lived in them."

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This is so true, but it takes time to grow into the stature of Christ. There are also people needed to pray for you while you are going through this 'growing process'

Amen Altya, as usual.

I always thought the verse Othniel quoted from Matt 7:21 was referring to those who are relying on their works and not solely on the blood of Jesus to get them into Heaven.
He was talking to those who were saying "have we not prophesied in Your name, have we not cast out demons in Your name" right?

Yes and no. He's referring to everyone who thinks they follow Christ but do not. The Bible is very clear that not all who first hear the Truth and say "I accept Jesus" actually do accept Jesus (accept His atoning blood as a cover for their sins and then, by the Spirit, put off the old self and put on the new self.) Read the parable of the sewer. It'll make one think twice about altar calls and mass conversions every Sunday.

But, you are right in that those who rely on works as getting them in definitely have not accepted Christ's atoning work. Yet, even so, those who make the grace of God an excuse for sin are also cast out (check out the parable of the wedding banquet...and the guest who was not dressed in wedding clothes). We must give up our works, let Christ purge us of our sin, and thereby, the fruit of Faith is good works which God has prepared for us to do (by Him and His grace so that none can boast save in Christ our Lord and King Amen! )

That help?

Peace to all who seek it,
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Othniel> That was a masterly exposition. No one can perform a sign or wonder in God's name except that God be with him ... Yet these stand repudiated.

I'm personally not sure at all, although this board uses the Nicene Creed as a baseline. I think preterists are probably Christians. I sometimes wonder a lot about TV preachers.

In general, if someone tells me he's a Christian, believes in God, and believes that Christ has somehow redeemed us, I'm probably gonna consider him a brother in Christ.

Seebs mentioned preterists (and believes that they are probably Christians). I ask this: why would someone believe a preterist *wasn't* a Christian, based on his or her eschatological position?

How 'bout a definition of preterist here?

and perhaps that should be a new thread??????

Peace to all who seek it,
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Originally posted by seebs

In general, if someone tells me he's a Christian, believes in God, and believes that Christ has somehow redeemed us, I'm probably gonna consider him a brother in Christ.

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What if that person is currently living with a woman he's not married to and also says that Buddhism is a perfectly acceptable practice for some people because what's ok for them is ok for them?

Is he still a Christian?

Can we judge his actual faith?

Does not living like a Christian make one not a Christian or simply endager their faith?

Complicated issue here...

Peace to all who seek it,
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