Who is a Christian?

BNR32FAN

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Noted and thanks.

I believe the covenant and the covenanted terms in the Gospels and supporting texts are the most critical in defining who is a Christian. The covenant is explicit or implied [as you had stated] and a genuine Christian cannot deny a covenant is established between him/her and God.

Another point is, the highlighting of the concept of entering into a covenant with God is critical as a defense for Christians to counter the accusation that Christianity condone "Christians" to be violent as in the crusades, inquisition, Salem and the likes.

The point is the covenanted terms [with emphasis on the Gospels] has an overriding term in the contract that ALL Christians must love everything, everyone [even their enemies], give the other cheek and the likes. As such a Christian is NEVER covenanted [contracted] with God to commit evil and violence against any one.

As such Christians who committed evils and violence did it on their own free will which has nothing to do with Christianity per se. These Christians must be personally accountable for their evil and violent acts within secular laws and for God to judge them on Judgment Day and be forgiven if justified.

Most Christians do not defend the inquisitions. Generally Christians agree they were a terrible mistake and were only sanctioned by the Roman Church. The Roman church does not represent all Christians. The crusades on the other hand was the church trying to take back what was unrightfully taken away from them. It just wasn’t God’s will that this would happen yet. Possibly because of the end times prophecy. As for the Salem witch hunts I really can’t say much about them I’m not really that familiar with the details of that situation.
 
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Tayla

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'Who is a Christian' precisely.
A Christian is a follower and disciple of Christ, someone who Christ would consider as his brother. Only Christ can say for sure who is a Christian.
 
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tonyt147

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You don't seem to be addressing the OP?

I believe 'born again' meaning accepting Jesus/God's offer in John 3:16 which imply a relationship is established via a covenant and the relevant covenanted terms as in the Gospels with support from other texts.

If Jesus is urging people to tests the spirit of a person, it has to be against some pre-existing agreed terms, i.e. the covenanted terms within the initiated covenant.
It would be ridiculous for Christian to guess what is the right actions to be Christians.

The point is one cannot began to say or act the right things without reference to some pre-existing standards or pre-agreement, thus the implication of a covenant. The fact is the covenanted terms are in the Gospels, supported by the epistles, acts and relevant verses from the OT.

Do you agree, the covenant [explicit or implied] is the most critical element in defining who is a Christian?

I guess I should have pay more attention to your op. I believe a contract is involve and it is the one God made with Abraham and Jesus of Nazareth. Galatians 3:16.

You get "initiated" into that contract by being grafted into Jesus of Nazareth. Romans 2:28-29. God send the spirit of his son Jesus of Nazareth into the initiate hearts and a vocal validation happens for all
to see. Galatians 4:6. The contract between the saved and God is now sealed. Ephesians 1:13. But it can be broken if the believer betray their master. 2 Timothy 2:11-13, Hebrews 6:4-8, Hebrews 10:26-31, 1 John 5:16.

So the only way to tell whether someone is living in this contract is by asking them how they personally related to Jesus of Nazareth. 1 Corinthians 12:3 Because only those who are led by the spirit of Jesus of Nazareth is considered a child of God. Roman's 8:14

What you are describing in your OP sounds like a "12 step recover program". It is based on moral living and communal love to sustain this kind of system. But God never said the flesh (the first birth of all human) can be perfected by any moral laws. Hebrews 7:18-19. God is looking for perfection in his children and you can only get that by getting the spirit of God's son Jesus of Nazareth to indwell your body. Because Jesus of Nazareth is perfect from the womb. 1 John 3:5. You keep his perfection by being led by him to love others and to do good works.

Do you believe spirits exists and that the human inner most part is more than organs? The greatest gift every human has freely gotten from God in our first birth is the image of God. Too bad that image is being tarnish by corrupt religion even in the name of Jesus of Nazareth in this generation. So you got people running around with a corrupted mind and a dead conscience. Scary huh?
 
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tonyt147

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For me, baptism was subsequent to salvation. I was saved in my sophomore year at college but I was not baptized until 3 or 4 years later.
During that in-between time:
-My life was transformed and my dormmates commented on the new me.
-I read the entire Bible and began applying it to myself.
-I led others in Bible Studies
-I shared the Gospel with others and led some to Christ
-I received a missionary call from God and changed my studies to support that.
-I went on a three-month missionary trip to the Philippines and witnessed a revival that swept an entire mining town.
-I gave up pursuing women
-I experienced joy in Christ
-I fasted, prayed, fellowshipped and worshipped God in church and with 2 campus fellowship groups
-I endured persecution from my family

After I was baptized, my life continued on the same trajectory.
I only point this out to show that for me, entering the New Covenant apart from Baptism is not just a theory, it is backed up by the life I have experienced.

ps. I finally got baptized after I was sure that my new life was permanent and not just a phase I was going through.

Sound like a fascinating story. Would you mind giving more details on that transformation? Specifically what was the "trigger"?

I suppose it wouldn't be off topic right since you can show everyone what the new birth in Jesus looks like in reality.
 
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Joyousperson

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And do you believe that the Bible is subject to this, or that, possibly, these universal principles are based on the Bible?

Note this point;

The biblical words most often translated "covenant" are berit [tyir.B] in the Old Testament (appearing about 280 times) and diatheke [diaqhvkh] in the New Testament (at least 33 times).

The word "covenant, " infrequently heard in conversation, is quite commonly used in legal, social (marriage), and religious and theological contexts.
What is a Covenant? Bible Definition and Meaning

The Universal Principle of the Law of Contract is as follows;

How do you form a contract?
A valid contract has four parts:
1. Offer
2. Acceptance
3. Consideration
4. Mutual intent to enter into an agreement
What is Contract Law? | Become a Contract Lawyer

If you combine the context of covenant in the Bible and NT with the above principles of the Law of Contract, it would be noted the acceptance of the offer of God's [John 3:16] by a Christian imply a covenant is establish based on mutual agreement and the consideration of the Christian to surrender his will to God's will and to comply with the covenanted terms.

Therefore for a Christian to establish a personal relationship with God, a covenant is implied [if not explicit] in the above circumstances.
 
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Joyousperson

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I noticed that you mentioned Islam before, connecting it with the idea of "covenant", as well. Are you researching whether or not some Muslims...who are pacifists, by your definition of "Christianity",i.e., those contracted for peace--are, in fact "Christian", and furthermore, that those "Christians" who are violent are actually "Muslims"? I think this could be a logical conclusion, if one were to adopt your view.
For one to be a Muslim, the person need to recite the Shahada as an initiation to establish the covenant with Allah.
Shahada - Wikipedia
A violent Christian cannot be a Muslim unless s/he had recited the Shahada directly or indirectly with reference to Allah, Muhammad and the Quran.

Similarly, a pacifist 'Muslim' cannot be a Christian unless s/he has accepted God's offer re John 3:16 and the likes within the conditions of the Gospels, NT and other relevant verses in the OT.

A Muslim who had recited the Shahada will remain a Muslim even though he is a pacifist, but he will not be well rewarded in accordance to the covenanted terms in his covenant with Allah.
 
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Joyousperson

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There are forums here that are neither "Christians only" NOR Exploring Christianity, you know.

More importantly, we readers naturally think that someone who posts a question in this forum is actually exploring Christianity, since that is the purpose for this forum to exist.
I am new, so I was not aware of that. I did think of "exploring" as intending to be a Christian, but rather I thought it was more to research on Christianity for whatever the reason.
 
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Joyousperson

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I believe what @tonyt147 was trying to convey, was that you, as a non-born again individual, would not know what we know within and amongst ourselves. Yes, the Bible confirms our inner experience, but it is more than an intellectual assent. It is an actual spiritual transformation of the inner person.

Also, by the way you want to define being "born again" as some kind of rational acceptance of an "implied/explicit" contract, wouldn't it follow that, if you yourself were a pacifist; having not killed anybody, or had "free sex"...you yourself would be a born again christian?
Nope, to be a Christian and to establish a relationship with Jesus and God I will have to voluntarily accept the offer of God re John 3:16 and the likes. Generally with current norms I would need to be baptized [though not compulsory] as a Christian.
I have not observed any of the above requirements to qualify as a Christian.
 
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Joyousperson

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Most Christians do not defend the inquisitions. Generally Christians agree they were a terrible mistake and were only sanctioned by the Roman Church. The Roman church does not represent all Christians. The crusades on the other hand was the church trying to take back what was unrightfully taken away from them. It just wasn’t God’s will that this would happen yet. Possibly because of the end times prophecy. As for the Salem witch hunts I really can’t say much about them I’m not really that familiar with the details of that situation.
It is obvious no rational Christian will defend, i.e. be pro the inquisitions.

My point is how do you defend against accusations that Christianity is also a violent religion because SOME zealous Christians committed the inquisitions.

In this case, the most effective counter and defense is;
P1 In Christianity, a Christian has to enter into a covenant with God and Jesus.
P2 The covenanted terms do not permit killing of Christians and others.
C# Therefore Christianity is not a violent religion. QED!
Therefore the inquisition and other violence committed by SOME Christians for whatever reasons, has nothing to do with Christianity per se.
 
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Joyousperson

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A Christian is a follower and disciple of Christ, someone who Christ would consider as his brother. Only Christ can say for sure who is a Christian.
Those [children of God] who offer sex for conversion also made the above claim.
They will also insist only Christ and God can judge.
Who are you to judge they are not Christians if you do not have any solid grounds to do so.

This is why you need grounding to argue why those who offer sex for conversion to become Christians and not practicing Christianity per se.
The solid grounding is the concept of the covenant.

P1 In Christianity, a Christian has to enter into a covenant with God and Jesus.
P2 The covenanted terms do not permit offer of sex for conversion.
C# Therefore those who offer sex for conversion are not Christian per se. QED!​

All the above claims can be verified from the NT.
 
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Joyousperson

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A Christian is a follower and disciple of Christ, someone who Christ would consider as his brother. Only Christ can say for sure who is a Christian.
Those [children of God] who offer sex for conversion also made the above claim.
They will also insist only Christ and God can judge.
Who are you to judge they are not Christians if you do not have any solid grounds to do so.

This is why you need grounding to argue why those who offer sex for conversion to become Christians and not practicing Christianity per se.
The solid grounding is the concept of the covenant.

P1 In Christianity, a Christian has to enter into a covenant with God and Jesus.
P2 The covenanted terms do not permit offer of sex for conversion.
C# Therefore those who offer sex for conversion are not Christian per se. QED!​

All the above claims can be verified from the NT.
 
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Joyousperson

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...
Knowing who is and who is not a Christian is something God knows, but the rest of us have a hard time being sure of, yet over time we can know.


Christians are not “following” some list of rules for a Christian, but are to be following Christ and the indwelling Holy Spirit.


When asked to list their religion on a piece of paper, many people will check “Christian” and could even meet all your requirement, but that does not mean they are a “Christian”.

There are just not that many “Christ like People” in the world.

What the world calls “Christianity” does not qualify those people as Christians.

Taking your definition of Christian would force me to have to defend to others lots of people I personally do not consider Christian.

bling: Taking your definition of Christian would force me to have to defend to others lots of people I personally do not consider Christian.

The definition I introduced is the basic and fundamental in defining who is a Christian, i.e. once the person accept the offer by God via John 3:16 and the likes.

What you are countering is whether the person as a Christian [as defined] is a very good, good or not so good [within limit of forgiveness from God] Christian is a separate issue.
I can define what is an apple, but surely there are good and bad apples of various degrees that are will still qualify to be an apple.

I believe the merciful Christian god has provide a leeway and sins committed up to a limit knowing that humans are given free will and are fallible.

The definition of who is a Christian in terms of a covenant [btw factual] is critical for various purposes and is positive for Christianity itself.
 
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Joyousperson

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I guess I should have pay more attention to your op. I believe a contract is involve and it is the one God made with Abraham and Jesus of Nazareth. Galatians 3:16.

You get "initiated" into that contract by being grafted into Jesus of Nazareth. Romans 2:28-29. God send the spirit of his son Jesus of Nazareth into the initiate hearts and a vocal validation happens for all
to see. Galatians 4:6. The contract between the saved and God is now sealed. Ephesians 1:13. But it can be broken if the believer betray their master. 2 Timothy 2:11-13, Hebrews 6:4-8, Hebrews 10:26-31, 1 John 5:16.

So the only way to tell whether someone is living in this contract is by asking them how they personally related to Jesus of Nazareth. 1 Corinthians 12:3 Because only those who are led by the spirit of Jesus of Nazareth is considered a child of God. Roman's 8:14

What you are describing in your OP sounds like a "12 step recover program". It is based on moral living and communal love to sustain this kind of system. But God never said the flesh (the first birth of all human) can be perfected by any moral laws. Hebrews 7:18-19. God is looking for perfection in his children and you can only get that by getting the spirit of God's son Jesus of Nazareth to indwell your body. Because Jesus of Nazareth is perfect from the womb. 1 John 3:5. You keep his perfection by being led by him to love others and to do good works.

Do you believe spirits exists and that the human inner most part is more than organs? The greatest gift every human has freely gotten from God in our first birth is the image of God. Too bad that image is being tarnish by corrupt religion even in the name of Jesus of Nazareth in this generation. So you got people running around with a corrupted mind and a dead conscience. Scary huh?
Noted and thanks to your observation a contract/covenant is involved.

The point is a covenant and its covenanted terms are necessary as guides as to how you should behave and react as a good Christian. Without the covenanted terms one will not know what to do as a Christian.

Thus if you discuss with your Christian bethrens who has gone astray, then it would be wise to advise them of the covenant they have entered with God and their obligation to abide by the covenanted terms stipulated in the NT and relevant verses from the OT. This is very objective.

I believe the integrity of the whole human being [physical and mental] is critical for peace within humanity.
 
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ProGoddess

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Personally I am not considering the offer which I believe is good for those who are inclined to it. Btw, this is off topic.

My main point of this thread is to be a Christian, there must be an already established covenant between God/Jesus and the Christian to initiate the personal relationship. That's it.

Since you ask, this is the Exploring Christianity forum, therefore I anticipate reading from people who are not Christians but are possibly interested in becoming Christian or at least in learning about Christianity. Given that expectation, a thread posted by a non-Christian which intends to educate Christians on what Christianity actually believes came unexpectedly, that's all.

Note I cannot post in 'Christian only' sections.

Btw, I am presenting a very rational, objective and philosophical view inferred from evidences from the Bible, acts of 'Christians' and the universal principles of contract [agreement, covenant, relationship].

In this case, it is not based highly on faith but objectively and rationally, thus providing basis for anyone to counter my views if I am wrong.

Do you agree, the covenant is the most critical element in defining who is a Christian? If not, why?
Appreciate if you could reply to assist in my research.

There are forums here that are neither "Christians only" NOR Exploring Christianity, you know.

More importantly, we readers naturally think that someone who posts a question in this forum is actually exploring Christianity, since that is the purpose for this forum to exist.

@Joyousperson
If you have stated upfront that you needed assistance in doing a research, you would have already gotten the answers - or at least most or some part of them - instead of going through 6 pages of back and forth of debates and arguments, and even got the offer to accept Christ.

(No wonder the rest of the Christian-forumers thought you were an explorer or seeker of Christ, given that you have a vast knowledge of Christianity, but fall short of experiencing Him.)

In every part of the entire forum, in its individual sections, there is a forum guidelines or "statement of purpose" in which forumers should read prior to posting. This helps to avoid unnecessary misunderstanding and dispute.

I enclosed below the link.
Statement of Purpose - Exploring Christianity Statement of Purpose

Just to highlight the first part of the statement of purpose:
This is a forum where non-Christian Seekers are encouraged to ask questions about those aspects of the Christian faith which seem hard to understand or accept, and where Christian members (see Faith groups list) can enter into discussion with them on these questions. The primary focus of this forum is Christian evangelism and discipleship, not to debate Christian Theology or challenge, attack, or argue against, Christianity. If any non-Christian member would like to challenge Christianity, they may do so in the Christian Apologetics forum. Please read and agree with this thread before posting in the Christian Apologetics forum.


Anyway, it has been an eye-opening for me to know that someone who has no interest in Christianity is doing a research on it. May I ask, what kind of research or studies are you doing and what it is for?

For the rest of the posters: You guys are such great lovers of Christ, and I have learned so much just from reading your posts. Blessings to you! :amen:
 
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Peter J Barban

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Sound like a fascinating story. Would you mind giving more details on that transformation? Specifically what was the "trigger"?

I suppose it wouldn't be off topic right since you can show everyone what the new birth in Jesus looks like in reality.
I grew up an agnostic Catholic and was taught that I had to earn my salvation through good deeds. I tried to be good but I did not have confidence that Jesus was a real historical person. I might have been a moral deist.

In my second year of college, I was invited to an evangelistic Bible study and I learned of salvation by grace for the first time. Over the coming weeks, I came to the conclusion that Jesus was real and the Bible was God's word. Also, despite growing up in church, I discovered that was not really a Christian.

At that point, I struggled with deciding to follow Jesus. I understood that becoming a disciple of Christ would be a polarizing event. I dearly wanted to blend in and have everyone like me. But as a born-again Christian, my family would reject me, my roommate and most of my dormmates too. I understood from the gospels that the more I became like Christ, the more I would suffer as he did.

Finally, I came to a personal low point and realized that I could not achieve my own (Christless) dreams by my own power, so I would instead follow Christ and learn to follow his will for me. I considered if I could be faithful to God under the worst of torture.

During this time, I also fell under conviction of sin and knew that if I died before confessing Christ I would go to hell. So my options seemed to be live as an earthly failure and then go to hell, or live a life of suffering for Christ and go to heaven.

On, Halloween morning, a Saturday in 1981, I repented of my sins and claimed Jesus Christ as my lord and savior. That day, I announced to everyone that I was a Christian and they understood what I meant - but they didn't expect any permanent difference in my life.

Fortunately, the campus group leading my Bible study was strong on discipleship, so they quickly trained me in the basics of walking with God, including worship, prayer, Bible reading, fellowship, and witnessing.
 
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BNR32FAN

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It is obvious no rational Christian will defend, i.e. be pro the inquisitions.

My point is how do you defend against accusations that Christianity is also a violent religion because SOME zealous Christians committed the inquisitions.

In this case, the most effective counter and defense is;
P1 In Christianity, a Christian has to enter into a covenant with God and Jesus.
P2 The covenanted terms do not permit killing of Christians and others.
C# Therefore Christianity is not a violent religion. QED!
Therefore the inquisition and other violence committed by SOME Christians for whatever reasons, has nothing to do with Christianity per se.

I think a better defense would be

“"Beware of the false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly are ravenous wolves. You will know them by their fruits. Grapes are not gathered from thorn bushes nor figs from thistles, are they? So every good tree bears good fruit, but the bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot produce bad fruit, nor can a bad tree produce good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. So then, you will know them by their fruits. "Not everyone who says to Me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father who is in heaven will enter. Many will say to Me on that day, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in Your name, and in Your name cast out demons, and in Your name perform many miracles?' And then I will declare to them, 'I never knew you; DEPART FROM ME, YOU WHO PRACTICE LAWLESSNESS.'”
‭‭MATTHEW‬ ‭7:15-23‬ ‭NASB‬‬

Christ gave us two most important commandments to live by that encompass the purpose for all of the commands of God and the prophets. They are to love God with all your heart, soul, and mind and to love each other as Christ loves us. If a person’s actions do not reflect these two commandments they are not bearing good fruit and are not abiding in Christ.
 
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tonyt147

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Note this point;



The Universal Principle of the Law of Contract is as follows;

How do you form a contract?
A valid contract has four parts:
1. Offer
2. Acceptance
3. Consideration
4. Mutual intent to enter into an agreement
What is Contract Law? | Become a Contract Lawyer

If you combine the context of covenant in the Bible and NT with the above principles of the Law of Contract, it would be noted the acceptance of the offer of God's [John 3:16] by a Christian imply a covenant is establish based on mutual agreement and the consideration of the Christian to surrender his will to God's will and to comply with the covenanted terms.

Therefore for a Christian to establish a personal relationship with God, a covenant is implied [if not explicit] in the above circumstances.

1. Offer
2. Acceptance
3. Consideration
4. Mutual intent to enter into an agreement

1. The offer is eternal life.
2. The acceptance is the fact that no human can produce eternal life by moral living and by practicing love on their own.
3. You consider the faithfulness of God in carrying out what he said he will do according to his words.
4. You fully trust in God's promise and publicly confess Jesus of Nazareth to bear witness to the truth about Jesus and to publicly prove to God's enemies that you value his truth over your own life.

Here is a list of the truth about Jesus of Nazareth written by his apostles in the Bible.

Jesus of Nazareth was with God before all created things has existed and he was God.
Jesus of Nazareth came to earth from heaven and he became a human being.
Jesus of Nazareth is the promised Jewish Messiah who died for the sins of the whole world.
Jesus of Nazareth is risen from the dead and he is now with God in heaven.
Jesus of Nazareth is the Son of God and only he is to be considered God beside his Father for all times.
Jesus of Nazareth is the only Lord and Savior of all people at all times.
Jesus of Nazareth is now drawing all people to himself to save them from the Devil and his demons.
Jesus of Nazareth is the only way to God for all people at all times.

The first six statements pertains to faith. The last two statements pertains to grace. You need both to be saved.

Disclaimer: God's grace is not for everyone. You can deny yourself of God's grace by how you lived in the past. Some damage can be fix while other is permanent as in all physical illness. Here is a list of permenant damage to one's souls.

1. Water Re-baptism in the name of Jesus Christ or in the name of the Father and The Son And the Holy Spirit. (Ephesians 4:1-6, Hebrew 6-10)
2. God’s judgement by death; he is judging that person as if he/she is a murder (Roman 6:23, Genesis 9:5, 1 John 3:14-15, Acts 5:1-11).
3. Suicide (Roman 6:23, Genesis 9:5, 1 John 3:14-15).
4. Murder (Roman 6:23, Genesis 9:5, 1 John 3:14-15).

And you can't come back from breaking a contract with Jesus of Nazareth as I have previously stated.
 
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BNR32FAN

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1. Offer
2. Acceptance
3. Consideration
4. Mutual intent to enter into an agreement

1. The offer is eternal life.
2. The acceptance is the fact that no human can produce eternal life by moral living and by practicing love on their own.
3. You consider the faithfulness of God in carrying out what he said he will do according to his words.
4. You fully trust in God's promise and publicly confess Jesus of Nazareth to bear witness to the truth about Jesus and to publicly prove to God's enemies that you value his truth over your own life.

Here is a list of the truth about Jesus of Nazareth written by his apostles in the Bible.

Jesus of Nazareth was with God before all created things has existed and he was God.
Jesus of Nazareth came to earth from heaven and he became a human being.
Jesus of Nazareth is the promised Jewish Messiah who died for the sins of the whole world.
Jesus of Nazareth is risen from the dead and he is now with God in heaven.
Jesus of Nazareth is the Son of God and only he is to be considered God beside his Father for all times.
Jesus of Nazareth is the only Lord and Savior of all people at all times.
Jesus of Nazareth is now drawing all people to himself to save them from the Devil and his demons.
Jesus of Nazareth is the only way to God for all people at all times.

The first six statements pertains to faith. The last two statements pertains to grace. You need both to be saved.

That a great example brother Tony. I would only add that we must also endure and abide in Christ in order to receive salvation.
 
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bling

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bling: Taking your definition of Christian would force me to have to defend to others lots of people I personally do not consider Christian.


This non-Christian behavior at least at the time was not Christ like and most people would agree.


The definition I introduced is the basic and fundamental in defining who is a Christian, i.e. once the person accept the offer by God via John 3:16 and the likes.
“Believing in Christ” means more than just intellectually acknowledging Christ’s existence, as scripture says the demons believed (but they were not Christians).

What you are countering is whether the person as a Christian [as defined] is a very good, good or not so good [within limit of forgiveness from God] Christian is a separate issue.
I can define what is an apple, but surely there are good and bad apples of various degrees that are will still qualify to be an apple.

I believe the merciful Christian god has provide a leeway and sins committed up to a limit knowing that humans are given free will and are fallible.

The definition of who is a Christian in terms of a covenant [btw factual] is critical for various purposes and is positive for Christianity itself.
God judges the hearts of people and does not go by some written listing, which we cannot see the person’s heart, but over time a person’s enter desires will come out.

Christians can and do make mistakes, but the motive behind the error is extremely important which is very hard to determine. Paul when he was Saul persecuted and killed Christians, but thought he was doing God’s will. The persecution was wrong (sin) but the motive was good so Saul had a clear conscience about it. Doing some bad or not doing something good you can and should do and knowing it is really bad.
 
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tonyt147

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I grew up an agnostic Catholic and was taught that I had to earn my salvation through good deeds. I tried to be good but I did not have confidence that Jesus was a real historical person. I might have been a moral deist.

In my second year of college, I was invited to an evangelistic Bible study and I learned of salvation by grace for the first time. Over the coming weeks, I came to the conclusion that Jesus was real and the Bible was God's word. Also, despite growing up in church, I discovered that was not really a Christian.

At that point, I struggled with deciding to follow Jesus. I understood that becoming a disciple of Christ would be a polarizing event. I dearly wanted to blend in and have everyone like me. But as a born-again Christian, my family would reject me, my roommate and most of my dormmates too. I understood from the gospels that the more I became like Christ, the more I would suffer as he did.

Finally, I came to a personal low point and realized that I could not achieve my own (Christless) dreams by my own power, so I would instead follow Christ and learn to follow his will for me. I considered if I could be faithful to God under the worst of torture.

During this time, I also fell under conviction of sin and knew that if I died before confessing Christ I would go to hell. So my options seemed to be live as an earthly failure and then go to hell, or live a life of suffering for Christ and go to heaven.

On, Halloween morning, a Saturday in 1981, I repented of my sins and claimed Jesus Christ as my lord and savior. That day, I announced to everyone that I was a Christian and they understood what I meant - but they didn't expect any permanent difference in my life.

Fortunately, the campus group leading my Bible study was strong on discipleship, so they quickly trained me in the basics of walking with God, including worship, prayer, Bible reading, fellowship, and witnessing.

I don't want to put words into your mouth so I have to asks: does all the people you confess Jesus to share the same core beliefs? That's the impression I'm getting from what you said about how everyone "knew what you meant".

So I'm assuming the hivemind is this: Being a Christian means you follow the teachings of Jesus of Nazareth and learn to love your neighbors regardless of what spiritual conditions you are in?
 
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