Basic assumptions

[DarkProphet]

What basic assumptions must be made before one can begin down a Christian path?

 

[AV1611VET]

What basic assumptions must be made before one can begin down a Christian path?

That Jesus is the way.

Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

 

[Golden Maven]

That there is an absolute Truth that goes beyond our senses. That Jesus was trying to point us towards that Truth.

 

[DarkProphet]

That there is an absolute Truth that goes beyond our senses.

I'm not quite sure what that means.

That Jesus was trying to point us towards that Truth.

This is basically what AV was saying but wouldn't you already be a Christian if you assumed that?

 

[AV1611VET]

This is basically what AV was saying but wouldn't you already be a Christian if you assumed that?

Not necessarily ---

Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble.

 

[synger]

What basic assumptions must be made before one can begin down a Christian path?

The basic assumption of Christianity is that we have all fallen short of the glory of God, through our human nature. We cannot fulfill God's law on our own. No matter how hard we try we cannot perfectly live in harmony with each other. We are selfish, sinful, and we hurt others even when we don't want to.

But God has given us hope, through the Messiah. While we cannot be perfect, Jesus was. Through his sacrifice and death, we are reconciled to God. Our goodness and "trying to get it right" is like rags, but through Jesus's sacrifice we are clothed in his righteousness.

That is our hope. The law convicts us of our sinfulness, and the gospel teaches that we are reconciled through Christ.

Without that understanding of the sinful nature of man, we would have no need of a savior. We could merrily try to work our way to heaven/nirvana/oneness/holiness/submission/perfection/peace, but we'd never know if or when we'd done "enough."

 

[talitha]

hmm a very interesting question.

Jesus did not create a new religion in a vaccuum, he came to the Jews. He came to people who already believed in God, the real God. He came to a moral people, a people who believed that they needed to be right before God. These things were already in place.

This scripture comes to mind - to me this is the starting point for Christianity:
And without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him. (Hebrews 11:6)

There is where we must begin.

blessings
tal

 

[Golden Maven]

I'm not quite sure what that means.

This is basically what AV was saying but wouldn't you already be a Christian if you assumed that?

1. In others words, that there is a God. Of course, God isn't something you can know, but rather feel. The absolute behind the relative.

2. No. Jesus wasn't the only one trying to teach us about this Truth. But believing that he was onto something can be the beginning of a Christian path.

You'll find that a lot of people consider themselves "Christian" for various reasons. I'm honestly not sure what the minimum requirements are for gaining that label . From my point of view, it's believing with all your heart that Jesus is the only way to God.

 

[packermann]

Although you asked for basic assumptions, I think the basic action you can do is prayer. Be open and humble before God. Ask God with all humility that if He exists, and that He is Jesus Christ died for for your sin, to please reveal this to you. I think there is a basic assumption here somewhere. I recall the Bible saying that God opposes the proud and gives grace to the humble. Also, makes sure sure you are persistent in this prayer. It is not a one-time thing. Jesus said to keep on knocking and keep on asking. I believe that if you are sincere, humble, and persistent, God will answer your prayers - especially when it comes to revealing Himself to you.

My prayers are with you.

 

[drich0150]

The basic assumption of Christianity is that we have all fallen short of the glory of God, through our human nature. We cannot fulfill God's law on our own. No matter how hard we try we cannot perfectly live in harmony with each other. We are selfish, sinful, and we hurt others even when we don't want to.

But God has given us hope, through the Messiah. While we cannot be perfect, Jesus was. Through his sacrifice and death, we are reconciled to God. Our goodness and "trying to get it right" is like rags, but through Jesus's sacrifice we are clothed in his righteousness.

That is our hope. The law convicts us of our sinfulness, and the gospel teaches that we are reconciled through Christ.

Without that understanding of the sinful nature of man, we would have no need of a savior. We could merrily try to work our way to heaven/nirvana/oneness/holiness/submission/perfection/peace, but we'd never know if or when we'd done "enough."

I like this one