Can you believe in Jesus without being a Christian?

[omaewa88]

How much of what we do now doesn't really matter?
Is it rules and moral issues we stand for, or is it the grace of Jesus?
Has self-improvement and sense of "safety" become more important than the message of salvation?
If we all disagree on traditions, worship, and morality, then what can we agree on?
If Jesus is all we do agree on and is all that matters, then shouldn't those other things be more trivial than what they are now?
Can't we trust the Spirit to lead us instead of programs, seminars, prayers, devotions, and sunday school?
After all I have heard and lived through, if being saved by Jesus is really all we need, then isn't Christianity just a man-made religion?
Christianity is nothing without Jesus, but Jesus is still everything even without Christianity.

We try so hard to become better but Jesus already did it for us.
What is worth attending, reading, studying, memorizing, singing, praying, praising, advertising, selling, and buying for?
What is worth protesting, worrying, contemplating, discussing, arguing, regulating, condemning, dividing, and even dying for?
We have one savior and one God, and I think we have forgotten that is what it is all about. When to go to church? How often should I read a Bible? Why is this so important to us? Jesus is not about going to church or reading the Bible, he is about believing in him. That is all.

 

[Almighty's humble servant]

How much of what we do now doesn't really matter?
Is it rules and moral issues we stand for, or is it the grace of Jesus?
Has self-improvement and sense of "safety" become more important than the message of salvation?
If we all disagree on traditions, worship, and morality, then what can we agree on?
If Jesus is all we do agree on and is all that matters, then shouldn't those other things be more trivial than what they are now?
Can't we trust the Spirit to lead us instead of programs, seminars, prayers, devotions, and sunday school?
After all I have heard and lived through, if being saved by Jesus is really all we need, then isn't Christianity just a man-made religion?
Christianity is nothing without Jesus, but Jesus is still everything even without Christianity.

We try so hard to become better but Jesus already did it for us.
What is worth attending, reading, studying, memorizing, singing, praying, praising, advertising, selling, and buying for?
What is worth protesting, worrying, contemplating, discussing, arguing, regulating, condemning, dividing, and even dying for?
We have one savior and one God, and I think we have forgotten that is what it is all about. When to go to church? How often should I read a Bible? Why is this so important to us? Jesus is not about going to church or reading the Bible, he is about believing in him. That is all.

Fine words brother. Full of truth and beauty.

You used the name of Jesus in your post, invoking His name for the cause of salvation through grace.

To answer your question, NO, you do not need to be part of a divisive SECT to be saved, so long as you are bathed in the blood of the Lamb, Jesus the ONLY Christ, and by His grace and your faith you have accepted God's own sacrifice for your redemption.

Wow. Just wow. You call yourself a pagan? I don't get it, you have opened up the door to which so very many people never find the key.

Praise and exalt the King of Kings, the Lamb of God, Jesus the ONLY Christ, our Saviour and Redeemer.

 

[JudgeEden]

I dont mean to be divisive, but here goes. Why would anyone take what a Pagan says seriously?

How does a Pagan know what it means to be a Christian? The word "Christian" is used twice in the Bible, and those who used it meant those who follow Jesus. So no, it's not possible to believe in Him and not be Christian.

 

[Peacedove]

Is there a difference between belief in someone and faith in someone. Doesn't satan believe in Jesus? If he didn't then he would have no one to fight against would he?

 

[Ave Maria]

Well, Muslims believe in Jesus. However, Muslims only believe that He was a prophet when in fact, He was not just a prophet. He is also the Son of God and God Himself.

 

[alton3]

"Secular humanism" has its deepest roots in liberal Judaism and Christianity. It is essentially the result of left-leaners who abandoned their faith but maintained a pseudo-religious ethical code.

 

[OzSpen]

How much of what we do now doesn't really matter?
Is it rules and moral issues we stand for, or is it the grace of Jesus?
Has self-improvement and sense of "safety" become more important than the message of salvation?
If we all disagree on traditions, worship, and morality, then what can we agree on?
If Jesus is all we do agree on and is all that matters, then shouldn't those other things be more trivial than what they are now?
Can't we trust the Spirit to lead us instead of programs, seminars, prayers, devotions, and sunday school?
After all I have heard and lived through, if being saved by Jesus is really all we need, then isn't Christianity just a man-made religion?
Christianity is nothing without Jesus, but Jesus is still everything even without Christianity.

We try so hard to become better but Jesus already did it for us.
What is worth attending, reading, studying, memorizing, singing, praying, praising, advertising, selling, and buying for?
What is worth protesting, worrying, contemplating, discussing, arguing, regulating, condemning, dividing, and even dying for?
We have one savior and one God, and I think we have forgotten that is what it is all about. When to go to church? How often should I read a Bible? Why is this so important to us? Jesus is not about going to church or reading the Bible, he is about believing in him. That is all.

Your icon states that you are a pagan. Why are you posting in this "Christians only" directory?

Oz

 

[brightmorningstar]

good point, many people believe in a Jesus, but not the Jesus Christ whose testimony is in the Bible.

 

[tungamaa]

How much of what we do now doesn't really matter?
Is it rules and moral issues we stand for, or is it the grace of Jesus?
Has self-improvement and sense of "safety" become more important than the message of salvation?
If we all disagree on traditions, worship, and morality, then what can we agree on?
If Jesus is all we do agree on and is all that matters, then shouldn't those other things be more trivial than what they are now?
Can't we trust the Spirit to lead us instead of programs, seminars, prayers, devotions, and sunday school?
After all I have heard and lived through, if being saved by Jesus is really all we need, then isn't Christianity just a man-made religion?
Christianity is nothing without Jesus, but Jesus is still everything even without Christianity.

We try so hard to become better but Jesus already did it for us.
What is worth attending, reading, studying, memorizing, singing, praying, praising, advertising, selling, and buying for?
What is worth protesting, worrying, contemplating, discussing, arguing, regulating, condemning, dividing, and even dying for?
We have one savior and one God, and I think we have forgotten that is what it is all about. When to go to church? How often should I read a Bible? Why is this so important to us? Jesus is not about going to church or reading the Bible, he is about believing in him. That is all.

he is about believing in him.

Or In God we Trust?

and if believing in him-it means his teachings in words and deeds BUT here something to think Did he brought those teachings? Or was taught by whom?

 

[omaewa88]

When I say "Christian" I'm not referring to those persecuted in the Bible, but to the people of today and the contemporary use of the term because the word "Christian" seems to hold an entire lifestyle, not just an inward belief/faith.
When I say "believe in Jesus" I mean accepting him as your Saviour, and He makes your old self die and you are born again with new life.
If that truly happens within an individual, and if he decides to live a normal life that isn't considered "Christian" as it would be today, wouldn't that person be called a non-Christian even though he is saved?

p.s. Why can't a pagan post in here anyways? Why is it so important to label people and be exclusive? maybe I am, maybe I'm not. Doesn't only God know the heart of a man?

 

[Hentenza]

Thread moved to Exploring Christianity from CCA.

 

[elman]

How much of what we do now doesn't really matter?
Is it rules and moral issues we stand for, or is it the grace of Jesus?
Has self-improvement and sense of "safety" become more important than the message of salvation?
If we all disagree on traditions, worship, and morality, then what can we agree on?
If Jesus is all we do agree on and is all that matters, then shouldn't those other things be more trivial than what they are now?
Can't we trust the Spirit to lead us instead of programs, seminars, prayers, devotions, and sunday school?
After all I have heard and lived through, if being saved by Jesus is really all we need, then isn't Christianity just a man-made religion?
Christianity is nothing without Jesus, but Jesus is still everything even without Christianity.

We try so hard to become better but Jesus already did it for us.
What is worth attending, reading, studying, memorizing, singing, praying, praising, advertising, selling, and buying for?
What is worth protesting, worrying, contemplating, discussing, arguing, regulating, condemning, dividing, and even dying for?
We have one savior and one God, and I think we have forgotten that is what it is all about. When to go to church? How often should I read a Bible? Why is this so important to us? Jesus is not about going to church or reading the Bible, he is about believing in him. That is all.

Faith without love is worthless. 1 Cor 13:2

 

[Life2Christ]

Jesus is not about going to church or reading the Bible, he is about believing in him. That is all.

Jesus is not about going to church but the Church is the body of Christ (not a building or temple). The church/body of christ need each other to not only fellowship but to lean on each other and lift each other up. Believe it or not, that actually does happen in chruches. As for reading the Bible, the bible is the Word of God. Christians are strengthened through the Word which is full of wisdom, but also the bible contains the story of who we are as Christians. I highly recommend you take a year and read through the whole thing. Most of your questions will be answered.

 

[Angel's Light]

How much of what we do now doesn't really matter?
Is it rules and moral issues we stand for, or is it the grace of Jesus?

It's the grace of Jesus but it's by following the rules and morals that we can find his grace and help to bring others to him. He died for our sins, but God's law is still working/valid, we still need to follow God's law his rules and moral's.

Has self-improvement and sense of "safety" become more important than the message of salvation?

I would hope not, unless the self-improvement is to make ourselves more Christlike. The message of Salvation is most important.

If we all disagree on traditions, worship, and morality, then what can we agree on?

That Jesus is the way,the truth and the light. That we must honor him and our Father.

If Jesus is all we do agree on and is all that matters, then shouldn't those other things be more trivial than what they are now?

No, for it God's law and Jesus' guidance and sacrifice that are needed for Salvation. You can come to Jesus and accept him as your savior but if you don't follow the law and Jesus' teachings then your salvation isn't assured.

Can't we trust the Spirit to lead us instead of programs, seminars, prayers, devotions, and sunday school?

Yes, we can, but the others help us in our walk. The spirit uses prayers, devotions and Sunday school to help minister to us. It's the companionship and fellowship we have with Christians that help us to stay the course.

After all I have heard and lived through, if being saved by Jesus is really all we need, then isn't Christianity just a man-made religion?

Yes and No. Christianity is a way for us to honor Jesus. To deepen and strengthen our walk with him.

Christianity is nothing without Jesus, but Jesus is still everything even without Christianity.

Amen to this!

We try so hard to become better but Jesus already did it for us.

Yes he did. But, we can turn from him and many do. We need to strive to be more Christlike.

What is worth attending, reading, studying, memorizing, singing, praying, praising, advertising, selling, and buying for?

It's worth attending, reading, studying, memorizing, singing, praying and praising because all these things help us to grow in our walk and relationship with Jesus and God, they also are and should be done for God's glory as a way to pay homage to him who has given us life. As for the advertising, selling and buying I don't agree with making Christianity commercial.

What is worth protesting, worrying, contemplating, discussing, arguing, regulating, condemning, dividing, and even dying for?

It's not worth any of these if the message is lost and twisted.

We have one savior and one God, and I think we have forgotten that is what it is all about. When to go to church? How often should I read a Bible? Why is this so important to us? Jesus is not about going to church or reading the Bible, he is about believing in him. That is all.

This is true, but going to church, reading the Bible aids us in our belief and again in our walk with Jesus. You can go to church, read the Bible and not be saved, this also is true, for it's what's in your heart and not outward appearance that matters to Jesus, but why wouldn't you want to do what's honoring to him? Going to church and reading the Bible helps us keep our relationship with Jesus and God.

 

[razeontherock]

p.s. Why can't a pagan post in here anyways?

Welcome to CF! The way you posted here is JUST FINE, and is in fact the very purpose of this sub-forum. I apologize on behalf of someone who made you question that.

I find your questions to reflect honesty, intelligence, and soul-searching. Whether we ever agree (fully) on specific points or not is not really our purpose here, but this short list of qualitoes tends to be contagious

When I say "Christian" I'm not referring to those persecuted in the Bible, but to the people of today and the contemporary use of the term because the word "Christian" seems to hold an entire lifestyle, not just an inward belief/faith.

Interesting POV. Are you aware that many followers of Christ disassociate themselves from the label "Christian?" It can mean many things today, and I strongly suspect that many of those are things the Lord is not terribly concerned with. Also, your word "lifestyle" can mean an inward Faith, that in time manifests itself outwardly, truly bearing fruit unto G-d.

When I say "believe in Jesus" I mean accepting him as your Saviour, and He makes your old self die and you are born again with new life.
If that truly happens within an individual, and if he decides to live a normal life that isn't considered "Christian" as it would be today, wouldn't that person be called a non-Christian even though he is saved?

Wow would I ever like to see a CF-wide poll conducted, to see how many have experienced "He makes your old self die." This isn't in the Scripture the way I read it, neither is it my experience. Neither do I see that happening to any character in the Bible. I do see it as (broadly) something that sets Christ apart ...

I see this dying of the old man as something we have a hand in daily, and as being along the lines of "he who endures to the end shall be saved."

[My most concise thoughts re: your OP are reflected in post #8]

 

[razeontherock]

I highly recommend you take a year and read through the whole thing. Most of your questions will be answered.

3 chapters / day, and it will take a year. I tried to pace myself like that, but couldn't make it take that long

 

[Angelish]

A lot of people call themselves Christians when they are not. All that matters is Jesus but when we have Jesus we become hungry for knowledge and Bible studies and Church help us with that. When we have Jesus we want to please Him and do as He would do. We cannot do good without Jesus help! Reading the Bible, going to church and memorizing scripture helps us to stay on the right path and helps us when we are going through hard times.

If a "Christian" goes on with his normal life, as in doing whatever he wants? Maybe he wasn't a Christian to begin with? We are called to examine our faith.

2 Corinthians 13:5 "Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?"

 

[Hakan101]

When I say "Christian" I'm not referring to those persecuted in the Bible, but to the people of today and the contemporary use of the term because the word "Christian" seems to hold an entire lifestyle, not just an inward belief/faith.
When I say "believe in Jesus" I mean accepting him as your Saviour, and He makes your old self die and you are born again with new life.
If that truly happens within an individual, and if he decides to live a normal life that isn't considered "Christian" as it would be today, wouldn't that person be called a non-Christian even though he is saved?

p.s. Why can't a pagan post in here anyways? Why is it so important to label people and be exclusive? maybe I am, maybe I'm not. Doesn't only God know the heart of a man?

If a man accepts Jesus as his savior, if he truly does, it will be obvious in his life. He will produce what is called "Fruit of the Spirit." That is what it means to be a Christian. He will not have to wear a cross around his neck or go to Church everyday for you to know this (granted he may very well do these things anyways), it will be evident by his words and actions.

 

[99percentatheism]

There were many people not called Christians that were followers of Jesus. All of them in fact, before the Antioch fad took hold.

How much of what we do now doesn't really matter?

Tons of stuff.

Is it rules and moral issues we stand for, or is it the grace of Jesus?

Both. Just like Jesus.

Has self-improvement and sense of "safety" become more important than the message of salvation?

Only on the Left side of the Church and the word of faith crowd.

If we all disagree on traditions, worship, and morality, then what can we agree on?

Only one thing is all we need to agree on.

If Jesus is all we do agree on and is all that matters, then shouldn't those other things be more trivial than what they are now?

Need my phone number? I have a whole bunch of people you need to interview.

Can't we trust the Spirit to lead us instead of programs, seminars, prayers, devotions, and sunday school?

What spirit? There are people here that proudly proclaim they are for abortion and gay marriage. I'll bet they say the spirit is OK with their choices.

After all I have heard and lived through, if being saved by Jesus is really all we need, then isn't Christianity just a man-made religion?

No. Christianity was named so by the world. It, "they" recognized something and someone that was clearly set apart.

Christianity is nothing without Jesus, but Jesus is still everything even without Christianity.

There are many people that claim they are Christians, and their Jesus is no more important than Ghandi or Elton John, or barack Obama.

We try so hard to become better but Jesus already did it for us.

Who is "we" ?

What is worth attending, reading, studying, memorizing, singing, praying, praising, advertising, selling, and buying for?

My children's education.

What is worth protesting, worrying, contemplating, discussing, arguing, regulating, condemning, dividing, and even dying for?

The whack job lefties trying to corrupt my children.

We have one savior and one God, and I think we have forgotten that is what it is all about. When to go to church? How often should I read a Bible? Why is this so important to us? Jesus is not about going to church or reading the Bible, he is about believing in him. That is all.

Jesus went to Church often. He read the Bible there.

 

[Almighty's humble servant]

For all those berating this young brother:

May our Beloved's peace be upon you.

If your read his whole post you would see a brother who mustv'e heard our Beloved Jesus say the following Words " THERE ARE TO BE NO DIVISION AMONGST SECTS".

Indeed the greatest commandment is to love the Lord God ALmighty above all, love our neighbor as our self, and believe in our hearts that those nails,lashes, and that cross were our own punishments to bear. Yet we live.

There preceding commandment is not so much less important. Our Master to us to NEVER divide. But of course when the early church began apostacizing, it became clear to some that this commandment of unity had been broken forever.

satan's mission is to separate us from the Father, whom Christ has bargained our lives for His own. However, to accomplish this mission, satan must divide us to conquer us.

Perhaps what this young brother is trying to reflect is that we NEED Christ Jesus, and not Pastor hagees or Pastor Warrens church. He made no illusions to Islam, or New Age, but instead recognized that Jesus was the sacrifice for our sins, the ultimate show of faith in Him. i for one, am humble by his words.

Reread them and then delete your derogatory messages when you feel convicted for your contempt towards him.