Defining Christianity

[Ran77]

30 And many other signs truly did Jesus in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book: 31 But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name. (Jn. 20:1 KJV)

26 For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. 27 For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. 28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus. 29 And if ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise. (Gal. 3:1 KJV)

Belief in Jesus. Got it. Any others?

 

[Tree of Life]

Are you serious? It seems "specific" to you? What is specific about telling a person that the New Testament is the counter to what I offered? There is nothing specific about it at all. Nor does it explain how it counters what I offered. This is an apologetics forum. The way apologetics works is an argument is presented on one side and the other defends their beliefs. Both sides are expected to supply support for their arguments with statements of logic or scriptural passages and an explanation of how those actually demonstrate their point. Claiming that the New Testament answers all my questions is a copout. And anyone who has to have this concept explained to them probably shouldn't be participating in apologetics.

I'm sorry. I missed the post where you offered an alternative Jesus. What post # was that?

 

[Alla27]

Even though Ran77 still has to wait for biblical definition of word Christian (good luck with that) I want to say this now:
Some who were observing LDS (Mormons) called them "disciples of Christ" because they have love - one for another.
According to the Bible those who are called "disciples of Christ" are Christians.

 

[Ran77]

I'm sorry. I missed the post where you offered an alternative Jesus. What post # was that?

I didn't offer any alternative Jesus.

 

[Ran77]

Even though Ran77 still has to wait for biblical definition of word Christian (good luck with that) I want to say this now:
Some who were observing LDS (Mormons) called them "disciples of Christ" because they have love - one for another.
According to the Bible those who are called "disciples of Christ" are Christians.

You nailed it when you mention that Christians are disciples of Christ. That is the only definition that the Bible provides. Anything beyond that is a man-made construct.

 

[AV1611VET]

You nailed it when you mention that Christians are disciples of Christ. That is the only definition that the Bible provides. Anything beyond that is a man-made construct.

I've made the point here that I don't consider myself to be a Christian, per se.

I consider myself to be a saint.

That's because I use the definition of Christian as one who is "Christ-like," and we won't be "Christ-like" until we get to Heaven.

But someone pointed out to me that "Christian" means "Christ follower," not "Christ-like."

In any event, the Bible refers to us as "saints" -- not "Christians."

 

[Alla27]

I've made the point here that I don't consider myself to be a Christian, per se.

I consider myself to be a saint.

That's because I use the definition of Christian as one who is "Christ-like," and we won't be "Christ-like" until we get to Heaven.

But someone pointed out to me that "Christian" means "Christ follower," not "Christ-like."

In any event, the Bible refers to us as "saints" -- not "Christians."

Following your logic you are not saint either. Christ was Saint - He never sinned.

 

[Alla27]

I didn't offer any alternative Jesus.

I didn't notice you offering any alternative Jesus. Just saying.

 

[AV1611VET]

Following your logic you are not saint either. Christ was Saint - He never sinned.

A saint is one who has been set aside for service to Jesus Christ.

The words SAINT, CONSECRATE, and SANCTIFY all mean to "set something aside."

There are three types of sanctification we recognize:

1. initial sanctification = born again
2. progressive sanctification = walking in the Spirit and being conformed to the image of Jesus Christ
3. complete (or entire) sanctification = being given white robes in Heaven; becoming Christlike

Paul's word choice was SAINT, not CHRISTIAN.

 

[Alla27]

and we won't be "Christ-like" until we get to Heaven.

when you forgive someone who offended you, you are Christ-like at this moment. When you have compassion and out of this compassion you serve this person, you are Christ-like at this moment.
To try to be like Christ makes you Christ-like. I believe that you are this kind of person.

P.S. Ran77 made great thread and point: NOT flesh and blood but only God can tell me whether I am Christian or not.
I BELIEVE and HOPE that in eyes of God I am Christian. This is all that counts.

 

[AV1611VET]

To try to be like Christ makes you Christ-like.

I haven't walked through any locked doors recently, have you?

 

[Alla27]

A saint is one who has been set aside for service to Jesus Christ.

The words SAINT, CONSECRATE, and SANCTIFY all mean to "set something aside."

There are three types of sanctification we recognize:

1. initial sanctification = born again
2. progressive sanctification = walking in the Spirit and being conformed to the image of Jesus Christ
3. complete (or entire) sanctification = being given white robes in Heaven; becoming Christlike

Paul's word choice was SAINT, not CHRISTIAN.

I like his word choice. This is how I call myself - LDSaint
But then I have another question: are all Christians Saints?

 

[Alla27]

I haven't walked through any locked doors recently, have you?

Not at all. But if I or you had enough faith we would. I DON'T BELIEVE that I can do it. do you?
To be Christ-like you don't have to be like Jesus 100%. We can be 11%, or 25%, or 78% Christ-like.

 

[AV1611VET]

... are all Christians Saints?

I'm not sure.

I'd have to check my eschatology.

I don't know when we get our white robes.

The moment we die? at the Rapture? or some time afterward?

But when we do, then we are Christ-like.

And please note:

I am basing all this on the definition of "Christian" being "Christ-like," not "Christ follower."

If the definition is "Christ follower," then I'm all wrong.

 

[AV1611VET]

Not at all. But if I or you had enough faith we would. I DON'T BELIEVE that I can do it. do you?
To be Christ-like you don't have to be like Jesus 100%. We can be 11%, or 25%, or 78% Christ-like.

You can call me a SAINT if you want, or you can call me a CHRISTIAN if you want, or you can call me a CHRISTIAN SAINT if you want, or you can call me a NEW TESTAMENT SAINT if you want ... just don't call me late for supper!

 

[AV1611VET]

I like his word choice. This is how I call myself - LDSaint

I believe we are living in the latter days too.

So why don't you just call me a latter-day saint?

How's that?

 

[Jane_Doe]

I believe we are living in the latter days too.

So why don't you just call me a latter-day saint?

How's that?

Are you subtly trying to ask why we don't call you a Mormon?

 

[Ran77]

I've made the point here that I don't consider myself to be a Christian, per se.

I consider myself to be a saint.

That's because I use the definition of Christian as one who is "Christ-like," and we won't be "Christ-like" until we get to Heaven.

But someone pointed out to me that "Christian" means "Christ follower," not "Christ-like."

In any event, the Bible refers to us as "saints" -- not "Christians."

Follower has been given as one of the defining aspects of a Christian. I accept that. However, your comments about being a saint sounds like a different topic to me.

 

[Ran77]

Are you subtly trying to ask why we don't call you a Mormon?

This part of the discussion has drifted off topic. Please, start your own thread to discuss the issue of Christians being saints as well as how much you have to be like Christ to be considered Christ-like. Both are interesting topics, but not what this thread is about. Thank you.

 

[Jane_Doe]

This part of the discussion has drifted off topic. Please, start your own thread to discuss the issue of Christians being saints as well as how much you have to be like Christ to be considered Christ-like. Both are interesting topics, but not what this thread is about. Thank you.

Ok. Sorry for that Ran (I get so distracted sometimes, my apologies).