Do you have to be a creationist to be a true Christian?

[Rakis]

Some Christians think that you must believe every part of the Bible, including the creation narrative in the Book of Genesis, is infallible to be a true Christian. That is, you must believe the universe, Earth, and humanity were created in six 24-hour periods, otherwise they think you’re not a true Christian.

Other Christians have accepted evolution science. Unlike atheists, though, most of these Christians believe God guided the evolutionary process, that it was his tool for creating humans. Many creationists think this type of Christian who accepts evolution cannot be considered a true Christian.

What do you think? Do believers have to accept the creation narrative in Genesis to be a true Christian? Or do you think otherwise?

 

[chilehed]

Some Christians think that you must believe every part of the Bible, including the creation narrative in the Book of Genesis, is infallible to be a true Christian. That is, you must believe the universe, Earth, and humanity were created in six 24-hour periods, otherwise they think you’re not a true Christian.

Other Christians have accepted evolution science. Unlike atheists, though, most of these Christians believe God guided the evolutionary process, that it was his tool for creating humans. Many creationists think this type of Christian who accepts evolution cannot be considered a true Christian.

What do you think? Do believers have to accept the creation narrative in Genesis to be a true Christian? Or do you think otherwise?

False dichotomy.

 

[Rakis]

False dichotomy.

Hi how do I delete this post i accidentally posted it up

 

[IAMABELIEVER1979]

So if you do not believe what Jesus states throughout the Bible that he being God created all the plants, created all the fishes and whales,
that he created all the animals, and that he created human beings, from nothing,
then where does your unbelief leave you in respect to acknowledging Jesus as your Lord and God.

To believe in Jesus requires also believing all things about God.

For one thing I question my salvation so I don't really claim anything. I say this through all my threads. I am a believer in Christ yes. But I don't believe that being a Christian automatically makes me saved. Personally I think it's just a title that the world gives not God. I call myself a Christian though. I just don't know if I am a saved Christian.

And another thing I do believe everything that he says in Scripture. I don't have proof, but I believe because of the testimony of my mother and other trustworthy people who have experienced God.

The point that I was making is I didn't think that you had to believe everything that was written. If you watch the documentary on secrets of the Bible, then you know that there are things are mistranslated, and the Bible contradicts itself. I'm sure the original Scripts were infallible.

But I am starting to realize what he meant about believing the Bible in relations to creation.

Yes I believe that Jesus Christ is the creator. Yes I believe that he was here in the beginning. And yes I believe that it was God the Father who created the world through Jesus Christ Our Lord.

 

[Bible Highlighter]

OP Q: "Do you have to be a "creationist" to be a true Christian?"

A: Belief in any DOCTRINE does NOT save. Evolution is an unproven theory: no missing links between the "animal kingdoms" nor with homo sapiens.

God is infinite and eternal. He no time constraints nor models nor "clocks" like Man. As the Great Spiritual Designer, He created all from the heavenly realms by His will and mind. Time? Who cares!

2 Peter 3:8
But do not let this one fact escape your notice, beloved, that with the Lord one day is "like" a thousand years, and a thousand years "like" one day.

Isaiah 42:5
Thus says God the Lord,
Who created the heavens and stretched them out, Who spread out the earth and its offspring,
Who gives breath to the people on it (Body/Soul)
And spirit to those who walk in it,

Zechariah 12:1
...Thus declares the Lord
who stretches out the heavens,
lays the foundation of the earth, and
forms the spirit of man within him,

PLUS the Genesis accounts!

This is not true.

12 "Now if Christ be preached that he rose from the dead, how say some among you that there is no resurrection of the dead?
13 But if there be no resurrection of the dead, then is Christ not risen:
14 And if Christ be not risen, then is our preaching vain, and your faith is also vain."
(1 Corinthians 15:12-14).


...

 

[Bible Highlighter]

For one thing I question my salvation so I don't really claim anything. I say this through all my threads. I am a believer in Christ yes. But I don't believe that being a Christian automatically makes me saved. Personally I think it's just a title that the world gives not God. I call myself a Christian though. I just don't know if I am a saved Christian.

And another thing I do believe everything that he says in Scripture. I don't have proof, but I believe because of the testimony of my mother and other trustworthy people who have experienced God.

The point that I was making is I didn't think that you had to believe everything that was written. If you watch the documentary on secrets of the Bible, then you know that there are things are mistranslated, and the Bible contradicts itself. I'm sure the original Scripts were infallible.

But I am starting to realize what he meant about believing the Bible in relations to creation.

Yes I believe that Jesus Christ is the creator. Yes I believe that he was here in the beginning. And yes I believe that it was God the Father who created the world through Jesus Christ Our Lord.

As for having an assurance of salvation:

You can have an assurance of your salvation right here and right now. First, a person has to initially ask Jesus to forgive them of their sins, and they have to receive Jesus Christ, and they have to believe that Jesus had died on the cross for their sins and that He was risen 3 days later from the grave on their behalf (If a person is not sure how to go about this: I would recommend checking out this comic tract here that has helped me). God's Word in 1 John 2:1 tells us to: "sin not" but if we happen to stumble, we have an advocate named Jesus Christ that we can go to. For it is written, "if we confess our sins he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness" (1 John 1:9). This leads us to walking uprightlly in Christ's commands in the New Testament. For if we walk in the light as He is in the light, the blood of Jesus Christ cleanses us from all sin (1 John 1:7). The person of Jesus Christ (who can live inside of you as spirit) is the source of our salvation (1 John 5:12). In fact, 1 John 2:3 says we can have in assurance in knowing Him (who is salvation) if we find that we are keeping His commandments (Like loving God and loving others according to the New Testament).

As for doubting the perfection of God's Word:

Faith comes by hearing and hearing the Word of God (Romans 10:17). We are ultimately saved by faith in believing God's Word (i.e. the gospel message). This is what it means to be "born of water." Ephesians 5:25-27 says that Christ sanctifies His church (i.e. His people) by the washing of the water of the WORD! For Jesus said elsewhere, "you are clean by the Word which I have spoken unto you." (John 15:3). Also see 2 Timothy 3:16-17 while reading Ephesians 5:25-27. Also, in the parable of the sower we are told that the seed is the Word of God (Luke 8:11). A person who receives this seed into their heart has understanding because they have joy in receiving God's Word (Matthew 13:20). The one who does not receive God's Word into their heart does not have the understanding because the wicked one took the Word out of their heart (Matthew 13:19). A person has to believe God's Word and believe the gospel message to have joy and assurance in their salvation. For it is written, "For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe." (1 Thessalonians 2:13).

Anyways, in regards to whether or not there are contradictions in the Bible:

Well, first, Jesus says, "For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled." (Matthew 5:18). One jot and one tittle is an expression like the crossing of a "t" and the dotting of an "i". This means God cares about even the smallest details of His Word in being fulfilled.

Second, if there are contradictions in God's Word than that means God failed to preserve His Word for us today. But that is not possible. Why would God allow His Word to be corrupted in any way whereby we would doubt it? For if one word was corrupted in my Bible, then what makes me trust the rest of it? The Bible is perfect (i.e. the KJV) along with the Hebrew and Greek manuscripts. We know this for several reasons.

Please check out my Blogger article on the many evidences that back up God's Word (if you are interested):

Love Branch: Evidences for the Word of God

Anyways, may God's love shine upon you.
And please be well.

Sincerely,

~ Jason.


Side Note:

As for Jesus statement in Matthew 5:18 that says Heaven and Earth will not pass away until the "Law" will be fufilled: Well, the word "Law" used by Jesus here is in reference to the "Law and the prophets" as a whole (Matthew 5:17). The word "Law" in this case included the books on the prophets, as well. Jesus fulfilled the "Law" aspect of the "Law and the Prophets" with His death upon the cross. Yet, there are future prophecies that have yet to be fulfilled out of the "Law" (i.e. the Law and the prophets). But Jesus fulfilled the many commands among the 613 Commands in the Old Testament as a whole because the temple veil was torn from top to bottom letting us know that the animal sacrifices (That was from the Law) was no longer binding. Jesus is now our sacrifice. In other words, the "Law" has changed (Hebrews 7:12). Meaning believers in God today now look to the commands in the New Testament and they do not look to the commands in the Old Testament to obey God.


...

 

[IAMABELIEVER1979]

As for having an assurance of salvation:

You can have an assurance of your salvation right here and right now. First, a person has to initially ask Jesus to forgive them of their sins, and they have to receive Jesus Christ, and they have to believe that Jesus had died on the cross for their sins and that He was risen 3 days later from the grave on their behalf (If a person is not sure how to go about this: I would recommend checking out this comic tract here that has helped me). God's Word in 1 John 2:1 tells us to: "sin not" but if we happen to stumble, we have an advocate named Jesus Christ that we can go to. For it is written, "if we confess our sins he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness" (1 John 1:9). This leads us to walking uprightlly in Christ's commands in the New Testament. For if we walk in the light as He is in the light, the blood of Jesus Christ cleanses us from all sin (1 John 1:7). The person of Jesus Christ (who can live inside of you as spirit) is the source of our salvation (1 John 5:12). In fact, 1 John 2:3 says we can have in assurance in knowing Him (who is salvation) if we find that we are keeping His commandments (Like loving God and loving others according to the New Testament).

As for doubting the perfection of God's Word:

Faith comes by hearing and hearing the Word of God (Romans 10:17). We are ultimately saved by faith in believing God's Word (i.e. the gospel message). This is what it means to be "born of water." Ephesians 5:25-27 says that Christ sanctifies His church (i.e. His people) by the washing of the water of the WORD! For Jesus said elsewhere, "you are clean by the Word which I have spoken unto you." (John 15:3). Also see 2 Timothy 3:16-17 while reading Ephesians 5:25-27. Also, in the parable of the sower we are told that the seed is the Word of God (Luke 8:11). A person who receives this seed into their heart has understanding because they have joy in receiving God's Word (Matthew 13:20). The one who does not receive God's Word into their heart does not have the understanding because the wicked one took the Word out of their heart (Matthew 13:19). A person has to believe God's Word and believe the gospel message to have joy and assurance in their salvation. For it is written, "For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe." (1 Thessalonians 2:13).

Anyways, in regards to whether or not there are contradictions in the Bible:

Well, first, Jesus says, "For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled." (Matthew 5:18). One jot and one tittle is an expression like the crossing of a "t" and the dotting of an "i". This means God cares about even the smallest details of His Word in being fulfilled.

Second, if there are contradictions in God's Word than that means God failed to preserve His Word for us today. But that is not possible. Why would God allow His Word to be corrupted in any way whereby we would doubt it? For if one word was corrupted in my Bible, then what makes me trust the rest of it? The Bible is perfect (i.e. the KJV) along with the Hebrew and Greek manuscripts. We know this for several reasons.

Please check out my Blogger article on the many evidences that back up God's Word (if you are interested):

Love Branch: Evidences for the Word of God

Anyways, may God's love shine upon you.
And please be well.

Sincerely,

~ Jason.


Side Note:

As for Jesus statement in Matthew 5:18 that says Heaven and Earth will not pass away until the "Law" will be fufilled: Well, the word "Law" used by Jesus here is in reference to the "Law and the prophets" as a whole (Matthew 5:17). The word "Law" in this case included the books on the prophets, as well. Jesus fulfilled the "Law" aspect of the "Law and the Prophets" with His death upon the cross. Yet, there are future prophecies that have yet to be fulfilled out of the "Law" (i.e. the Law and the prophets). But Jesus fulfilled the many commands among the 613 Commands in the Old Testament as a whole because the temple veil was torn from top to bottom letting us know that the animal sacrifices (That was from the Law) was no longer binding. Jesus is now our sacrifice. In other words, the "Law" has changed (Hebrews 7:12). Meaning believers in God today now look to the commands in the New Testament and they do not look to the commands in the Old Testament to obey God.


...

I get it.

I should not be listening to human beings.

Also thank you very much about the advice on how to be a truly saved.

 

[Bluerose31]

Some Christians think that you must believe every part of the Bible, including the creation narrative in the Book of Genesis, is infallible to be a true Christian. That is, you must believe the universe, Earth, and humanity were created in six 24-hour periods, otherwise they think you’re not a true Christian.

Other Christians have accepted evolution science. Unlike atheists, though, most of these Christians believe God guided the evolutionary process, that it was his tool for creating humans. Many creationists think this type of Christian who accepts evolution cannot be considered a true Christian.

What do you think? Do believers have to accept the creation narrative in Genesis to be a true Christian? Or do you think otherwise?

I do believe in creationism but I do not believe in hell. I believe someone can choose not to believe in creationism and still be a Christian.

 

[Ron Gurley]

OP Q: Do you have to be a "creationist" to be a "true Christian"?(i.e. born again from above Christ-Follower)
"Creationist": one who believes the Bible accounts over other theories or explanations or "science".

Two "Easy" STEPS to the SALVATION event + the SANCTIFICATION process!

BELIEVE (John 3; Ephesians 2)
...then...
FOLLOW (Matthew 16: 24-27; Luke 14:25-35)
Matthew 16: 24-27 (NASB) Jesus: Christ-following Is Spiritually Costly...extracts...(parens + caps mine)

24 Then Jesus said to His DISCIPLES, (saved believers!)
“If anyone wishes to COME AFTER Me (use Me as an example and model, he MUST:
>>1. deny himself, AND (spiritually put God, family, neighbors, world...BEFORE SELF)
>>2. take up his cross AND (spiritually bear sacrificial burdens of trusting and obeying)
>>3. follow Me. (spiritually imitate the perfect example of Jesus and His precepts)
25 For whoever wishes to save his (spiritual) life will lose it; but whoever loses his (earthly) life for My sake will find it.
26 For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole (material) world and forfeits his soul (/spirit)?
Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul (/spirit)?
27 For the Son of Man is going to come in the glory of His Father with His angels, (Second Coming !)
and will then repay every man (believer) according to his deeds. (Judgment of the Believer's Works after salvation)

Luke 14:25-35 (NASB)...Discipleship Tested: BELIEVE ..then...FOLLOW
25 Now large (UNBELIEVING) CROWDS were going along with Him; and He turned and said to them,(warning!)
26 “If anyone comes to (FOLLOWS) Me, (put Jesus FIRST!)and (E.G.) does not hate his own father and mother and wife and children and brothers and sisters, yes, and even his own life, he cannot be My disciple. (TRUE FOLLOWER)
27 Whoever does not carry his own cross and come after Me (FOLLOWS) cannot be My disciple.
28 For which one of you, when he wants to build a tower, does not first sit down and CALCULATE the COST to see if he has enough to complete it?
(E.G.)29 Otherwise, when he has laid a FOUNDATION (BELIEF!)and is not able to finish, all who observe it begin to ridicule him,
30 saying, ‘This man began to build and was not able to finish.’
(E.G.)31 Or what king, when he sets out to meet another king in battle, will not first sit down and consider whether he is strong enough with ten thousand men to encounter the one coming against him with twenty thousand?
32 Or else, while the other is still far away, he sends a delegation and asks for terms of peace.
33 So then, (E.G.) none of you can be My disciple who does not give up all his own possessions.(put Jesus FIRST!)
34 “Therefore, salt (FOLLOWERS) is good (PRESERVATION + SEASONING);
but if even salt has become tasteless, with what will it be seasoned? 35 It is useless either for the soil or for the manure pile (fertilizer!); it is thrown out.
He who has ears to hear, let him hear

 

[Bible Highlighter]

I get it.

I should not be listening to human beings.

Also thank you very much about the advice on how to be a truly saved.

You are most welcome.
And may God bless you.


...

 

[IAMABELIEVER1979]

You are most welcome.
And may God bless you.


...

You too

 

[Not_By_Chance]

If you are interested, here is a wonderful explanation of why exactly the theory of evolution is hugely flawed (from both a scientific and a Biblical viewpoint).

I did watch the whole of the video but I can't say I enjoyed it too much. I felt the presenter was too much "in your face" and constantly lurched from one point to another and back again. Having said that, I was already aware of quite a lot of what he was saying and I'm in full agreement with his put-down of the myth of evolution which masquerades as science. I much prefer documentaries like "Evolution's Achilles' Heels" or "What you aren't being told about astronomy."

 

[PropheticTimes]

I did watch the whole of the video but I can't say I enjoyed it too much. I felt the presenter was too much "in your face" and constantly lurched from one point to another and back again. Having said that, I was already aware of quite a lot of what he was saying and I'm in full agreement with his put-down of the myth of evolution which masquerades as science. I much prefer documentaries like "Evolution's Achilles' Heels" or "What you aren't being told about astronomy."

He takes some getting used to but I like the depth of information.

Thank you for the other links, much appreciated.

 

[Not_By_Chance]

Thank you for the other links, much appreciated

You're welcome. The second of the three astronomy DVDs is my personal favourite; it ends with some wonderful uplifting music and has many quotes from the Bible to reinforce how God's word fits well with what we see when we look out into space, in vivid contrast to man's vain attempts to try to explain it all without God.

 

[rjs330]

No salvation is not dependent on belief in the creation as stated in Genesis. No where does the bible claim that.

There is no scriptural evidence to support that Genesis creation is not indeed factual. But despite that our salvation is not dependent on it.

 

[Not_By_Chance]

I do believe in creationism but I do not believe in hell. I believe someone can choose not to believe in creationism and still be a Christian.

I think the danger lies in that once you start throwing out parts of the Bible which were clearly meant to be read literally, such as the creation account in Genesis, where do you stop? Do you throw out the global flood story as well? What about the virgin birth or the miracles of Jesus, not to mention when sin was supposed to have come into the world? Eventually you will probably come to believe that we all descended from some ape-like creature via the mythical process of macro evolution. The ironic thing is, there is plenty of good science to support the Biblical accounts, but it gets shot down because there is a hidden agenda to discredit the Bible. It all goes back to the original attack when satan spoke to Eve through the serpent and cast doubt in her mind when he said, "Did God really say...?" He's still doing it, but he's adopted a much more subtle approach nowadays and he's using the mass media to spread his lies faster than ever. Even young children are being indoctrinated by this anti-God philosophy. So no, you can believe in evolution and long ages if you want, but be aware of the risks.

 

[rjs330]

I think the danger lies in that once you start throwing out parts of the Bible which were clearly meant to be read literally, such as the creation account in Genesis, where do you stop? Do you throw out the global flood story as well? What about the virgin birth or the miracles of Jesus, not to mention when sin was supposed to have come into the world? Eventually you will probably come to believe that we all descended from some ape-like creature via the mythical process of macro evolution. The ironic thing is, there is plenty of good science to support the Biblical accounts, but it gets shot down because there is a hidden agenda to discredit the Bible. It all goes back to the original attack when satan spoke to Eve through the serpent and cast doubt in her mind when he said, "Did God really say...?" He's still doing it, but he's adopted a much more subtle approach nowadays and he's using the mass media to spread his lies faster than ever. Even young children are being indoctrinated by this anti-God philosophy. So no, you can believe in evolution and long ages if you want, but be aware of the risks.

Absolutely. There is a risk once you start deciding which parts of the Bible are real and which are not. What interests me in this is that most that deny the Genesis account staunchly believe in other things such as the resurrection. They will believe that Abraham existed and his life is true but will not believe in Adam and Eve. They then have no scriptural evidence that there is a transition between the stories.

Yet it still is not necessary for salvation.

 

[Waggles]

Other Christians have accepted evolution science. Unlike atheists, though, most of these Christians believe God guided the evolutionary process,

I find that bizarre. For me to believe in evolution is simply unbelief.
Seeking to believe in the doctrines of men, rather than the truth of God.
Ans as such evolutionists have the problem of calling the Word of God untrue and God a liar.
That could be a problem for one's salvation.

God is not a man, that he should lie; neither the son of man, that he should repent: hath he said, and shall he not do it?
or hath he spoken, and shall he not make it good?
Numbers 23:19
But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtlety, so your minds should be corrupted from
the simplicity that is in Christ.
2 Corinthians 11:3
18 Let no man deceive himself. If any man among you seems to be wise in this world, let him become a fool,
that he may be wise.
19 For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. For it is written, He takes the wise in their own craftiness.
20 And again, The Lord knows the thoughts of the wise, that they are vain.
1 Corinthians 3:18-20

 

[jimmyjimmy]

I find that bizarre. For me to believe in evolution is simply unbelief.

Yup.

 

[lismore]

What do you think? Do believers have to accept the creation narrative in Genesis to be a true Christian? Or do you think otherwise?

Exodus 20:11 For in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day: wherefore the Lord blessed the sabbath day, and hallowed it.