Hmm... which type of Christian am I?

[Spyder_God]

Well this is odd for me and I ask only because I'd like an outside opinion with explanation to help me sort this out for myself. I've been thinking more and more what my specific religious outlook/belief would technically make me. I mean I believe in God and Jesus, however, I don't believe in most of the more modern translations of the bible, the scriptures, scrolls, etc.. that are readily available. I happen to steer away from the actual church as I don't believe in allowing most of the things I see in the average church transpire.

I believe that regardless of how forgiving "God" is, it is not a fool and will not allow cheaters, cowards, traitors, or other evil/bad/wrong people into it's kingdom/heaven. I view god as a just, yet relaxed entity. One that judges based on deeds done in one's life; not in one's thought. A god that for the most part I hear nothing of in Baptist and Catholic churchs that I can remember attending as a child (I also happen to believe that god is somewhat elitist).

If more info is required tell me and I'll give you as best an answer as I can. Exactly what type of Christian am I or at least which variation of Christianity do you think would be of interest to me? I grew up in two baptist churchs of which both pretty much struck out with me and the one Catholic church I went to struck out with me a lot faster than the Baptists (however that also could have been due to the fact that I was attended these churchs from the ages of 0 to 13).


Note: I was baptized as a child, however I never honestly believed in it as a child. I'm just trying to figure out if Christianity is something that's really for me as an individual.

Well hope to hear from you soon.

~Spyder

 

[Achichem]

So you believe it acts not faith? not acts and faith?

What modern translations of the bible exactly are you against, any short reason to why?What bible then do you follow?

I must ask, what would give you the opinion God is relaxed?

View on the commandants of God (including the Sabbath)?

View on the laws of Moses?

Plan of God?

 

[Lynn73]

One that judges based on deeds done in one's life; not in one's thought.

by Spyder_God

It sound like you believe God is going to weigh our good deeds against our bad and act accordingly. None of us can ever be good enough to merit heaven no matter how good we are. Ephesians 2:8-9 states: For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works lest any man should boast.

Good works don't save us, only faith in Christ and His shed blood saves us. If we could do enough good deeds to deserve heaven, He wouldn't have had to come and die for our sins. If you've accepted Him as personal Savior into your heart, you're a Christian; if you haven't, you're not.

 

[SimplyChristian]

I had the same problem you did long ago, i tried several different churches, but i didn't like how they all thought they were better than the other churches. Try to find a non-denominational church to go to, that's what I did. I love it, they just tell it like it is, without all of the junk about which church is the "true church".
I don't think there are different kinds of christians, sure there are different denominations, but it all comes down to one thing, Christ. And you either believe or you don't. There is no kinda christian or an off and on christian, you have to believe in God and His word and live how he asks you to.
As for God not being a fool, you're right, he isn't. But if God only let perfect people into heaven, then Hell would fill up fast. There is not one man on this earth that has never lied or cheated. Even thinking about sinning makes you imperfect. But to get into Heaven you must realize how imperfect and hopeless you are without the grace of God. All he asks is that you admit to your shortcomings and ask for forgiveness, if you ask for it with an honest heart he will give it to you.

 

[A Taffer]

Exactly what type of Christian am I or at least which variation of Christianity do you think would be of interest to me?

Based on my experiences with the Assemblies of God denomination I would recommend them first. You can find one in your area here Assemblies of God Church Directory

If that doesn't fit your needs then I would say try a non denominational church.

 

[tkoman]

I believe that regardless of how forgiving "God" is, it is not a fool and will not allow cheaters, cowards, traitors, or other evil/bad/wrong people into it's kingdom/heaven. I view god as a just, yet relaxed entity. One that judges based on deeds done in one's life; not in one's thought. A god that for the most part I hear nothing of in Baptist and Catholic churchs that I can remember attending as a child (I also happen to believe that god is somewhat elitist).

Hi Spyder. I think that the reason you have not heard anything about that god in those churches is because the god that you have described is not the God of the bible.

It sounds like you are describing a god that judges based on works. Also, a god that does not hear and judge based on our thoughts. While many passages of the bible deal directly with our thoughts (e.g. "adultery" can be defined as just lusting after another woman/man) we are to go as far as:

Let this Mind be within you, which was also in Jesus Christ . . . (Philippians 2:5)

We are to go as far as having the mind of Christ. And we are saved by the Grace of our Lord, not by "deed's" that we have done. Our righteous works are but filthy rags to God.

I wish you luck on your serach for a church. I hope that you find one that is a bible believing, bible preaching church.

 

[Rising_Suns]

hey spyder,
I want to kind of balance out what others have alluded to above. It's true that Jesus Christ is our salvation and faith in Him is required, but I believe works is very much a part of it. We all know "faith without works is dead", right? So if you truly have faith, works will surely be a result of it. Anyone who does not act on their faith, well, really has no faith to begin with. You can't make a valid claim to have faith in Christ and do nothing about it. That is not what Christ taught us. That is not what God wants us to do. Jesus commanded us to conquer sin and reject it in every way in our lives. It really gets to me sometimes to see people saying; "faith in Christ is all we need", and leave out the rest of it. They leave out the action resulting from the faith, and thus risk adopting the attitude of giving in to sin and accepting it as a part of our lives. They risk making a rationalization that if faith is all that is needed, then why do anything about it. Why even try? They can claim to have faith, and disillusion themselves into being assured of their salvation. but their words are empty because they can't even put their "faith" into action. That is not real faith. It's paper faith that folds and crumbles under any weight.

*dave apologizes for the long rant*

Anyway, what concerns me is the last part of your comment, about thoughts.

One that judges based on deeds done in one's life; not in one's thought.

You do realize that in 1st cor, paul tells us that if a married man has impure thoughts about another woman, he has already committed adultery. Paul makes it very clear that thoughts play a very important role in our lives, not just our actions.

So i suppose to try and answer your question, you don't really fall into one certain denomination of christianity, but from your strong emphasis on works, you are more in line with Catholicism. But again, your words lean more towards "all works and no faith", which is just not true. The Catholic church puts a strong emphasis on works (since it is a very real part of having TRUE faith in Jesus Christ), but it is not soley works alone that unites us with our Father. It first begins with faith, and then works will inevitably follow. The two go hand in hand, and you can't have one without the other.

 

[Spyder_God]

Well I can certainly agree that faith and action are needed, I just don't know what's best for me. Seeing as my personal... well... my morals tend toward radical damnation for one's actions as they are the only way I can remember being judged.

I know that doesn't really mean much as far as the bible is concerned but I need to find a church that does believe in forgiveness, but doesn't believe in forgetfulness. Essentially I think I'm looking for a church based off of the Old Testament, although I could be mistaken since I'm still reading through it (there is a less forgiving god in the Old Testament). I don't see the point of allowing those that have constantly left the path have another chance (especially toward the end of their lives) when they obviously want nothing to do with the church, Christ, and/or God (there are those that consider them two separate entities).

I'll try the link and thanks for the replies. Sorry I haven't been around but I sort of got carried away in my daily life by some school projects and midterms are only just starting for me (hurray).

 

[hewillguideme]

Spyder, I think I might have a question for you, to ask yourself, that might clear a few things up for you in your mind.

Ask yourself, if Heaven is only open to those that are perfect/sinless/pure, how does anyone ever get in?

The answer is, Jesus. He died for us, and His blood washes us clean so that we might enter the gates of heaven.

All that is necessary to join the Father in heaven is to believe that Jesus is your Savior. If you confess to Him, he will forgive you. Period. No sin is to great. No sadness is to heavy.

That is the grace of our Lord.

The old covenant had no way for us to be clean. The new covenant washes us with the blood of Chirst and makes us clean.

 

[hewillguideme]

Remeber, we are born sinners. It's impossible to live a sinless life.

 

[Rising_Suns]

Remeber, we are born sinners. It's impossible to live a sinless life.

I said this on another thread and I'll say it again here. I disagree with you. I believe the grace of the holy spirit is more powerfull than most people give credit for. Jesus commanded us to not live in sin, that with the holy spirit we can prevail over all sin. I don't think He would command us to do something we weren't capable of doing. Remember, the bible also says that we are never tempted beyond our ability to resit; which means we have the ability to resist all temptation. I don't think you can get much clearer than that.

With God, anything is possible, and so we CAN live sinless if we just trust in God and do our part on the free will He has given us, in this life. Lets not give in to sin and rationalize our sins away as just a apart of human nature. That is not what God intended for us to do.

 

[hewillguideme]

If you think perfection is possible, then I'm sorry and sad for you. We will never be worthy enough, good enough, or clean enough. Jesus died for us for that specific reason. To wash us clean of our imperfections.

 

[Rising_Suns]

I don't see the point of allowing those that have constantly left the path have another chance (especially toward the end of their lives) when they obviously want nothing to do with the church, Christ, and/or God (there are those that consider them two separate entities).

I can't speak for others but I do know that in the Catholic faith, there is what are called mortal sins; sins that are so extremely evil and malicious, that they condemn a soul if the person (believer or not) never comes to true repentance. We also believe in purgatory, which the bible describes as a "cleansing fire" of souls. Purgaotry exists because we have to be cleansed of the sins we carry before we can enter heaven. This sort of goes along with where you're coming from, that our actions in this life actually have a bearing in the next. The more we sin, the more we must be cleansed of before entering heaven; our actions breed consequences. Since you have a strong belief in "action and consequence", it would seem like you fall more along the lines of Catholicism than Protestantism, as protestants tend to believe that good works (by the grace of God) play no role in ones salvation. I'm not trying to convert you or anything, but I just felt I should speak up since your general perspectives seem to fall more in line with the Catholic faith than with anything else.

 

[Rising_Suns]

If you think perfection is possible, then I'm sorry and sad for you. We will never be worthy enough, good enough, or clean enough. Jesus died for us for that specific reason. To wash us clean of our imperfections.

Yes, you're right. We are not worthy, and we can do NOTHING on our own. But with God's grace, we can be more than conquerers. And what grace is this? It's the holy spirit now dwelling inside of each and every believer of Christ. Jesus gave us the holy spirit when He died on the cross, and it's with the holy spirit that we can prevail over sin and indeed grow to live sinless if we thirst for it deep enough.

 

[purple_people_eater_21]

Hey to all,

You know, it really amazes me how often people get caught up in the words behind the concept. I won't argue with anyone on this topic, but I will say something. If you really believe that we are all judged on what we do, and only the blameless and sinless get into Heaven, then, and let me be straight forward here, we're all screwed.... You're going to hell, along with every single other person who has ever been, or will ever be. That's as simple as it is. You know you're talking about the old testament right?? If you don't take into account the new covenant, written of in the new testament, you deny the fact that Jesus Christ died for us. Now this may sound harsh, but you can't soften something like that. You need to find Christ, because without him, you can't find any church that can help you get to Heaven.

P.S. Have you ever wondered why they sell bibles that have both the old and new testament together, or just the new testament, but almost never just the old testament??............................Just a thought....

With Hope and Prayer
Karl

 

[Rising_Suns]

If you really believe that we are all judged on what we do, and only the blameless and sinless get into Heaven, then, and let me be straight forward here, we're all screwed.... You're going to hell, along with every single other person who has ever been, or will ever be. That's as simple as it is.

I just wanted to reiterate that Catholics believe in state after death of being cleansed of our sins before entering heaven (i.e., pugatory), thus salvation is granted to many, not just the saints.

If you don't take into account the new covenant, written of in the new testament, you deny the fact that Jesus Christ died for us. Now this may sound harsh, but you can't soften something like that. You need to find Christ, because without him, you can't find any church that can help you get to Heaven.

I agree with this advice. I hope you are not tossing the new testament out the window as PPE21 seems to think you are.

 

[purple_people_eater_21]

I do beg to differ, but if you're not cleansed by the blood of Christ, what good did Christ do in dying on the cross??

Karl

 

[Rising_Suns]

hello friend and welcome to the boards....

To reply to your comment, purgatory in no ways diminishes what Christ did on the cross. Christ made it possible for us to be saved through God's grace, but we still have a sinfull nature and thus, we still fall to temptation and sin. But nothing impure can enter into heaven right? So there must be something in between the point which we live in our sinfull nature here on earth, and when we enter heaven in our purified state. That is all purgatory is; this state of being cleansed from our sinfull nature, or the separation of our spirit from our flesh. It didn't get us salvation, Jesus Christ did.

Here's scripture to support purgatory, if anyone is interested; http://www.scripturecatholic.com/purgatory.html

 

[purple_people_eater_21]

do you believe that when we stand before the judgement throne of God, Christ will stand before us, justifying us of our sins by faith??

 

[Spyder_God]

Hmm... I'm still reading through the book. I'm surprised to hear that my beliefs are close to catholicism but I guess I might as well put a little research into finding out how they are different from the other variations of christianity (I think I'll think of it as variations till the day I die).

In my last post I wasn't stating that I don't believe in the New Testament, just that I tend toward a belief in a punishing God that even if he loves you will basically send you to hell if you think your going to sneak into his pearly kingdom known as heaven. That is basically what I believe and the reason I refuse to go into specifics is because my beliefs are slowly changing so I would like to come to a new concept relatively soon as it seems that the old beliefs are starting to make less sense to me on a personal level (not concepts about Christianity per say but concepts about everything).

Interesting views you guys share about Christianity. Have you thought about posting a thread to count the number of differences and similarities between what you both believe about the generally same religion? =)