Why does it take so long for some Protestants to become Christians

[John Caldwell]

I spent several years as an atheist who still admired Jesus more than any other person in history. I think it would be accurate to say that when I was an atheist I kept Jesus at arm’s length. But not when I was young and certainly not now. He abides in me, and I in him is the way feel.


I am very happy to hear you say that. I have been attacked by several Protestants for saying a Christian must have a personal relationship with Jesus. Many Protestants got really angry with me, and said I was adding Faith. They insisted that Justification was by faith alone, and that a personal relationship with Jesus is not necessary. After those attacks, it’s wonderful to see your post.




Like I said above, I have been attacked by many Protestants on this forum about the need for a personal relationship with Jesus, and insisted that this contradicted Sola Fide.

This interesting. And I agree with what you say. Great point about the necessity of a personal relationship.

I am a baptist (have been most of my life). One thing we emphasize is the necessity of a personal relationship with Christ.

But I have also encountered some who minimize the vital importance of knowing Christ in favor of knowing about Him.

 

[Daniel Peres]

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Well receiving God's free gift of Eternal Life is not about loving God/Jesus. And it is also not a corporate act, meaning just because a Mother and Father are believers does not means their child or children will be.

Growing up in a christian home accounts for nothing if the members in that family never trust in The Messiah for God's free gift of Eternal Life.

Receiving God's free gift of Eternal Life is something each individual person will have to do themselves. They will have to study and examine the evidence presented by The Bible about Jesus and who He states He is. If they come to the belief that what The Bible states about Jesus is true. Then they can then trust in the Messiah for God's free gift of Eternal Life.

But as to why protestants say they have come to The Lord at age 15, 20, 25, 30 etc.. is usually because churches/pastors/lay people, have made receiving God's free gift of Eternal Life. So confusing, people do not know what to believe or who (object of faith) to actually place their faith into, to receive Eternal Life.

Many churches today place the burden upon the person, by saying they must do this repent, be baptized, confess Christ, say a prayer, live a life time of obedience, bear fruit, preserver in the faith, etc..

When the only condition give by God is to believe His promise of Eternal life, to all who will trust in The Messiah for Eternal Life.

The Gospel of John was written exactly for that very purpose to tell people how to receive God's free gift of Eternal Life. Too bad very few are taught its message.

And truly Jesus did many other signs in the presence of His disciples, which are not written in this book; but these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in His name.

Even though Catholics typically get baptized as infants, as understanding in the faith grows we reaffirm our baptism. In fact, once a year, all practicing Catholics reaffirm their Baptism. So don’t worry, although we practice infant baptism, and are initially saved through our parent’s faith, since we not capable as infants, as soon as we are competent we must reaffirm the Baptism we received.

 

[Daniel Peres]

This interesting. And I agree with what you say. Great point about tge necessity of a personal relationship.

I am a baptist (have been most of my life). One thing we emphasize is the necessity of a personal relationship with Christ.

But I have also encountered some who minimize the vital importance of knowing Christ in favor of knowing about Him.

They don’t know what they’re missing out on.

 

[Daniel Peres]

Well that would make for an interesting story.

Well if you really want to know. At the time I was just returning yo Christianity. Believe it or not I was absolutely intent on never returning to the Catholic Church. So, I started trying to figure out which Protestant church I would join. I started attending a Lutheran church, and like I said I even got my son baptized there. The pastor was a wonderful person too, and I also got a kick out of the fact that he looked like St. Martin de Pores.

Eventually, I got really disturbed by the church leader, but not the pastor. The problem was that this Lutheran church was an Evangelical Lutheran, and they had become very “progressive,” and while I was attending that church, leaders declared that publicly active homosexuals were to be permitted to serve as pastors.

Well, I wasn’t as knowledgeable back then as I am now about Jesus, but I was certain that new church policy was immoral. So, that brought an end to my time as a Lutheran. Maybe things would’ve turned out different if I had gone a Missouri Synod Lutheran church instead, but at the time I thought all Lutheran churches were the same.

 

[St_Worm2]

This might sound like a crazy question, but hear me out. I’m always hearing Protestants say they came to Jesus at age 15, 20, 30, etc. Even though they were raised in a Christian household.

Hello Daniel, as Christian singer/songwriter Keith Green used to say, "going to church (and/or being raised in a Christian household) doesn't make you a Christian any more than going to McDonald's makes you a hamburger"

However, this baffles me, because I have no memory of becoming Christian.

Some come to saving faith at a very early age and, therefore, cannot remember or name the moment (the place, date, and/or time) that God justified/saved them .. e.g. John 5:24. I believe that this is principally due to the fact that those who are younger (when they come to saving faith) are not saved from a highly wicked or sinful lifestyle like adults often are, rather, they simply come to faith as children or young teens at some point along the way when they realize and accept their need for the Savior.

There are others however, who have already lived VERY sinful lifestyles (outside of Christ), who know EXACTLY when they were saved, because that moment in time, the moment that they KNOW that God has forgiven them of ALL of their sins and saved them, is like no other moment in their lives It's like the weight of the world (from all of the guilt that they felt over their sins) was literally lifted off of their shoulders by God, and they will NEVER forget it

Here is a quick summary of how my life went in regard to this.

I was baptized as an infant and raised in the church (so to speak). I went to Sunday School for years, sang in the children's choir (and later the adult's), was confirmed, went on retreats, and I attended church regularly through high school (you know, the whole nine yards). I certainly believed that I was a Christian as a result.

I should also say that I loved it (loved church, that is), for the most part anyway

However, I chose to walk away from church during my freshman year in college (and into a very fun, but very sinful life/lifestyle instead), but I continued to believe that I was a Christian (why wouldn't I have?), until the day that I finally became one, that is, two months after my 30th birthday. What a surprise that was (albeit a WONDERFUL one). That's when EVERYTHING in my life changed, and that was nearly 36 years ago now
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God bless you!!

--David

 

[Jonaitis]

This might sound like a crazy question, but hear me out. I’m always hearing Protestants say they came to Jesus at age 15, 20, 30, etc. Even though they were raised in a Christian household. However, this baffles me, because I have no memory of becoming Christian. I am fortunate in, that unlike most people, my memories go back to just under three. Anyway, I simply don’t remember not loving Jesus. There is no beginning point where my love began. It’s the same thing with my parents and older sister, I began loving them before I was able to form memories. So, I am confused when I hear many Protestants say they didn’t become a Christian until there teens or later. I’d there something I am not understanding? Just curious.

You were a Christian as an infant? What does it mean to be a Christian to you?

I came to the faith around the age of 14, but I wasn't raised in a Christian household.

 

[sparow]

The Jews in John the Baptist's day were raised "in the faith," but there was a clear distinction between circumcision and his baptism of repentance.

Baptism is the washing away discarded sin; circumcision is a blood covenant and sanctification, first commanded to Abraham, seconded by Moses; Jesus said nothing would be removed from the Law; three times proves it. I could be that Baptism may not be valid unless without circumcision.

 

[Strong in Him]

This might sound like a crazy question, but hear me out. I’m always hearing Protestants say they came to Jesus at age 15, 20, 30, etc. Even though they were raised in a Christian household. However, this baffles me, because I have no memory of becoming Christian. I am fortunate in, that unlike most people, my memories go back to just under three. Anyway, I simply don’t remember not loving Jesus. There is no beginning point where my love began. It’s the same thing with my parents and older sister, I began loving them before I was able to form memories. So, I am confused when I hear many Protestants say they didn’t become a Christian until there teens or later. I’d there something I am not understanding? Just curious.

It's a valid question, but why are you making this about Protestants and Catholics?
Why not ask, "why does it take so long for people to become Christians?" And, "I'm always hearing people say ...."?

The answer, I would say, is that being a Christian is a relationship with Jesus, as well as acknowledging him as Lord and Saviour.
That means, each person decides for themselves who Jesus is, whether or not to accept what he did for them on the cross, whether or not to follow, and when/whether to pray to be filled with his Spirit. (Please don't derail this by getting into predestination/free will, or whatever; my point is that faith is not inherited.) Trying to live off someone else's faith doesn't work - because at times of trial, temptation, doubt or challenge by unbelievers, the most a person could say is "my mum says that my redeemer lives". Rather than, "I know, for myself, without doubt, that my Redeemer lives".

Not everyone is brought up in a Christian household, taken to Sunday School, read Bible stories etc. Even if they are, that doesn't make them Christian; any more than being born in MacDonald's makes them a hamburger.
Some people take a long time to come to faith and accept Jesus' claims for themselves. Confessing Jesus as Lord is a big thing - he is Lord over our lives; his will be done. I think all of us struggle to accept that - the tendency is to say "I want ........ it's my life".

If you've never had a problem with that, accepted Jesus and came to a personal faith at an early age; great. But not everyone is like that.

 

[Strong in Him]

Something else that I find interesting about my family raising me to love Jesus concerns my life my life as an atheist in my twenties. The love for Jesus that my family had ingrained in me still remained. Unlike any other atheist I have ever know of, the person I admired most in world history remained Jesus.

I'm intrigued to know how you could believe in Jesus and be an atheist.
Jesus was, and is, God; the eternal word, with the Father from the beginning, John 1:1-3, 1 John 1:1-4. When he was on earth, he used God's name - I AM - and the Jewish leaders knew he was claiming to be God, John 8:58-59, John 10:33. He was crucified for blasphemy.
Maybe I'm missing something but I don't see how it was possible for you to say, "I love and admire Jesus" and "I don't believe in God" in the same sentence.
Admiring Jesus does not make someone a Christian, in any case. Muslims honour Jesus as a prophet, and some Hindus accept him as one of many gods.

 

[d taylor]

That's a good description of where I was at with it. Easy to get caught up in the us and them mentality and not realize that we need to make an individual decision to have a relationship with God. Here's how I came to the realization.

At eight years of age I was attending a Summer Bible camp in Wisconsin. In a morning chapel service the man speaking did as they always did, he gave an invitation to receive Christ. He asked that all heads be bowed and all eyes closed. But I found myself peeking to see if any of these "lost sinners" would raise a hand. At that moment God spoke to me. Though it was a supernatural event, it seemed as natural to me as anything. I knew who it was and wasn't frightened, or disturbed by it. What I heard was mind-blowing. It came like a tap on my shoulder. The message clear and direct. "If you think it is so important, why haven't you done it?" I was speechless. I answered with my feet. I knew the drill. I rose to my feet and pushed my way to the aisle to go forward before we were even asked to do so.

When I was a young adult I made a connection about this event that had not been apparent to me at the time. The man who "led me to Christ" was the son of the man that led my father to the Lord. A Christian Alliance missionary that went from farm to farm inviting people to Sunday School and sharing the gospel in the area where my father grew up. Basically in the middle of nowhere. Such a wonderful mystery, the workings of our great God.

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I do not have this i remember it was at this church, event, etc. Just as i matured as a person (when young 18 and under, i hated reading and never read) and began to study the topic of salvation/Eternal Life.

I came to understand (from good accurate teachers) God's only condition to receive His free gift of Eternal Life, was to trust in, believe in, have faith in The Messiah for God's free gift of Eternal Life. That is to believe that Jesus is The promised Messiah/Son of God. That it was not because i said a prayer or walked a church isle, was sorry for my sins, or was committed to God, etc...

And at the same time (to my surprise) that not every person who identifies as a christian/believer. Believed that faith was how one receive God's free gift of Eternal Life. That many are looking to actions they are doing or have done, in a way adhering to a personal law they have concocted.

 

[Strong in Him]

Hello Daniel, as Christian singer/songwriter Keith Green used to say, "going to church (and/or being raised in a Christian household) doesn't make you a Christian any more than going to McDonald's makes you a hamburger"

I knew I'd heard that somewhere.

 

[Saint Steven]

I spent several years as an atheist who still admired Jesus more than any other person in history. I think it would be accurate to say that when I was an atheist I kept Jesus at arm’s length. But not when I was young and certainly not now. He abides in me, and I in him is the way feel.

Thanks. That's good to hear.

 

[Saint Steven]

I am very happy to hear you say that. I have been attacked by several Protestants for saying a Christian must have a personal relationship with Jesus. Many Protestants got really angry with me, and said I was adding Faith. They insisted that Justification was by faith alone, and that a personal relationship with Jesus is not necessary. After those attacks, it’s wonderful to see your post.

That is surprising that Protestants would attack you on that basis. Bizarre, really.

I have begun to notice a very "nuts and bolts" position on the part of some Protestants. I think your observation may be an explanation. As if their relationship is with a book instead of the author.

 

[Saint Steven]

That many are looking to actions they are doing or have done, in a way adhering to a personal law they have concocted.

As I understand it, we aren't saved by good works, but they are an indicator that something has happened on the inside. (Ephesians 2:10) Another key indicator is the presence of the fruit of the Spirit. Which is actually more important than merely doing good works. We all have met atheists that are nice people.

I would also recommend the Baptism with the Holy Spirit (Acts 1:5-8) as an important subsequent experience. I might get some backlash here for saying that. - LOL

 

[Gregory Thompson]

Well I baptized my son in a Lutheran church.

I wonder if the sacrament would be considered genuine.

Early protestant denominations are kind of like a catholic church minus a pope. (so tend to not come to mind) I visited a lutheran church once. The liturgical format, tends to not be found in protestant churches so it was interesting anyway.

 

[Saint Steven]

I knew I'd heard that somewhere.

The way I heard it was...

"Being born in a garage doesn't make you a car."

 

[d taylor]

As I understand it, we aren't saved by good works, but they are an indicator that something has happened on the inside. (Ephesians 2:10) Another key indicator is the presence of the fruit of the Spirit. Which is actually more important than merely doing good works. We all have met atheists that are nice people.

I would also recommend the Baptism with the Holy Spirit (Acts 1:5-8) as an important subsequent experience. I might get some backlash here for saying that. - LOL

We can not, not look to good works really as an indicator. One because belief happens in a moment of time and in that time. Especially in a new believer, they will not have works.
They may eventually have works as they grow but they are not guaranteed to grow. Especially if they are not properly taught how to grow as a believer. So some or even many may fall away. As illustrated in the parable of the soils, by the three example of believer soils, only the last soil bore fruit.

The only real assurance a believer can have is that God has promised. That anyone who believes in The Messiah, God's Son has received God's free gift of Eternal Life promise.

Now i know when i believe in something, i am not sure about other people. But i know i have received God's free gift of Eternal Life. Because God has promised/guaranteed me i have, i need to look no where else.

 

[Daniel Peres]

That is surprising that Protestants would attack you on that basis. Bizarre, really.

I have begun to notice a very "nuts and bolts" position on the part of some Protestants. I think your observation may be an explanation. As if their relationship is with a book instead of the author.

These Protestants that attacked apparently had an extreme belief about Sola Fide. They insisted to me that the word “alone” in “Justification by Faith Alone” must be strictly adhered to, and that believing a Christian must have a personal relationship with Jesus would be an additional requirement, which would mean Justification is by Faith plus something else. I was a little confused since many Protestants have told me that Protestants are true Christians because they have a personal relationship with Jesus, and Catholics don’t.

 

[Daniel Peres]

I'm intrigued to know how you could believe in Jesus and be an atheist.
Jesus was, and is, God; the eternal word, with the Father from the beginning, John 1:1-3, 1 John 1:1-4. When he was on earth, he used God's name - I AM - and the Jewish leaders knew he was claiming to be God, John 8:58-59, John 10:33. He was crucified for blasphemy.
Maybe I'm missing something but I don't see how it was possible for you to say, "I love and admire Jesus" and "I don't believe in God" in the same sentence.
Admiring Jesus does not make someone a Christian, in any case. Muslims honour Jesus as a prophet, and some Hindus accept him as one of many gods.

Even, as an atheist, I had a great admiration for Jesus, because although I had lost faith in his divinity, as well as the existence of God in general, I still passionately agreed with his moral teachings. In fact, I had the belief that the world is better of living under Christian morality than without it. Because of this belief, I never tried to convince anybody that atheism was the truth. In fact, I was terrified of what might happen to the world if other Christians lost their faith as I did.

As to whether I was a Christian at that time, we’ll I wouldn’t say that I was a Christian at that time, and I absolutely agree with you that admiring Jesus does not make a person a Christian. However, I don’t think it would be inaccurate to say I was a fallen away Christian.

 

[Strong in Him]

The way I heard it was...

"Being born in a garage doesn't make you a car."

Or, "being born in a stable didn't make Jesus a horse".