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Does proclaiming to be a Christian make it so regardless...

EvolvingChristian

EvolvingChristian

Member
...of anything else they believe or do? For instance, if a Nazi SS soldier killed imprisoned Jews every day for years while claiming to be a Christian, would you recognize them as a "Christian"? More importantly, would Jesus?
 
Claiming to be Christian does not necessarily make it so. I believe there are a lot of people today that see Christianity, or any religion for that matter, more like a club than a faith. As long as they attend meetings on occasion or pay some dues once in a while they claim the title.

Our pastor talked about this yesterday saying (paraphrased), "Christianity is not a religion or a title. It is a faith and a lifestyle."
 
EvolvingChristian said:
...of anything else they believe or do? For instance, if a Nazi SS soldier killed imprisoned Jews every day for years while claiming to be a Christian, would you recognize them as a "Christian"? More importantly, would Jesus?
Click to expand...
I claimed and thought I was a Christian for decades. I did all the "right stuff". A staunch conservative/ republican/ right-to-carry permit holder/NRA life member/no government regulations/prayed/praised/protected family secrets/no law breaking/clean record........etc.
All that crumbled under a psycho/emo collapse. My body started to unravel same as my mind from past suppressed childhood sexual abuse. All my conservative leanings betrayed me. We are called to follow Christ regardless of the worldly pillars we cherish and regardless of family loyalties.
Christ is who saves. Christ is who awaits us. He must be our center upon which all else revolves. I didn't bring myself into an intention of actual obedience until I submitted to an overwhelming conviction to be baptized. I realized I had only been playing Christian all those years. Each year I look back and look at my behavior the year before and think "I thought I was a Christian then?" I hope each year I continue to grow in Christ and forsake more of the world.
No. One cannot indulge in daily iniquity with no intention of repentance. I pray for grace as I strive for obedience.
 
Oh sorry I thought Christianity was a hobby. My main hobby though. Fascinating story about Jesus. Club meetings weekly where I can meet similar hobby enthusiasts.
 
EvolvingChristian said:
if a Nazi SS soldier killed imprisoned Jews every day for years while claiming to be a Christian, would you recognize them as a "Christian
Click to expand...
As long as they tithed regularly and attended weekly Church meetings. Oh and went to Confession. I mean he was just doing his job. Maybe he couldn't get another job.
 
Many call them self a Christian as even Hitler did, but those who profess Christ as Lord and Savior keep in step with the Spirit. We will know them by their fruit.

Gal 5:16 This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.
Gal 5:17 For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would.
Gal 5:18 But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law.
Gal 5:19 Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness,
Gal 5:20 Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies,
Gal 5:21 Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.
Gal 5:22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,
Gal 5:23 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.
Gal 5:24 And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.
Gal 5:25 If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.
Gal 5:26 Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another.
 
David Chapman claimed to be a born again Christian.
He went on to do a lot of good works until he finally murdered John Lennon.
 
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