How do you determine who is and who isn't a Christian?

[Dave Slayer]

How do you determine who is and who isn't a Christian? What is Biblical?

 

[Tina]

.
I have met nasty Christians .... ......... and really nice non-Christians ......

You can't tell who's Christian just by looks ............


.

 

[Kyle]

I suppose the simplest definition of a Christian would be one who has accepted Jesus Christ as their savior. But of course, it's probably more complex than that.

 

[stovebolts]

When the word Christian first appeared, it was used as an adjetive to describe a certain type of people. People who followed the way of Jesus.

I've concluded that the word Christian is a great adjective and a lousy noun.

 

[Vince]

An oddity here is that the Bible never defines the word "Christian." It is first used to state that the disciples were called "Christians." Judas had been a disciple without ever accepting Christ. The word literally means "little Christs," and appears to have been an insult.

 

[Grams]

We just come out and ask!

"What would you tell God if He asked you why He should allow you into Heaven ?"

I do not believe you are till you are saved !

 

[EternallyHis]

You will know a "true" Christian by their fruits. If there is no "true" fruit of the spirit in their lives it will eventually become apparent in everything they do. I am not talking about occasional unchristian behavior, but this will show through in everything they do, say and the attitude behind these.

 

[Vince]

As my friend EternallyHis correctly points out, there MUST be a change when a person accepts Jesus Christ as Savior. If the person goes on living the same wicked life that he had been living, the person did not truly accept Christ.

 

[Adullam]

When the word Christian first appeared, it was used as an adjetive to describe a certain type of people. People who followed the way of Jesus.

I've concluded that the word Christian is a great adjective and a lousy noun.

 

[whirlwind]

When the word Christian first appeared, it was used as an adjetive to describe a certain type of people. People who followed the way of Jesus.

I've concluded that the word Christian is a great adjective and a lousy noun.

• :biglol :yes

 

[Sparkey]

The Fable of Granny's Garden

• by Sparrow

My grandmeré was a farmer & gardener extraordinaire; her garden was exquisite.
She was constantly busy making certain that each plant and field was tenderly cared for. I felt truly trusted when she didn't hesitate to accept my offer to help. "What can I do, Grammy?" Little Sparrowhawke was trained carefully according to her wisdom and felt proud to be a part of such a grand enterprise.

It was one fateful morning then, while visiting her, that I had a thought that I would later regret.
"I know," I said to myself, "I can help out with Granny's flower garden too."

Now, mind you - the one you know as "Sparrow" wasn't even old enough to be called a "spring chicken" yet. At the tender age of four (4) and with my heart swelling, the self appointed task of weeding the flower garden had been determined. With my course firmly in mind the thought, "Hmmm? Which ones?" occurred to me.

Brilliance seldom occurs but when it does it comes as a flash of lightning. It was easy! Pull them all up and the ones that grow back are the weeds.

 

[justvisiting]

The simple truth of the gospel...
Accepting Christ is just as simple as making friends with God. That is in fact what you are doing when you accept Him. All we have to do is acknowledge our sin before Him... and ask Christ to be our Lord and Savior. The Christian walk is a walk of friendship with God. After we are Christians, we are to read the Bible...because it shows us the ways of God.
God made it simple, so even a small child can be one of His friends. Believe it or not, it's that simple.
Most men that won't be Saved, deny His very existence. They also retaliate against Him and deny their own sin and need for His redemption.
Don't worry about what you feel. It's like making friends with any other person, except now because you have shown faith to believe...it pleases God. Now God expects you to walk as one of His children.
Does that all sound simple. It really is that simple. That's why men are without excuse. We don't have to be schooled philosophers or have super intelligence. It's just merely a matter of acknowledging the Creator and His Son. No Mystery.
Isn't it amazing that mankind still refuses that simple gesture of friendship with Him, but choose to deny and even hate him, because they love sin more than what God says is right.
A Christian has the imputed righteousness of Christ. That's what the death on the cross was for, to pay for the sins of fallen man. His resurrection made it possible for us to be with Him. Christ defeated death and hell when He rose from the dead. He is not the God of the dead...but the living, because He will raise us all again to be with Him.
Hope that's not too simple for you. God does not desire you to have a math degree to be one of His.
All he wants is your heart and soul and mind to worship Him as the Truth.
Being born again happens at the instant of sincere acknowledgement of Him. His Spirit sets up residence in our temples of flesh.
If this all sounds strange. The very fact that we exist is strange. God loves His creation and wants that fellowship back with man that Adam took away.

 

[justvisiting]

After having stated the previous. I would like to state that there are some simple 7 year old children that have a better Walk with God, than some men with Theology degrees. They walk in simplicity, sincerity, and friendship with Him. Some of us are still rebellious and twist the word of God for our own convenience after we believe. This is not good. Enoch walked with God...and was not, because God took Him. He had this testimony...that He pleased God.

 

[Vince]

Galatians 5:19-21 clearly shows that certain "Christians" have never accepted Christ and been born again.

 

[justvisiting]

Galatians 5:19-21 clearly shows that certain "Christians" have never accepted Christ and been born again.

I agree that is true. There are also those that backslide but are still Christians. 1 Cor 3 shows that. I think there are Christians that have become carnal along the way and it's hard to tell if they are Christians any more. Some need to be pulled out of the fire...as Jude states.
It's great when one's Christianity is clearly defined...and everyone knows...that is indeed, what they are.

 

[JoJo]

This may sound strange, but sometimes you can see it in their eyes. You know?

 

[justvisiting]

Ahh, an eye discerning Christian.
Actually, I can usually tell more from their words...and sometimes I sense in my spirit that there is something good about them.

 

[JoJo]

Maybe that's a better description. :yes

 

[justvisiting]

An oddity here is that the Bible never defines the word "Christian." It is first used to state that the disciples were called "Christians." Judas had been a disciple without ever accepting Christ. The word literally means "little Christs," and appears to have been an insult.

What does the word "Christian" mean?


The Greek word for "Christian," is Christianos. This means "follower of Christ; Christian." According to Hayford’s Bible Handbook (page 570):
The word occurs three times in the New Testament.

The designation of the early followers of Christ as Christians was initiated by the non-Christian population of Antioch (Acts 11:26), and originally it was probably a term of mocking or derision – "little Christs." Eventually, however, Christians used it of themselves as a name of honor, not of shame (Acts 26:28; I Peter 4:16). Prior to their adoption of the name, the Christians called themselves believers (Acts 5:14), brothers (Acts 6:3), or saints (Acts 9:13), names which also continued to be used…."

Act 11:25 Then departed Barnabas to Tarsus, for to seek Saul (Paul):
Act 11:26 And when he had found him, he brought him unto Antioch. And it came to pass, that a whole year they assembled themselves with the church, and taught much people. And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch.

I tend to perceive they were called Christians because of the teaching that Paul gave them also.

I prefer the rendition...follower of Christ.

 

[tweety1]

You will know a "true" Christian by their fruits. If there is no "true" fruit of the spirit in their lives it will eventually become apparent in everything they do. I am not talking about occasional unchristian behavior, but this will show through in everything they do, say and the attitude behind these.

I could not agree more. You hit it right on the nose! :yes