What is your definition of a true Christian

[Imagican]

And this forces me to add that 'trinity' was not taught by Christ nor the apostles, so obviously this WASN'T a 'mandatory' understanding to receive salvation. Ether I am correct, or there were NONE saved until after 'trinity' was introduced.

But, other than this statement, I agree with what Thess has offered.

 

[thessalonian]

And this forces me to add that 'trinity' was not taught by Christ nor the apostles, so obviously this WASN'T a 'mandatory' understanding to receive salvation. Ether I am correct, or there were NONE saved until after 'trinity' was introduced.

But, other than this statement, I agree with what Thess has offered.

The word trinity was not taught before the end of the third century. The concept was. I don't care if you don't like the word. But your doctrine on the matter is contrary so saddly enough you are outside of Christianity. I ask God's mercy.

 

[ChristineES]

Thank you. I have tears in my eyes I was so touched.

I really did feel bad when I wrote that this morning, I felt as if I had started a battle. But now I feel better, thank you again and God Bless You.

 

[Jay T]

I read these threads, I find them fascinating and I do learn from them.

I am interested, in what different people define as a true Christian.

My definition: A person who believes in Christ and obeys His commandments.

And, the Bible says you are absolutely RIGHT !!
14:12 "Here is the patience of the saints: here [are] they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus".

20:20 "And hallow my sabbaths; and they shall be a [SIGN] between me and you, that ye may know that I [am] the LORD your God".

[quote:58ac3]Going to Church every Sunday does not necessarily mean a person is a true Christian.

And the Bible again, says you are right !
Jesus said that traditions of men ( such as Sunday worship services) is in vain.

Shouting out praises to God in public also does not mean necessarily mean someone is a true Christian.

[/quote:58ac3]A Christian is one who imitates Jesus Christ, both in word and action.

 

[mutzrein]

And this forces me to add that 'trinity' was not taught by Christ nor the apostles, so obviously this WASN'T a 'mandatory' understanding to receive salvation. Ether I am correct, or there were NONE saved until after 'trinity' was introduced.

But, other than this statement, I agree with what Thess has offered.

The word trinity was not taught before the end of the third century. The concept was. I don't care if you don't like the word. But your doctrine on the matter is contrary so saddly enough you are outside of Christianity. I ask God's mercy.

Mmmm interesting judgement. I have read Imagican's testimony and I would say that by the grace of God he is definitely INSIDE Christianity, that is if the fruit of the Spirit is any measure.

Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee stood up and prayed about himself: 'God, I thank you that I am not like other menâ€â€robbers, evildoers, adulterersâ€â€or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get.'
"But the tax collector stood at a distance. He would not even look up to heaven, but beat his breast and said, 'God, have mercy on me, a sinner.'

"I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted."

 

[John the Baptist]

Hi, I find it rather amazing how we get sidetracked with simple questions.
A true Christian? Surely we are not looking at people are we? :wink: We even give 'grades'??? As if we can read ones heart or mind rather than the post. Even 'the teacher's' heart that recorded the grade, cannot be read. Here I was wondering if he was perhaps grading a person? :

And love surely comes in a Everlasting Gospel package! Such as John the Baptist being beheaded for calling sin by its right name? (or as a hot hell who finds it full, with some lovers of Christ? as is seen in Revelation 17:5 & Revelation 3:16-17 even with LOVE, lukewarm, but still have some love!)
So, what is Agape Love? Feeling good? Emotion? Excitement? Or a Eternal 'Epistle' Character of the Godhead PRINCIPLE as seen in 2 Corinthians 3:3.

I offer Christ's Word from Matthew 23:3 as the only way to 'see' who are Christian's (God professed servers) and who are not. And even then, the only way He gives to know for sure is by their 'works'. K.J.'s puts it this way.. "All therefore whatsoever they bid you observe, that observe and do, [but do not ye after their works, for they say and do not]."

So: The case in point as I see it, is as simple as Christ put it to me 'alone' personally. "If [you] Love Me, keep my Commandments." :fadein:

And us? We can only guess as to what our 'friends' motives are for service.

 

[Imagican]

John, your offerings are of a 'truth', no doubt.

I don't believe that the thread was started with the intent to judge 'who is' or 'who isn't' a Christian, for this is an impossibility for man, but what those in attendance believe it takes to 'be'.

The only way in which this can be determined are through the words offered by God and Christ. Not only the words, but the interpretation of these words. Regardless of the interpretation, there IS an answer to this question. And even though it may vary from individual to individual, there is ONLY ONE TRUTH.

 

[TruthMiner]

The word trinity was not taught before the end of the third century. The concept was. I don't care if you don't like the word. But your doctrine on the matter is contrary so saddly enough you are outside of Christianity. I ask God's mercy.

Um no, not by Tertullian, not by Justin Martyr, not be anyone. It was a post-Nicean development. You do the same thing with the ECF's you do with the Bible... you read the idea into their words. Sorry, but its not there.

And you actually have it backwards. The word WAS used prior to the 3rd century. The concept you believe in did NOT. The word "trinity" was used however it was not used to refer to or indicate a three person God.

 

[TruthMiner]

I read these threads, I find them fascinating and I do learn from them.

I am interested, in what different people define as a true Christian.

My definition: A person who believes in Christ and obeys His commandments.

Going to Church every Sunday does not necessarily mean a person is a true Christian. Shouting out praises to God in public also does not mean necessarily mean someone is a true Christian.

A true Christian is one who is actually being conformed to the image of Christ in suffering that they may also be conformed to his image in resurrection.

 

[stovebolts]

A true Christian is one who is actually being conformed to the image of Christ in suffering that they may also be conformed to his image in resurrection.

Good day TruthMiner. I must say that I have been enjoying your comments. That being said, I would like to add this and I'd like to hear your thoughts when I come back next week.

In the context of your post.

Hebrews 2:9 But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour; that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man.

Here we can see WHAT Jesus came to do and we see why he did it. We as Christian also need to die, that we may be brought up a new creature in Christ. I am not speaking of only a physical death, but a death to self.

Romans 8:6 For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.

 

[mutzrein]

A true Christian is one who is actually being conformed to the image of Christ in suffering that they may also be conformed to his image in resurrection.

Yes - and this is not of ourselves.

 

[John the Baptist]

A true Christian is one who is actually being conformed to the image of Christ in suffering that they may also be conformed to his image in resurrection.

Yes - and this is not of ourselves.

**
Very True! yet, the Provisions are ours to use or not to use, by our Born Again Motive of Loving 'works'! Philippians 4:13 2 Corinthians 12:9, & LOVE?? Revelation 3:16-17