What does it mean to be "Christian" ?

[Lionroot]

Brothers,

The New Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines the word "Christian":

n:

an adherent of Christianity

adj:

1)of or relating to Christianity

2)based on or conforming with Christianity

3)of or relating to a Christian

4)professing Christianity

People frequently apply this word to themselves, to describe their beliefs. However when you see the phrase used to describe others, it is frequently a judgement. In the positive it suggest agreement, and acceptance. In the negative (i.e. "not a Christian") it connotes disagreement, rejection, and that the person to whom it is directed is not saved.

I had thought the term meant, follower of Christ. It is certainly more important to follow Christ than the religion known as Christianity. Christianity is itself merely a socio-political body of imperfect people, that seems highly influenced by current customs, trends, power, and even money. (Historically speaking)

We must remember that ones salvation is not tied to ones Church, but rather to ones relationship with God. Imprecise labels, and insults merely serve to divide people. If you have a truth to share with someone, do it with love. Perhaps then you might positively impact their life, and maybe even their salvation.

God Bless,

Robert

P.S. I leave you with a few Biblical considerations...

Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander. - 1 Peter 3:15b-16

Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ."- Ephesians 4:16

Accept him whose faith is weak, without passing judgment on disputable matters. -Romans 14:1

[Leonard]

How 'bout these:

1. Jesus Christ rose from the dead.

2. That resurrection somehow means my salvation.

[Gerioke]

How 'bout these:

1.

[Khristeeanos]

obedience

[other one]

Rom 10:8-10

9 that if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you shall be saved; 10 for with the heart man believes, resulting in righteousness, and with the mouth he confesses, resulting in salvation.

NASB

This pretty much does it for me........

[Khristeeanos]

Rom 10:8-10

9 that if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you shall be saved; 10 for with the heart man believes, resulting in righteousness, and with the mouth he confesses, resulting in salvation.

NASB

This pretty much does it for me........

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Don't forget that Romans was written to Christians. It isn't telling a lost person how to be saved.

[Lionroot]

Greetings Leonard,

Is this an idea for a litmus test? If so, is it personal? Else, how would it be applied practically? Already someone appears to have added to this definition. If thats what it is...

God Bless,

Robert

 

How 'bout these: 

 

1.  Jesus Christ rose from the dead. 

 

2.  That resurrection somehow means my salvation. 

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[Lionroot]

Greetings DIME Ministries,

I have read and enjoyed many of your post. They are without a doubt some of the most well reasoned ones I read here on WorthyBoard. I have to ask you the same questions I had for Leonard.

Could you expound on your thought here?

God Bless,

Robert

obedience

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[Lionroot]

Greetings other one,

This scripture is great for self evaluation. I am not sure how I would apply it toward anyone else. How can I know what a man believes in his heart? For it is written: These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me.

God Bless,

Robert

Rom 10:8-10

9 that if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you shall be saved; 10 for with the heart man believes, resulting in righteousness, and with the mouth he confesses, resulting in salvation.

NASB

This pretty much does it for me........

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[tsth]

Greetings DIME Ministries,

I have read and enjoyed many of your post. They are without a doubt some of the most well reasoned ones I read here on WorthyBoard. I have to ask you the same questions I had for Leonard.