"destiny" <destinyworldwide@yahoo.com>
Re: Are You a Christian?

What is the Bible definition of a true Christian?

Hello,

It is similar to the dictionary definitions. For example:

"a person who believes in Christ and follows His teachings;" (The
World Book Encyclopedia Dictionary)

Thus there are two main parts to being a Christian. And the Bible
would agree with that. First of course, you must believe in Jesus and
what he claimed he was. (not just an influential person, but a person
from God able to perform miracles etc). Believing in Jesus also
recognizes that no human can get to God unless they go through Jesus
first. Joh 14:6,

"Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one
comes to the Father except through me."" (NIV)

There are more things necessary to believe about Jesus, but this
should give you some ideas.

The second part of the that dictionary definition mentioned that real
Christians also FOLLOW or obey Jesus' commands. Lu 6:46,

"Why do you call me, 'Lord, Lord,' and do not do what I say?" (NIV)

Thus to Jesus, obedience is also paramount to being a true follower of
him. For example, Jesus said this to his followers at Mt 5:44,

"But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute
you," (NASB)

Yet the history of many of the churches of Christendom is a very
BLOODY history, because of their support for this world's wars. So
what does Jesus call people who believe in him and tell others they
do, but who don't follow all of Jesus' commands? (I am not talking
about the occasional sin we all do because of weakness, rather willful
and intentional disregard of any of Jesus' commands) He tells us at Mt
7:21-23,

"21 Not everyone who says to me, `Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom
of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in
heaven. 22 Many will say to me on that day, `Lord, Lord, did we not
prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform
many miracles?' 23 Then I will tell them plainly, `I never knew you.
Away from me, you evildoers!'" (NIV)

Yes, he calls them "evildoers", regardless of how many things they
might have done in Jesus' name.

So to recap, genuine Christians believe in Jesus, and really do follow
all of his commands to the best of their ability, which includes
LOVING their enemies, not spilling their guts out on a battle field or
something.


Sincerely, James


***********************************
Want a FREE home Bible study?
Have Jehovah's Witnesses questions?
Go to the authorized source:
http://www.watchtower.org
***********************************



<snip>

John