What defines a Christian?

Boris The Animal

Boris The Animal

It's Just Boris!
In these fora, I see misconceptions all the time about what makes a "good" Christian. Leftists/Liberals like to equate government welfare largess as fulfilling the idea of "feeding the poor", etc. rather than doing it out of their OWN resources, as it should be. But I submit the BIBLICAL definition of a Christian, as outlined throughout Scripture, is acknowledging there is absolutely zero good in mankind. Romans Chapter 3:9-20 talks about the unrighteousness of man, and that no good can ever earn him Heaven, nor a relationship with God. "What shall we conclude then? Do we have any advantage? Not at all! For we have already made the charge that Jews and Gentiles alike are all under the power of sin. As it is written:

'There is no one righteous, not even one;
there is no one who understands;
there is no one who seeks God.
All have turned away,
they have together become worthless;
there is no one who does good,
not even one.'" (NIV)

So basically, in God's economy because of our sin, we have zero chance at attaining Heaven, even though we might seem "good" or "moral", it is still not enough!
So what EXACTLY is the solution? The Cross! Christ's death on the cross is God's way to establish the relationship between Himself and mankind. This was the full payment for the penalty of our sins; past, present, and future. "As far as the East is from the West, I will remember your sins no more", says the Lord of Hosts. Does this give us license to sin? No, but God's forgiveness does give us true freedom in Him. This is the right definition of a Christian. The works we do come as a result of our salvation and the purpose is to bring others to the Cross.
 
If I recall correctly it has something to do with this....
I believe in God, the Father almighty,
creator of heaven and earth.
I believe in Jesus Christ, God's only Son, our Lord,
who was conceived by the Holy Spirit,
born of the Virgin Mary,
suffered under Pontius Pilate,
was crucified, died, and was buried;
he descended to the dead.
On the third day he rose again;
he ascended into heaven,
he is seated at the right hand of the Father,
and he will come to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit,
the holy catholic Church,
the communion of saints,
the forgiveness of sins,
the resurrection of the body,
and the life everlasting. Amen.
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if you disagree with any of the above you belong to some religion that is NOT Christian......
 
Boris The Animal said:
In these fora, I see misconceptions all the time about what makes a "good" Christian. Leftists/Liberals like to equate government welfare largess as fulfilling the idea of "feeding the poor", etc. rather than doing it out of their OWN resources, as it should be. But I submit the BIBLICAL definition of a Christian, as outlined throughout Scripture, is acknowledging there is absolutely zero good in mankind. Romans Chapter 3:9-20 talks about the unrighteousness of man, and that no good can ever earn him Heaven, nor a relationship with God. "What shall we conclude then? Do we have any advantage? Not at all! For we have already made the charge that Jews and Gentiles alike are all under the power of sin. As it is written:

'There is no one righteous, not even one;
there is no one who understands;
there is no one who seeks God.
All have turned away,
they have together become worthless;
there is no one who does good,
not even one.'" (NIV)

So basically, in God's economy because of our sin, we have zero chance at attaining Heaven, even though we might seem "good" or "moral", it is still not enough!
So what EXACTLY is the solution? The Cross! Christ's death on the cross is God's way to establish the relationship between Himself and mankind. This was the full payment for the penalty of our sins; past, present, and future. "As far as the East is from the West, I will remember your sins no more", says the Lord of Hosts. Does this give us license to sin? No, but God's forgiveness does give us true freedom in Him. This is the right definition of a Christian. The works we do come as a result of our salvation and the purpose is to bring others to the Cross.
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Basically, Christians reject capitalism and all other exploitive systems and, as Jesus recommended, share and share alike as the mighty are put down from their seats. Clearly the whole concept is hugely foreign to the USA, where Christianity was never practiced.
 
iolo said:
Basically, Christians reject capitalism and all other exploitive systems and, as Jesus recommended, share and share alike as the mighty are put down from their seats. Clearly the whole concept is hugely foreign to the USA, where Christianity was never practiced.
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No, that's where you are wrong. Jesus certainly NEVER condemned wealth, nor the LEGAL acquisition thereof. Remember Joseph of Aramethea and Nicodemus? They both were well-to-do in their time and yet Christ never commanded them to "share the wealth" What you are insinuating that Christians should also be Communists AKA Liberation Theology, which is false and unbiblical doctrine. He is more concerned with the status of our hearts than any outward actions. Being rich and a disciple of Christ simply means that God has blessed him with much, and as such, has a greater responsibility of good stewardship.
 
Boris The Animal said:
No, that's where you are wrong. Jesus certainly NEVER condemned wealth, nor the LEGAL acquisition thereof. Remember Joseph of Aramethea and Nicodemus? They both were well-to-do in their time and yet Christ never commanded them to "share the wealth" What you are insinuating that Christians should also be Communists AKA Liberation Theology, which is false and unbiblical doctrine. He is more concerned with the status of our hearts than any outward actions. Being rich and a disciple of Christ simply means that God has blessed him with much, and as such, has a greater responsibility of good stewardship.
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Since Jesus believed in Hell, there had to be people to go there, namely the rich. Read the parable of Dives and Lazarus, what Jesus said to the rich young man, what they did about property in the early Church, etc, etc, etc. I'd say Jesus thought you'd be better to find the evil of the day sufficient, without building up hugely more, like Trump and the rest of you Mammon-worshippers. When you can spare time from robbing one another, read the New Testament.
 
iolo said:
Basically, Christians reject capitalism and all other exploitive systems and, as Jesus recommended, share and share alike as the mighty are put down from their seats. Clearly the whole concept is hugely foreign to the USA, where Christianity was never practiced.
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Christians also reject socialism, because they aren't overly fond of state-sponsored mass murder.
 
Jade Dragon said:
A Christian is those that emulate Christ to the best of their abilities. Simple as that.
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No, not as "simple as that" because you overlook one extremely important detail and I outlined it with Paul's letter to the Romans. There is no good that can come from man. We are totally incapable of redeeming ourselves and earning God's favor. In fact, Romans 3:23 states; "The wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord" In other words, you cannot earn Heaven. So no good we do can suffice, understand?
 
PostmodernProphet said:
idiot....go back and read the answer I gave you the first two times you asked.......if you can't be bothered to read and remember why should I waste my time talking to you......
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As I recall you avoided answering .. and it should be simple.. For instance I am an Episcopalian .. and I attended church with my husband who was Methodist. How hard is that?
 
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