What is a True Christian?

John 14:6 Jesus says "I am the way, the truth and the life. No man comes to the Father but by me." I John 5: 11, 12 says, This is the record that God has given to us eternal life and this life is in his son. He that has the son has life and he that has not the son of God has not life. Then verse 13 says "These thing have I written to you that believe on Jesus Christ, that you may know that you have eternal life.The word "Christ" is in the word "Christian." Without him you're not a true Christian. How does one get him? By receiving him. John 1:12 says" But as many as received him (Christ), to them have I given the power to become the sons of God, even to them who believe on his name."Jesus, the Christ also said to Nicodemus, "Except a man be born again (born from above) he cannot see the kingdom of God." He goes on to explain how it's being born of his spirit. When one receives Christ as saviour, the person is receiving the spirit of Christ.In John 3:16 we read,"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten (born) son that whoever believes in him should not perish but have everlasting life." So here believing in him is requred.So we see here, by the words of Jesus the Christ himself that there's more to it than loving God, others and self. Please remember also, the above are not my ideas. They are the fundamentals of what the Bible actually say to be a bonafide Christian who has eternal life and enters into his kingdom.

Don't forget, Schraf, that though you hate Robertson and Falwell, they are Biblically correct on all points of yours and yes, Sodom and Gomorah was the result of debauchery including homosexuality. The Bible is full of the consequences of disobedience to Biblical principles. It's the Bible you seem to [i]really[/ii] hate.

Please quote him verbatum and I'll respond. And precisely who demanded what of whom according to the text? Multiple wives were sanctioned by nearly all cultures back then nor did God forbid it. Biblically it was not considered debauchery. What was forbidden was for Jews to marry heathen wives. Please cite the Biblical text of reference here and I'll comment.

Schraf, substantiate your claim by specifying in detail examples as to how these men are racist, sexist, and anti-intellectual.

Jar, we're talking Christian here. The godly ought to be covered in a different thread altogether as it covers multitudes of gods and the sky's the limit to what might considered godly. Christianity as depicted in the Bible is totally exclusive according to the Christ of Christianity. Yah and you know what he'd tell them? He'd likely repeat his account of the rich man in hell or maybe refer them to one of the OT prophecies he was fulfilling, proving the existence of God and the supernatural dimension in the universe. And btw, maybe a brew, but not three. He'd caution them of the need for the need of soberness and moderation in everything. Specifically what did Jesus teach that contradicts Robertson and Falwell? Falwell once gave the shoes he was wearing to a man in need and went home barefoot as an example of his brand of Christianity.Why is it that I'm reading so much flat out nonsense in this thread by some of you people as to what Christianity is about? Maybe some of you need to do a refresher reading of the NT and get back to us in a couple of days about what you've discovered in the texts. So if Falwell and Robertson's good works don't qualify, what can you add to theirs yourself personally to rise above their record? And btw, while you're thinking about that, you might get your Bible condordance out or use google's and check out how important believing in Jesus as the Christ really is. It may surprise you to find that the rich young ruler to whom Jesus had a heart to heart chat with was a very meticulously good person, but his heaped up good works weren't enough. Total commitment to Christ as Lord was what Jesus required of him, even if it meant to sell all his goods and give to the poor. Jesus knew where his heart's desire was -- in his riches and Jesus made this request of him specifically of him to change that to making his heart's desire to Jesus as Lord of his life.--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Thanks, Ned and Asgara. My response to this is that I believe Falwell was remiss in making an apology atol. Specifically what in his original statement and expecially in his statement of apology regarding God's protection is contrary to the overall teaching of Biblical scripture on this? After all, isn't his job to teach scripture as it is and let the chips fall where they may? The great preachers of old often were imprisoned or killed for teaching the Bible messages, but they did what they needed to do regardless. My only fault with Falwell is that he called his explanation an apology, if indeed that's what he did.

Mmmm pardon, for interupting here, but six conversions and Glossolalia?? I've was converted once to Christianity 58 years ago and have never heard of the need for multiple conversions. And btw, whattaheck is this Glossalalia? Have I missed something in all these 57 years of daily Bible readings, weekly Bible classes and church services??

Please read the topic question thoughtfully. The topic is exclusively about the religion of Christianity. The Christ of Christianity is Jesus. That's why we should limit this particular discussion to this religion, Christianity. How can a Muslim, a Jew or a pagan be a true Christian exclusive of the Christ of this particular religion?? Your comment makes about as much sense as to contend that Christians and Pagans are also Muslim, doesn't it?

I find it interesting that so many people expect sooo much more leeway from God than they are willing to give one another. Take for example, joining a lodge or fraternity. There are certain set rules of proceedure one must follow and steps to complete, including acknowledging certain things and signing the dotted line. Now, Jesus and the apostles wrote in the books of the NT certain things one must do in order to enter this place called Heaven and to walk through those pearly gates. One must have acknowledged the need of a saviour for dealing with the sin problem. One must acknowledge that Jesus is that Lord and Saviour. Jesus himself told Nicodemus that one must have the spiritual birth and become a spiritual oriented person to see that kingdom, being born again by receiving the spirit of Jesus, the Holy Spirit into one's being. So why, with these clearly laid out steps and rules to follow, should one who refuses to do them ever expect to get into God's club so to speak? You don't just walk into a fraternity house and enjoy all the benefits of it by telling them you've been a good ole joe without meeting the requirements first. Being a good ole joe is nice, but won't get in the club. So with God and his Heaven.This message has been edited by buzsaw, 05-26-2004 11:21 PM