In my view, this person is one of many who is not a Christian but is living in the misapprehension that entry to Heaven is automatic because he's a good person really.
Being baptised does not make one a Christian; especially when you're a baby and do not know what is going on.
Believing in Jesus does not make you a Christian either. The Devil believes in Jesus. He tried to tempt Him many a time. Jesus drove out many demons who possessed people. They knew and believed who He is. The Pharisees, Saducees and scribes knew and believed in Jesus as the Son of God. They had read it in Scripture and conspired to kill Him because He was a threat to their position of power. It takes more than believing in Jesus to be a Christian.
Wearing the Cross for "protection" is in itself an insult. The Cross is not a good luck charm or a talisman with magic powers. Sadly, many treat it as such or as a piece of jewellery rather than a memory of what it represents.
To be a Christian one must believe that Jesus is the Son of God and that He walked this earth as fully human and fully God. He died for us and was resurrected by His Father, our God.
Being a Christian is a way of life. It's not a badge or a title to identify one with. It's a way of life which requires one to behave in a certain way.
To be a Christian means to share our lives with Christ and to live as He would expect us to. To pray and communicate with Him daily, perhaps more than once a day. And yes, to visit Him regularly in church - not for His benefit, but for ours in order to improve ourselves and get closer to Him by our living example to others.
To be a Christian means reading the Bible and other Christian literature in order to learn more about Christ, the real person we claim to love and follow. Jesus is not just a badge or an ornament to be worn on our lapel or round our neck. He is not just a nice person we may have seen on TV and the cinema. Jesus is the Son of God and deserves more respect than many afford Him.
Sadly ... that individual at the discussion was in no mood to listen. He was sure he is a Christian.
Thank you for your candor, Victor. The truth isn't often pretty -- but neither is the thought of going anywhere but Heaven.
ReplyDeleteI believe!
There are people, Mevely, who just do not want to listen. So it is a waste of time, and counter-productive, to try to convince or explain to them. That individual was convinced that he was a Christian. He was baptised to prove it. He did not see Christianity as more than just a Baptism Certificate. I hope he can explain it to Saint Peter eventually.
DeleteGod bless you and yours.
Ditto to exactly what Myra said. so sad that there are thousands of people who have the same thoughts as this person you are speaking of. They also believe that they can ride into heaven on the shirt tails and skirt tails of their parents-grandparents. Thank you Victor for this post.
ReplyDeleteThank you Shug. Did you know that in the UK the number of "Christians" (all denominations combined) who attend church regularly is only 5% of the population? Yet many consider themselves Christians destined for Heaven; because they are good ... really.
DeleteGod bless.
Being a Christian is, indeed, a way of life, Victor. We should be the reflection of Jesus' light and love to everyone we meet. We don't get into heaven any other way. Blessings!
ReplyDeleteIt's a difficult way of life. Many a time I felt like telling people what's on my mind, and how difficult it is for me to tolerate stupidity ... yet I keep quiet. Oh ... for a chance to sin every now and then ... and tell people what I think of them.
DeleteGod bless you, Martha. Keep smiling.
Thank you. It is a truly transformative way of living, and thinking. It's relational with the God of the universe and its surrender. We look petculur to the outside world. It's a beautiful way to live that's not always easy but so worth it. I am a Christian!
ReplyDeleteYes Debby, as I mentioned to Martha (above) it is a difficult way of life. But the "retirement" benefits are out of this world!!!
DeleteGod bless always.
Being a true Christian is definitely not for sissies!
ReplyDeleteAmen Kathy. God bless.
DeleteInteresting, though I've never believed you must attend church regularly to be a Christian. I believe you can lead a good life, believe and do good and have a relationship without going to church. I believe too many people go to church and think that's their calling card and beyond that one hour of the day, they treat people badly, they do not live a life like Jesus. I believe there are a lot of Sunday Hypocrites, who like the person you mentioned believe wearing a gaudy huge cross around their neck, or getting a cross tattooed to their hand or arms think they've made a reservations of sorts. I know a good number of people who believe deeply who have stopped going to church because people there weren't true Christians.
ReplyDeleteImagine you had a close friend who only visits you very rarely when things are wrong or difficult in their lives. How would you feel about them?
DeleteHow do you think God feels when people rarely visit church, or rarely pray, unless they are in trouble?
We don't visit church for His benefit. But for ours. It is time we devote to Him and Him alone. Time to worship. Time to better ourselves in devotion. Time to share our presence and "gifts" with others.
True, we can always pray at home or anywhere. But then, also can one's friend contact us on the phone anywhere. No need to visit you personally.
I agree, there are plenty of hypocrites in church as anywhere in life. They too, are fooling only themselves.
Being a Christian is a 24/7 way of life. There is no ON/OFF switch to being a Christian when it suits. One may well meet Saint Peter at the Pearly Gates on an "OFF" day!
God bless, Sandy.
A Christian believes God is God and Jesus Christ is His son who came to earth as the perfect God/human. A Christian admits he/she is a sinner in need of forgiveness before God. A Christian believes Jesus Christ paid the price for his/her sin. A Christian believes that after Jesus died on the cross for our sins, He later rose from the dead. A Christian believes Jesus now lives in Heaven to intercede for those who believe in Him and also is preparing for our arrival in Heaven.
ReplyDeleteThe only thing we need to do to be a Christian is to believe and accept. No amount of good behavior and deeds will get us into heaven.
I agree Barbara. No amount of good behaviour and deeds will get us into heaven. But if we truly love God and Christ, we would do good deeds as Jesus did when He walked this earth.
DeleteGod bless you always.
I love this. I think so many people mistaken themselves as Christian. I believe all that you said is absolutely true and I would like to add - if you are a Christian the life you lead should reflect it.
ReplyDeleteAmen Sandie. Very well said. Thank you so much; our life should reflect our Christianity.
DeleteGod bless you and your family.
Amen Amen!! So very true!!!
ReplyDeleteGod bless, K.
DeleteThe title comes with responsibilities
ReplyDeleteYes, indeed it does Ruby. God bless you.
DeleteBeing a Christian, at least in part, is allowing Christ to live through you by the power of the Holy Spirit.
ReplyDeleteVery well said, Mimi. Thank you so much.
DeleteGod bless.
Acts 11:26: "...the disciples were first called Christians in Antioch". It seems to have been what others called them, rather than a claim they made for themselves. They must have shown that they had features of Christ.
ReplyDeleteAmen. So should we have features of Christ in our way of life.
DeleteGod bless, David.