What Does It Mean Be A Christian?
The answers one would receive from such a question would be numerous. Most would simply discuss all the good things they have done in their lives and still others would mention being baptised as an infant. How can we filter the truth from opinion and get to the bottom of the issue?
The truth is that Christianity is like a double edged sword. The understanding of doctrine in the area of essentials, and the lifestyle the flows out of that belief. Both are manifestations of true Christian. Jesus tells us we shall know them by their fruits (Matthew 7:16) which have that double meaning of belief and behavior dichotomy.
The terms salvation or saved are Greek words in the New Testament which render the meaning to be rescued. Rescued (Greek = SOZO) from the destiny of death and brought into life (Ephesians 2:1-6). If spiritual fruits do not flow from their belief, then their belief is not that of faith.
The Reformers discovered through Scripture that belief must be qualified, for the Apostle James tells us that even the demons have belief (James 2:19). The process of Biblical faith is broken down in this manner:
Notitia = A knowledge of awareness only
(Example = An atheist "knowing" about the Christian Bible but thinks it's a hoax
Assensus = A knowledge of awareness plus belief
(Example = A Jehovah Witness believing the Bible is God's Word but is not saved
Fiducia = A knowledge of awareness plus belief plus trust.
(Example} = A Chrisitan who lives his life to the Scriptures Alone.
When God puts the faith in the Christian these things happen instantly. If you do not have all of these components in your belief, it is not a belief to rest your life on. Chrisitans hunger for this since the Word of God is the only spiritual food we can feed on for strength, nurishment, and growth. Those around people like that can see it in the way they live.
It is not a church membership that allows this or anything else that pertains to you. It is merely the desire of God to love you and change you into the good through Him and eventually through and through as we reach heaven.
What fruits are you manifesting in your life? Are you obsessed with porn or have found your marriage. If you are not a Chrisitan the Bible can influence you.Whatever the case, your fruits tell you and the world what you of your condition. This is why Paul tells us to test ourselves to see if we're in the faith (II Corinthians 13:5).
Flush your mind daily with God's Word (Romans 12:1-2) to refresh your heart with goodness. The world is evil, and that quench of goodness is needed for our soul.
May you honor Him who has created you in all you do and in all you believe lest you not receive the grace of a rescue and have found yourself looking down at a pit of fire and torment before the angel pushes you over.to your eternal torture.
Respectfully,
Jean Chauvin (Jude 3).
Well,hello Jean,it's my pleasure to be the first comment on your blog,but let me ask you a question from a philosophic point: Those that are good people,but doesn't know about God AT ALL,are going to hell?
ReplyDeleteHi Henry,
ReplyDeleteFrom a philosophical point of view, goodness is a value judgement based upon a standard. More specifically, a normative meaning that the value of the judgment is determined from the qualify of the goodness of the that normative. Of course that normative is The Infinite Referece Point, The Being God described in Scripture alone.
The goodness of God must be met with perfection. If it is not, then by definition it is not good according to an eternal standard. And logically only an eternal consequence can fit the crime.
With that being the case, by definition, you are NOT good since it is antithetical to the normative of God's Being found in Scripture.
So, you must have the goodness of Christ to represent you since you have failed (Romans 3:23). Christ was perfect, so having Him representing you at your death and the only way for God to look pass your sins, and to look at the goodness of Christ.
For Christ and Him alone can rescue anyone from torment. For He is the only way to the Father (John 14:6).
Have you been rescued Henry from the 2nd death of eternal tormnet, or are you among those destined for the fire.
Thanks for dropping in.
Respectfully,
Jean Chauvin (Jude 3).