If Christianity was true, would you become a Christian?
If Christianity was true, would you become a Christian?
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@CatholicApologetics
By that, are you asking, if it were proven that life on Earth was seeded by an inter-galactic super-intelligence, would I respond by saying prayers, singing hymns and ringing bells.
And the answer would be no.
I would make a cup of tea, sit down and relax contentedly in the knowledge.
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@CatholicApologetics
If Christianity was true, would you become a Christian?
I don't think the question is valid without more detail, what exactly do you mean by "if Christianity was true", in what sense would it be "true", and then how would we know that it is true.
As you can tell by the first response, you are leaving it open to interpretation, which will no doubt bring inane interpretations, the majority of this crowd thinks that if they say something stupid about Christianity, it makes Christianity look stupid rather than making the person saying it look stupid. May as well have asked, "I would like all the spiritual detractors here to characterize Christianity in the stupidest most mocking way you can think of.
Even then, I don’t think it is a valid question, you seem to be asking “if it wasn’t a matter of faith, would you be a Christian?”, but of course it is a matter of faith, what Christianity does is make a life of faith possible. That life of faith is confirmed as “true” by the sense it enables people to make of their lives, and by the greater vitality, happiness, and moral dynamism that it brings to those who accept it.
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@CatholicApologetics
If Christianity was true, would you become a Christian?
I am a Christian for few minutes a day.
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@CatholicApologetics
If Christianity was true, would you become a Christian?
No. Because the New Testamant is supposed to be an accurate and "true" testamant concerning the life and times of Jesus, also known as The Christ. And although the words Christian nor Christianity appear nowhere in any of the four gospels it is also a book of contradictions, dead ends and half told stories. And its my own belief that Jesus the JEW (who had come "ONLY to reunite the lost sheep of Israel"), would have been appalled that a new religion had sprung up in his name.
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@CatholicApologetics
Is Father God the holy spirit according to the scriptures?
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@Sidewalker
I didn’t mean this to be a trick question or anything profound. It’s exactly what it sounds like: if Christianity were true, would you convert to Christianity? It’s a straightforward question. When I say “Christianity were proven true,” I’m essentially asking that if all the claims in the Bible (let’s just consider the NRSV version), regardless of their interpretation, allegory, metaphor, or historical nature, were accurate, would you accept them and embrace the faith (at which point you wouldn’t be able to call it faith anymore)?
You’d be surprised at the number of people who would still reject Christianity, often expressing sentiments like, “I wouldn’t follow a God who is so cruel to commit mass genocide.” I believe this question can gauge someone’s level of open-mindedness or willingness to explore new ideas. People generally prefer routines and are resistant to significant changes (with exceptions, of course). If they’re content with their lives, I think they’d be less likely to embrace an entirely new set of beliefs.
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@Stephen
I appreciate your insights. They gave me new ideas to consider debating (i.e., "was Jesus' intention to start a 'new' religion?").
Not to start a debate, but to ensure misinformation is not shared, the term Christian actually does appear. I think you'll find this revelation interesting: Tacitus, a Roman historian who reported on the fire which Emperor Nero started, says "Nero fastened the guilt ... on a class hated for their abominations, called Christians by the populace. Christus, from whom the name had its origin, suffered the extreme penalty during the reign of Tiberius at the hands of ... Pontius Pilatus, and a most mischievous superstition, thus checked for the moment, again broke out not only in Judaea, the first source of the evil, but even in Rome...."
You also said it is full of contradicitons, but I'm unaware of any "apparent" contradictions that the Church hasn't had explenations for for centuries.
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@CatholicApologetics
I appreciate your insights. They gave me new ideas to consider debating (i.e., "was Jesus' intention to start a 'new' religion?").
There is nothing to suggest that he did.
the term Christian actually does appear.
Nope. Re-read my post #5 I specifically state : the words Christian nor Christianity appear nowhere in any of the four gospels ...
And the word christian appears less than 5 times in acts. if my memory serves me.
I also said that it was full of dead ends and half told stories.
You also said it is full of contradicitons, but I'm unaware of any "apparent" contradictions that the Church hasn't had explenations for for centuries.
Then maybe you can help Mall with these couple of contradictions?He's reluctant and too frightened to attempt to explain them himself. Although he said -words to the effect - that he could without effort.
Are these biblical comments true or false?
Jesus either identified himself the night of his arrest or Judas identified Jesus with a kiss. Which is it?
The women spread the word of the empty tomb or they didn't. Which is it?
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@Mall
The Holy Spirit is a distinct Person distinct from the Father and the Son. This is evident from the Trinitarian Formula of Baptism, the manifestation of the Holy Spirit at Jesus’ baptism under a unique symbol, and particularly in the parting discourses of Jesus, where the Holy Ghost is distinguished as a gift or messenger from the Father and the Son who send Him (John 14:16, 26; 15:26).
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@CatholicApologetics
I didn’t mean this to be a trick question or anything profound. It’s exactly what it sounds like: if Christianity were true, would you convert to Christianity? It’s a straightforward question. When I say “Christianity were proven true,” I’m essentially asking that if all the claims in the Bible (let’s just consider the NRSV version), regardless of their interpretation, allegory, metaphor, or historical nature, were accurate, would you accept them and embrace the faith (at which point you wouldn’t be able to call it faith anymore)?You’d be surprised at the number of people who would still reject Christianity, often expressing sentiments like, “I wouldn’t follow a God who is so cruel to commit mass genocide.” I believe this question can gauge someone’s level of open-mindedness or willingness to explore new ideas. People generally prefer routines and are resistant to significant changes (with exceptions, of course). If they’re content with their lives, I think they’d be less likely to embrace an entirely new set of beliefs.
If Christianity was true and all the inhumane actions in the Bible facts. More people would be repulsed by Christianity.
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@Stephen
the words Christian nor Christianity appear nowhere in any of the four gospels .
Oh, I understand what you are saying now. I thought you were referring outside of the Gospel. I apologize for the misunderstanding. The term "Christian" does not appear in any of the Gospels. The Gospels primarily recount His teachings and actions, which occurred before the term "Christian" was coined. Since the term "Christian" refers to followers of Christ and emerged after His death and resurrection, it wouldn't have been relevant during His lifetime or in the narrative of the Gospels. The term "Christian" first appears in Acts 11:26 to describe Jesus' followers in Antioch. This makes sense because Acts documents the growth of the early Church after Jesus' ascension.
Jesus either identified himself the night of his arrest or Judas identified Jesus with a kiss. Which is it?
Judas identified Jesus with a kiss (Matthew 26:47-49; Mark 14:43-45; Luke 22:47-48). The passage I think you are reffering to in John 18:3-5 does not deny Judas kissing Jesus. It does not logically conflict with the passages that mentioned Judas kissing Jesus. While John 18:3-5 doesn’t explicitly mention Judas kissing Jesus, it’s important to remember that silence in a Biblical passage or witness’s account doesn’t imply denial of a particular detail. This is especially true when other passages and witnesses corroborate the veracity of the event. As the saying goes, “Absence of evidence is not evidence of absence.”
The women spread the word of the empty tomb or they didn't. Which is it?
Mark 16:8 captures their initial fear and silence, reflecting a genuine and immediate response to an overwhelming and supernatural occurrence. However, the other Gospels provide additional context, revealing that after the initial shock subsided, the women did share the news with the disciples. This transition from fear to joy and courage demonstrates the emotional progression of the women as they grappled with the reality of the resurrection. These accounts complement each other, showcasing the women’s journey from apprehension to triumph, ultimately leading to the proclamation of Jesus’ victory over death.
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@CatholicApologetics
Oh, I understand what you are saying now. I thought you were referring outside of the Gospel. I apologize for the misunderstanding. The term "Christian" does not appear in any of the Gospels. The Gospels primarily recount His teachings and actions, which occurred before the term "Christian" was coined. Since the term "Christian" refers to followers of Christ and emerged after His death and resurrection, it wouldn't have been relevant during His lifetime or in the narrative of the Gospels. The term "Christian" first appears in Acts 11:26 to describe Jesus' followers in Antioch. This makes sense because Acts documents the growth of the early Church after Jesus' ascension.
Jesus did not change the mind of the Jews before or after his death. It was the Romans that made Christianity a universal religion when it was embraced by Constantine in 375 ad. Made the state religion of Rome.
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@CatholicApologetics
the words Christian nor Christianity appear nowhere in any of the four gospels .Oh, I understand what you are saying now. I thought you were referring outside of the Gospel. I apologize for the misunderstanding. The term "Christian" does not appear in any of the Gospels. The Gospels primarily recount His teachings and actions, which occurred before the term "Christian" was coined. Since the term "Christian" refers to followers of Christ and emerged after His death and resurrection, it wouldn't have been relevant during His lifetime or in the narrative of the Gospels. The term "Christian" first appears in Acts 11:26 to describe Jesus' followers in Antioch. This makes sense because Acts documents the growth of the early Church after Jesus' ascension.
Which tells me that Jesus had no intention of starting a new religion.
Jesus either identified himself the night of his arrest or Judas identified Jesus with a kiss. Which is it?Judas identified Jesus with a kiss (Matthew 26:47-49; Mark 14:43-45; Luke 22:47-48). The passage I think you are reffering to in John 18:3-5 does not deny Judas kissing Jesus.
You are being disingenuous. The John verse mentions nothing at all concerning the Judas kiss only that Judas "stood there with them" saying nor doing anything. But it dose clearly state that Jesus identified himself twice!
John 18.
4 Jesus, knowing all that was going to happen to him, went out and asked them, “Who is it you want?”
5 “Jesus of Nazareth,” they replied.
“I am he,” Jesus said. (And Judas the traitor was standing there with them.) 6 When Jesus said, “I am he,” they drew back and fell to the ground.
7 Again he asked them, “Who is it you want?”
“Jesus of Nazareth,” they said.
8 Jesus answered, “I told you that I am he. If you are looking for me, then let these men go.”
5 “Jesus of Nazareth,” they replied.
“I am he,” Jesus said. (And Judas the traitor was standing there with them.) 6 When Jesus said, “I am he,” they drew back and fell to the ground.
7 Again he asked them, “Who is it you want?”
“Jesus of Nazareth,” they said.
8 Jesus answered, “I told you that I am he. If you are looking for me, then let these men go.”
It can hardly be the case that Jesus would have needed to identify himself twice if Judas had already done so..... and no mention of a sword being drawn and ears being chopped off. So Its either that Matthew's, Mark and Luke.s that are correct and John is wrong or John is correct and the other three gospelers wrong. So one is contradicting the other/s
The women spread the word of the empty tomb or they didn't. Which is it?Mark 16:8 captures their initial fear and silence, reflecting a genuine and immediate response to an overwhelming and supernatural occurrence.
Again you are being disingenuous. It clearly states they "told no one". and the story ends there!
Mark 16: 8 "Trembling and bewildered, the women went out and fled from the tomb. They said nothing to anyone, because they were afraid".
While another states they hurried right away and told Peter and the others:
"So the women hurried away from the tomb, afraid yet filled with joy, and ran to tell his disciples.Matthew 28:8
So one is contradicting the other/s .
You are being disingenuous. The John verse mentions nothing at all concerning the Judas kiss only that Judas "stood there with them" saying nor doing anything. But it dose clearly state that Jesus identified himself twice!John 18.4 Jesus, knowing all that was going to happen to him, went out and asked them, “Who is it you want?”5 “Jesus of Nazareth,” they replied.“I am he,” Jesus said. (And Judas the traitor was standing there with them.) 6 When Jesus said, “I am he,” they drew back and fell to the ground.7 Again he asked them, “Who is it you want?”“Jesus of Nazareth,” they said.8 Jesus answered, “I told you that I am he. If you are looking for me, then let these men go.”It can hardly be the case that Jesus would have needed to identify himself twice if Judas had already done so..... and no mention of a sword being drawn and ears being chopped off. So Its either that Matthew's, Mark and Luke.s that are correct and John is wrong or John is correct and the other three gospelers wrong. So one is contradicting the other/s
Matthew 26:48-54
Now the betrayer had arranged a signal with them: “The one I kiss is the man; arrest him.” Going at once to Jesus, Judas said, “Greetings, Rabbi!” and kissed him. Jesus replied, “Do what you came for, friend.” Then the men stepped forward, seized Jesus and arrested him.
Mark 16:8 Trembling and bewildered, the women went out and fled from the tomb. They said nothing to anyone, because they were afraid.
Took a few seconds to find the verses.
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@Shila
Took a few seconds to find the verses.
Indeed. As I already stated those verses above. HERE>> #14 Three of the gospelers state Judas identified Jesus. While one - John - tells us that Jesus TWICE identified himself . No mention of the Judas Kiss. In fact it says only that Judas was with the arresting party neither saying or doing anything.
John 18.
4 Jesus, knowing all that was going to happen to him, went out and asked them, “Who is it you want?”
5 “Jesus of Nazareth,” they replied.
“I am he,” Jesus said. (And Judas the traitor was standing there with them.) 6 When Jesus said, “I am he,” they drew back and fell to the ground.
7 Again he asked them, “Who is it you want?”
“Jesus of Nazareth,” they said.
8 Jesus answered, “I told you that I am he. If you are looking for me, then let these men go.”
Mark 16:8 Trembling and bewildered, the women went out and fled from the tomb. They said nothing to anyone, because they were afraid.
Again, as already stated above HERE>> #14 the verse clearly states that the women told no one and that is where the story ends. Mark 16: 8
It appears that in the other 3 gospels that verses 9 - 20 were much later additions. Which , it appears, to have ignored the warning in Revelation about adding or taking away from scripture, if my memory serves me ?
It appears that in the other 3 gospels that verses 9 - 20 were much later additions. Which , it appears, to have ignored the warning in Revelation about adding or taking away from scripture, if my memory serves me ?
To begin with the Gospel of John was written last.
In Matthew Judas identifies Jesus by kissing him.
Matthew 26:48-54
Now the betrayer had arranged a signal with them: “The one I kiss is the man; arrest him.” Going at once to Jesus, Judas said, “Greetings, Rabbi!” and kissed him. Jesus replied, “Do what you came for, friend.” Then the men stepped forward, seized Jesus and arrested him.
The women returned from the tomb and told the men what they saw.
Luke 24:9 When they came back from the tomb, they told all these things to the Eleven and to all the others. 10 It was Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary the mother of James, and the others with themwho told this to the apostles. 11 But they did not believe the women, because their words seemed to them like nonsense. 12 Peter, however, got up and ran to the tomb. Bending over, he saw the strips of linen lying by themselves, and he went away, wondering to himself what had happened.
Took a few seconds to find the verses.
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@CatholicApologetics
So Father God is not Holy Spirit.
You say no, is that correct?
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@Shila
Christianity was invented and made up by man. Jesus didn't start it, God didn't start it. We can learn in scripture what God started from the foundation of the world.
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@CatholicApologetics
Christianity is true. However, the Bible indicates that no one can simply become a true Christian. Yes, anyone can choose to join a church. They can choose to call themself a Christian. But this doesn't make them a true Christian. The Bible indicates that it is the Holy Spirit who makes people Christian.
So whether it is true is not really helpful. Unless of course, it was a choice to become a Christian. Yet, given that it is not a choice, then the question only really serves as a judgment.
It is true - and people can't choose to become Christians.
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@Tradesecret
It is true - and people can't choose to become Christians.
Where in the Bible does it say how to become a Christian?
Romans 10:9-10 says: "If you confess with your mouth, 'Jesus is Lord,' and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved."
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@Shila
It is true - and people can't choose to become Christians.Where in the Bible does it say how to become a Christian?Romans 10:9-10 says: "If you confess with your mouth, 'Jesus is Lord,' and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved."
Yes thanks for quoting that text.
What you seem to be missing is the fact that human nature always determines the response of man to God.
Think of it like this way. God is holy and humanity is sinful. that's what the bible says. You yourself referred to man being evil. Jesus said the same thing.
Human nature - wants to fight or flee. That's the spirit of humanity. To fight or to flee. It is not what Jesus indicated - turn the other cheek. Which is neither fighting nor fleeing. It is not to repent of one's sins and admit and concede to the punishment coming.
A bank robber leaving a bank - sees a police officer. What should he do? He should put his bag of money down, and his gun and hand himself in. What will he do? He will fight or he will flee? That's human nature. To surrender is the last thing he will do - and only if it is a sense of survival. But survival is not repentance. It is an end to suit yourself. It is the bad guy pleading guilty to avoid a longer term of imprisonment. It is being sorry he got caught, not that he did something wrong.
The Bible very clearly says that the unspiritual man doesn't understand spiritual things. He can't know - unless the Spirit reveals it to him. 1 Corinthians.
Hence, the verse above - indicates that God must give people faith - for them to believe. We can't just drum it up ourselves. And confessing with your mouth is easy - but believing in your heart is another thing. Jesus warned against those who - say Lord Lord - because he says he never knew them.
For the human heart to be changed - requires the person to be born again. That comes first - and then they can believe. And then the person who utters and believes knows for sure that they saved. That's the gist of the passage above. Jesus put it this way in John 3. when he was speaking to Nicodemus. Unless one is born again - they can't even SEE the kingdom. Let alone be saved. Regeneration is a work of God. It is not something that humanity can do for himself.
Hence why I continue to say to you - Shila or Harikrish or whoever you are - and why I continue to challenge you - prove to me you can make yourself a Christian. DO it - and prove me wrong. prove the Bible wrong.
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@Tradesecret
Hence why I continue to say to you - Shila or Harikrish or whoever you are - and why I continue to challenge you - prove to me you can make yourself a Christian. DO it - and prove me wrong. prove the Bible wrong.
What it takes to become a Christian.
Commit your life to Christ.
And in response, commit your life to following Christ, and enter into a relationship with him through prayer, Bible reading, and worship. We come to know and love God more through the Holy Spirit, who enters our hearts when we commit our lives to Christ.
With this definition, you have free will in choosing Christ if the ultimate cause of the choice is your own self-determination. So, the point is the word ultimate here. There may be a lot of factors that share in determining your choice of Christ. But only one of those factors is ultimate or final. Free will on this demands that you be that factor, not anything else, including God. God is not the final, ultimate factor in the choice. You are.
Here is another way to say it: You have free will when your will is the decisive cause of your choosing Christ. And the word decisive has the same function as ultimate. There may be many causes that influence your choosing Christ. But for you to be free, in this definition, the decisive cause — the one that finally decides your choice — must be your will, not anyone else’s will, including God’s.
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@Shila
What it takes to become a Christian.Commit your life to Christ.And in response, commit your life to following Christ, and enter into a relationship with him through prayer, Bible reading, and worship. We come to know and love God more through the Holy Spirit, who enters our hearts when we commit our lives to Christ.With this definition, you have free will in choosing Christ if the ultimate cause of the choice is your own self-determination. So, the point is the word ultimate here. There may be a lot of factors that share in determining your choice of Christ. But only one of those factors is ultimate or final. Free will on this demands that you be that factor, not anything else, including God. God is not the final, ultimate factor in the choice. You are.Here is another way to say it: You have free will when your will is the decisive cause of your choosing Christ. And the word decisive has the same function as ultimate. There may be many causes that influence your choosing Christ. But for you to be free, in this definition, the decisive cause — the one that finally decides your choice — must be your will, not anyone else’s will, including God’s.
You didn't even read what I wrote, did you? If you did, you didn't understand or comprehend it.
The Traditional Christian position is that humanity since the fall has been born with original sin. That sin means ALL humankind is born into the estate of sin and as slaves to sin. That means when it comes to spiritual things they are in bondage and not free. There are three basic positions of salvation.
- Universalism: that is everyone is saved. No church has believed that position at all. There are some small groups and isolated cults that hold to that position.
2. Pelagianism: that man is born good - and essentially can choose to say yes to God and try and do good works. This position was condemned in the early church and has been considered heresy. It denies original sin.
3. Augustinian position. This is the position of the Roman Catholic, Orthodox, Reformed Churches and even many of the Dissident churches. That man is born with original sin and is in bondage to sin.
Pelagianism is the forefather of what is known as semi-Pelagianism and somewhat a forerunner of Arminianism. The latter holds that despite being born with original sin, that God sent prevenient grace to circumvent that original sin and enable people to respond to the gospel. It is somewhat what you are suggesting above. Roman Catholic Churches now suggest that this is what baptism does when you baptise infants. It is prevenient grace to enable to them to respond.
Calvinism, Reformed theology, and Lutheranism, after Augustine, hold that God regenerates the sinner - and gives them the gift of faith.
There sadly is a reliance on libertarian free will - versus the meaning of free will in the Bible. the former suggests that man can choose God or to become a Christian because they can freely choose anything. Biblical Free will insists that - although people have the free will to do whatever they want to do - this doesn't mean they have the free will to do what they ought to do. My illustration about the bank robber above demonstrates that quite persuasively. Spiritually Dead people can do nothing to make themselves alive spiritually. It is a work of God.
The entire issue of free will to become a Christian is a Western Concept. It links coming to God like a marriage. And in doing so, it misses the culture within which Christianity was born. The culture in the Middle East - for marriage is arranged marriage. It is not an individualistic arrangement for love. It is an arrangement determined by the family or the parents for the good of the family.
It also misses the fact that slaves to sin, like slaves in the real world, do not choose to become free. If a slave is sold from one master to another master, it is the decision of the masters or the owners. It is never the slave who decides.
It misses the understanding of the covenant. And we could go on.
People can't choose to become a true born-again Christian. It's an impossibility. People are saved by grace through faith. And faith is a gift. Believing something or saying words - is something even the demons can do- words are not enough. It is an entire submission of the entire body. And that sadly, doesn't happen because we all want to be masters of our own destiny. Masters of our own fate. We want to be gods. To decide for ourselves. That is why it is impossible. And since these things are spiritually discerned, and you are not spiritual. Not truly spiritual. A spiritual person is a person who has the Holy Spirit. Not just someone who dabbles in what they think are spiritual matters. And I am using the Biblical definition here, not the ordinary one by secular persons or even persons of other religions. And I'm doing that because we are talking about Christianity and the Bible, not religion per se.
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@Tradesecret
People can't choose to become a true born-again Christian. It's an impossibility. People are saved by grace through faith. And faith is a gift. Believing something or saying words - is something even the demons can do- words are not enough. It is an entire submission of the entire body. And that sadly, doesn't happen because we all want to be masters of our own destiny. Masters of our own fate. We want to be gods. To decide for ourselves. That is why it is impossible. And since these things are spiritually discerned, and you are not spiritual. Not truly spiritual. A spiritual person is a person who has the Holy Spirit. Not just someone who dabbles in what they think are spiritual matters. And I am using the Biblical definition here, not the ordinary one by secular persons or even persons of other religions. And I'm doing that because we are talking about Christianity and the Bible, not religion per se.
How can I become a Christian?
This is the best part. Because of His love for us, God has made it exceedingly simple to become a Christian. All you have to do is receive Jesus as your Savior, fully accepting His death as the sufficient sacrifice for your sins (John 3:16), fully trusting Him alone as your Savior (John 14:6; Acts 4:12). Becoming a Christian is not all about rituals, going to church, or doing certain things while refraining from other things. Becoming a Christian is all about having a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. A personal relationship with Jesus Christ, through faith, is what makes a person a Christian.
Are you ready to become a Christian?
If you are ready to become a Christian by receiving Jesus Christ as your Savior, all you have to do is believe. Do you understand and believe that you have sinned and are worthy of judgment from God? Do you understand and believe that Jesus took your punishment upon Himself, dying in your place? Do you understand and believe that His death was the sufficient sacrifice to pay for your sins? If your answers to these three questions are yes, then simply place your trust in Jesus as your Savior. Receive Him, by faith, fully trusting in Him alone. That is all it takes to become a Christian!
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@Shila
How can I become a Christian?This is the best part. Because of His love for us, God has made it exceedingly simple to become a Christian. All you have to do is receive Jesus as your Savior, fully accepting His death as the sufficient sacrifice for your sins (John 3:16), fully trusting Him alone as your Savior (John 14:6; Acts 4:12). Becoming a Christian is not all about rituals, going to church, or doing certain things while refraining from other things. Becoming a Christian is all about having a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. A personal relationship with Jesus Christ, through faith, is what makes a person a Christian.
You're right in some respects. Becoming a Christian is not about rituals, going to church or doing certain things. But more than that - it goes much further. There is nothing you can do to become a Christian. That's the whole reason Jesus came to die on the cross - because there was nothing we could do. Believing in Jesus is something we need to do - but it's not the cause of salvation, it is a fruit or a gift of salvation. It is only after we have been regenerated by the Spirit of God, that we can believe, or as Jesus puts it, even see the kingdom. John 3:3 and then John 3:5.
Are you ready to become a Christian?If you are ready to become a Christian by receiving Jesus Christ as your Savior, all you have to do is believe. Do you understand and believe that you have sinned and are worthy of judgment from God? Do you understand and believe that Jesus took your punishment upon Himself, dying in your place? Do you understand and believe that His death was the sufficient sacrifice to pay for your sins? If your answers to these three questions are yes, then simply place your trust in Jesus as your Savior. Receive Him, by faith, fully trusting in Him alone. That is all it takes to become a Christian!
Believing is not just understanding and agreeing. It goes further than that. The Demons according to James 2:19 believe. They probably have perfect theology. But THEY Are not saved. James qualifies what belief is - it's not just a head knowledge. It's a belief that entails all of you, Body and heart. The inside and the outside. You see, the Greeks liked to distinguish body and heart. The body for them was evil and the heart or the spirit was good. Yet the Bible says that the human soul is both body and heart together. And the body is not evil, though it has become sinful. Like the heart it is sinful. And the body will waste away. But then we will be given a new one.
In your response you forgot the most important aspect of Salvation and of what makes a person a Christian. And that is the Holy Spirit. Without the Spirit of God, you cannot be a Christian.
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@Tradesecret
In your response you forgot the most important aspect of Salvation and of what makes a person a Christian. And that is the Holy Spirit. Without the Spirit of God, you cannot be a Christian.
According to the plan(Will) of God, a person instantly receives the Holy Spirit when he/she genuinely accepts the Lord Jesus Christ as his/her personal Lord and Saviour according to Romans 10:10. That is, the person must first be convicted/believe in his/her heart and subsequently confesses that Jesus Christ is Lord.
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@Shila
Romans 10:10 doesn't say that a person receives the Holy Spirit the instant they truly accept Jesus. You are putting the cart before the horse.
We are regenerated first, that's what Jesus says. That means we are born again, or as the Greek says, born from above. That is, the Spirit of God is poured into our hearts - BEFORE we believe. Belief is the fruit of our salvation, not the cause of it. You fall outside of the historic church on this issue.
You deny the doctrine of original sin.
Oops.
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@Tradesecret
Romans 10:10 doesn't say that a person receives the Holy Spirit the instant they truly accept Jesus. You are putting the cart before the horse.We are regenerated first, that's what Jesus says. That means we are born again, or as the Greek says, born from above. That is, the Spirit of God is poured into our hearts - BEFORE we believe. Belief is the fruit of our salvation, not the cause of it. You fall outside of the historic church on this issue.You deny the doctrine of original sin.Oops.
At what point does the Holy Spirit come into a person?
According to the New Testament, a person receives the Holy Spirit immediately upon believing in Jesus Christ as their Savior: Ephesians 1:13-14: "Having believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit"
How do you get the Holy Spirit to enter you?
The only thing necessary to receive the Holy Spirit is that you must have accepted Jesus as your Lord and Savior. Once you've confessed Jesus as your Savior, God gives you the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 1:13). You don’t have to be a certain denomination, or be a pastor or evangelist to receive the Holy Spirit. Whether you have been a believer for 50 years or five minutes, you can receive the Holy Spirit right where you are, right now.
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@Shila
At what point does the Holy Spirit come into a person?According to the New Testament, a person receives the Holy Spirit immediately upon believing in Jesus Christ as their Savior: Ephesians 1:13-14: "Having believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit"How do you get the Holy Spirit to enter you?The only thing necessary to receive the Holy Spirit is that you must have accepted Jesus as your Lord and Savior. Once you've confessed Jesus as your Savior, God gives you the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 1:13). You don’t have to be a certain denomination, or be a pastor or evangelist to receive the Holy Spirit. Whether you have been a believer for 50 years or five minutes, you can receive the Holy Spirit right where you are, right now.
We don't get the Holy Spirit to enter us. He's God. He's not on a string. John 3:5-9 tells us that the Spirit goes where the Spirit desires. Not where we desire. He's like the wind. It blows where ever it pleases.
God is not a man. God is sovereign. Ephesians 1:4 actually says God chose those whom he would save before the beginning of the world. Those whom he predestined.
So again, you need to stop putting the horse before the cart. Faith is a gift of God. It is not the cause of salvation. We cant just drum up faith to believe in God. And part of the evidence for this truth is seen on this particular forum question. Look at the answers of those who are not Christians. The truth wouldn't convince them. That's what they all said.