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Definition Of A Christian In The Bible?

Id just like to pose a question. Is there a definition of a Christian in the Bible? What are the qualifications required to be a Christian in the Bible?

I looked over the board and didnt find this question addressed anywhere, I apologise if this has been dealt with.

Bible The Christian Of Definition

The early Christians weren't actually called Christians in the beginning, but "disciples" or "saints" as followers of Jesus Christ and members of the early church.

The difficulty with this question is that there isn't just one chapter devoted to "How to become a Christian" in the Bible, nor is there one book describing the process of conversion and each ordinance required. The answers are found in many different places, and must actually be put together piece by piece.

The first steps to becoming a Christian, as I understand it, are these:

~Belief in Jesus Christ, that He is the Only Begotten Son of the Father, as our Savior and Redeemer from death. This precedes all others. Then:

~Faith - Romans 1:17; Galatians 3:23-29 (and dozens more)
~Repentance - Acts 2:38; Acts 3:19 (and dozens more)
~Baptism by immersion for the remission of sin - John 3:3-5; Romans 6:3-6; Acts 22:16 (and dozens more)
~Receiving the Holy Ghost - John 20:22; Acts 2:38

These first few are essential to become a Christian, and then comes the rest of your life:

~Endure to the end - James 5:11; Mark 24:13

There is a conversion process (Matt. 18: 3; Acts 3: 19), one of leaving behind the sinful life and submitting one's will to God, literally becoming a new person in Christ. Love one another (John 13: 34-35). Keep the commandments (1 Jn. 5: 2-3). Perform good works of charity and service (1 Cor. 13: 1-4, 8, 13 and dozens more). Look forward with hope (Col. 1:23).

These are just a sampling of the concepts of Christian ideology from the Bible. There is so much more, it literally takes the Bible itself to encompass the whole of it.

Rather off topic, but... The sweet peace and joy that these simple steps bring is indescribable. I'm sure that someone with greater knowledge will correct me if I'm wrong, and provide more detailed answers.

Definition Of A Christian In The Bible? Revealed Bible The

Thank you very much for a very impressive reply. Your handling of the subject shows great insight on your part may God Bless you.

The reason I bring up this question is I attended a course on Christianity called the "Alpha Course" which aims to introduce christianity in a bit more depth to the uninitiated.

After the course I was asked if I felt I was a "Christian". However since I felt that many definitions of Christian come from Creeds like The Apostles" Creed or The Nicene Creed which I feel are artificial I couldn't give a "Yes" or "No" answer.

Perhaps there isn't a clear definition of the word "Christian" in the Bible. In essence what I want to know is how is one qualified to be a follower of the Teachings of the Messiah Biblically.

Is there a Biblical justification for this? Is it essential to have all of these beliefs to be a true Christian. Is it possible to believe that Jesus Christ is a chosen Messenger and intermediary from God and take "Begotten Son" in a metaphorical sense?. So for example Jehovahs Witnesses or Unitarianists are Christians or not?

By Savior and Redeemer is it valid if I believe he can intercede between me and God in order for my sins to be Forgiven or do I have to believe Jesus himself will forgive me with no required authorization from "God the Father"?

Also can you expand on the phrase "from death". I'm not sure is this alluring to the idea of Original Sin?

The other steps seem pretty natural and are in harmony with Islamic faith.

Bible The Christian Of Definition

Essentially, you are qualified if you believe that Jesus is the Christ. In following that belief, one would want to take the other steps necessary (ordinances) to become a "saint" or "disciple," I.e. "Christian."

The term "Christian" encompasses several different belief systems that all have this one thing in common: that Jesus was the promised Christ, the Messiah prophesied about in the Old Testament, the Only Begotten Son of God the Father in the flesh. So, yes, the Jehovah's Witnesses, Unitarians, Baptists, Episcopalians, Catholics, Mormons, Presbyterians, Christian Scientists, etc., are all classified as "Christian." (Although there are arguments by some that others don't belong, but that's another topic.) How each sect practices their Christian beliefs is all a matter of interpretation by their founding leadership.

As a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS), also known as Mormons, I have a particular set of beliefs that not all other Christian sects believe. However, I tried to answer your question through what I think are generally accepted Christian values, and with references only from the Bible (LDS have other scriptures) because that is how you posed your question. We believe that Jesus Christ is the literal Son of God, nothing metaphorical about it. There are a multitude of verses in the Bible on this topic:

Many Christians believe in the Nicene Creed of the Trinity, that God, the Holy Ghost, and Jesus Christ are One Being. As LDS, we do not. So, according to my beliefs, forgiveness comes from God the Father through Jesus Christ as our intermediary.

(and many more like this)

No, not the Original Sin concept, which as LDS we don't believe that we are born with sin - we are born innocent and pure. However, we do acknowledge that for Adam and Eve's transgression in the Garden of Eden, all mankind must suffer death (separation of body and spirit).

This was not just for Adam, but all mankind.

Christ's atonement and resurrection provides us all with the hope of resurrection after death (permanent reuniting of the body and spirit).

So we are saved from death through the resurrection.

Rather off topic, but... I'm trying to be very careful about my sources and ideas, because I don't want particular LDS beliefs to overshadow any general Christian beliefs. If I've overstepped that, I apologize. I'm trying to be as fair and clear as possible, using only Biblical sources and not other LDS resources.

Bible The Christian Of Definition

As long as you source JUST from the Bible there shouldn't be a problem LDS or not.

Great news since it is identical to my belief. You mention there are more verses like Romans 8:34. I would love to read them if you would like to mention them.

Fabulous. Original Sin is a doctrine I have always felt uncomfortable with. I think sense has prevailed in your interpretation.

Can't Luke 1:35 be interpreted metaphorically? In countless places elsewhere in the Bible others are called the "Sons" of God or "Firstborns" of God or "Children of God". I have no problem calling the Messiah the Son of God as long as it is metaphorical.

For example David is called the Son of God in Psalm 2:7

So far I think I actually conform to your definition of a Christian apart from taking the phrase "Son of God" literally.

Rather off topic, but... For that amazing last point you earnt my first ever charm

Edited: Karbala on 27th Apr, 2007 - 3:15pm

Definition Of A Christian In The Bible?

Karbala may I suggest you read Acts 11, I think it would help you understand the meaning of what it take to become Christian. But please remember this is only the first step to a Christian life.

The only qualification to become a Christian is the willingness to accept Jesus as your Saviour and then attempt to start acting more like he did when he was on earth.

Babtism, in filling of the holy Ghost ect will come on its own accord in its own time and can be argued as to what point in these steps you become Christian. I believe it is after you open your heart and let god in.

To answer your heart felt answer I suggest finding some one you trust and do a bible study with them or try one that is online. It will help you understand how the bible is laid out where to find things and give a start to the insight of what the Christian history is.

I always find if I pray then read the bible many answers I seek are found.

Definition Of Christian The Bible

I read Acts 11 as it was mentioned in the first reply. It seems to describe the first converts to the church from amongst the gentiles. However there isn't really a clear cut formula of becoming a christian.

Ok. I have no problem with accepting The Messiah as my saviour if it conforms to the LDS interpretation as Farseer pointed out.

I also have no problem emulating his actions according to the Bible, anyone with a human heart can recognise the God given humanity in him.

So according to the bible am I christian?

I was lucky enough to be approached by a christian in the street looking to spread the message. I instantly struck up a friendship, attended a introductory Christian course called the "Alpha Course" and since then have been doing regular bible study with him. However there are some questions he seems unable to give me a satisfactory reply to (some of which Farseer solved with her answers).

Definition Of Christian The Bible The Bible Revealed

I'm happy to do so. However, it's actually a different subject (Christ as our intermediary, rather than the bible definition of a Christian). I've started a new thread to discuss it HERE.

Rather off topic, but... I'm not actually a Bible machine! But I have a great resource in the searchable scriptures at the official LDS website - open to all. You can search by Old Testament and/or New Testament. www.lds.org Click on the "Gospel Library" link. I'm very glad that I was able to answer your questions. Please do search for other topics here in the Forum you may have questions about. There is a Studies of Latter-day Saints section, also, if you would like more information there.

We are all spirit children of God. However, Jesus Christ is the literal offspring of God in the flesh, the Only Begotten Son.