Who decides if you are a Christian? You or someone else?

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   tsmogposted 10 years ago

   Who decides if you are a Christian? You or someone else?

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   Lybrahposted 10 years ago

   You decide it for yourself.  But ultimately, God will judge.

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   tmbridgelandposted 10 years ago

   You do yourself. But, if you are going to join a particular church, they also decide if you do, in that context. Also, agreed with Lybrah, ultimately, God decides.

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   Michael Milecposted 10 years ago

   It's not matter of a decision as is the reality of it : if you mean " Christian " -Christian - as the religious tradition dictates by the rules of certain group, they make they members and they decide who you are. If we take seriously  the meaning of the word " CHRISTIANOS "- the anointedians- the ones who ARE ANOINTED- as is CHRIST- ANOINTED One-( Luke 4: 18.19)-- because of the EVIDENCE of the anointing performores. The same was in the case of the original generation of the followers- disciples- believers, " It was at Antioch that the disciples were first called "Christians" ( very tragic translation)= CHRISTIANOS" ( Acts 11:26 ) . If anything , the " outside world " those who has recognized the DEEDS  of the believers exactly the same deeds of Christ - the manifestation odd the Kingdom of God among the people - they has " decided who Christian is."

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   kj forceposted 10 years ago

   Tsmog...No one else makes or should make that decision for you..think about it, if you believe in the " Christ " theory as written in the Bible ( also depends on which Bible ) belief in Christ as the son of God or acceptance of him as Savior denotes you are a Christian...
   Jews do not believe he was the son of God, so they are not Christians...
   However regardless being a Christian does not make you necessarily the chosen ones...Doing good unto others, without the evil force/emotions, mereley determines you are a good person...Deciding whether or not you are Christian is a personal decision and an optional choice.
   I am curious what makes you chose this question ?.....

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      tsmogposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      I have heard & seen statements made saying essentially, "then you are not a Christian" in discussions. I was taught it was a personal decision of acceptance. Once made an eternal event having providence. Or, who on earth can judge if genuine?

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   Ericdierkerposted 10 years ago

   Each for themselves. If you love Jesus it is pretty hard to think you are not Christian. But some like a bunch of rules. and "the" Catholic church has ideas. I suppose you could be confused and ask.
   It is amazing how many people get distracted by this question and never ask and just feel guilty.
   Good Christians have doubts. They hide those doubts. And then someone will come along and say that if you have doubts you are not a real Christian.

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   lone77starposted 10 years ago

   If a Christian is one who follows Christ, then Christ will decide whether or not they are truly following him. Most, I'm afraid, are likely not following him, despite calling themselves "Christian." I have had only a handful of minutes this entire lifetime wherein I was truly following Christ. Yet, I'm learning from my mistakes.
   
   The problem is self-concern. Any self-concern turns you away from Christ and God (Love). If you love others as yourself and wish for them everything they desire, even to your own detriment, then you are following Christ. You are turning the other cheek, effortlessly, and without any concern for the self.
   
   If you are following Christ, then you are not arguing with others about these things. Arguing is full of self-concern. Giving these things to others is the way. If they are not interested, then leave them and give these things to someone who is interested. That is love.

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   Glenda Motsavageposted 10 years ago

   Christianity is about a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, and allowing Him to be Lord over every area of your life. 
   
   I have a favorite quote by St. Francis of Assisi that says, "I preach the gospel every day... sometimes I use words!"  I rarely TELL people I'm a Christian.  I believe my actions speak louder than my words.  My greatest compliments come when people ask me if I am a Christian, without me having to advertise it to them, or hand out business cards that say "Christian."  Ultimately though, God is the only judge of a person's spiritual state!

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      tsmogposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      I like that

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