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Results from: Answered Bible Questions, Answers, Unanswered Bible Questions, Notes Ordered by Verse | ||||||
Results | Verse | Author | ID# | |||
1 | I do agree with most of your post, but.. | Matt 6:14 | userdoe220 | 16368 | ||
I also agree with a number of things you are saying in your post. I believe that without the aid of the Holy Spirit it is impossible to live up to His standards for our life. Also, because we are human beings we can never live up to God's standard. However, that still does not mean I cannot be called a Christian by my definition. Lets analyze your argument for a moment. 1.) A Christian is a follower of the teaching of Christ. 2.) You cannot fullfuill all the teachings of Christ Therefore, you cannot be called a Christian by your definition. Here is what I believe is the problem with your argument. Isn't one of the teachings of Christ an admission that we are not perfect? In fact, Jesus provides provission for this imperfection in the Lord's prayer. Matt 6:9-13 9In this manner, therefore, pray: Our Father in heaven, Hallowed be Your name. 10Your kingdom come. Your will be done On earth as it is in heaven. 11Give us this day our daily bread. 12And forgive us our debts, As we forgive our debtors. 13And do not lead us into temptation, But deliver us from the evil one. For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen. So, when we sin and ask God to forgive us, we are 'following the teachings of Christ'. No where does the term, Christian, as used in the N.T. and elsewhere imply perfection. It just means those who adhere/follow the teachings of Jesus Christ. Lets look at the Etymology of the term, Christian. Believers were called Christians First in Antioch. Why? Did the locals have some keen insight into caterpillars and butterflys and how that links to the born-again expereince? No. They were called Christians first because they followed the teachings of Christ (Acts 11:25-26). They noticed that they acted differently from others. "The word Christians occurs in the NT only here, in Acts 26:28, and in 1 Peter 4:16. The word is formed with the Latin suffix which designates "follower or partisan of" (cf. "Herodians" in Mark 3:6). There is no adequate reason to think that the term was used in derision. It simply means people who follow Christ." from The Wycliffe Bible Commentary.) christianos NT:5546, "Christian," a word formed after the Roman style, signifying an adherent of Jesus, was first applied to such by the Gentiles and is found in Acts 11:26; 26:28; 1 Peter 4:16. Vine's Expository Dictionary of Biblical Words How did they know they followed Christ? By their actions. It is the only logical thing that makes sense. I use the term, Christian, as an adverb--It modifies the persons actions--It does not mean perfection. I hope that clarifies how I use the term, Christian. |
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2 | I do agree with most of your post, but.. | Matt 6:14 | Bill Mc | 16372 | ||
Thanks for your clarification. Christians DO live differently. Thanks for your Etymology (sounds like a medical procedure :)) We disagree on the forgiveness issue though. I believe it is a done deal. Christ prayed this prayer BEFORE He provided total forgiveness for sins at the cross. And that's OK if we disagree (on my side anyway). I just take issue with the 'forgive or God won't forgive you' view. See Eph 4:32; Col 3:13. Thanks again. Blessings in Christ, Bill Mc |
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3 | I do agree with most of your post, but.. | Matt 6:14 | userdoe220 | 16374 | ||
Well, on my previous post I hope I clarified that issue. I must have missed some posts somwhere and thought you felt that Christians don't have to forgive...So, we both got some good Bible study lessons and were really coming at the same truth from different angles: If a Christian chooses not to forgive, there will be consequences. It is not a salvation issue, but a rewards issue. | ||||||