No the question is not rhetorical!
Nowadays, you have people professing that they believe in Christ, yet their lifestyle is the furthest from being "Christ-like", and unlike other religions, Christianity is centered on the lifestyle of Jesus Christ, believing in He who was sent (John 6:29), not a religion based on man's teaching.
So begs the question, what is the difference between being a believer and a Christian? Or is there a difference?
Confession doesn't necessarily qualify you as a Christian...or does it?!
Share your thoughts.......
Are you a believer or a Christian?
Posted by
BelovedOsaruchi
Thursday, September 2, 2010
8 comments:
Answer: A believer
A Christian and a believer are the same thing... at least they should be the same thing. However, nowadays the term "Christian" has a negative stigma attached to it; sometimes even inside the church. People think "Christians" are boring, too religious, and their lives are nothing near fun. My guess is that in order to not be labeled with that same stigma, other christians called themselves Believers. Simply because they believe Christ died for us and in His word etc. I call myself a believer because not every Christian believes... I guess "believers" also implies more faith.
a lifesyle or a religion....
I like the term Believer alot because truth be told everybody claims to be a christian nowadays, but by me saying im a believer it makes people ask me the question of what do I believe and it helps me explain the true faith to them....So many people claim to be believers and christains but we should be bold enough to ask them Exactly what do they believe.
(FINALLY!!!!)
I think being a Christian and a believer are two different things. A Christian can be a believer, but a believer can be a Christian, atheist, agnostic...it's someone who simply believes in a higher order or power. There are Hindu, Buddhist, Muslim, etc. believers. I know I'm a believer, but I don't know if I'm still Christian in the traditional sense. My background encompasses Catholicism, black Baptist, Lutheran, Judaism, and a little deism (on the nature side). I believe someone created all of "this," but don't necessarily think it all boils down to one person because that leaves out the people on a remote island who've never heard of Jesus, Yahweh, Jehovah, et al. Ever since I was a child, that has never set to well in the pit of my stomach, but church elders quickly hushed me up if I dared ask questions. I probably would feel better about Christianity if it weren't so intertwined with politics and government, and if it weren't used by so many as a crutch or excuse.
And because of his words many more became believers. They said to the woman, "We no longer believe just because of what you said; now we have heard for ourselves, and we know that this man really is the Savior of the world." John 4:41 - 42. You can't call yourself a christian if you don't believe in Jesus. A believer in bible context refers to a follower of Christ (a christian). Hence, they are synonymous.
A christian and believer are one in the same. I prefer believer then christian, because christian is a label the world gave to the believer at Antioch.
As the word say in Roman that we are to confess, accept and believe as the only prerequisite for having a relationship with God. (Rm 3:23, Rm 3:10-18 & Rm 6:23) Our actions, no matter how good intentioned, are as filthy rags. (Is 64:6) It is true that the believer should stand out, but we aren't saved by works. I think it is possible for a person to confess and to not have a lifestyle change and to make it into heaven, however when they get there they will have a limited understanding of God, no rewards. (1Corth 3:12)
Touchy subject. However, I believe the Bible lays the foundation for a distinction between the confession and proof of the confession. "Many who call me 'Lord, Lord'..." We all know how that verse ends. Personally, I will not be satisfied until my life is a reflection of Christ. As long as I call myself a Christian my understanding is that I am to be Christ-like; unless somehow would like to tell me I am wrong. Christ gives life a transcending purpose.
Besides, what does it mean to "believe"? Does that refer a superficial acknowledgment of some absolutist existential claim, or a paradigm shifting, internalized conviction that says there is MUCH more to this world than the natural eye can see? Idk if Christ does the sup hommie "hood nod".
You believe in Jesus and confess His Lordship over every area of your life = You are a Christian! Hurray you are saved! If you have not done this... sorry you are unsaved BUT the good news is you don't have to stay disconnected from the source of all Good things in Life(Jesus)!
There are however two types of christians. The Spiritual Christian and the Carnal Christian.
A carnal Christian is one has gotten to a place where he thinks he can sin and it won't affect his ministry!
A spiritual christian is ALWAYS CONNECTED to the father and does whatever He tells him to do! That was how Jesus operated on earth. If we believe in Him(BELIEVERS) and act like Him(CHRISTIANS) then are we truly followers of Jesus the Anointed one and His Anointing.
To the Unsaved we say REPENT, to the SAVED whether carnal or spiritual I say MEDITATE...that is how you stay connected in truth.
You can't expect a branch to remain green after it has been disconnected from the tree. It would soon turn brown and be burnt by fire!
Activity & Membership is no substitute for connectivity with the father.True connectivity is your only authentic access to the the Grace from another.
SO THE QUESTION IS THIS; ARE YOU TRULY CONNECTED TO THE FATHER? That is what makes you a Christian(like-christ). Proof of connectivity is settled Peace and unspeakable Joy as far as that connectivity is concerned.
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