What IS a Christian?

[Hardcase]

What do YOU consider are the BASIC requirements for being a Christian?

Not a good vs. bad Christian, but a Christian.

I don't have to do this, but I want to.
Here is my personal status as a "Christian"
I believe that Jesus existed.
HE died on the cross (I'll yeild to the term for you fundamentalists) for my sins.
Jesus was born of "man" (Mary) through immaculate conception.
The only way to the "FATHER" is though Jesus.
I believe "ye must be born again" and have been.(been to the alter and all that good stuff)
And more..but you get the idea.
My Beliefs are very much as basic as your core beliefs I think.
And NO! I won't play with rattlesnakes!

[mike692]

I think Dr. Jones said it best;


I believe in the inspiration of the Bible (both the Old and the New Testaments); the creation of man by the direct act of God; the incarnation and virgin birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ; His identification as the Son of God; His vicarious atonement for the sins of mankind by the shedding of His blood on the cross; the resurrection of His body from the tomb; His power to save men from sin; the new birth through the regeneration by the Holy Spirit; and the gift of eternal life by the grace of God.


I don't handle snakes either! ;D

[Bro. Freddie]

The best answer to this questioon is to look at the original meaning. When thie term "christian" was first used, it meant to be a picture of Jesus. So in fact, a christian is a picture of Jesus. With that thought in mind, is everyone who claims to be a christian a christian?

[Josh A]

Well with that thought in mind is anyone a Christian?? Jesus was perfect! We are not perfect. We strive toward the perfection and the picture of Jesus but because of the sin nature we were all born into none of us can ever be perfect like Jesus.
I am not disagreeing with you Bro. Freddie, but what you stated is a perfect text book answer. It is right, but I think it might be a little too unobtainable.

[Bro. Freddie]

Shouldn't we strive to be like Jesus in every aspect of our life? I know we can't be perfect, or at least I can't. But we should live by the teachings of Jesus and live our life in such a way that reflects Him to everyone.
Sure, it might be unobtainable, but I can't think of a better goal in a person's life than to be like our Lord and Master.

[Josh A]

I couldn't agree more Bro. Freddie. We should strive to be like Jesus in every aspect of our lives and we should look to him as our example of how to live. I would say we are thinking the same, it was just the way you worded it that made me question. It is just that some folks can have a hard time with that type of answer because an unobtainable goal can sometimes bring disappointment. But like I said I think we are saying the same thing and have a like understanding. I just think somethings bare a little more explaining for the chance that it may be read by a new believer or a younger/newer Christian on our forum here.

I would say a Christian is someone who believes in the bible and believes that it is Truth. Believes in Jesus and has accepted him as their LORD AND SAVIOUR. Many like to take him as their Saviour but not as their Lord. I don't believe the Word give us a option, a either or,a pick and choose choice here. You are bought with a price, you are not your own anymore.

[Schrader]

A Christian is someone who puts God and the Church above everything else in their life. They serve a Lord and Savior. The thing people try to do is leave out the "Lord" part of it and hold on to the "Savior" part. It says that we have been bought with a price, and that we are no longer our own. A true Christian is no longer their own, and their life should be a testament to that.

Schrader