What does it mean to be a Christian?

[joeb]

Not sure if this is the correct forum for this, but it is about theology in a way.

Can you, in 15 words or less, say what it means to be a Christian?

[Gibs]

You are a Christian when you follow Jesus Christ solely and Him only.

[joeb]

You are a Christian when you follow Jesus Christ solely and Him only.

Not bad Gibs. Only 13 words too.

[joeb]

I guess I'll post the description I found as it doesn't look like anyone else is going to participate. I was saving it so other people could come up with their own as I thought this was a pretty good writing exercise. After I read it I couldn't think of anything shorter, or any better, of my own so I'm posting what someone else wrote. Since it was Paul I don't feel too badly about not being able to come up with anything better than what he wrote.

Paul said, For to me to live is Christ. It's succinct and shows just how well Paul understood what it means to be a Christian. Ellen White says it's the best description of what it means to be a Christian in all of Scripture. I have to agree as I gave some thought to this and Paul's statement is so good I couldn't come up with anything even close as good as his.

[cricket]

But what does that really mean, joeb? "For to me to live is Christ."

[joeb]

But what does that really mean, joeb? "For to me to live is Christ."

That for Paul, all of life was wrapped up in Jesus. Every part of it. For him there was no life outside of Jesus.

I wish I could honestly say the same thing. Unfortunately I let self get in the way at times.

[cricket]

Where is room for the self, if all of life is Christ? Why did God desire to make us individuals, instead of Christ clones?

[joeb]

Where is room for the self, if all of life is Christ? Why did God desire to make us individuals, instead of Christ clones?

I think you misunderstand, or my explanation was really lacking. To surrender all of self is to surrender all of us that is selfish, sinful, etc.... Christ doesn't want to do away with our individuality, but cleanse us from sin. He wants to re-create us in the image of God, like Adam was before his fall.

[cricket]

I think you misunderstand, or my explanation was really lacking. To surrender all of self is to surrender all of us that is selfish, sinful, etc.... Christ doesn't want to do away with our individuality, but cleanse us from sin. He wants to re-create us in the image of God, like Adam was before his fall.

That's a lot more clear. Thanks for the explanation.

[joeb]

Originally Posted By: joeb

I think you misunderstand, or my explanation was really lacking. To surrender all of self is to surrender all of us that is selfish, sinful, etc.... Christ doesn't want to do away with our individuality, but cleanse us from sin. He wants to re-create us in the image of God, like Adam was before his fall.

That's a lot more clear. Thanks for the explanation.

You're welcome. Hope it helps.

[LifeHiscost]

Quote:

Why...instead of Christ clones?

After the heavens and the earth, God continued with;

"...the man in the Garden of Eden to tend and watch over it. But the Lord God warned him, “You may freely eat the fruit of every tree in the garden— except the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. If you eat its fruit, you are sure to die.”"Genesis 2:15-17 NASB

Knowing any actions emanating from any other source than Himself would only lead to death, one restriction was placed on man. How much easier could God have made it to maintain eternal safety? Once having failed that restriction, only man's free choice to reunite with His Creator could reveal his undying loyalty to the rest of the population of the universe, after his initial disloyalty. Only now man would have a deceiver at his elbow every moment of every day, to try to deceive man into believing, God was mean spirited in depriving man of choices that would ultimately lead to death.

A look at the world in general today, reveals how successful the arch-enemy of souls has been in his deceptions.

"Then if anyone says to you, ‘Behold, here is the Christ,’ or ‘There He is,’ do not believe him. For false Christs and false prophets will arise and will show great signs and wonders, so as to mislead, if possible, even the elect. Behold, I have told you in advance."

Matthew 24:23-25 NASB

God cares!

[cricket]

What does a Christian life look like?

What sort of friends does he have? What sort of job does he hold? What sort of relationships does he maintain? How does a person live a life of individuality and uniqueness? Give me some examples.

[joeb]

What does a Christian life look like?

What sort of friends does he have? What sort of job does he hold? What sort of relationships does he maintain? How does a person live a life of individuality and uniqueness? Give me some examples.

What sort of friends? Look at Christ's example. His close friends were His followers. The same with us. Who all was He friendly with, and cared about? Everyone. We can do no other if we want to be like Christ, for we are to complete the work He started here on earth. Will we have some people that will not resonate with us as well as others do? Of course. It was the same way with Christ.

What sort of job? Any lawful job, as long as it is done within the requirements of God's law. How will the Christian do that job? Like he is doing it for his Master.

Individuality and uniqueness? We all have our own personalities and temperaments, and our lives will reflect those, whatever they are for each of us.

Does this help answer your question?