What do Christians Believe?

[juantoo3]

Kindest Regards, Marsh, and welcome to CR!

Originally Posted by Marsh

Perhaps you're not really a Christian. Perhaps you are simply a follower of Christ. There's a difference, you know. And I think the second one is better than the first.

That is a very astute observation.

[Shih Yo Chi]

I had never thought of the difference between Christian and follower of Christ before. It seems to be a good way to differentiate someone who whishes to follow the Crhist teachings and someone who subscribes to the tenets of the Christian church. I need to think about this some more. Thanks for the idea!

[I, Brian]

I do quite agree - I like the distinction - simple, yet profound.

[enton]

Originally Posted by Shih Yo Chi

As I read through these forums I've discovered that there is a great diversity of Christian thought that I hadn't known existed. My experience with Christianity comes from traditional Protestant thought which does not reflect what I've come to believe. I'd still like to consider myself a Christian, but wonder how much traditional Christian dogma I can reject and still be called a Christian by other Christians. This leads me to consider where other Christians' would "Draw the line". I will probably continue to call myself a Christian unless I discover something that better describes my beliefs.

Must I believe in the Christ as the "only" son of God?

Must I believe that Christ died for my sins?

Must I believe in an afterlife?

I am searching for answers from open minded Christians and I'm sure there are many other points that could be included for discussion. I do believe that Christ's life and teachings can be the basis for a spiritually enlightened and fullfilling life.

You are not yet a christian, but a believer, having a faith in Christ. Christians are believers of God, but not all believers of God are christians.

Christ Jesus biblically speaking is the only begotten Son of God, or the begotten God. Christ was brought forth by God spiritually and was prepared a human body from God through the instrumentation of the chosen woman Mary. There are sons of God, in fact angels are also known as "sons" of God. But in the Bible, there are also "daughters" of God.

Christ Jesus died for everybody's sins. In fact:

II Corinthians 5:21 For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.

Well, that verse is aptly intended for the christian corinthians. But it will be also to those who shall repent, and accept the holy baptism of Christ.

Regarding life beyond this life, it is true. Whether one believes it or not, still the fact remains the same: many men thousands of years ago slept, but there exists a being on earth which had been a witness of thousands of years that had passed and is still witnessing the days right now. If only that being talks!

I believe we all people are facing eternity, only many others already slept. But those that shall be the ones to witness the so-called "rapture", or the meeting of the christians (living and the resurrected) to Christ Jesus in the air will really be amazed.

[Quahom1]

Originally Posted by Shih Yo Chi

I had never thought of the difference between Christian and follower of Christ before. It seems to be a good way to differentiate someone who whishes to follow the Crhist teachings and someone who subscribes to the tenets of the Christian church. I need to think about this some more. Thanks for the idea!

Christ warned potential followers of this...now it is coming back to bight the new generation of Christians in the ASS! (yes I do remember how to write "bight", and write, and right...you get it).

v/r

Q