Warning
This post is intended for those who hold the belief that the Bible accurately documents the early Christian church. It is important to note that while the Bible is not a prerequisite for becoming a Christian, one must hear the truth of Jesus Christ in order to believe in Him. In fact, many individuals today are led to saving faith through the simple act of hearing the Gospel of Christ. However, this does not diminish the immense value of the Bible. It remains a crucial resource for those seeking to deepen their understanding of Christianity and its teachings.
For individuals who have come to embrace Jesus Christ as their Savior through the simple act of hearing the Gospel, the Bible serves as a valuable historical written account of the teachings about Jesus that were imparted to the early believers. However, its significance extends far beyond that, as it also provides us with a comprehensive understanding of the events that preceded Jesus’ arrival and offers guidance on how we can live and practice our shared faith.
Background
What led to the creation of this post? A close friend recently informed me that someone had claimed he was not a Christian but rather a Catholic. We are all familiar with the phrase “a distinction without a difference.” However, this individual firmly believes that there is indeed a significant distinction. Hence, it begs the question: what is the actual truth behind this matter?
Things That Will Not Be Covered
After engaging in numerous discussions on this subject in the past, I would like to clarify a few points that will not be addressed. We will not delve into the intricate variations between denominations, nor the internal differences within each denomination. It is common for these discussions to veer off into tangential areas that are not the primary focus. Such matters have been or will be covered in other posts.
In order to maintain a professional tone, it is important to establish a clear and concise outline of the topics that will not be explored. By doing so, we can ensure that our focus remains on the central theme without getting sidetracked by peripheral issues.
How Does Someone Become A Christian?
The concept may seem self-evident, but for the sake of clarity, let us provide a brief definition. The book of Acts serves as the earliest documented instance where the term “Christian” was employed to describe individuals who adhered to the teachings of Jesus Christ (Acts 11:26). This occurrence took place approximately in 46 AD, as per the findings of scholars in this field. It is worth noting that people were embracing the faith and converting to Christianity even before it acquired a widely recognized name, and prior to the authorship of any books in the New Testament.
In simple terms, individuals who place their trust in and openly acknowledge Jesus Christ as their savior are referred to as Christians. This belief was established through the accounts of other faithful followers even before the New Testament was written. As you may have observed, the title of this website is The Bible Answers, with the tagline “many of life’s questions.” However, it is important to note that it does not claim to provide answers to every single inquiry.
A Biblical explanation is contained in Romans 10:8-15.
But what does it say? “The word is near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart,” d that is, the message concerning faith that we proclaim: 9If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. 10For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved. 11As Scripture says, “Anyone who believes in him will never be put to shame.” e 12For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile—the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him, 13for, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” f
14How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? 15And how can anyone preach unless they are sent? As it is written: “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!” g
There is no specific denomination one must adhere to, nor any obligatory rituals to be considered a Christian. The path to becoming a Christian is as simple as hearing and believing in Jesus, or reading and believing in Him, as mentioned earlier.
Consider the example of the thief on the cross (Luke 23:39:43), who neither practiced any rituals nor belonged to any denomination, yet found himself in paradise alongside Jesus that very day. It is important to remember that God sees into the depths of our hearts even before we were born, and there is no deceiving Him.
The Main Points
The thing that binds us is our common faith in the historical Jesus Christ. Jesus said many will come to Him and claim to have faith and He will say “I never knew you”, Matthew 7:21-23. But that is for Him to say, not us. He also gave us the example of weeds and wheat, Matthew 13:29-30. If you agree with what Jesus taught it is not the men who will decide who is and is not Christian.
Luke 9:49-50 contains a very interesting story. Jesus points out that those who are not against you are for you. Jesus also saves the Samaritans even though they were a different Jewish sect. John 4:7 contains the story of the Samaritan woman at the well and Jesus also tells the story of the Good Samaritan in Luke 10:30-37.
I could proceed to cite Paul and other biblical figures, such as in Romans 14:4. The crux of the matter is that there exists a multitude of individuals who identify themselves as Christians. However, as Jesus himself stated, not all of them truly embody the essence of Christianity. These individuals can be likened to the weeds in the parable. If we accept the veracity of the teachings about Christ and genuinely embrace them, then we can rightfully consider ourselves Christians, irrespective of any external factors or superficialities.
Conclusion
Can you fathom the thought of standing before Jesus Christ and rejecting a fellow believer who shares the same faith in Him? Take a moment to visualize this scenario in your mind. Reflect upon the profound message conveyed in 1 John 4:20, as well as the wisdom imparted in 1 Corinthians 1:10-17.
The gravity of such a situation cannot be overstated. Picture yourself in the presence of the Son of God, faced with the choice of denying a brother or sister who shares your unwavering devotion to Him. It is a moment that demands deep introspection and self-reflection.
In 1 John 4:20, we are reminded of the significance of love in our relationship with God. The verse emphasizes that if we claim to love God, yet harbor animosity or indifference towards our fellow believers, we are deceiving ourselves. Our love for God should naturally extend to our brothers and sisters in faith, fostering unity and compassion within the community.
Similarly, 1 Corinthians 1:10-17 underscores the importance of unity among believers. The passage urges us to be of one mind and to avoid divisions within the body of Christ. It emphasizes the need to prioritize the message of the Gospel over personal allegiances or preferences, reminding us that our ultimate allegiance lies with Christ alone.
As followers of Christ, we are called to embody love, unity, and compassion towards our fellow believers. Denying a brother or sister who shares our faith not only contradicts the teachings of Scripture but also undermines the very essence of Christianity. Let us strive to live out these principles in our daily lives, ensuring that our actions align with our professed faith.
After years of extensive study and contemplation, I have come to the realization that there is no single denomination that can be deemed perfect. Neither Roman Catholicism nor any form of Protestantism can claim absolute perfection. However, it is undeniably evident that Jesus has followers across various religious affiliations. Therefore, it is entirely possible to identify as a Christian while being a part of the Roman Catholic or Protestant traditions, or even by rejecting such labels altogether and simply choosing to follow the teachings of Christ.