I Was Born A Christian

[p_rehbein]

Lately I have noticed more than a few people who (on their Profile Page) make a statement such as: “I was born a Christian,” or “I’ve been a Christian all my life,” or “From birth,” and this truly saddens me.

I can not help but wonder if these people realize that one is not “born a Christian?”I know this is something they have been taught, but that does not make it right, and, in my opinion, it is a dangerous thing. For if one actually believes in this teaching, then they may never truly experience God’s saving grace through His Son Jesus Christ.

My question is this: Do we, as believers, have an obligation to find a way to gently and loveingly explain to people who believe in this teaching that their belief is not in keeping with the Word of God? As well, what would be the best way to address this without causing anger or resentment in that person? This would also apply to those who choose to state their Spiritual Status as “unsure.”

As I read Scripture, I don’t find where God allows one to proclaim “unsure” as a status. Jesus said he who is not for us is against us.

Some Scriptures to consider………

John 3:3 .) Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.
5 .) Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.
6 .) That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.
7 .) Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.

14 .) And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up:
15 .) That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life.
16 .) For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
17 .) For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.
18 .) He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.

Romans 10:8 .) But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach;
9 .) That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.
10 .) For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.
11 .) For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.
12 .) For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him.
13 .) For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.
14 .) How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher?
15 .) And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!

There are many, many more Scriptures, but I know some may want to quote a few as well, so I will allow these to support my belief that one is not born a Christian.

God bless

 

[Bowhunter2394]

Lately I have noticed more than a few people who (on their Profile Page) make a statement such as: “I was born a Christian,” or “I’ve been a Christian all my life,” or “From birth,” and this truly saddens me.

I can not help but wonder if these people realize that one is not “born a Christian?”I know this is something they have been taught, but that does not make it right, and, in my opinion, it is a dangerous thing. For if one actually believes in this teaching, then they may never truly experience God’s saving grace through His Son Jesus Christ.

My question is this: Do we, as believers, have an obligation to find a way to gently and loveingly explain to people who believe in this teaching that their belief is not in keeping with the Word of God? As well, what would be the best way to address this without causing anger or resentment in that person? This would also apply to those who choose to state their Spiritual Status as “unsure.”

As I read Scripture, I don’t find where God allows one to proclaim “unsure” as a status. Jesus said he who is not for us is against us.

Some Scriptures to consider………

John 3:3 .) Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.
5 .) Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.
6 .) That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.
7 .) Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.

14 .) And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up:
15 .) That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life.
16 .) For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
17 .) For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.
18 .) He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.

Romans 10:8 .) But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach;
9 .) That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.
10 .) For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.
11 .) For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.
12 .) For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him.
13 .) For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.
14 .) How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher?
15 .) And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!

There are many, many more Scriptures, but I know some may want to quote a few as well, so I will allow these to support my belief that one is not born a Christian.

God bless

Excellent OBSERVATION. and I agree.. there are Some in the OT, and NT who were filled with the Holy Ghost, from their Womb, actually Sanctified from the Womb... those were Prophets of God called by Him, today, the Testimony of Jesus the Christ, God manifest in the flesh, is the spirit of Prophecy... Revelation Declares that... so if these are claiming they are a child of God their whole life . then ONE WOULD observe HUGE NUMBERS OF PROPHETS on this planet, proclaiming the 'Way of the LORD' or coming Against Idolatry and things like so.. but you dont see that... you see 'another or many other Gospels'......------> Ye Must be Born Again from Above, NT Teaches that..without the New Birth, the Regeneration, according to the Sovereign Hand and Will and Counsel of God, it wont stick.. by their 'fruits ye shall know them'..

 

[didymos]

I was born a heathen...

 

[Bowhunter2394]

Ditto, me too a Gentile heathen, a 'stranger' from Israel's perspective.. BUT God was Faithful and Merciful to Call me.. indeed! I was a Gentile heathen, a very very LOST ONE!

an uncontrolled super 'wild' OLIVE branch 'tamed' and Grafted Into the Genuine Olive Tree! He would be Christ, God manifest in the flesh!

 

[p_rehbein]

Born a heathen.........funny

But to address my question..................???

My question is this: Do we, as believers, have an obligation to find a way to gently and loveingly explain to people who believe in this teaching that their belief is not in keeping with the Word of God? As well, what would be the best way to address this without causing anger or resentment in that person? This would also apply to those who choose to state their Spiritual Status as “unsure.”

 

[MarcR]

I believe we do; and I attempt to act on it.

 

[Bowhunter2394]

Born a heathen.........funny

But to address my question..................???

My question is this: Do we, as believers, have an obligation to find a way to gently and loveingly explain to people who believe in this teaching that their belief is not in keeping with the Word of God? As well, what would be the best way to address this without causing anger or resentment in that person? This would also apply to those who choose to state their Spiritual Status as “unsure.”

I would certainly think so, God will Send His Own to preach the Word, those Genuinely Saved by Him, they dont need doctorates or to be Scholars to do that.. although there is nothing wrong with that.. but if you are Led by Him, you will Preach the Word, no matter what... because you are Led of the Spirit, and You as a Genuine Christian, bear His Testimony.. albeit if you are Genuine YOU will have resistance to that.. by the children of the flesh, who have been taught they are a christian thru their man made theology or works, God knows every one of those who are like this.. HE KNOWS THEIR END FROM THE BEGINNING... Some OF THOSE He is going to call out of that Darkness, those He is drawing He will put in front of somebody who is teaching and preaching about Genuine Salvation, Ye must be born again... NOW. ye have to understand the 'times' we live in, the 'other sower' is VERY VERY BUSY, he is allowed to go forward and sow his weeds, so that God can Fulfill His end time events... he may think he is winning or going to be better, but God ALLOWS him to do this to fulfill His Word, some of those the evil one has sown, WILL be called out of Darkness... for me its not an obligation persay, Its a Desire, knowing there are 'LOST ' ONES out there that He will Genuinely Call, and the understanding that not ALL WILL BE SAVED.. God and the Merits of Salvation are Grounded in Him.. I will Trust if He is Geninuely Working in the life an unregenerate lost person, that is the 'reason' they are interested in asking questions and being around..... God is In control... We need to be Awake and ready.. at His command or Beckoning to move forward according to His Will..

 

[phil112]

Lately I have noticed more than a few people who (on their Profile Page) make a statement such as: “I was born a Christian,” or “I’ve been a Christian all my life,” or “From birth,” and this truly saddens me.

......................................... This would also apply to those who choose to state their Spiritual Status as “unsure.”

..........................

Are you saying we must make a choice to serve God? That you don't believe in predestination? Me too.

As for "unsure", I am one of those, and I'll tell you why.
It isn't up to me to tell you I am, or am not, christian. That is for Christ to determine. If you look at all my posts, not one time have I flat out declared that "I am a christian".
If I am, you'll know it by my fruits. If I am not you'll know it the same way.
My opinion is that if I have to tell someone I am a christian for them to know, then I probably am not.
There are a whole bunch of people that call themselves christian that I'd just as soon not be associated with. They embarrass me.
I even had one fella pm me and try to convert me because he thought by saying unsure I wasn't saved. Apparently he, being a newby, hadn't read many of my posts.
Am I christian? Christ is the only one I am compelled to convince. You decide for yourself.

 

[psalm6819]

Good morning all and may God's blessings abound, an interesting dilemma. I know that the Holy Spirit calls one not the persuation of man, but how shall they hear if noone shares the gospel? God says He reveals Himself to all through creation..... I think the key would be indeed "gently and with love" If thier love of the Lord is true they would have no problem acknowledging Jesus as Redeemer and Lord. I think that is the litmus test-who is Jesus? He is not A way, He 's THE ONLY way.

 

[Joshua_Generation]

Born a heathen.........funny

But to address my question..................???

My question is this: Do we, as believers, have an obligation to find a way to gently and loveingly explain to people who believe in this teaching that their belief is not in keeping with the Word of God? As well, what would be the best way to address this without causing anger or resentment in that person? This would also apply to those who choose to state their Spiritual Status as “unsure.”

As with any divine connection, we need to remember 2 Tim 2.24-26 and Gal 5.22-23 and apply that liberally when discusssing these topics. That said, and if they come to your church, I was taught to let the Holy Ghost do what he does best, so I let the Holy ghost do his thing and I do the Jesus thing, which is to preach, teach, and demonstrate the Kingdom of God and heal and deliver. For example: We have had a few of these folks in our church and usually the preaching/teaching of the word stirs them into true repentance.

I find that if you love them despite the error and do not provoke them to anger, the Holy Ghost will show up and do what he does best without me or my staff's fleshy involvement.

We had one young married couple that did believe they were born christian and came to the real truth and true repentance during Sunday school one morning, because the teacher for that class was teaching on the Love of God.

They told me that they had thought they were born Christian, but never experienced or could show anyone the Love the teacher was talking about or our church exhibited and the Holy Ghost reproved them into truth by the goodness of God, which is what Romans 2.4 tells us.

 

[Bowhunter2394]

Are you saying we must make a choice to serve God? That you don't believe in predestination? Me too.

As for "unsure", I am one of those, and I'll tell you why.
It isn't up to me to tell you I am, or am not, christian. That is for Christ to determine. If you look at all my posts, not one time have I flat out declared that "I am a christian".
If I am, you'll know it by my fruits. If I am not you'll know it the same way.
My opinion is that if I have to tell someone I am a christian for them to know, then I probably am not.
There are a whole bunch of people that call themselves christian that I'd just as soon not be associated with. They embarrass me.
I even had one fella pm me and try to convert me because he thought by saying unsure I wasn't saved. Apparently he, being a newby, hadn't read many of my posts.
Am I christian? Christ is the only one I am compelled to convince. You decide for yourself.

If you are Genuinely His.. you WILL at some time, KNOW YOU HAVE BEEN predestined by Him, and He will make your Calling and Election .. sure.. there is No Doubt , in a Genuine Believers Mind, that they are Called by Him and Predestined by Him, and Elected by Him.. HE WILL REVEAL THAT TO YOU.. for some its later, for some its earlier, as Ye walk in Him. and He if Faithful to 'keep' you and 'preserve you'...

for example, I have some who make it their job and duty here, to come and question me. 'how do you know your still 'saved'? these from a very large pentecostal group, whose salvation is man based and man worked.. I tell them , its the Witness of the Paraclete, the Spirit of Truth that tells me this, confirms it In His Word, Its about God .. keeping me, not about me keeping myself .. Salvation is about God.. not me... then I usually tell them the Scripture how GOD IS ABLE TO KEEP YOU.. then the conversations ends.. Truth always will make the devil turn and flee! indeed

 

[p_rehbein]

As with any divine connection, we need to remember 2 Tim 2.24-26 and Gal 5.22-23 and apply that liberally when discusssing these topics. That said, and if they come to your church, I was taught to let the Holy Ghost do what he does best, so I let the Holy ghost do his thing and I do the Jesus thing, which is to preach, teach, and demonstrate the Kingdom of God and heal and deliver. For example: We have had a few of these folks in our church and usually the preaching/teaching of the word stirs them into true repentance.

I find that if you love them despite the error and do not provoke them to anger, the Holy Ghost will show up and do what he does best without me or my staff's fleshy involvement.

We had one young married couple that did believe they were born christian and came to the real truth and true repentance during Sunday school one morning, because the teacher for that class was teaching on the Love of God.

They told me that they had thought they were born Christian, but never experienced or could show anyone the Love the teacher was talking about or our church exhibited and the Holy Ghost reproved them into truth by the goodness of God, which is what Romans 2.4 tells us.

Yes, but I was speaking specifically of those who come here to CC.

 

[Joshua_Generation]

Yes, but I was speaking specifically of those who come here to CC.

I would say we need to remember 2 Tim 2.24-26 and Gal 5.22-23 and apply that liberally when discussing these topics even on an internet chat board, such as CC. I think private message is the best way to handle such discussions and only if you are led.
open discussion opens the door for a vast variety of opinion, speculation and religion to enter into the discussion.

Long winded yes to your OP, but doing so in wisdom and meekness and privately will produce better fruit than open discussion.

Fro example: the law VS. righteousness threads prove this. It is the same debate, with the same bothers/sisters and it is not growing or edifying anyone or anything. How could you expect to tell someone on an open CC discussion they are not born Christian and then watch religion take over, for which I am guilty of at times as well.

 

[p_rehbein]

As for "unsure", I am one of those, and I'll tell you why.
It isn't up to me to tell you I am, or am not, christian. That is for Christ to determine


We truly are to profess our faith and belief in Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord and to proclaim that we are His disciples in my opinion........truly Scripture bears this out.

Matthew 10:32 .) Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven. 33 .) But whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my Father which is in heaven.

1 Peter 3:15 .) But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear: 16 .) Having a good conscience; that, whereas they speak evil of you, as of evildoers, they may be ashamed that falsely accuse your good conversation in Christ. 17 .) For it is better, if the will of God be so, that ye suffer for well doing, than for evil doing.

Romans 10:8 .) But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach;
9 .) That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. 10 .) For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.
11 .) For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.

 

[Joshua_Generation]

If you are Genuinely His.. you WILL at some time, KNOW YOU HAVE BEEN predestined by Him, and He will make your Calling and Election .. sure.. there is No Doubt , in a Genuine Believers Mind, that they are Called by Him and Predestined by Him, and Elected by Him.. HE WILL REVEAL THAT TO YOU.. for some its later, for some its earlier, as Ye walk in Him. and He if Faithful to 'keep' you and 'preserve you'...

for example, I have some who make it their job and duty here, to come and question me. 'how do you know your still 'saved'? these from a very large pentecostal group, whose salvation is man based and man worked.. I tell them , its the Witness of the Paraclete, the Spirit of Truth that tells me this, confirms it In His Word, Its about God .. keeping me, not about me keeping myself .. Salvation is about God.. not me... then I usually tell them the Scripture how GOD IS ABLE TO KEEP YOU.. then the conversations ends.. Truth always will make the devil turn and flee! indeed

I would ask you to please refrain from lumping together all Full Gospel/Pentecostals in the same camp as your personal bad experience. Not everyone that believes in the full gospel/pentecostal message share the same views as the ones you seem to enjoy beating over the head.

Your comments here seem to imply you believe in Calvinism TULIP, please clarify if that is your intention and if so, state so upfront and quit hiding under gnostic superiority.

 

[Bowhunter2394]

One would have to First understand the reality of the 'other sower', who in real terms, Jesus said was the 'living devil'... and the TIMES we live in.. the Parable of the Sower is a very good teaching.. the enemy has his people out there.. 'sowing his gospels, which will be molded into one big gospel come daniels 70th week, she is called the Harlot of Revelation 17.......... he was active when Paul was teaching and preaching... he was not marvelled at the amount of activity the devil was up to.. sowing his weeds, he just after testing them, and seeing their 'fruit' QUIT giving them occasion.. that they may be found as we are.... GOD'S plan of Salvation will be COMPLETED even though there are SO MANY WEEDS out there.. and His Own, will be called to Preach the Gospel of Grace, according the Son of Man, Jesus the Christ, God manifest in the flesh...

 

[p_rehbein]

This also is why I included the "unsure" category in the OP.

[h=1]1 John
5[/h]
1 .) Whosoever believeth that Jesus is the Christ is born of God: and every one that loveth him that begat loveth him also that is begotten of him.
2 .) By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God, and keep his commandments.
3 .) For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous.
4 .) For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.
5 .) Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God?
6 .) This is he that came by water and blood, even Jesus Christ; not by water only, but by water and blood. And it is the Spirit that beareth witness, because the Spirit is truth.
7 .) For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one.
8 .) And there are three that bear witness in earth, the Spirit, and the water, and the blood: and these three agree in one.
9 .) If we receive the witness of men, the witness of God is greater: for this is the witness of God which he hath testified of his Son.
10 .) He that believeth on the Son of God hath the witness in himself: he that believeth not God hath made him a liar; because he believeth not the record that God gave of his Son.
11 .) And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son.
12 .) He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life.
13 .) These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.
14 .) And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us:
15 .) And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him.
16 .) If any man see his brother sin a sin which is not unto death, he shall ask, and he shall give him life for them that sin not unto death. There is a sin unto death: I do not say that he shall pray for it.
17 .) All unrighteousness is sin: and there is a sin not unto death.
18 .) We know that whosoever is born of God sinneth not; but he that is begotten of God keepeth himself, and that wicked one toucheth him not.
19 .) And we know that we are of God, and the whole world lieth in wickedness.
20 .) And we know that the Son of God is come, and hath given us an understanding, that we may know him that is true, and we are in him that is true, even in his Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God, and eternal life.
21 .) Little children, keep yourselves from idols. Amen.

 

[AuphirahQueen]

Are you saying we must make a choice to serve God? That you don't believe in predestination? Me too.

As for "unsure", I am one of those, and I'll tell you why.
It isn't up to me to tell you I am, or am not, christian. That is for Christ to determine. If you look at all my posts, not one time have I flat out declared that "I am a christian".
If I am, you'll know it by my fruits. If I am not you'll know it the same way.
My opinion is that if I have to tell someone I am a christian for them to know, then I probably am not.
There are a whole bunch of people that call themselves christian that I'd just as soon not be associated with. They embarrass me.
I even had one fella pm me and try to convert me because he thought by saying unsure I wasn't saved. Apparently he, being a newby, hadn't read many of my posts.
Am I christian? Christ is the only one I am compelled to convince. You decide for yourself.

I am one of those folks who write UNSURE because there is a REASON for that. Should folks say the following: Follower of the Way, Nazarenes, Anointed Ones, Disciples because I do not have to use the word Christian just makes others feel comfortable because a title means nothing. Many folks are wearing masks as Christians, but are devils on wheels. Many folks have been falsely attack, condemned, ridiculed, judged, and rejected by fellow Christians. Many folks have left this site because of unkind, nasty, malice, hateful, rude, uncaring,unloving and self righteous so called Christians. May folks need to example their hearts, motives, agenda, purpose and ones foundation . LACK OF RESPECT FOR OTHERS!

Romans 16:17​

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Now I urge you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause dissensions and obstacles contrary to the doctrine you have learned. Avoid them,

[h=1]Matthew 7 Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)[/h]15 “Beware of false prophets who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravaging wolves. 16 You’ll recognize them by their fruit. Are grapes gathered from thornbushes or figs from thistles? 17 In the same way, every good tree produces good fruit, but a bad tree produces bad fruit. 18 A good tree can’t produce bad fruit; neither can a bad tree produce good fruit. 19 Every tree that doesn’t produce good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. 20 So you’ll recognize them by their fruit.
21 “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord!’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of My Father in heaven. 22 On that day many will say to Me, ‘Lord, Lord, didn’t we prophesy in Your name, drive out demons in Your name, and do many miracles in Your name?’ 23 Then I will announce to them, ‘I never knew you! Depart from Me, you lawbreakers!’[i][j]

 

[Bowhunter2394]

I would ask you to please refrain from lumping together all Full Gospel/Pentecostals in the same camp as your personal bad experience. Not everyone that believes in the full gospel/pentecostal message share the same views as the ones you seem to enjoy beating over the head.

Your comments here seem to imply you believe in Calvinism TULIP, please clarify if that is your intention and if so, state so upfront and quit hiding under gnostic superiority.

careful, I dont follow Calvin... nor do i Have TULIP or whatever you are throwing at me.. Accusations reveal your fruit, but carry on ..... you realize there wont be Pentecostals in Heaven? nor a Full Gospel group? nor any kind of man made division of 'christ' so cleverly cut up.. what you will find is Blood Bought Saints, Purchased with His Blood from His Propitiation... Christ Crucified, some of you are 'staunch enemies' of the Cross of Christ, even though you claim Him, ye ar enemies of the Cross of Christ.. sorry..

 

[Joshua_Generation]

How many here understand Romans 8.16-17?