What Makes A Christian
The Bible gives us insight as to what things make a Christian. Here are some examples:
1Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world. 2This is how you can recognize the Spirit of God: Every spirit that acknowledges that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God, 3but every spirit that does not acknowledge Jesus is not from God. This is the spirit of the antichrist, which you have heard is coming and even now is already in the world. (1 John 4:1-3 NIV)
No one who is born of God will continue to sin, because God’s seed remains in him; he cannot go on sinning, because he has been born of God. (1 John 3:9 NIV)
Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. (1 John 4:7 NIV)
These are some ways we can tell if a person is a believer. Because we are all under a process of refinement through the Holy Spirit we can still sin and make mistakes while being a Christian.
Passing Judgment
Today I realized that some people want to disqualify others as non-Christians simply because of doctrinal differences or faults they may have before they even enter the race. This is wrong entirely. Jesus said not to judge and that we should not condemn (Luke 6:37). He also said that we are not to judge someone else’s servant — meaning God’s servant, because we are not their master (Romans 14:4). The Master and ultimate judge is God. He tests the heart and He knows the heart of His followers (1 Corinthians 4:5). Humans don’t read people’s hearts like God can. Therefore it is unwise for a Christian to call another Christian unsaved because of their differences.
Some people get a perverse sense of satisfaction when they categorize their enemies as unsaved. We are to pray for our enemies so that they may know God, too. If you still wish harm on your enemies or get some satisfaction out of knowing they don’t believe as you do - check your pride at the cross. You were once unsaved, too. It is by grace we are saved and not by works, so that no one should boast.
Divisiveness in the Church
For instance, there are many denominations of Christianity. The church of Christ is divided into denominations because not all Christians agree upon the same doctrine. What needs to happen for God’s will to be done on earth as it is in heaven is for churches to unite on fundamental doctrine so that there will be no division in the body of Christ. The Apostle Paul dealt with divisive people in his day, too. They bickered, quarreled and judged each other because of doctrinal differences. Some followed Apollos, some followed Paul’s teachings and others claimed to follow Christ’s teachings (1 Corinthians 1:12). What they did not realize is that whoever is for Christ is not against Him. Whoever believes that Jesus is the Son of God in their heart and confesses with their mouth that He is Lord, they will be saved (Romans 10:9). However, one cannot say "Jesus is Lord" without the Holy Spirit. Likewise, as the bible tells us, no one can call Him accursed and have the Spirit of God within Him (1 Corinthians 12:3).
Different Denominations of Christianity
The reason I felt this posting was imminent was because I used to be one who was seeking the right denomination. I’ve attended several different denominations of Christianity’s worship services and it seems like certain groups of people who are immature in their faith like to disqualify others as Christians because they don’t act, talk, or look like them. This is a serious mistake. Divisiveness can turn people off to attending a church and it can turn people away from wanting to be a part of worship to a God whose house is divided.
Unity in the Body of Christ
Unity in the body of Christ is so important. Jesus said where three or more are gathered in His name He will be amongst them. Even among people that don’t go to church there are Christians. We have to be very careful not to judge people because we, too, make mistakes and sin. We must first get the log out of our own eyes before we can pick the splinter out of our brother’s eye (Matthew 7:4).
Love Your Brother and Neighbor
The Second Greatest Commandment is to love one’s neighbor as oneself (Mark 12:31). This means we need to bear with our brother and sister’s failings and not discount anyone as a Christian because he or she makes mistakes or doesn’t agree with manmade parts of religion.
Divisiveness = Immaturity
Also, I’ve noticed that when someone is slighted and they are immature in their faith they can sometimes become accusatory. They try to believe that the person who hurt them is not part of God’s kingdom and therefore they convince themselves that they don’t have to forgive the offensive party. Jesus said to forgive everyone and to love one another. Don’t think that because you perceive someone not to be a Christian that you don’t have to forgive them or love them. People that don’t forgive those that hurt them are setting themselves up for failure in their walk with Christ. A root of bitterness and judgment will grow in their heart until soon enough they won’t even forgive their enemies for the slightest of slights. This is where people become rigid in their beliefs and traditions and show no mercy to those that don’t share those beliefs or traditions.
In Conclusion
Fear not, those who are immature in Christ will eventually develop into maturity. They need time just like everyone else to grow up in their faith so that they may truly live it and love their neighbor selflessly.
