Claiming Christianity: Are You Living the True Faith?

George Santayana famously said, ‘Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.’ This wisdom underscores the importance of adhering to our core beliefs and values as they are presented in their foundational texts. In the context of Christianity, one might ask: 'How can people who do not want to help the poor call themselves Christians?' This article delves into the essential question, examining the principles of true Christianity and the importance of biblical obedience.

What Does Being a Christian Truly Mean?

The phrase, 'Judge not and you will not be judged' is often cited from Matthew 7:1, urging a spirit of non-judgment. However, can one truly call oneself a Christian if their actions do not align with the teachings of Jesus Christ?

Truly, if one says they are a Christian but does not follow the commands of Jesus as described in the Gospels, they are, in essence, contradicting the very essence of their claim. The teachings of Jesus, outlined in the four Gospels, are the blueprint for a life of faith, love, and service.

Furthermore, the term 'Christian' today often lacks the stringent criteria it once had. In the modern context, it seems anyone who claims the label is a Christian. However, the true meaning of the term should be someone who has a deep faith in Jesus, and one who strives to live a life that honors this faith by following Jesus' commands.

Sins and Personal Accountability

Each individual has their own personal sins and struggles. It is essential to address and seek forgiveness for these, knowing that God, the ultimate judge, will deal with other peoples’ sins. We are not the Holy Spirit or judges in this matter. As Jesus said, 'Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven' (Luke 6:37).

It is the responsibility of each Christian to address their own sins, while placing faith in God to handle others' sins. As the Bible states, 'He shall separate the people one from another, as the shepherd separateth the sheep from the goats' (Matthew 25:32).

Human Imperfection and Self-Reflection

Paul, in Romans 7:19, wrote about the human struggle with perfection and the internal conflict: 'For I do not do the good I want, but the evil I do not want is what I keep on doing.' This verse reflects the common battle between human imperfection and the desire for obedience to God's ways.

We must recognize that being a perfect Christian is an unachievable ideal. Our imperfections should not hinder our strive for faith and obedience. Instead, they should prompt us to seek God’s help in overcoming these challenges. As Paul further wrote: 'For I do not understand my own actions. For I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate' (Romans 7:21).

Actions and Obedience to Scripture

It is those who read the Bible and preach Jesus’ teachings who must worry about whether their actions reflect His commands. We speak every day, and our words and actions should reflect a sincere faith and a willingness to follow Christ's commands.

Jesus did not merely tell people what to do; He also commissioned leaders to guide the faithful. These leaders, either living or identified through biblical authors, can provide guidance. However, it is crucial to distinguish between the words of Jesus and those of religious leaders. The Bible should be treated with reverence, and the red-colored passages should be viewed as the words of men, not divinely inspired quotes.

The No True Scotsman Fallacy

Lastly, it is important to recognize that people may claim to be Christian simply because they have labeled themselves as such, falling under the No True Scotsman fallacy. This logical fallacy invalidates opposing viewpoints by implying that true members of a group are inherently different from non-members. In the context of Christianity, this can be problematic when members disregard essential teachings and fail to live in accordance with the faith.

In conclusion, being a Christian is not simply a matter of self-identification, but a deep commitment to following Jesus' teachings as recorded in the Bible. It is a journey of self-reflection, repentance, and adherence to the principles of faith and service to others.