Do I have to be a Christian to believe in God and Jesus?

Question

I do believe in God and Jesus. I believe that Jesus did die on the cross for our sins and resurrected from the dead. I believe that praying does help if you are in bad times. I believe in all that. But I'm not a christian. Is this ok? I don't really plan to become a christian any time soon. I was reading online and some other people say it's not acceptable to believe in God and not be a Christian (which I think is incorrect) Please answer.
Thank You.

Answer 1

You don't have to be a Christian, no, although by definition that's what you would be. However, God states it is more important to believe in Him and Jesus' sacrifice than to be part of a necessary organized religion. If you believe in the crucifixion then you'll go to heaven.

Answer 2

The ole handy dictionary defines "Christian" as "of, pertaining to, or derived from Jesus Christ or His teachings".

So, yeah - your technically Christian. You don't "become" Christian, you just are or you aren't. Kind of like smoking. You can't smoke and say you're not a smoker.

And no, you don't have to be a Christian to believe in God. That's just silly.

Your homework is to watch "The Life of Brian" by Monty Python. I think that will answer a lot of questions for you. Probably raise a few questions too.

Answer 3

I was born, schooled, married into the Christian religions, Protestant and Catholic. Disillusioned by the status money carried, the confusing contradictions, rituals and discrimination within Churches and Religion, I "divorced" myself completely from it. Due to the dubious re-translations and rewriting of the Bible and lack of truth re mankind's true origin, I now keep the 10 commandments and belief in a Creator, that's it! The Romans tried their utmost but could not destroy Christianity, so I believe Jesus existed. Note that the Romans (Constantine) then converted to Christianity, possibly to destroy and corrupt it from within. Being honest with myself brought me a sense of clarity about the subject. Humans created churches and religions, it's controlling aspect far more important than faith, explains the chaos, violence and bloodshed associated with it

Answer 4

Islam believes in God, they call Him Allah, and they believe in the prophet Jesus.

Jewish religion believes in God and many believe in Jesus {a bit differently.}

Practically every major religion believes in a God. It is fun to try to get anyone of any

faith to explain exactly what God is. Is God energy like lightening? Is God a man?

And if God is an all Powerful, All Knowing Being - how would it even be possible

to sin against an Invulnerable Being? Many describe God as being Peaceful, Kind

and Infinite Love. How then can they impute insane actions by Him against his

children for supposed infractions of His unknown rules? They live in fear, not love

of God. Perfection cannot remain perfect if it carries out vendettas against it's children.

Answer 5

Christian, as far as I know the term, simply means that you are a follower of Jesus Christ.



I think what you're saying is, and this is just going by definitions, that you're a non-denominational Christian and do not wish to be a part of an organized church.

Answer 6

To be a true Christian, there is no need to sign papers of any kind. God takes care of his own bookkeeping etc. So there is no need to "join" a congregation. Some Churches do ask that you sign a list to show the US Government for tax exempt purposes. But it is no big deal. You don't have to sign it if you don't want to.



How can one be a Christian if you don't believe in God or Jesus ??



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.



Matthew 10:32



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Answer 7

No. Religion is NOT the way to god.



A true Christian is one who follows the teachings of Jesus - to love one another; be kind, loving, forgiving, compassionate, etc to all of creation. That's it. Nothing else. That is all that Jesus ever really taught. You don't have to do anything else to be a true Christian.

Jesus never advocated dogma, rituals or worship. And he was very against the dogmatic ritualistic priests of his time.







Sandra Rogers had a near-death experience during which she was shown this:

“I asked the light, which I call Christ, how people from other religions get to heaven. I was shown that the group or organization we profess alliance to is inconsequential. What is important is HOW WE SHOW OUR LOVE FOR GOD BY THE WAY WE TREAT EACH OTHER.

The light showed me that what is important is that we love God and each other, and that it isn't what a person says, but the love in their being that is examined in the afterlife. In reviewing and reliving your life, your acts and thoughts of love bring you and God great joy, and your acts and thoughts of indifference, selfishness, and anger bring you and God deep remorse.

We are all part of God's family, and are all interconnected. Those organizations or religions which claim some singular relationship with God, claim superiority over others, or exclude people for various reasons, GO AGAINST GOD'S LAW that we love one another as we love ourselves.”



http://www.near-death.com/experiences/suicide03.html

Answer 8

Just to tell you, Lucifer the Devil believes in God more than any of us can, cause he met God face to face. And is Lucifer a follower of God? No. So you don't need to be a Christian to believe. Many believe, and they hate it. And being a Christian doesn't mean believing only. It means to follow Christ and his ways, and having a deep relationship with him.

Answer 9

Everything you said is perfect! What you read online is called religion. What Jesus preached against with the Pharisses and Scribes who he called hypocrits for not being able to follow Gods Law let alone their own. I am Christian but I judge no one and dispel religion imposed in the churches. God Bless your heart





Mark 3:1-6



New International Version (NIV)





Jesus Heals on the Sabbath



3 Another time Jesus went into the synagogue, and a man with a shriveled hand was there. 2 Some of them were looking for a reason to accuse Jesus, so they watched him closely to see if he would heal him on the Sabbath. 3 Jesus said to the man with the shriveled hand, “Stand up in front of everyone.”



4 Then Jesus asked them, “Which is lawful on the Sabbath: to do good or to do evil, to save life or to kill?” But they remained silent.



5 He looked around at them in anger and, deeply distressed at their stubborn hearts, said to the man, “Stretch out your hand.” He stretched it out, and his hand was completely restored. 6 Then the Pharisees went out and began to plot with the Herodians how they might kill Jesus.

Answer 10

A " Christian" IS a follower of Jesus...the Christ...



Can't have one without the other...

Answer 11

This should clear things up, and feel free to email me. The 'Related Topics' section at the bottom, may also be useful for you. Hope this helps.



http://www.gotquestions.org/what-is-a-Christian.html

Answer 12

If you believe that Jesus is the only begotten son of God.and you Acknowledge Jesus as Lord,than you are a Christian.

Answer 13

No. The devil believes and he is not Christian.

However, if you want to be saved from hell (in addition to what you believe) you need to receive Jesus Christ as your personal Lord and Savior and repent of your sins.

Answer 14

What is it you think that makes you a Christian ? Signing your name on a piece of paper ? Those who hear the word of God and do it, these are the ones God takes note of.



learn from this man:



http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=derek+prince+foundation+series

Answer 15

Satan believes in god and jesus does that make him a christian

Answer 16

No, I know a Muslim who believes in God and Jesus too.

Answer 17

If you believe that stuff, you are a Christian.

Answer 18

Jesus said I am the vine you are the branches. You have to be in one of those branches.