What makes you a Christian?

[Nomad]

I see many Christians against abortion and against LGBTQ. I hear that the Bible does not allow unnatural relationships and the killing of children. However, do these Christians (those who are against abortion and LGBTQ) actually follow what the Bible says? What are the characteristics of a true Christian?

 

[Josiah]

A "Christian" is one who has faith/trust/reliance upon Jesus Christ as their savior.

Of course, a Christian is Called to live as Christ did - in perfect holiness and love. But while most try to grow in that, none achieve that.

Anyone (not just Christians) may decry certain things as wrong - yet still be sinful themselves. Everyone is sinful... that does not mean ergo everyone must condone all wrongs. The policeman who stops me for speeding may not be 100% perfect in all things himself.



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[Albion]

I see many Christians against abortion and against LGBTQ. I hear that the Bible does not allow unnatural relationships and the killing of children. However, do these Christians (those who are against abortion and LGBTQ) actually follow what the Bible says?

No.

What are the characteristics of a true Christian?

As others have said, a Christian is one who believes in Christ as God and Savior and trusts his promises and instructions. You asked about something being in the Bible (or not in the Bible) and that's a slightly different matter.

 

[Fritz Kobus]

No.

As others have said, a Christian is one who believes in Christ as God and Savior and trusts his promises and instructions. You asked about something being in the Bible (or not in the Bible) and that's a slightly different matter.

And trusting His promises and instructions means the true Christian will try to follow (obey) those instructions. However, this obedience is not what gains us salvation. Rather it is a response of love. If one truly believes God's promises and instructions they will follow them.

But our salvation was won for us once for all at the cross with the ultimate and perfect sacrifice of Jesus the God-Man, the perfect sacrifice that was more than sufficient for the sins of the whole world, past, present, and future. The blood of that sacrifice blots our our sins, washing us clean.

 

[Albion]

And trusting His promises and instructions means the true Christian will try to follow (obey) those instructions. However, this obedience is not what gains us salvation.

Yes, but the contents of the Bible (while that's admittedly divine revelation) pose some problems of interpretation.

It is generally understood that, within limits, all who truly believe in Christ as Lord and Savior are properly classified as Christians. That's it.

Some of them may be orthodox while others are unorthodox, but whether there are seven sacraments or two, whether they are as charitable as they ought to be, nobody ceases to be Christian because they aren't in agreement with the next person on every verse in Scripture.

Rather it is a response of love. If one truly believes God's promises and instructions they will follow them.

 

[Fritz Kobus]

nobody ceases to be Christian because they aren't in agreement with the next person on every verse in Scripture.

Exactly. There are core doctrines that one must believe to be a Christian and there are many other teachings that vary by interpretations and are not damning if a wrong interpretation is held. However, some wrong interpretations can erode into the core beliefs.

It also depends now much knowledge one has. A new Christian who never read the Bible will cling to some very basic beliefs until they learn more.

Stripped down I would say it is essential to know that Jesus is the God-Man sacrifice for our sins and that we are thereby declared righteous by faith in his sacrifice for our salvation.

I would add that by happy inconsistency, one may hold contradictory beliefs (thiestic evolution, and salvation by Jesus' sacrifice) and be saved, but with education one should see the inconsistency and make appropriate adjustments.