Why Are You a Christian?

[Sign Seeker]

Originally Posted by A.W. Bowman

Utilitarian Christianity, or are you ready to be a martyr?

One of the subject areas I am investigating for possible inclusion in a book I am researching involves the motivation people have for becoming a Christian – and ultimately, why one would want to continue to be identified as a Christian even if it meant total deprivation or even death?

This is a particularly difficult subject to address because it is so hard to get honest answers to the various questions that arise from confronting one’s self, Especially in a serious self examinations concerning what one believes and why – and how well one measures up to the religious standards they use to judge others. Most forks are just not willing to publicly share this level of intimacy. And - that is most likely a good idea. Therefore -

This is meant to be a rhetorical question and not to be answered in an open forum.

----------------------

This question does not come up very often and certainly not in an overt confrontation, but how would you answer the question, “Why are you a Christian?”

For example, what do you expect to get out of being identified as a Christian? What is your personal pay-off? Can you give three foundational reasons (justifications) for holding to your form of the Christian religion? Why is your form of Christianity better than someone else’s? And, why is your religion better than every other non-Christian form, or type of religion?

To know (being able to identify and explain) what you believe and why, goes a long way toward establishing one’s testimony and authenticity in the eyes of others.

Being able to mound a credible challenge to what you profess to believe in gives you the ability to effectively meet the challenges (arguments) that others will confront you with. Non-personal responses to challenges such as, “I believe in (this or that) because the Bible says so.”, will not win many converts to Christ. After all, most non-Christians don’t think ‘your Bible’ has much value anyway, and certainly has no authority in their lives.

So, the final question remains: Why are you a Christian?

A follow up question would be, “Are you true to your professed religious beliefs, i.e. do you live up to, and perform all of the duties and responsibilities that your religion requires of you?” If you had to judge yourself as God will judge you, how do you measure up, today?

I think your question is one that we all should ask ourselves and be able to answer without any reservations based on the foundation of Gods holy word; if this is where you place your faith. You will face judgement and "it is coming" and you best be ready with works to back it up. We all "believe in something" so what is our true color? First, I believe the bible to be the absolute truth, no doubts! Second in believing this my reason for being a Christian is that there is an absolute confidence that the power and blessings of God are real and salvation is real. Third, would I die for this doctrine? I feel that if I would waver in this decision then I am unworthy of the reward of my previous statements. According to my understanding of Gods word we can burn now or burn later but we will burn at one time or the other. The burning now would be by the Holy Ghost and fire that purifies the soul. This will only happen when you have not decided but committed your soul to Jesus and not only talk the talk but walk the walk. It's truly a matter of the heart and soul as to what master you will serve!