I deleted my post, just didn't feel comfortable thinking outloud on-line, especially on this site.

same reason for deleting.

Doc,
To respond to your question, though - I don't think it matters what I think or believe. Or even my experience of what comes first. But my short answer is - only God makes a person a Christian. Christians are created and grown, and that's God's domain.

Only a Christian can be "Born Again".
Only a Christian will be made perfect in the presence of God.
Then as Paul says, we will know Him fully as well as He knows us and we will see him Face to Face. Can't wait!

Originally Posted by Doc

Good and helpful information, Bro. Larry. The time you invested to provide this information is much appreciated. You are indeed a blessing. BLESSINGS. Doc

You are quite welcome, the pleasure was all mine and I love you too in Jesus Name.
Man blessings,
brother Larry.

Originally Posted by SpiritLedEd

Doc, I don't believe that there is an adequate "small consensus answer" to your question. I, personally, would get to know the person, sit down with him/her, find out what their background is (Have they ever investigated Christianity? What has been their experience interacting with Christians, etc), praying for guidance along the way. Then I would attempt - relying upon the Holy Spirit's guidance - to respond to their questions/comments using Scriptures that relate to their questions.

I've learned that there is a process that takes place when a person comes to Christ, a process that involves a number of people over a period of time. My role is to be available for the Holy Spirit to use me in whatever way He chooses at whatever time He choses to put me before the people He wants me to draw to Jesus and tell me what to say.

Spirit Led Ed (SLE)

SLE: Thanks for your feedback. Apparently I have confused you. My intended question was not about what “method” you use to lead someone to Christ - it was about how you define what a Christian is based on Scripture. If I confused you, I apologize.

In addition, even though I realize there is not yet enough feedback to establish a meaningful consensus, my comment was simply based on what feedback we had at that time.

But my original question itself must have a valid, sustainable, objective, Biblical answer to it. Otherwise, we might as well all just “go fishin.“ I mean, if I were sitting across the dinner table from you, and asked you to take out your Bible and show me how the Bible defines a Christian, what verses would you take me to? Hopefully, this helps to clear up any confusion. BLESSINGS. Doc

The Bible doesn't define what a Christian is. The Bible says that the disciples were first called Christians in Antioch. There are a few other references to the word Christian, which have already been covered in this thread. I don't detect any controversy over the definition of Christian as being a follower of Christ, Christlike, or adherent of Jesus.

Not having a tight biblical definition of "Christian" does not mean that we can all go fishing. The Bible reveals who God is, in his character, in his dealings with people, and in his plan of salvation for the world. Following Jesus is taking our place in that plan.

The key to the question, I beleive, is to be always seeking to know Jesus better. That is There are many ways of following Jesus – our callings are not all the same – but there is only one Jesus Christ.

I would suggest that a careful reading of the epistle to the Philippians may be a helpful place to explore what following Christ means. If anybody were to ask me how to follow Christ, I think I would probably encourage them to put their energy into knowing Christ, and to allow the specifics of following Christ to follow naturally.

I am sure that many of us could recite the kinds of answers that we learned in Sunday school. But I am leery of abstract answers. We know when we see someone committed to living a Christlike life. It may not be the same way as others express their commitment to Christ, but it is recognisable nevertheless.

I mean that following Christ for one person may mean devoting themselves to their family wholeheartedly; for another it may mean leaving their family for some other Godly purpose. Jesus himself required some to leave their families, and other to return to their homes.

But we, and the World, can recognise a follower of Christ when we see one.

Originally Posted by Hekuran

The Bible doesn't define what a Christian is. The Bible says that the disciples were first called Christians in Antioch. There are a few other references to the word Christian, which have already been covered in this thread. I don't detect any controversy over the definition of Christian as being a follower of Christ, Christlike, or adherent of Jesus.

Not having a tight biblical definition of "Christian" does not mean that we can all go fishing. The Bible reveals who God is, in his character, in his dealings with people, and in his plan of salvation for the world. Following Jesus is taking our place in that plan.

The key to the question, I beleive, is to be always seeking to know Jesus better. That is There are many ways of following Jesus – our callings are not all the same – but there is only one Jesus Christ.

I would suggest that a careful reading of the epistle to the Philippians may be a helpful place to explore what following Christ means. If anybody were to ask me how to follow Christ, I think I would probably encourage them to put their energy into knowing Christ, and to allow the specifics of following Christ to follow naturally.

I am sure that many of us could recite the kinds of answers that we learned in Sunday school. But I am leery of abstract answers. We know when we see someone committed to living a Christlike life. It may not be the same way as others express their commitment to Christ, but it is recognisable nevertheless.

I mean that following Christ for one person may mean devoting themselves to their family wholeheartedly; for another it may mean leaving their family for some other Godly purpose. Jesus himself required some to leave their families, and other to return to their homes.

But we, and the World, can recognise a follower of Christ when we see one.

Hekuran: I certainly appreciate your feedback. I find it quite meaningful.

At the moment, I would like to focus on your final statement. QUOTE: "But we, and the World, can recognise a follower of Christ when we see one."

This begs the question - which is the whole purpose of this thread - how does a person recognize a follower of Christ? Do they look like a Presbyterian - do they look like a Baptist - do they look like a Catholic - do they look like a good neighbor - do they look like a Puritan - do they look like a Mormon - do they look like a Jehovah's Witness - what is it that they look like? BLESSINGS. Doc

Christian is a follower of Jesus Christ.

How does a person recognize a follower of Christ? By the fruit they bear.

God Bless, Trish

Originally Posted by Doc

How does a person recognize a follower of Christ? Do they look like a Presbyterian - do they look like a Baptist - do they look like a Catholic - do they look like a good neighbor - do they look like a Puritan - do they look like a Mormon - do they look like a Jehovah's Witness - what is it that they look like? BLESSINGS. Doc

Do you not know the answer to this?

Trishann's reply is perfect. The Bible answers the question of how the world recognises Christ's followers in at least two places. Love and unity are the key.

By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.
John 13:35

May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.
John 17:23

Originally Posted by Trishann

Christian is a follower of Jesus Christ.

How does a person recognize a follower of Christ? By the fruit they bear.

God Bless, Trish

This takes us right back to the beginning of this thread. What is the VISIBLE BIBLICAL FRUIT produced by a genuine believer - and what are the Scripture references to support that? BLESSINGS. Doc