The statement was made, "Whoever Killed George Tiller Was Not A Christian". The article is well written, but just because statements make to press does not make it true. I didn't realize that murder precluded one from being a Christian (all sarcasm intended). Either I am confused by the definition of what a Christian is or the author is confused.
What do you think? Can a Christian (Believer in the Way) kill someone?
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Hi Archie;
He was a Christian, albeit a confused one and maybe not.
No one really knows except Judas
I should of thought better of my one liner. My comment was made in haste. And yes I believe a murderer can be a Christian. I understand that Christianity is all about LOVE. It seems to me that to walk into a church with the intention of killing one who does not hold the same beliefs as yourself is not very loving. Jesus Says to love our enemies too. I know that we are not to judge one another without taking a good look at ourselves first. Truthfully I am sure we are all guilty of doing this. The fact that was his intention to kill him that bothers me. A sin is a sin. My conclusion, is if I had thought more about it I wouldn’t of written it. Yes, you can still be a Christian if you kill someone. The act itself is not very Christian. My apologies.
krizti,
I have to admit I am a bit confused or conflicted over the simple question of can a Christian murder? I am Southern Baptist in upbringing. This is said as a label to hopefully communicate the source of my confusion. It is truthfully taught that the gate to salvation is narrow. Pray the believers prayer and you make it through the gate.
What is not taught or it seems without much impact today is that Christians or “Believers in The Way” have a narrow path to walk. Full repentence is required and should be experienced with each sin we commit. If one has walked through the gate and sees no need for repentence, it might be he/she could reason that murder is justified.
So the real question becomes, is walking through the gate enough or does the path authenticate the reality of your salvation?
I think a person that could justify murder by repentance does not have an authentic relationship with our Lord. I believe that is the narrow path, or at least a big part of it. Anyone can say they are saved because they believe Jesus died on the Cross & rose again. God sent Jesus to die for our sins so we could have a personal relationship with Him. So if we say that we believe but do not take advantage of having a personal relationship through prayer & scripture, are you a true Christian? I would like to think that when I go to Heaven I will know my Father & He knows me personally.
Hi kizti;
I have a question to your last comment.
The inference being that being a Christian will enable you to have a personal relationship fit God.
Do you think it is possible to have a personal relationship with God and not be a Christian?
The Bible is clear about having faith that Jesus died on the cross for our sins. The only way to the Father is through the Son. So if I believe what the Bible says there is only one way to have a relationship with God. I must be saved.
24 Jesus said to them, “Is this not the reason you are wrong, because you know neither the Scriptures nor the power of God? 25 For when they rise from the dead, they neither marry nor are given in marriage, but are like angels in heaven. 26 And as for the dead being raised, have you not read in the book of Moses, in the passage about the bush, how God spoke to him, saying, ‘I am the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob’? 27 He is not God of the dead, but of the living. You are quite wrong.”
28 And one of the scribes came up and heard them disputing with one another, and seeing that he answered them well, asked him, “Which commandment is the most important of all?” 29 Jesus answered, “The most important is, ‘Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. 30 And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ 31 The second is this: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.” 32 And the scribe said to him, “You are right, Teacher. You have truly said that he is one, and there is no other besides him. 33 And to love him with all the heart and with all the understanding and with all the strength, and to love one’s neighbor as oneself, is much more than all whole burnt offerings and sacrifices.” 34 And when Jesus saw that he answered wisely, he said to him, “You are not far from the kingdom of God.” And after that no one dared to ask him any more questions. (Mark 12:24-34)
Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” (John 14:6)
Thanks krizti! Well Ich. The ball is in your court. Or more probably in God’s court. 🙂
That’s very cool. There is great joy to be in God’s court. Even when things are REALLY bad I can always am able to find Great joy in our relationship. Because I have faith that not only does He Love but he knows what is best for me. Although sometimes doing things in his time might not happen in the time it should. Everything is on His time. He has always provided for me. Now it’s my turn to bring Glory to His name for the grace He has given to.
Hi kritzi and Archie;
That all depends on interpretation doesn’t it 🙂
That is why I have a problem with it and as Archie suggested the ball is in my court.
As you are aware there is a bit of a difference between the Gospel of John and the other three gospels.
In Matthew Jesus made it clear that the Father was in heaven and that no one was “good” except for the father. That is consistent with Ecclesiastes and other books.
Forgiveness of sins was also around in the old Testament before Jesus walked the earth.
You mentioned “The Lord our God, the Lord is one. 30 And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ 31 The second is this: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”
Now this last passage is interesting as it says the Lord our God. There is only one God. The same God as in the first commandment in the old Testament.
The second commandment is pretty clear about putting something or someone between you and God.
Jesus can be thought of in two ways. The Nicene Creed Way which almost puts Jesus in a spot to be idolized as God, or as a teacher/prophet.
My view is this. If a person has never heard of Jesus Christ he or she can know God.
If they can’t know God because of the Bible’s claims or how people choose to interpret the bible then there is a problem.
The poor starving kid in Africa who doesn’t have a clue about Christianity will not go to hell, he or she is living it already.
If they have any peace at all or comfort, it may be that they are one with God the creator of all.
Bringing glory to God is recognizing that there is only one God. I think that the bible encourages legalistic thinking so people can take pride in what they think they understand but it may have nothing to do with God.