I like the true Scotsman example.
Last I read the Bible, which is quite recent, it hasn't been changed. No Christian in the Bible has ever said, the Bible is not God's word. It's man's.
Rather, all the Christians said this...
(2 Timothy 3:16, 17)
16 All Scripture is inspired of God and beneficial for teaching, for reproving, for setting things straight, for disciplining in righteousness, 17 so that the man of God may be fully competent, completely equipped for every good work.
(2 Peter 1:20, 21)
20 For you know this first, that no prophecy of Scripture springs from any private interpretation. 21 For prophecy was at no time brought by man’s will, but men spoke from God as they were moved by holy spirit.
Have you ever read of any of the Christians saying the Torah is myth?
If you have, could you share those scriptures with me, please. No one has ever shown me them.
Did any of Jesus apostles - Christians - say that these accounts are stories, made up?
Stephen for example, was killed for speaking about these things in the ears of the Jews of his day, and proving that they pointed to the Messiah. He referred to the Torah as fact.
If you have a Bible which says Christians thought the Torah was a book of myths, and that the letters of the apostles were man's ideas, as opposed to God's word, then I want to see your Bible.
It would be unique.
Thus comparing the person today, who professes to be Christian, with the early Christians, we can get a clear answer to
what makes a person a true Christian.
Although I like your Scotsman example, I think my illustration here will give a more complete picture, as it covers the subject more widely.
Imagine that a salesman came to your door. he claims to represent BCURS, and he wants to sell you a product.
He starts off.
"This product is not very good. It probably is not the best buy. It is so full of flaws, you might be better off going to Walmart. Would you like to buy it? It's $99.99."
You probably, like me, would say to yourself. '
What?'
You could not want a better way to undermine any interest in this company, or it's products.
Imagine the manager hears what this salesman is doing. He calls him in his office, and says,
"Well done, my man. You deserve a raise. I might even consider a promotion." What?
No The manager calls the guy, in the office to tell him,
"Fellow. You're fired! I want you out of this building like yesterday." Applause.
Imagine that this fellow walks around month after month, telling everyone,
"I am a salesman. I work for BCURS."
At this point in time you are probably scratching your head, and thinking to yourself,
"Somethings wrong with this fellow's head. It's messed up."
Imagine word gets back to the manager about what this fellow is claiming. The manager would be direct.
"The man does not work for us. He was fired. I personally saw to that."
Take a step back. in other words, let's step out of the cloud swirling around, and really look at the picture.
What do you see?
Here's what you should see... if the thick cloud has not moved with you, that is.
There are people walking around telling everyone,
"I am Christian. I represent the congregation of God." Really?They are neither part of the congregation of God. Nor Christian. They either were never hired, or they got fired.
What? You say.
Who are you to judge!
Is that cloud consuming you, or are you seeing clearly?
What test do we have?
(Matthew 7:15-20)
15 “Be on the watch for the false prophets who come to you in sheep’s covering, but inside they are ravenous wolves. 16 By their fruits you will recognize them. Never do people gather grapes from thorns or figs from thistles, do they? 17 Likewise, every good tree produces fine fruit, but every rotten tree produces worthless fruit. 18 A good tree cannot bear worthless fruit, nor can a rotten tree produce fine fruit. 19 Every tree not producing fine fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. 20 Really, then, by their fruits you will recognize those men.
What are we seeing?
Jesus (the manager) warns of 1) people who would claim to represent his father - and his organization, and 2) you will identify them by their fruit.
...and get this... here is what we are being told.
Shut your eyes and repeat in your head what people use as an excuse - misapplying Jesus' words... "Don't judge. Don't judge. Don't judge."
Crazy right.
No. Jesus - the manager - said,
"Be on the watch for them. They are dangerous. Identify them by the worthless fruit they produce."
I don't know for others,, but I am going to listen to Jesus... not blind guides. Do you agree with me, or are you in disagreement?
How do I know Stephen was a Christian - a true Christian? Like all Christians ...
1)
he preached the Gospel to all, and he did so, unafraid - boldly, and zealously.
2)
he stood up for truth... representing the scriptures, even though it was an unpopular message.
3)
he followed Jesus teachings, and example.
4)
he was part of a group who were united in teachings and love.
See the book of Acts
If anyone can show me that these people being called Christian, are indeed bearing the good fruit, and not the worthless fruit, they have my attention... I am willing to agree with them, honestly.
Right now though, people are pointing to groups of people who are undermining faith in God, and trust in his word the Bible, by claiming the Torah is myth, by claiming that the Bible is man's word, and not God's, by failing to teach the truth from God's word - which Jesus taught, by failing to live up to their claim of love of neighbor. and by being part of the world which Jesus said his followers are no part of.
See
World War I and religion
European wars of religion
Religious war
How can we tell rotten fruit if we don't know the difference between what is good, and what is rotten? That sounds like someone whom has lost all their basic senses... except perhaps hearing.
Good fruit is also seen at Romans 10:13-15 ...
13 For “everyone who calls on the name of Jehovah will be saved.”
14 However, how will they call on him if they have not put faith in him? How, in turn, will they put faith in him about whom they have not heard? How, in turn, will they hear without someone to preach?
15 How, in turn, will they preach unless they have been sent out? Just as it is written: “How beautiful are the feet of those who declare good news of good things!”
We see then that the criterion is outlined in the same book people use to criticize Christianity, or support it.
