Question: According to Scripture a Christian is one who believes that Jesus is the Christ (1 John 5:1). A person becomes a Christian through faith (Ephesians 2:8-9). And the Christian can know that because of this faith he or she has eternal life (John 3:16).

According to your definition of a Christian, he/she is anyone who believes in Jesus Christ and lives according to this teachings. That definition would include Mormons, too. The teachings of Mormonism are considered by many to be false and cultic.

Thankfully, because of the grace of God, we can have differences in many interpretations of Scripture, however, Scripture is very clear on the gospel of grace.

Take care!

Marty

Answer: Dear Marty,

Well, if what you are saying is true, were there any Christians at all before the Reformation? What is the eternal fate and status of all those who lived before Martin Luther, John Calvin, etc.? At that time there were basically two churches, the western and the eastern – and before the eastern in the 11^th century, there was only one church, and it is known to us in history as the Catholic church. What about those poor misguided souls?

I agree that there are many unbiblical teachings of the Catholic church. I would also note that the practical teachings of a Catholic church in Chicago are probably not even close to a Catholic church in Brazil or in Poland. The Catholic faith and its practice is not monolithic. I am taking issue with the generalizations you use. I also note that God can and does work, sometimes within our doctrinal formulations and creeds, and sometimes in spite of them. Humans have always tried to put God in a box, and I don’t believe he is amused at our attempts.

"My" definition of a Christian – the one I provided – is the most basic and simple one that is used throughout the body of Christ. The definition assumes a biblical definition of Jesus Christ – obviously, if someone redefines words or concepts then the basic definition is changed. The Jesus Christ of the Mormon church is not the Jesus Christ of the Bible – therefore, the Jesus Christ of the Mormon church is not one and the same as the Jesus Christ I used in the definition I gave you. Therefore that definition would not include the Mormon church as an institution, which does indeed proclaim unbiblical and cultic teaching. Many use the name of Christ – the New Age proclaims Christ, but their Christ is not the Jesus Christ of the Bible, for they, along with Mormons, pour their own meaning into the term/name Christ, and change its meaning.

On the other hand, we as humans are not capable of determining who does or who doesn't genuinely believe -- nor is it really any of our business. There are plenty of people in "doctrinally correct" churches whose faith falls far short of being genuine. God knows who those people are and will patiently guide them in their spiritual journey. Likewise, I believe that within cultic churches and organizations there are many individuals whose faith in God is genuine. God, in his own time and on his own schedule, will lead these people out of their religious quagmires and into freedom in Christ.

Hope this helps.

In Christ,

Greg Albrecht