The concept of True Christian in Christianity
A True Christian embodies the qualities of the Christian faith, marked by a unique character that often stands in contrast to irreligious individuals. This life is characterized by self-sacrifice for God's love and a desire for spiritual connection. True Christians serve Christ and others, prioritize His will, and demonstrate genuine love and anticipation for His return. They acknowledge their imperfections while striving for growth and embody a life dedicated to Christ, often involving obedience, joy, and a commitment to living according to God's principles.
Synonyms: Faithful christian, Devout christian, Genuine christian, Believer, Faithful, Follower of christ
In Spanish: Cristiano verdadero; In Finnish: Oikea kristitty; In Malay: Kristian sejati; In Swedish: Sann kristen; In Dutch: Echte Christen; In German: Wahrer Christ; In Spanish: Verdadero cristiano; In French: Vrai chrétien
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Christian concept of 'True Christian'
From: Expositions of Holy Scripture
(1) The true Christian character will be lustrous and snowy, splendid, and endowed with purity and harmony, which will be ours if we really are the subjects of that divine love.[1] (2) This is a person who is dedicated to Christ, who is ready to make sacrifices, and to make their faith visible through actions.[2] (3) This type of estimate of one's own evil and sin does not interfere with the recognition of what God strengthens one to do, or of the progress which may have been made.[3] (4) A true Christian life is characterized by the sacrifice of the Christian being an offering to God, done for the sake of the great love wherewith He has loved us.[4] (5) True Christian life is imperative and urgent, especially where there is a natural necessity and impulse to impart what one possesses of truth or beauty or goodness.[5]
From: A Dictionary of the Bible (Hastings)
(1) Every true Christian is a minister of Christ and the brethren, yet a specific ministry of service also exists, from which the concept of a special Christian ministry arises.[6] (2) This is the genuine and authentic expression of Christian faith and values, and the text highlights the moral earnestness and the true Christian note of the Epistle.[7]
From: Ante-nicene Fathers
(1) The group of people that the author of the text claims to be a part of, and whose doctrines are not in harmony with the deluders, according to the text.[8] (2) Individuals belonging to the pure and pious faith are considered to be adherents, who hold specific beliefs and are contrasted with those who hold differing views on certain doctrines.[9] (3) A true Christian is someone who does not deny their faith, and is not ashamed to confess their discipleship, as demonstrated by Ptolemaeus.[10] (4) Individuals who genuinely follow Christ’s teachings and are recognized by the Church as legitimate members of the faith.[11] (5) A believer who knows the true God and lives in accordance with His will, as opposed to those who misunderstand their faith.[12]
From: Gospel of Thomas Commentary
(1) An individual who embodies the teachings of Christianity, often involving personal sacrifice and spiritual growth.[13]
From: The Existence and Attributes of God
(1) He is the truest Christian that doth, in his practice, most acknowledge this subjection, highlighting the importance of obedience to God as a core aspect of Christian faith.[14] (2) Every true Christian is a person dedicated to joy and peace, offering himself a lively sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving.[15]
From: The city of God
(1) This is a follower of Christianity, and Theodosius was like this after Gratian's death.[16]
Gnostic concept of 'True Christian'
From: The Gnostics and Their Remains
(1) True Christians were those who boasted of their "superior lights," and declared that they were the only real Christians, as did the Ophites, and that too in virtue of a creed professedly of their own devising.[17]
The concept of True Christian in local and regional sources
The keyphrase "True Christian" highlights the belief that a faithful person should not seek another partner if they have legally separated from their spouse, emphasizing reconciliation and commitment to marital vows.
From: The Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda
(1) These individuals embraced Swami Vivekananda and his mission, indicating that his presence and beliefs resonated positively with a specific segment of the population.[18] (2) A person who embraces all religions, according to Swami Vivekananda, as different faiths supply what others lack to make them whole.[19] (3) A true Christian is a true Hindu, and a true Hindu is a true Christian, promoting the idea that all religions share a common core of truth.[20] (4) The author uses this term to describe Mother, implying her adherence to Christian principles, and highlighting her virtues, as seen through the author's eyes.[21] (5) True Christian is a call to emulate Christ's example by renouncing everything and dedicating one's heart, soul, and body to the Lord alone.[22]
From: Triveni Journal
(1) A follower of Christianity who views sin as central to their religion.[23]
From: Bede's Ecclesiastical History of England
(1) This describes a person who should not take another wife if he puts away his own wife, lawfully joined to him in matrimony, but instead continue as he is or be reconciled to his own wife.[24]