My side - Defining Christianity

THE EDITOR, Madam:

THERE IS popular belief amongst Christians today that once you are calling upon Jesus, once you are sincere, kind, don't drink alcohol, don't commit adultery with your neighbour's wife, and take part in community outreach for the poor you're a Christian. But is it true? All of these are good attributes and are good within themself, and Christians should always reach out to others.

Did you know that other people of other religions do all the above? The Buddists also are sincere, loving, kind, loyal to family and also take part in community outreach for the poor. Also the Bahais, the Muslims, the Hindus and the Rastafarians, and, incidentally, they also believe in Jesus. But the only difference is that they see Jesus as a Prophet only, just as Muhammad, Krishna, Buddha and Haile Selassie. They don't believe in Him as the Messiah.

If these people of the other religions have the same quality of a Christian, therefore you would have to admit that these people are Christians also. If you say no, then you're not consistent in your arguments. The question still remains who then is a Christian? Well, most Christians would say you qualify, once you have belief in the fundamental doctrines of Jesus Christ; but that is not true in all cases. Gal. 1: 6-8 the Bible also speaks about false apostles/prophets. II Cor. 11: 13-15. Also not everyone that calls upon Jesus will be saved, unless you obey his laws (commandments) Matthew 7: 21-24, Matthew 15: 7-9.

Before you believe in the gospel first thing you have to define what is the gospel, because Christians today are only teaching about the messenger and not about the message. For example, the good news about the Kingdom of God which will be established by Jesus on the Earth. Jesus' message was about the Kingdom of God. Luke 4:43, 8:1. Acts 8:12, 19:8

This Kingdom that the Bible speaks about is a literal world government with its own system and laws which will consist of (1) A King; (2) Subjects; (3) Territory; (4) Laws.

Jesus Christ will rule as King upon the throne of His Father, David. Luke 1: 31-33, ,Jer. 33: 15-18. The Subjects are people of different nations that will come up to Jerusalem yearly to keep the Feast of Tabernacle. Zechariah 14: 16-20. The Territory/location of the Kingdom will be in Jerusalem. Zechariah 14:4, on the earth. Rev. 5: 9-10. The Law consists of the civil law, the statutes and the moral laws which are the total embodiment of the Ten Commandments. If the gospel you're teaching and believe in and is not dealing with these issues of what the Kingdom of God is, then that person doesn't understand what the gospel entails, therefore that person is not a Christian, because that person is not following the teachings of Jesus Christ/Apostles Acts 2: 37-39.

I am, etc.,

KEITH HENDRICKS

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