Greetings, may you all have peace, and please forgive my long post.
It would seem to me that if it is possible for there to be "false christs"... and according to the Bible (for those who put their faith in IT) there are false christs... then it must follow... LOGICALLY... that there are "true" christs... [or anointed, as the word denotes]... and thus true christ[ians]. It would also seem to me that if some believe what Christ is recorded to have said is true... i.e., "by their fruits you will know them"... then there will be those whose "fruits" show that they are NOT christians... regardless of what they call themselves, including "christians".
And while I understand that it might seem unloving to some to state that someone is not a christian (despite their claim to be), if what Christ is recorded to have said regarding "put[ing] those to the test who call themselves apostles, but they are not, and... found them liars"... and "the blasphemy by those who say they themselves are Jews, and yet they are not but are a synagogue of Satan"... is possible... that the same would apply to those who call themselves "christians."
I mean, I'm just sayin'...
I have learned that the problem [as to who is a christian/who is not] comes primarily in three ways (although there are other ways, as well):
First, because most people don't really know what a christian is, at least as far as the Bible sets out (and holy spirit will teach you). They believe that anyone who claims to be a "christian"... based on their belief... primarily "in the Bible", but also "in Jesus" or "the Lord"... is a christian. Because that is what religion has taught them. Like Jeroboam, who went taking from anyone he chose... rather than from the Levites... for priests to serve in the temple at Bethel... the result is that a lot of people have been misled. Which is the purpose of religion to begin with. But a christian isn't one who chooses... but is one who is chosen... and then accepts the invitation. And he/she is not simply one who believes: the Bible itself states that the demons believe. Yet, such belief doesn't make them christians.
Second, most don't understand what "judging" is. Judging is NOT saying what a person is (based on what he/she may have done). For instance, that one who commits adultery is an adulterer/ess. Or that one who steals is a thief. Or that one who commits murder is a murderer (which may not be the same thing as a killer as, Biblically, the first requires intent and premeditation). Or that one who lies is a liar. Judging is when one says that such one shouldn't be allowed to live... or enter into the kingdom... BECAUSE one is such. For example, a woman caught in the act of adultery was brought before my Lord. Did he tell her that she was not an adulteress? No. He simply FORGAVE her adultery.
In the same vein, there is nothing wrong with saying that another is NOT a christian... if what comes OUT of such one... or such one's works or fruits... SHOW it. There IS something wrong with saying that such one will die, burn in hell, cannot/will not enter the kingdom, will be "destroyed at Armageddon" etc., for such things. THAT... is judging. Because God shows mercy to whomever HE wishes to show it, even a murderer, thief, liar, or adulterer. Or worse.
Third, due to the rampant "shutting up of the kingdom before men" done BY the leaders of [so-called christian] religions since the apostasy first began... non-leaders or rebels, in an effort to be "politically correct"... resorted to pretty much calling everyone who goes to church a "christian" (although some do limit it to those who go/belong to THEIR church or religious group). Since the leaders, who were found to be FALSE could call themselves, why can't EVERYONE call themselves so?
But the TRUTH is that unless one has received the promised holy spirit, one is NOT a christian - one is yet a disciple. That is NOT to say they won't BECOME a christian (by means of an anointing with holy spirit). But a disciple is not necessarily a christian! Judas Iscariot... was a disciple. He believed in Christ - he knew VERY well who he was! He even felt regret after turning him over. Simon (who tried to buy holy spirit) was a disciple; yet, he was REFUSED holy spirit. And MANY of the disciples ultimately left off following Christ... although they had been with him some time. But they did so BEFORE they received holy spirit. Those who remained, however, BECAME christians... when they received the outpouring of holy spirit!
And, yes, contrary to what some believe and say... two can be true christians (i.e., have received an anointing with holy spirit)... and yet, not agree on a matter. How can this be? Because one or both didn't listen to or consult the Holy Spirit on the matter at issue. However, when the Holy Spirit IS consulted/listened to... both of their spirits will bear witness to the one answer that is the TRUTH. And either one or both of them may get that answer, but the spirit of both will "agree" on it. Because neither will be able to deny the truth of it... if the Truth resides IN them.
Are there disciples who have not received the promised holy spirit, but who still have discernment and understanding? Absolutely! John the Baptist received the gift of the spirit that is wisdom and discernment. Indeed, he was chosen to pave the way for Christ! Yet, Christ said that a LEAST one in the kingdom would be greater than John. Why? Because John is not among the kings and priests... as he was not alive when holy spirit was first poured out - at Pentecost!
But they, too, can be "lovers of truth". And for some it just may be that they have not yet received the invitation... did/can not hear the invitation... have not accepted it... or haven't developed the faith to hear at all, yet. As Christ is recorded to say, "He that is not against you is for you." So, such ones would be considered like the man who went around healing others in the name of Christ, but did not literally walk with the apostles/disciples. He proved himself to be a disciple by HIS love and good works (in casting out demons and so unburdening others).
We live in a world where many who profess to be "anointed" raise themselves up over God's household and sheep... and seek and take prominent positions for themselves in the world. They have religious degrees and related titles and/or are put over (or put themselves over) "flocks" and "congregations" by [other] men, etc. Since they receive some sort of compensation, however, even if it's minimal food and shelter, they are "hired" men. Because they are paid for their services... in some form or fashion... whether from the donations, contributions, and/or proceeds received FROM the flock/congregation... or proceeds from things like magazine/book placements, appearance fees, book royalties, what have you.
Christ, however, is recorded to have said, "You RECEIVED free; GIVE free." If, then, what they have they received IS from the Holy Spirit... they received it FREE... and so have no grounds to take a "wage", even minimally, or indeed anything from the flock/congregation (other than perhaps a random, non-recurring gift). Rather, they are supposed to GIVE to the flock/congregation, FREELY... from their gifts (of the spirit). Even food (which GOD provides, through Christ). Although some in the congregations later GAVE so that others would have... they did so out of their OWN compulsion and leading of the Holy Spirit; however, the 12 did not ask (or take!)... or take up donations... to feed the crowds that followed them or help the poor among them. They accepted what was given on behalf of the poor... and made arrangements for it to be equitably distributed. But they never asked for any of it or took any for themselves.
Now, I realize that there are going to be those who might "tear their outer garments" and "weep and gnash their teeth" over what I've shared here: "Just who does she think she IS"??? I would say to such ones, first, that I am only a servant... and one who has vowed to tell the truth at to these things, even if it makes me... ummmm... unpopular. I do not mean to disregard ANYONE or put anyone down, not at all. I would also say, however, is that religion takes a similar position when they are told the truth, too. Particularly the WTBTS... who believe themselves to be the organization of the "faithful and discreet slave." It is understandable that some might have issues with someone saying there really are true christians... and false christians... and so-called christians... and just disciples. The truth is not always easy to take. But lies lead down a very dark road... one which is often hard to return from. Unfortunately, many... indeed, most humans... prefer the lie over the truth. They prefer to have their ears tickled and hear pretty much only that which they agree with. It is the human nature and condition, actually, and why religion even exists and has gotten away with what it has: because earthling man really wants it that way.
I hope this helps and, again, bid you all peace!
A slave of Christ,
SA
