Why do Christians call themselves Christians?

That's kinda the point ... We don't think we deserve to be in heaven. You're right though, many people who say they are Christians do not act like it. They do not seem to understand the concept of being loving and kind to others, of not judging or condemning others. I certainly can't claim to be a loving, kind person 100 percent of the time. However, Christians are still human. We still struggle with our human nature, which is often in direct opposition to what we know God wants from us. For example: have you ever known anyone who was on a diet who never, ever, ever ate something he/she knew was not on the foods list? Never cheated, even just a little? The person knows there are foods he or she doesn't need to eat, but will often eat just a small portion of a no-no food, just because it just tastes soooooooo good. So it is with Christians. We do fall to temptation just because we are still human. On the other hand, what you probably don't see is the person who fails and then repents sorrowfully before God.

Yes, I call myself a Christian. No I'm no more perfect than you, however I try living as God taught us to. I do follow Jesus' teachings. I go to church for worship and not show. I don't believe in contemporary churches. I believe that they are just trying to put on a show and don't truly learn about Jesus' teachings. I have actually gotten into arguments with people because of my beliefs. They are not like other Christians are. I don't believe that a Christian should wear pants, not because it's written in the bible but because of modesty. I don't believe a Christian should wear clothes that show skin, let alone body parts that should only be seen by your husband *aka tight fitting clothing". I think a Christian should be modest. I believe that females should have a head covering and long hair. I don't think females should go out and work, their place is in the home with their children (yes I'm a female and a mom). I think a Christian should be truthful. I think a Christian should be willing to help anyone, no matter their faith, sexual orientation, color, ect. I don't approve of a practicing gay calling themselves Christians because they are sinning and not following the Bible. I don't believe that abortion should be legal because you are killing another human being. I don't care what other people say, I see a baby as a baby from the moment of conception. I don't believe in birth control because you are then trying to play God and going against God's will for you. If God wants you to have a baby, then you will have a baby. Many people don't like my stance on a lot of things and I know I'll get a lot of thumbs down on this, but this is my belief. No one can change what i believe. It's taken a long time for me to get to this point in my life and I spent time questioning my faith, but I didn't like the person who I became when I didn't go to church and spend time in prayer and devotion. God bless.

Onigiri,

You seem to be discouraged and confused by the lifestyle of the so-called "Christians." I don't blame you, for right where I am as well, the Christians are just like the "worldlings." They talk the same, act the same, there is no distinguishing mark.

Well, its a good thing to know that is not what true Christianity is. Christians are called to be different from the world in speech and behavior, to champion Christ in their daily life, to lift the burdens of others, to LOVE their enemies, everything that Christ taught. True, this seems to be scarcely seen anymore, but this doesn't negate the truth of what Christ taught and what we ought to be, even if everyone around us are hypocrites. Because you know what, people are more inclined to believe if they see you patterning your life around what you claim to believe. They admire people like that. They respect people like that. And God can use people like that.

But trust me, I understand your point of view, your confusion, or whatever it may be.

As for your question, I actually don't Deserve heaven at all. I am a sinner, saved only by Jesus Christ. The wages of sin is death, yes, but the Gift of GOD is eternal life through Jesus Christ. Romans 6:23. I have accepted that gift.

Christians should do as Jesus taught and how do you know they are not doing that? I am sure some are and some aren't. We are limited in our knowledge as to how to do the things that Jesus would have us do. We do not know all things as God does.

You are right, we should live righteously.

Those who have been born again will go to heaven because they believed God about his son Jesus Christ. Belief and the resulting good works is what gets people into heaven. The good works are only an indication that God is in their lives. Good works will not get a person into heaven. Belief in God is paramount.

The truth is none of us deserve to go to heaven Jesus Christ said we are as filthy rags, This is why our Father sent his only son to live in a flesh body, to bear the sins of this world and to rise from the dead on the third day so you and I could be saved by grace and mercy from Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior

The father also says that many were called but few are chosen, so you are right in saying what you say there are a lot of pretenders and false prophets in the world and many who think they have a seat in Heaven will be greatly disappointed when the time comes because the way to Jesus Christ is not through the flesh body but through the spirit and in truth just as he comes to us in the spirit and in truth. Also know that a lot of Christians are worse than people who do not believe and are really bad examples for Jesus Christ, and people who may try Jesus are discouraged from doing so, I mean looking at there examples in people we see. I was one of those people looking at part time religious people made me not want nothing to do with God. My relationship started with Jesus Christ living my every day life, not a church or people, just God and myself. He wants us to seek him for our selves and not rely on mans teaching or guidance. For this reason I find it difficult finding a church home because I go looking for the spirit of Christ and i see everything but Christ in people.

At the end of the day we have to keep our mind on Jesus Christ and not people because we all are responsible for our works in these flesh bodies.

Hypocrites and sinners every one. I have believed in this, that you've said above, all of my life. I notice this in Christianity especially, and in fact, it is written explicitly in the bible:

"Judge not, that ye be not judged"

They go around and judge people for their decisions, lifestyles, etc. when they don't even follow the basic practices of their religion. It makes on sense, and gives good, religious people a bad name.

And most of these so called "religious" people don't deserve to go to Heaven. They're not good enough.

It should be all or nothing. You should either believe everything about a religion, or nothing at all.

Thank you for this question... I don't believe that a lot of people think about these things.

Perhaps address this to Christians who don't follow any of Christs teachings. There may be some out there but I know of none.

What you seem to be addressing are imperfect Christians and I know of lots of these, myself included.

I don't think I deserve Heaven, no one does. It is a free gift to undeserving but repentant sinners.

we call ourselves Christians because that's what we are.

no one is perfect, but there are many genuine believers out there who strive to live for the Lord and repent of our sins.

in the 20 years i've been under my current pastor, i've heard him comment only a few times on homosexuality and that's because we were studying that part of the Bible. never have i heard him speak against different denominations/religions. we don't go to church to tear apart those who don't agree with us. we go there to learn of God's love and mercy.

as far as why i deserve to go to heaven? i don't, no one does. but i'm bought and paid with a price.

You seem to think you know me, but you know nothing of me. You generalize everyone into a pile and then condesend.

God's gospel is clear and simple. It is the gospel of grace. Christ died for our sins, was buried and rose from the dead. God does all the saving, you do all the believing. Salvation is a gift because it is given freely to man by the grace of God. Salvation cannot be earned by anything you do. Salvation is not of works, lest anyone should boast. God is able to forgive you your sins and save you because His Son paid the penality for your sin when he died on the cross. God is now free to save anyone who believes the gospel message.

I am religious and I beleive everyone goes to heaven. This theory is called, UNIVERSALISM. Many Christian people live up to what they say and believe.