Hello, everyone,
Nice to meet you all! I am trying to restore my knowledge of Russian language. In the mean time thank you for tolerating my English posts.
Fr. Ghevond, your post covers many important topics. I will attempt to answer your main questions:
1.Your question implies that a Christian who was once a Christian can stop being a Christian once falling into a temptation offered by the world. First, I would like to answer your last question: who is the one we call a Christian. Is it by name only? Is it the one who has the last name ending on “IAN”? Rather, Christian is the one who trusted Christ, repented of his sins and is following Christ. This person has a place prepared for him in Heaven. Now, can a Christian stop being a Christian? . No. Jesus Christ said in John 10:28
I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hand.
There are numerous verses in the Bible that state that a believer can not lose his salvation.
2.Your question is how to lead a Christian life while living in the world. Some say that this is impossible and choose to work only in Christian businesses or only associate with Christians. However, the Bible clearly says ( parable of wheat and weeds Matthew 13:30 “Let both grow together until the harvest”) that we are to live in the world side-by-side with unbelievers, Christ haters, thieves, etc.
And in the Book of John (17:15) as He prayed to Father for his disciples, Christ said “My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one.
Yes, we are to remain in the world. That is a difficult part. But, the easy part is that Christ is interceding for us, He left us a Holy Spirit for guidance, for comfort. Christian has to read the Bible, the Words of God. It teaches not how to get save. It has alsohas very practical advice on day-to-day life. Christian is to remain in the world but not to be of the world. That is only possible if we relay on Christ.
3.What does it mean to be a Christian. I partially answered that earlier. It means to live by faith , not relying on our efforts but relying on Christ every step of the way.
Be well,
Diana
