What does it mean when people say "Not everyone claiming to be a Christian is one"?

Question

Okay. Really, I know what it means. People say this in reference to Christians who act like douche bags. They're saying that those Christians aren't real Christians.

What I'm really wondering is, does this principle apply to everyone else? For instance, if I see an atheist/agnostic acting like a jerk, can I just shrug my shoulders and say "He just isn't a real atheist (or agnostic). Remember, not everyone claiming to be an atheist (or agnostic) really is one."

Answer 1

No, Jesus even said it.  So perhaps you should re-read the gospels and see what Jesus meant by it.

I'll go ahead and give you a hint...  as I'm well aware that most christians would prefer to be "told" than to find the answers themselves...  Read Matthew chapter Seven...  specifically verses 22-24.

22Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?

23And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.

24Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock:

Might wanna find out what those people were doing wrong and make sure it doesn't apply to you.  I'll give you a hint...  it isn't "working iniquity."  Your assignment is to figure out what works of iniquity he was talking about.  I think if you paid more attention to what Jesus said and less time worrying about what "unbelievers" are doing/saying, you will be a better Christian.

To many "christians," it simply means that the other people don't believe the same version as they do...  so they aren't "real" christians.

Please don't pretend that only atheists/agnostics say those words.

Out of all these answers, why am I the only one who knows this?  I'm not even a believer.  These answers are pathetic.

*edit*

other answerer who responded to my answer:

Jesus didn't say "read Titus to find out."  Jesus said how to live, said that was how to know who is and who isn't, and said he would reject those who do not live by the verses prior to that statement.  Don't make it more complicated than it has to be... so that you can feel spiritually superior to somebody else...  that is EXACTLY the attitude Jesus was speaking about...  even if you don't want to see it.

Answer 2

Anyone, can "claim" anything. And I hold myself up to some very high standards. I don't need god to.

Answer 3

Whatever floats your boat my friend

Answer 4

Yes

If you see an atheist/agnostic acting like a jerk then they are probably genuine atheists/agnostics because they are rejecting God who is love. Agnostics just don't want to take the time or effort to find out who God is. It works for them and doesn't interfere with thier choices in life. Atheists are fools because they don't believe in God at all. These types of people can do whatever they want because they aren't even trying to find God who is Love. This is Love and this is what God is like : Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails.

People (all of us including me fail to do this) A real Christian keeps attempting to Love God with all theit heart, soul, mind, and strength and to love other people like they do themselves . They keep going back to this Love for God and other people even after they fail. That is a real Christian.



An atheist/agnostic person answers to nobody so they can make up whatever morality they want to. If someone says they are an atheist or agnostic but really believes that Christ was God in the Flesh then they are simply not really an athiest or an agnostic. They specifically believe one explanation of who God is.

Answer 5

I guess we really won't know who the "real atheists or agnostics" are until they are on their death bed.  

Answer 6

you answered your own question

Answer 7

Doesn't work. We are held to a standard. They are not.

"And this is the condemnation, that the light has come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. For everyone practicing evil hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his deeds should be exposed." - John 3

Answer 8

Jerks are just plain jerks.  Not limited to any certain field.

What is meant by the phrase is what Jesus said at Matthew 7:21-24.

"Not everyone saying to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter into the kingdom of the heavens, but the one doing the will of my Father who is in the heavens will. 22 Many will say to me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and expel demons in your name, and perform many powerful works in your name?’ 23 And yet then I will confess to them: I never knew YOU! Get away from me, YOU workers of lawlessness."

These not only called themselves "Christians" but seemed to at correctly or have a form of devotion.  Why did Jesus tell them to get away crooks?

Titus answers this best, at Titus 1:16.  "16 They publicly declare they know God, but they disown him by their works, because they are detestable and disobedient and not approved for good work of any sort."

Just calling yourself something does not make it so.  These people's works, worship and beliefs are not according to the Bible standards.  When shown from the Bible the errors, they remain disobedient in holding on to false teachings and doctrines.  Little wonder Jesus tells them to get away from him.

The main thing that would identify true Christians to those of us who are not angels is what Jesus said at John 13:35.     "By this all will know that YOU are my disciples, if YOU have love among yourselves."

Today, true Christians are world wide.  So they would not have disagreements of teachings or fighting among themselves.  A world wide brotherhood in faith.  They would also not participate in wars among nations as those on whatever other side was would contain brothers of the same faith.  There are most always Catholics or Baptists on both sides, using these names just for example.

They would as 1Corinthians 1:10 says, "all speak in agreement."

Answer 9

True but were are not the ones who walk around like we have something to prove.  you don't see us all over daytime televison trying to gain followers