How to Tell if Fred Thompson is a Christian

There has been a great deal of kerfuffle about the issue from James Dobson as to IF Senator Fred Thompson is or is not a Christian.  I don't know how Dr. Dobson can tell.  I know he is doing fruit inspections.  The article linked above doesn't say very much good about the evaluation that some in the evangelical community are making.  I'm not sure I would make it.  OR YOU!

 

I'm not convinced that Dr. Dobson is on the money on this one.  John Armstrong on the other hand has a much better balanced view of all this. 

 

I think there is a better way to measure and that measurement must take place in Fred Thompson's heart.  In my opinion and in the opinion of a Pastor Friend of mine, Aaron Helland there are 7 essential truths that differentiate those who are or are not Christians headed for Heaven.  In other words,  IF YOU DON'T believe these 7 things you are headed for HELL and you are NOT a Christian.

 

I know that's a bit tough but it's straightforward.  My point is, I don't think Dr. Dobson has a clue to IF Fred Thompson does or does not believe these things.  I think Dr. Dobson is talking out of his hat.

 

THE SEVEN ESSENTIAL BELIEFS YOU MUST HAVE OR YOU WILL GO TO HELL

 

1. Jesus Christ is GOD

He is equal with God, uncreated, not a Co-God, but True God. 

John 1:1-3 John testifies of Jesus

John 5:18 Jesus says of Himself

John 20:28 Thomas says of Jesus

Revelation 1:8  Jesus says of himself

2. Jesus was born of a Virgin

Mary didn't get "Knocked Up" and cop out.  She was virgin, never knew a man sexually, bore Jesus like that.  Born of the Holy Spirit. 

Matthew 1:23

Luke 1:34-35

3. Jesus lived a sinless life on this earth

He never sinned once.  He was perfect in every way and still is.  That's why his sacrifice is perfect.  There is no accusation that can stand against him. 

Hebrews 4:14-16

2 Corinthians 5:21

4. Jesus died for the sins of the whole world

He was fully man but he is the only Jew of the 60,000 or so Jews crucified by the Romans who's guiltless life was able to pay for all the sins of the whole world.   If you or I die we can't even pay for our own sins because we are guilty.  It's only thru the blood of Jesus that God sees us as pure.

1 John 2:2

2 Corinthians 5:19

Ephesians 2:13

5. Jesus rose bodily from the dead

Jesus died.  He rose.  Not some spirit.  Not that he had a bad day and recovered.  HE was dead and rose again.

Romans 8:11

Acts 2:31

Acts 4:33

Romans 10:9

6. Jesus is alive today seated at the right hand of God the Father

He lives to make intercession for us.   He sits in the place of power.  His name is above every name that can or could be named. 

Luke 22:69

Colossians 3:1

Acts 7:55

7. Jesus is the one and only way to eternal life

Even though there are many other ways which people walk in faith, only one way leads to the Father.  Jesus.  There is no other way.  No other path.  No other method.  Every other pathway leads to destruction. 

John 14:6

1 Timothy 2:5

Acts 4:12

 

If James Dobson was asking Senator Thompson to affirm those beliefs there might be some validity.  The measures he uses are external.  This isn't about the length of hair, makeup, speaking in tongues, regular church attendance, tithing, singing songs, serving on committees, taking communion or any such religious activities.  This is about what does Senator Thompson says of the Christ.  By the way if this sounds a little like a creed you might say, it is.  In the end it's all about Jesus.  If anyone, even a Baptist or a member of Church of Christ tells you that you must have Jesus and something else to be a Christian, RUN FOR YOUR LIFE!   That's a cult.  Anyone who tells you that you need Jesus plus anything to be saved is a spiritual misleader.

 

Now, if he believes all those things and eschews the things of God otherwise then there IS a disconnect. 

 

I think this is over the top in my most humble opinion.  We're hiring a President not a High Priest.