The Christ in Prophecy Journal

What Type of Christian Are You? Take the Test!

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What type of Christian are you? Cultural? Born Again? Evangelical?

Cultural? — A Barna Group research survey revealed that America’s churches are full of cultural Christians. Such people have grown up in Christianity, they attend church regularly, and they profess to be Christians. What distinguishes them from other Christians is their lack of a personal relationship with Jesus. In short, they are Christians in name only because they have never been born again.

Former President Jimmy Carter was the one who made American’s conscious of the term “born again Christian.” That is the label he applied to himself in 1976 when he was campaigning for the presidency. I remember how many Christian leaders rushed to the press to proclaim that they were not “one of those born again types.” I found their protestations very interesting in view of the fact that Jesus Himself said that no one can enter Heaven unless they are born again (John 3:3).

The cultural Christian is just that — a person who considers himself to be a Christian because he has been raised in a Christian culture. Al Gore is a good example. He was raised in a Southern Baptist heritage, but during his presidential campaign, he made it clear that Christianity was only his “faith heritage” and nothing more. The cultural Christian, if he has any commitment at all, is committed to religion or a church, and not to Jesus as his personal Lord and Savior. Such a person is unsaved.

Born Again? — The Barna Group defines the next step up as the “born again Christian.” These are people who have accepted Jesus as Lord and Savior and who believe that salvation is dependent upon their relationship with Jesus. These people are saved.

Evangelical? — Barna defines the highest level of Christian commitment to be the “evangelical Christian.” This is a born again person who strongly holds to certain fundamental biblical truths. Only 7% of Americans qualify as evangelicals, as opposed to 41% who could be classified as born again.

What are you? Could you qualify as an evangelical Christian? Take the test below to find out!

“What Type of Christian are You?” Test

  1. The universe was originally created by God.
    True/False
  2. There are some crimes or sins which people might commit which cannot be forgiven by God.
    True/False
  3. You, personally, have a responsibility to tell other people your religious beliefs.
    True/False
  4. Angels exist and influence people’s lives.
    True/False
  5. The Bible teaches that God helps those who help themselves.
    True/False
  6. When He lived on earth, Jesus was human and committed sins.
    True/False
  7. The Bible is totally accurate in all of its teachings.
    True/False
  8. It doesn’t matter what religious faith you follow because they all teach the same lessons.
    True/False
  9. The whole idea of sin is outdated.
    True/False
  10. All people will experience the same outcome after death, regardless of their religious beliefs.
    True/False
  11. If a person is generally good, or does enough good things for others, they will earn a place in Heaven.
    True/False
  12. The devil, or Satan, is not a living being but is a symbol of evil.
    True/False
  13. After He was crucified and died, Jesus did not return to life physically.
    True/False
  14. The Holy Spirit is a symbol of God’s presence or power but is not a living entity.
    True/False

Biblical Answers

1) True; 2) False (True if considering blasphemying the Holy Spirit — Matt. 12:32); 3) True; 4) True; 5) False; 6) False; 7) True; 8) False; 9) False; 10) False; 11) False; 12) False; 13) False; 14) False

Results

Good News — The Americans who were polled, whether Christian or not, strongly agreed on three biblical points.

  1. Almost 75% agreed that God created the universe — an incredible number when you consider all the evolutionist propaganda we are bombarded with daily.
  2. Almost 70% rejected the idea that sin is an outdate concept — another incredible response when you consider the “different strokes for different folks” mentality that seems to predominate today.
  3. Not surprisingly, 50% stated that they believed in the reality of angels and their influence (I guess we can thank old shows like “Touched by an Angel” and “Highway to Heaven”).

Bad News — The number of born again adults who held views contrary to the Bible was astonishing. Almost 70% agreed that the Bible teaches that God helps those who help themselves. Fifty-three percent denied the existence of the Holy Spirit as a person! Forty-seven percent stated that they did not believe in the existence of Satan. Thirty-one percent said they felt a good person could earn his way into heaven; 30% denied the physical resurrection of Jesus; and 24% said they thought Jesus had committed sins!

Solution

Such an abysmal lack of biblical knowledge about the fundamentals of the faith points to a famine of Bible study and preaching in the churches of America. People are obviously hearing inspirational ditties or warmed over homilies from the Reader’s Digest.

We can be thankful that we are not saved by biblical knowledge but by a relationship with Jesus. But a lack of biblical knowledge stunts spiritual growth and opens people up to doctrinal heresies and cultic deception.

The churches of America need to stop focusing on entertaining people. They also need to stop tiptoeing through the tulips doctrinally for fear of being seeker insensitive. We need to get back to the Word of God, to the fundamentals of the faith, and we need to be willing to step on toes when necessary by confronting people with the truth of their sin and their need for repentance.

As Paul told Timothy, “Preach the Word!” (2 Timothy 4:2).

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Dr. David Reagan

Dr. David Reagan is the Founder and Evangelist Emeritus of Lamb & Lion Ministries. He is a life-long Bible student, teacher, and preacher and he led over 45 pilgrimages to Israel. Dr. Reagan was the host of the radio then television program Christ in Prophecy for nearly 40 years.

34 CommentsLeave a Comment

  • concerning Jimmy Carter,it is confusing how a 'born again' christian can be so anti-Israel. He has politically led the way to where we are now in America concerning Israel-many just want the 'problem' to go away. So said and so confusing to those who get all spiritual needs met only on sunday by a preacher who may or may not know God personally. ( so many in the flock are being led astray.) Thanks for this article. It hopfully will speak to many about finding their personal relationship in prayer and thanksgiving with the Lord Jesus.

  • There are many books being circulated at the moment that seek to detail impending judgement on America, even causing quite a stir among evangelicals! While it is true that America will be judged for unchecked sin or rebellion against the authority of God, such judgement is not just reserved for this nation but for all nations!

    Though these various novelists key in on the multitude of depravity, injustice, and rampant immorality, they neglect to consider where the door was opened! The dramatic slide into the abyss of which this nation plunged into began in our local Churches under the guise of the Word of Faith Movement, shepherded by the likes of Oral Roberts! Thus began the mass production of Prosperity Gospel preachers coupled with their "Name it and Claim it" snakeoil salesman pitch!

    Once the many followers of this brand began to infiltrate mainstream Churches, evangelism was quickly overshadowed with the lust of materialism equating the status of wealth of a believer as a measure of his Holiness and favor with God! As it turns out, the only individuals getting wealthy from this perverted Ponzi scheme were these Ministers of Mammon!

    The code of ethics laid out by these churches is played out in the corporate world today and in every fabric of our society like a cancer! The solution before us for this nation is really quite simple, fix the Church, fix the Nation! The unfortunate part in all this however is that we now reside in a time of apostasy, prophesied to take place identifying with the fact that men will not endure sound doctrine and turn their ears away from the truth, desiring fables that appeal to their sinful lusts!

    It would then appear that those of us who do embrace the truth must pray for the strength to remain steadfast in the faith! Our strength is in the Word and Spirit, may we bring glory to the name of Christ even as the night approaches! When the light is compromised from where will this nation or even the globe perceive the need for Christ if even those claiming to be members of the Church are in darkness?

  • Rodney, i agree with you and to add a thought…. i think america went to hell … so to speak… when abortio became legal in the sixties also….

  • Is sound doctrine the belief in Jesus's grace and salvation and belief in God as man on earth as Jesus? I am not sure what sound doctrine is or means.

  • anon,

    it isn't confusing re: jimmy carter. the religion of liberals is leftism and government, not christianity.

    liberalism is the religion for any path to god, evolution, abortion, freedom from religion, etc.

  • This shows us the sad state the world is in .Is it any wonder our world is in deep trouble. We really need to cry out to the God of the Bible , Repent and be Born Again.Without a personal relationship with Jesus Christ we are lost. Time is short.May our spiritual eyes be open Amen.

  • When I was first saved God changed my opinions on several subjects supernaturally …I don't understand how people hold onto such foolish beliefs if they are saved…makes me wonder are they saved or are they elevating their own beliefs above the word..or they just don't know the word…but like I say I was a new believer and knew better than many of my own beliefs…don't understand…

  • I am not shocked by the results of this test. Preachers as well as parents are responsible for the lack of true understanding of what it means to be a Christian! The term Christian was given to followers of the Way (Jesus as the Way) in the New Testament by the outside world. Maybe we should declare ourselves as Believers of the Way! I am grieved that the term, Christian, has become so diluted and perverted.

  • Rodney, are you talking about the harbinger? Why not mention the name? The days of trying not to offend people are over, we are living in days of deep deception. People need to be aware!!I almost bought the book because of SO many raves. Even Jan Markell endorsed it but in my mind I kept thinking about the concept of confusing Israel with America and didn't buy it.

  • Relationship with the Lord Jesus is the only option to make it to heaven. Religion will kill you. If you don't accept Jesus as Lord and Savior, you can not have releationship. Look up the word relationship and you will find it is the conditon or fact of being related by blood or marriage: Kinship.
    The blood of Jesus saves you, you are now married to the Son– KINship… all other is religion…

  • I have an issue with the question regarding Jesus resurrection.
    I answered true, because a physical body could not go through walls or doors. A Spiritual Glorious Body could do these things.
    I absolutely believe He did return from the dead, just not physicaly. I think the question could have been writen a little better and their would have been a better result.

  • Jesus absolutely DID return to like physically. I his resurrected body which is not subject to natural law. Thats why he is the first-fruit … we will be just like him when the rapture occurs.

  • Ray, Please realize that the creator of this universe has intelligence and power so far beyond our understanding that he indeed can pass a physical body through walls. Please realize that if you look at your body on an atomic level you are 99.999… (not enough space here for all the 9's) empty space. You just seem solid because electrons move so fast in an extremely small orbit that they seem like they are everywhere at once. God has the key to the atoms way beyond our understanding. Besides…Gods word says he did it! In my opinion that equals 100% true!!

  • Question #3 is a true and false question, so it is a statement that you either agree/disagree with…first of all my relationship with the Father, by the Son through the Holy Spirit is not a religion. So i have no responsibility to tell others about my religion. it is a relationship with the most high God. That is what we are responsible to tell others about. Yeshua commanded us to spread the good news of the gospel to set men free not bind them up in another religious standard. Please rephrase the question to get the best most personal answer concerning relationship not religion…blessings

  • Ray M “I absolutely believe He did return from the dead, just not physically”
    Ray, that is the false teaching of the Jehovah Witnesses, a very serious error according to the Bible.

    1John 4: 3And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that [spirit] of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world.

    Jesus was raised physically from the dead, not just a spirit. The disciples thought He was a spirit but Jesus put them right. In Luke 24:36-53

    Verse 37 But they were terrified and affrighted, and supposed that they had seen a spirit.
    Verse 39 Behold my hands and my feet, that it is I myself: handle me, and see; for a spirit hath not flesh and bones, as ye see me have.

    Jesus ate food with them and they could touch him – Jesus plainly had flesh and bones of a physical body. The JW’s are wrong!

  • Smallville, i agree that … maybe the word "faith" would have been a better choice to reflect the fact that our orn again experience is not a religious one, but a relational one 🙂

  • Thank you for your test so I could examine myself, I took this after awaking up from a nap, I know I am born from above, I found the test exciting and challenging and will say the wording of 2 questions threw me off, as the Bible states Let not your heart be troubled. I will continue doing what I love to do, seek His face, in all aspects of this life given to me by Him which is no longer mine, all things are His, all things are for His pleasure. I am a man of no reputation, a bond servant of the Lord Jesus, His is my foundation, all else is sinking sand, I love Jesus

  • Thank you for your test so I could examine myself. I know I am born from above, I found the test interesting. It is by His death and physical resurrection that I am saved. Anything else is sinking sand. Thank you my Lord Yeshua!

  • Religion is manmade! It is man boasting to God…"look what I can do for you." Like God needs man to do anything for Him

    Secondly, Religious Legalism is man binding man to serve man. rituals, praying to statues, lighting votive candles, rosary beads etc..

    Religious backdoor diplomacy is when ones thinking is "all paths lead to God" NOT!!!

    Being Christian is having a spiritual intimacy with God Our Father, Christ Jesus and The Holy Spirit.

    Christ our King is our redeemer. We were bought with a price by the shedding of His Blood for us.

    To know Him better is to seek His truth by reading His Word. Understanding, divine revelation, wisdom, are given if asked.

    NO BIG SECRET here!!!

  • 2nd Thessalonians 3:10 states that "…If a man will not work, he shall not eat." That sounds to me like God's word saying that he helps those who help themselves. So, you might want to be more prudent in your comments that that you are "appalled" how many supposed christians answered that question wrong. Turns out they were right and you are wrong.

  • Regarding the question on angels, angels do exist and though their effect on our lives is not often seen, their purpose is to help humanity. So in that sense, yes angels do influence lives.

  • Anonymous you are taking 2nd Thessalonians out of context. This is saying that if a person is lazy and won't work, then let them do without. Some of these Christians were sponging off of others and not working at all but are being busybodies. This has nothing to do with God helping them. If you work you help yourself. If you don't work you don't eat. God helps us anyway inspite of ourselfs. Faith moves God not anything we do. God Bless

  • Praise God people are reading the Bible for their direction and spiritual food. I am so blessed that Jesus(Yeshua) is coming for his beloved. I just wanted to add I don't claim a denomination. I've found throughout my walk with Jesus denominations have caused a lot of discension and strife. Still many that do go to a denominational church are my bretheren and to love one another as He loves us is the greatest commandment. Thanks Lamb & Lion Min. Hope to see you all at the upcoming conference this latter June. If not see you in Heaven!!

  • Question number five is a bit ambiguous. You cannot say, that God does not help those, who help themselves. He helps everyone, more or less, we have sunshine, the weather is good for farming and so on.

  • The saying 'God helps those who help themselves' is a Calvinist saying from their work ethic. It isn't a Scripture as many think it is. 🙂

  • Debbie, if I named all the fables that are being circulated among Christian Book Stores and embraced by sholars today, I would probably be here all day, I merely wanted to identify the reliability of only one source, the Word of God!

  • Your article's ("What Type of Christian Are You?") test has a question with a wrong answer. It is question 10. Question 10 states: "All people will experience the same outcome after death, regardless of their religious beliefs.". The answer that you give is false. The answer is true, for all face the same outcome; judgement. As the Bible states, it is appointed onto all a time to die, after this judgement. It is only after the same result that people face different results, heaven or hell.

  • R. Miller, question #10 concerning the outcome after death will both involve judgment, but judgment for believers at the Judgment of the Just is a judgment of rewards, while the judgment for unbelievers at the Great White Throne Judgment results in Hell. Those are two vastly different outcomes. For more info, check out this article Resurrections and Judgments.

  • thankfully NO ONE will be at the gates of Heaven making us take this test to prove what kind of Christian we are.

  • Maybe this will help you out ray m read luke 24:38,39 it says jesus did have flesh and bone.

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