Personal Relationship With Jesus Christ

[stewstew03]

What is it? And what is the standard for determining whether one has it?

[Primarily a question for protestant evangelicals - I hear this term “personal relationship with JC” quite a bit, but looking for an operational definition.]

 

[Waiting]

What is it? And what is the standard for determining whether one has it?

[Primarily a question for protestant evangelicals - I hear this term “personal relationship with JC” quite a bit, but looking for an operational definition.]

I know that I have a personal relationship with Jesus because I’m talking to Him all the time, as though He’s my constant companion, which He is. Right now I’m sitting under a crucifix, and feel that He has (name removed by moderator)ut into everything I write. Can’t get much more personal than that.

 

[stewstew03]

So… are they (protestant evangelicals) simply referring to prayer?

I don’t know - it seems much more exclusive than that. Surely they are aware that Catholics pray, and yet, they often criticize Catholics for not having that “personal relationship.”

 

[CalCatholic]

What is it? And what is the standard for determining whether one has it?

[Primarily a question for protestant evangelicals - I hear this term “personal relationship with JC” quite a bit, but looking for an operational definition.]

When we have faith that Jesus is the Son of God, and we live our lives according to the ‘Good News’ that he professed.

 

[ltwin]

So… are they (protestant evangelicals) simply referring to prayer?

I don’t know - it seems much more exclusive than that. Surely they are aware that Catholics pray, and yet, they often criticize Catholics for not having that “personal relationship.”

“Personal relationship with Jesus” just means exactly that. I have a relationship with Jesus Christ, and it is personal, intimate. It is a relationship that is as real as any I have on earth. I have faith in him, I trust him, and I love him. I receive his love and his kindness and his goodness. Relationship means that I communicate with him.

What evangelical Protestants criticize is nominal Christianity (whether it be Catholic or Protestant). What we criticize are those Christians who do not have a relationship with Jesus, who do not know him, or ever really think about him or allow any room in their lives for him. These are those Christians who might be baptized or confirmed or on a church’s official membership roll but in their hearts they do not know Jesus. They do not speak to him or listen to him. They do not cultivate any devotion to him.

 

[ltwin]

What is it? And what is the standard for determining whether one has it?

I suppose because it is a “personal” relationship the standard would be, well kind of personal. However, if you are closer to your spouse or best friend than you are to Jesus, maybe you need to spend more time with Jesus. Get to know him more.

[Primarily a question for protestant evangelicals - I hear this term “personal relationship with JC” quite a bit, but looking for an operational definition.]

 

[Cat]

“Personal relationship with Jesus” just means exactly that. I have a relationship with Jesus Christ, and it is personal, intimate. It is a relationship that is as real as any I have on earth. I have faith in him, I trust him, and I love him. I receive his love and his kindness and his goodness. Relationship means that I communicate with him.

What evangelical Protestants criticize is nominal Christianity (whether it be Catholic or Protestant). What we criticize are those Christians who do not have a relationship with Jesus, who do not know him, or ever really think about him or allow any room in their lives for him. These are those Christians who might be baptized or confirmed or on a church’s official membership roll but in their hearts they do not know Jesus. They do not speak to him or listen to him. They do not cultivate any devotion to him.

I agree with this.

Itwin, I assume because you are a member of CAF that you realize that many Catholics do have a very deep and abiding personal relationship with Jesus and spend a great deal of time with Him.

I was evangelical Protestant for the first 47 years of my life and I thought I had a deep personal relationship with Jesus. But since becoming Catholic, I have spent a lot more time with Jesus.

However, I spend LESS time in a church building as a Catholic. Catholics have the option to attend a daily Mass, but that’s only about a half-hour. (I go when I am off work, but normally can’t attend daily Mass.)

I do attend a weekly Catholic Bible study, but it only lasts for about 12 weeks out of the year—we don’t meet during Advent, Lent, or the summer.

Perhaps that is why some Protestants assume that the Catholic doesn’t have a personal relationsihp with Jesus–Catholics are not constantly doing something at church.

The other misconception that some Protestants have is that doing “good works” is not part of a “relationship with Jesus.” The Calvinists would disagree with that; they teach that all of our life, including our work, is an act or worship to God. But many evangelical Christians have the idea that only when we are praying or worshipping God and shutting out the world entirely are we “in relationship.”

Anyway, my point is that there are nominal Catholics, yes, who never internalize their relationship with Jesus, but only meet Him once a week in Holy Communion and then ignore Him for the rest of the week. But as you well know, there are plenty of nominal Protestants who do the same thing.

 

[BrianGular]

I was evangelical Protestant for the first 47 years of my life and I thought I had a deep personal relationship with Jesus. But since becoming Catholic, I have spent a lot more time with Jesus.

This explains why you are so understanding of “the other guys”!

I was Roman Catholic for the first 23 years of my life. But since becoming Protestant, I have spent a lot more time with Jesus.

I think there is a quality-control problem. Truth be told, there is a wide variation in the Roman Catholic experience for adherents–and a wider variation among Protestants. I have spoken to many on both sides, and the reports are frequently inconsistent.

The discussion of “personal relationship with Jesus Christ” is a prime example of poor Protestant quality control. In my opinion, it is borne out of a disturbing trend in Protestantism to “personalize” faith. Faith becomes all about me and my relationship with Jesus, an unbiblical position. Protestants frequently invite nonbeleivers to begin a “personal relationship” with Christ even though this invitation does not appear in the Bible. What does appear in the Bible? The commands to repent and believe. The direction to go and make disciples.

Technically, then, having a “personal relationship” corresponds to “repent and believe.” (Although I’m sure many Protestants don’t understand this when they say those words.)

 

[Richard_Kastner]

What is it? And what is the standard for determining whether one has it?

[Primarily a question for protestant evangelicals - I hear this term “personal relationship with JC” quite a bit, but looking for an operational definition.]

Matt7
13Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat:
14Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.

The wide gate is the way of the world the narrow way is Jesus.
Jn. 14
6Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

Matt7
21Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.
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:

The “wonderful works” of those who cried Lord, Lord were not enough. They had to know and be known and that is done by building your house on the rock, Jesus Christ.

 

[JustaServant]

The evangelical concept of a ‘personal relationship’ with Jesus, is modern Western, individualistic terminology unknown to the writers of Scripture and the early Church.
Our relationship with Jesus is intensely personal. That is true, but it is not exclusive.
Paul said ‘Christ in you, the hope of Glory’.
In the Greek that Paul used it is plural, not singular.
It should read ‘Christ in YOU ALL, the hope of Glory.’ The Church is not made up of isolated individuals, but members of the mystical body of Christ Himself. Paul said we are “members one to another”.
Here is what evangelicals must wrestle with:
Jesus gave two very clear commands to His Church, Baptism and the Eucharist.
One cannot baptize oneself, it requires another person. Recieving the Eucharist requires another person, even if its a priest to a shut-un.
Christianity is corparate, not individualistic.
There was an old evangelical hymn called ‘Me and Jesus on the Jerico road’, or something like that. Giving the impression that our relationship with Christ is exclusive to an individual person. That is why they think they can ‘worship at home’ in the privacy of their living room listening to a preacher or sacred hymns.
Jesus gave a very clear worship COMMAND that requires other human beings. Not a ‘Lone Ranger’ christianity.
Catholics have a personal relationship with Christ. We know Him as Lord and Savior, we are members of His Body (how much more personal can one get?), we pray to Him, we worship Him, we adore Him, we seek to follow Him.
More importantly, receiving the Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity of Christ into our very person is pretty darn personal.
Interestingly, normally speaking, a marriage is not valid until it is consumnated.

John 6:53-56 (RSV) So Jesus said to them, "Truly, truly, I say to you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of man and drink his blood, you have no life in you; he who eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day. For my flesh is food indeed, and my blood is drink indeed. He who eats my flesh and drinks my blood abides in me, and I in him.

So, can Protestants have a personal relationship with Jesus if they never partake of His Body and Blood?

 

[stewstew03]

The “wonderful works” of those who cried Lord, Lord were not enough. They had to know and be known and that is done by building your house on the rock, Jesus Christ.

I completely agree that the Christian life is more than just saying the sinner’s prayer and then believing you are saved forever - great point Richard.

However, why do evangelicals take the position that this personal relationship, or this solid foundation, can only be found outside the Catholic Church? After all, where did Jesus build his “house”? [hint: see http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew%2016:18&version=NASB”] Matthew 16:18] What did Paul say was the pillar and foundation of truth? [hint: see http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Timothy%203:15&version=NASB”] 1 Timothy 3:15]

Evangelicals presume that the following “good works” bring them closer to a relationship with Jesus Christ:

1. 
   *]saying sinner’s prayer;
   *]baptismal immersion
   *]singing in church and raising hands in the air;
   *]tithing (giving 10%).
   
   However, when they see Catholics praying the Rosary, or participating in the Eucharist, they shun these acts as invalid forms of worship because they allegedly don’t reflect a “personal relationship” with Jesus Christ. So, I’m curious as to why the “evangelical protestant” form of worship supposedly results in a personal relationship, while the Catholic form is seen as impersonal…?

 

[rinnie]

“Personal relationship with Jesus” just means exactly that. I have a relationship with Jesus Christ, and it is personal, intimate. It is a relationship that is as real as any I have on earth. I have faith in him, I trust him, and I love him. I receive his love and his kindness and his goodness. Relationship means that I communicate with him.

What evangelical Protestants criticize is nominal Christianity (whether it be Catholic or Protestant). What we criticize are those Christians who do not have a relationship with Jesus, who do not know him, or ever really think about him or allow any room in their lives for him. These are those Christians who might be baptized or confirmed or on a church’s official membership roll but in their hearts they do not know Jesus. They do not speak to him or listen to him. They do not cultivate any devotion to him.

Here is where I have a problem with what you are saying. How do YOU or anyone else know a persons true heart and their own personal relationship with Christ.

On the outside you may have a person who is struggling with life. Maybe for the time being separated themself from the Church as far as attending Mass etc.

But you do not know the hurt and mind of that person, and you do not know the great love they can have for Christ and him for them.

That is what bothers me about his personal relationship, if its supposed to be PERSONAL how can anyone stand in judgement with it.

An example is someone may say they give up on God, quit believing, blame God, but they are truly hurting mixed up people, and in my opinion are closer to God then you think. God knows who truly loves him, and who do not.

Just because a person does not carry on about their Personal Relationship with Christ does not mean it does not exist.

The bible says there will be a time that God will say I do not know you!! And it very well could be these people who carry own about their personal realtionship.

God did not teach us to proclaim this personal relationship we have with him, he taught us to preach the good news, love one another, help oneanother. pray for others. Be kind, be servants of Christ, to serve others. I never read about bragging about his personal relationship we have.

Again if its supposed to be personal should it not be between you and God only?? Why this proclaiming about it then??? And who is to say who has or does not have it. I think thats up to God to decide.

 

[rinnie]

Matt7
13Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat:
14Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.

The wide gate is the way of the world the narrow way is Jesus.
Jn. 14
6Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

Matt7
21Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.
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:

The “wonderful works” of those who cried Lord, Lord were not enough. They had to know and be known and that is done by building your house on the rock, Jesus Christ.

Correct Richard and he said, YOU are Peter and upon this ROCK I will build my Church and the Catholic Church became just that. The Church on Pentecost led by Peter succeeded by the Pope today.

It can be easily traced. The RCC is traced directly to St Peter.

 

[SteveVH]

What is it? And what is the standard for determining whether one has it?

[Primarily a question for protestant evangelicals - I hear this term “personal relationship with JC” quite a bit, but looking for an operational definition.]

Receiving Christ in the Eucharist, his very body, blood, soul and divinty, with a correct understanding and a sincere interior dispostition, is the most personal relationship possible.

 

[Richard_Kastner]

Correct Richard and he said, YOU are Peter and upon this ROCK I will build my Church and the Catholic Church became just that. The Church on Pentecost led by Peter succeeded by the Pope today.

It can be easily traced. The RCC is traced directly to St Peter.

God’s church is not led by successors of Peter. It is led by Christ.

Ephesians 5:23
For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body.

 

[stewstew03]

God’s church is not led by successors of Peter. It is led by Christ.

Ephesians 5:23
For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body.

That’s a red herring.

One could argue that a woman should only be led by her personal relationship with Jesus Christ, not by her husband! Of course, you could then point them to Eph 5:22, which says, “wives, submit yourselves to your own husbands as you do to the Lord.” In the same way, the flock is “led” (or shepherded) by Peter’s successors, and the bride (the Church) submits to her groom (Jesus Christ) - see Eph 5:23.

 

[Eric_Hilbert]

Stay on topic please

 

[ReginaCoeli]

I know I have a personal relationship with dear Jesus Christ because I desire one & I pray. Jesus is always there; but you have to open the door. I love the painting where Jesus is knocking on the door, but the door only can be opened from the inside. So since I desire a relationship, thereby opening the door, he is right there. And I cultivate the relationship by talking to him often and trying hard not to offend him. Of course I always fall short; but that’s how great he is. Even tho’ I constantly disappoint him, he still stays with me because I am willing & trying. And I can attest, that seeking & cultivating this personal relationship w/ HIM is the key to inner peace. I love you Jesus.

 

[ltwin]

Here is where I have a problem with what you are saying. How do YOU or anyone else know a persons true heart and their own personal relationship with Christ.

On the outside you may have a person who is struggling with life. Maybe for the time being separated themself from the Church as far as attending Mass etc.

But you do not know the hurt and mind of that person, and you do not know the great love they can have for Christ and him for them.

That is what bothers me about his personal relationship, if its supposed to be PERSONAL how can anyone stand in judgement with it.

An example is someone may say they give up on God, quit believing, blame God, but they are truly hurting mixed up people, and in my opinion are closer to God then you think. God knows who truly loves him, and who do not.

Just because a person does not carry on about their Personal Relationship with Christ does not mean it does not exist.

The bible says there will be a time that God will say I do not know you!! And it very well could be these people who carry own about their personal realtionship.

God did not teach us to proclaim this personal relationship we have with him, he taught us to preach the good news, love one another, help oneanother. pray for others. Be kind, be servants of Christ, to serve others. I never read about bragging about his personal relationship we have.

Again if its supposed to be personal should it not be between you and God only?? Why this proclaiming about it then??? And who is to say who has or does not have it. I think thats up to God to decide.

My post is not about judging people at all. I do not know the heart of any person but my own. However, I do know that there are people who go through a process of initiation and conversion in the church (whether they be Catholic or Protestant) and nothing ever comes out of that. This includes people who have or claim to have a conversion experience at the altar of a Pentecostal church. And a month or year from then they have completely walked away from their confession. It is not enough for us to have some emotionally moving altar call or go through a ceremony. Christ has to become real to us where we enter into a relationship that grows in intimacy and closeness and are transformed into his likeness.

Jesus said we would know them by their fruits. He also said there will be people who do great things in his name who do not know him. Thus, affiliation with a church is not enough. Christ has to be real to us, and that is what is meant by the term personal relationship.

You can do all the good you possibly can and at the same time have absolutely no idea who Jesus is. Knowing Jesus is knowing God’s love. When we are truly in relationship with Jesus, we can’t help but do good for others; we can’t help but have the love of God overflow out of our life. It is those who know Jesus, who love and listen for his voice who devote themselves to his work.

 

[FromTheAshes777]

I agree with this.

Itwin, I assume because you are a member of CAF that you realize that many Catholics do have a very deep and abiding personal relationship with Jesus and spend a great deal of time with Him.

I was evangelical Protestant for the first 47 years of my life and I thought I had a deep personal relationship with Jesus. But since becoming Catholic, I have spent a lot more time with Jesus.

However, I spend LESS time in a church building as a Catholic. Catholics have the option to attend a daily Mass, but that’s only about a half-hour. (I go when I am off work, but normally can’t attend daily Mass.)

I do attend a weekly Catholic Bible study, but it only lasts for about 12 weeks out of the year—we don’t meet during Advent, Lent, or the summer.

Perhaps that is why some Protestants assume that the Catholic doesn’t have a personal relationsihp with Jesus–Catholics are not constantly doing something at church.

The other misconception that some Protestants have is that doing “good works” is not part of a “relationship with Jesus.” The Calvinists would disagree with that; they teach that all of our life, including our work, is an act or worship to God. But many evangelical Christians have the idea that only when we are praying or worshipping God and shutting out the world entirely are we “in relationship.”

Anyway, my point is that there are nominal Catholics, yes, who never internalize their relationship with Jesus, but only meet Him once a week in Holy Communion and then ignore Him for the rest of the week. But as you well know, there are plenty of nominal Protestants who do the same thing.

great post! amen!