Inner Faith: The True Measure of Christianity
True Christianity is determined first and foremost by an inner, sincere faith that inevitably manifests itself in actions and changes of the heart, rather than merely by formal self-identification. The cited sources stress that the true condition of the soul, sanctified by faith, endows every pious deed with meaning and value. In particular, it is noted:
"The righteous Christian has already been rewarded in this life by His reward in Christianity. This reward is not a payment calculated for each specific act; rather, it is a general reward, residing in the very state of the soul, in its deep inner peace… There is no solace for the conscience if, deep within it, there is no living God established by faith. One faith sanctifies deeds and transforms their individual parts into a single harmonious whole…" (source: link txt, page: 289).
A similar perspective is expressed in another source from the same work, which emphasizes that the honorable title of a Christian is connected with the inner state of the soul, where faith lives and enlivens actions (source: link txt, page: 289).
Furthermore, the authenticity of Christian life is defined not so much by verbal declarations as by actions that confirm inner faith. As stated:
"The true Christian is the one whose faith is confirmed by the deeds of his good Christian life." (source: link txt).
It is also noted that a person’s constant strive to combat sinful thoughts and to improve oneself is an unseen yet significant indicator of a true spiritual path, one that does not submit to superficial self-identification (source: link txt).
Finally, another quote emphasizes that fulfilling God’s commandments and following the path based on trust in God is fundamental, as it is through this path that one achieves inner transformation:
"However, for a person, in the final analysis, what matters is not his achievements (justification by deeds), but unconditional trust in God…" (source: link txt).
Thus, the criterion of genuine Christianity lies not in formal self-identification but in a deeply rooted inner faith, which leads to a transformed life and is confirmed by concrete deeds and a change of heart. It is precisely this inner state that truly qualifies one to be called a Christian.
Supporting citation(s):
" The righteous Christian has already been rewarded in this life by His reward in Christianity. This reward is not a payment calculated for each specific act; rather, it is a general reward, residing in the very state of the soul… There is no solace for the conscience if, deep within it, there is no living God established by faith. One faith sanctifies deeds and transforms their individual parts into a single harmonious whole…" (source: link txt, page: 289)
" The righteous Christian has already been rewarded in this life by His reward in Christianity. This reward is not a payment calculated for each specific act; rather, it is a general reward, residing in the very state of the soul… There is no solace for the conscience if, deep within it, there is no living God established by faith. One faith sanctifies deeds and transforms their individual parts into a single harmonious whole…" (source: link txt, page: 289)
" The true Christian is the one whose faith is confirmed by the deeds of his good Christian life." (source: link txt)
" We are not yet all Christians, but disciples, merely trying to live in a Christian way… But a Christian must constantly struggle against sinful thoughts. Each time we cut off a sinful thought, we commit a moral act…" (source: link txt)
" However, despite all the calls to action here, facing the crucified Jesus, what ultimately matters for a person is not his achievements (justification by deeds), but unconditional trust in God…" (source: link txt)