I agree with the requirements but at the end of the day that's all they are: requirements to be a true christian. None of which (at least to my knowledge, I could've overlooked it but I did attempt to read everything carefully) seemed to emphasize a personal relationship with Christ himself. It's a process, and one that only Christ can tell you how it's supposed to go and what it looks like.
You and I had different experiences leading us to our Lord and Savior. For myself, it was and continues to be a struggle. I doubt at times, but I discuss with him. I sin, and there have been times where I turned away. One in particular, I robbed a bank I was employed in. $2000 dollars. I didn't call to Christ, yet he saved me like the coutless times he has. Not only did I not get a jail sentence, but he got me back in school, with my financial aid processed and tuition paid on time, despite me only applying 7 days before school started. Very true story.
Thus, to me, we have the difference in what it means to be a true "Christian" and what it means to have true faith. Something I feel that many people get confused and blur when these discussions come up.
When people try to explain what it means to be "Christian", it almost always accompanies an idea of what "believing" really is, and what "should" happen if you really believe.
But the truth is, just from my personal experience, it doesn't work that way. My favorite book in the bible is Revelations, because it showed us that good does indeed acknowledge both your good and bad works. Despite what you hear from many religious followers, God's mercy does extend to those of us who are far less than "Christian" role models and he will still give us a chance to repent and answer to him. It shows the true power of his mercy but most of all tells us that there isn't a certain way our life should go or look like. All that's asked of us is to believe and try our best, and if you do that then yes there will be change, but there isn't a standard of change that we're supposed to meet or else. Our journey begins and ends with believing in Christ and working with him, trying our best. And the only way to do that really is to have your own relationship with him, as your journey with him will never be someone else's journey.
