A Born-Again Donald Trump? Believe It, Evangelical Leader Says

The New York Times ^ | 6/25/16 | TRIP GABRIEL and MICHAEL LUO

[Faith Presses On]

Has Donald J. Trump become a born-again Christian?

That is the suggestion of James C. Dobson, one of America’s leading evangelicals, who said Mr. Trump had recently come “to accept a relationship with Christ” and was now “a baby Christian.”

Dr. Dobson, the founder of Focus on the Family and one of the country’s most prominent social conservatives, gave his account at a meeting Mr. Trump had in New York on Tuesday with hundreds of Christian conservatives.

In an interview recorded at the event by a Pennsylvania pastor, the Rev. Michael Anthony, Dr. Dobson said he knew the person who had led Mr. Trump to Christ, though he did not name him.

“I don’t know when it was, but it has not been long,” Dr. Dobson said. “I believe he really made a commitment, but he’s a baby Christian.”

Mr. Anthony posted the interview to his blog on Friday. Dr. Dobson could not be reached on Saturday, and Hope Hicks, the Trump campaign spokeswoman, did not respond Saturday to a request for details.

...

In his interview, Dr. Dobson conceded that Mr. Trump did not exactly fit the typical mold of an evangelical.

“He used the word ‘hell’ four or five times,” he said. “He doesn’t know our language.” He added that Mr. Trump “refers a lot to religion and not much to faith and belief.”

For evangelicals, the heart of Christianity is a faith-based dependence on God. They often contrast this with what they characterize as merely “religion,” which they view as more rules and rituals-based.

[HiTech RedNeck]

To be ultra picky one could say, accept a commitment. Of Jesus to him. But also accepting its purpose.

[Nifster]

Stop this nonsense....

we are voting for commander in chief bot pastor in chief.

to paraphrase Jerry Falwell in the 1980 election cycle.....if that’s what you want note for Carter

[HiTech RedNeck]

The Trump of God. It looked to me like something like this was impending.

[HiTech RedNeck]

It’s nice if he is blessed too. I am not sure he had to be arm twisted into it like Barack was at Saddleback.

This would be very good, but yes, Trump should not be expected to be our godfather, though the good Lord may be looking at our insistence on civic religion and having pity on us rather than telling us just to cut it out.

[D-fendr]

For evangelicals, the best argument (again) for Trump is: “He’s not Hillary.”

[HarleyLady27]

I have seen a few videos of Christian leaders proclaiming this...

I truly believe we are living in Revelations right now...chapter and verse...

I am Catholic, I know we have a jackass for a Pope, but I don’t receive my answers from man, I receive my answers from God...

And I believe what we are seeing are the prophesies...

[HiTech RedNeck]

No positive virtue? This is like saying of Jesus, “He isn’t the devil.”

[D-fendr]

He doesn’t drink?

[D-fendr]

Trump is just not an evangelical Christian. Baby or otherwise.

It gets silly trying to square that circle.

[Southnsoul]

Trump has not been a born-again Christian, but that does not mean that he hasn’t become one recently.

The reaction of some here over this article, reminds me of the time Jesus could not do a miracle in a certain city due to their unbelief.

My family and I have been praying for Mr. Trump’s salvation and I know there are other believers here who are praying for his salvation. And believe you me, if you’re going to have a prayer life, you better add some faith to it if you expect to see an answer from God.

When it comes to biblical salvation, who is a Christian and who isn’t a Christian, is not always an easy thing to determine.

Over the years, I’ve seen many professing Christians live like the devil. And I’ve seen those who live moral and upright lives, disregard the saving grace that’s in the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Receiving Christ as your personal Savior is a simple and childlike act of faith. And people are saved in different ways at different times in their lives.

One person may receive the Lord Jesus out of fear of eternal punishment, while someone else receives Him like the French minister who said, “I was kissed awake.”

None of us knows whether or not Mr. Trump bowed his heart and received the gift of eternal life in Christ, but I do know that these meetings with evangelicals (and charismatics) are not his first encounter with the gospel.

A few years ago, my pastor would see Mr. Trump in the audience on several occasions at David Jeremiah’s church in California. The services are taped live for broadcast. So you see, God may have planted seed in him before these recent meetings. By the way, David Jeremiah is a sound, biblical pastor and a fine godly man as is Mr. Falwell Jr, Mr. Graham, Mr. Jeffress, Mr. Dobson, etc.

[D-fendr]

Of course no one can judge another's heart or salvation.

You can judge what they value, what is important to them and what they say and do. Trump -an evangelical born-again Christian? These don't fit. Trump and evangelical Christian social conservatism? Nah. He doesn't even understand the issues or support the cultural war they're supposed to be fighting.

What's wrong with this picture?

It's awkward to for evangelical Christians and Trump both. I can understand the mutual benefit, but it's embarrassing to the pastors.

"He's not Hillary." and "He met with the pastors." That has to be enough for the Christian Right. Go with it.

[Imnidiot]

“No one who professes to be a Christian will ever be elected President.”

Except for Carter, Reagan, Bush, you may be right.

[stars & stripes forever]

[No one who professes to be a Christian will ever be elected President.]

Never say never.

TRUMP - Christian - TRUMP

[longhorn too]

“The greatest irony! Trump in heaven while Ted Cruz’s holly rollers are burning in hell!”

Maybe I am wrong but I was under the assumption that God Himself would be the only One knowing who was going to Heaven or hell! Has God let look into the “Book of Life”. If so, I am impressed!

[longhorn too]

If Trump has really had a salvation experience, then we need to see some fruit of that salvation experience in the near future, if not then well maybe is was not what everyone thought! For me I hope it is true, because that is what we are suppose to be about, plus it will make it easier for voting for Trump!

[itsahoot]

we need to see some fruit of that salvation experience in the near future

There is plenty of evidence of Godly things Trump has done, he just doesn't brag about it, like those that brag a lot but do nothing especially if it involves spending their own money.

[longhorn too]

“There is plenty of evidence of Godly things Trump has done, he just doesn’t brag about it, like those that brag a lot but do nothing especially if it involves spending their own money.”

I honestly hope you are right, only time will tell!

[Lisbon1940]

W Bush professed.

[Greetings_Puny_Humans]

Maybe I am wrong but I was under the assumption that God Himself would be the only One knowing who was going to Heaven or hell! Has God let look into the “Book of Life”.

God has let me look at the holy scripture, which clearly shows the Cruzers are all hell bound. They fit the description of Pharisees.

[Elsie]

No one who professes to be a Christian will ever be elected President.

We have a prophet in our midst!