The 'almost Christian' is a man or woman who outwardly does everything that a real Christian does, and may even be moved emotionally by that which stirs the heart of a true believer.
But the 'almost Christian' has failed in the one requirement necessary for salvation ... he has never surrendered his heart to God. He has never been 'born again'.
He clings to the familiarity of this world with all of its enticements, yet wants to be thought of as a devout adherent to his spiritual beliefs. Since he has never been broken to the point of seeing his total depravity before a Holy God, the latent 'self-nature' remains his guide. His fondness for the tangible aspects of this life rises above his willingness to sacrifice all that he is to the Lord.
The 'almost Christian' may actually possess a theoretical knowledge of the many truths associated with Christendom ... even to the point of having the eloquence and zeal to defend them.
The 'almost Christian' has a profound desire to reap the benefits contained in the Gospel of Jesus Christ and may have a pattern of behavior that agrees with that goal. His pseudo-Christianity can deceive not only those who sit next to him in church ... but the man himself.
The 'almost Christian' typically has a belief system that subconsciously misdirects the Lord's commandment to love (the very evidence of one's salvation). Instead of a supernatural love for God and others, his affections are self-centered ... regardless of any empathy he may display.
Paul warns of false faith ...
Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels but have not love, I have become sounding brass or a clanging cymbal. And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, but have not love, it profits me nothing. 1 Corinthians 13:1-3
Such a one would, after all, be only an 'almost Christian'.
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