ALMOST... BUT NOT QUITE

Almost is an interesting word that we tend to use with a wide degree of versatility. We sometimes use it when we are delaying something, when we are not quite ready to commit.

But there are certain words that can't be used with almost, like almost pregnant. That doesn't really work. The word almost doesn't work when it comes to sports either. A football team cannot claim that they almost won a bowl game.

Another word that doesn't fit with almost is Christian. Either you are a Christian, or you are not a Christian. You may be well on your way to becoming a Christian. You may be looking into the claims of Christ and investigating them. But that doesn't make you a Christian. Either you are or are not a believer.

The Bible talks about a man that I like to call the Almost Christian, because as the apostle Paul presented the Gospel to him, he said, "You almost persuade me to become a Christian" (Acts 26:28 NKJV). Almost. He was close, but not close enough.

What distinguishes a Christian from a non-Christian or a pseudo-Christian? Our initial thought would be that what you believe determines whether or not you are a Christian. And there is truth to that. But did you know that you can believe Jesus Christ is the Son of God and that the Bible is the Word of God and not necessarily be a Christian? The Bible says, "Even the demons believe – and tremble!" (James 2:19). Just because I believe the Bible is true and just because I believe Jesus is the Son of God doesn't mean I am a Christian. Intellectual assent isn't all there is. It includes that, but there is more.

It also might surprise you to know that you can pray ritually, keep the Ten Commandments to the best of your ability, attend church on a regular basis, and be baptized and not necessarily be a Christian. If you are a Christian, you ought to do those things. But you can do those things and not necessarily be a Christian. You might be an Almost Christian.

Then what does a person need to do to be a Christian?

First, we must recognize our dier need for Christ. The Bible teaches that prior to becoming a Christian, every person is spiritually blind: "The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God" (2 Corinthians 4:4).

The next step is to turn from darkness to light. Only God can open our eyes. But only we can turn from darkness to light. God won't do it for you. He has given you a free will. It is up to you to respond and decide. You have to turn from darkness to light. The Bible tells us, "The night is nearly over; the day is almost here. So let us put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light" (Romans 13:12).

The problem is there are a lot of people who are trying to live in two worlds. They know what is true. They effectively believe it is true. But they have not turned from darkness to light. And they are Almost Christians.

A person can become a Christian in a flash. It can happen so fast it probably cannot even be measured in human time. Yet some people mistakenly believe they are in the process of converting to Christianity. Either you are a Christian or you are not. You are either converted or you are not.

You cannot live in two worlds. You need to have your eyes opened. But then you need to turn from darkness to light. Make sure you know with certainty where you stand with God. Don't be an Almost Christian.

Sunday at Gatetree

Sunday I will focus on why a person can not lose their salvation in Christ once they have become a true Christian. "iTrust" will answer any questions you may have regarding "once saved, always saved." It is a part of our current series "iTruths for an iPod Generation." If you can join us in person, we would enjoy getting to meet you.