Is there such a thing as an Almost Christian? In the final analysis one is either a Christian or they are not. They are not a hybrid half sheep or half goat. They are either a Christian or they are an unbeliever.
Hence the third and controversial category falsely identified as the Carnal Christian. Adherents of this understanding would say yes, there are Christians and there are Non Christians, but there are also worldly Christians who have professed faith in Christ years ago but there are absolutely no changes in their lives. They went forward and raised their hands. They said those magic words “Jesus come into my heart” but this was no more than a mantra to them. (See Revelation 3:20). These words are Biblical words but they must be taken seriously and applied truthfully. Thinking that one can have Jesus as Savior only as their ticket to Heaven, then are bound for glory is a lie from the pit of hell.
There is an eternal difference between professing Christ and having the Holy Spirit possess you. There is an eternal difference between having Jesus as Savior and having Jesus as Lord, and there is an eternal difference between Heaven and Hell. The only commonality is that they are both eternal.
True, all Christians have carnal elements in their lives, but through heartfelt prayer, disciplined Bible study, deep fellowship and the wonderful work of the Holy Spirit they will become progressively sanctified and more Christlike. Total sanctification will only be reached at glorification in Heaven one day.
Truly, everyone must be not Almost but Altogether Christian. Jesus said to one teacher of the law, “You are not far from the kingdom of God.” (Mark 12:34) So close yet so far.
The cross of Christ alone bridges that infinite gap between sinful man and an infinitely Holy God. You can close that gap by sincerely and humbly receiving Christ as your own personal Savior and Lord. Then you will not only profess your faith with your lips but possess the Holy Spirit in your heart and have the God given blessed assurance that you are His and He is yours forever. Then you will be not Almost but Altogether Christian. And why is that? Because Christ is not Almost Savior and Almost Lord, but He is Altogether Savior and Altogether Lord.
I urge you to do that now in the strongest terms. Confess that you are a sinner and Christ is your only Savior, and you are no longer lord of your life but He is. Do it now.
Pastor Gary
