Being Born-Again

At church, we're back to the sermon series about "the New Birth." We went on a little rabbit trail about love and unity and other such things. Actually, we started this sermon series so long ago that I don't remember the beginning. Haha. Anyway, I've been thinking about what a Christian really is... And what a Christian is NOT.

I know people will accuse me of being proud and self-righteous by daring to think that I (a fallible human being) could actually pass judgment on another person's soul. It's not that hard really. For example, a co-worker uses vulgar language and five minutes later is talking about what the pastor said at his church on Sunday. I know that Christ would not do that. He is too holy, too perfect, too set apart. This coworker possesses the name of Christian--but there is no power, no holiness, to reflection of the glory of God. It's obvious. His character is the same as his father, the devil. My coworker could be called a "nominal Christian." And I've had several conversations with nominal Christians in the last couple days.

What is a "nominal Christian?" I'm so glad you asked.

(the following italicized content is culled from an article called, "The Nominal Christian" from http://www.comprehensivechristian.com/)

The term nominal means, “in name only.” A nominal Christian can be defined as one who may be religious, but not godly. Claiming allegiance to God, but manifesting no power as the sons of God. Essentially, he is one who does not really believe that the Lord should be the Lord of his or her life. He would actually rather share the Lordship over his life with the Lord Himself!

Matthew 7:21-23
"Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.
Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity."

A nominal Christian is one who places a higher value on his personal opinion and experience rather than on the Word of God. A nominal Christian is one who bends with the wind and compromises the truth of Jesus at the slightest threat of persecution. One who loves money and respects wealth and wealthy people more than the children of God. He likes comfort and not the cross. He would rather be a people pleaser than a God pleaser. He would rather save face than admit he is wrong when is confronted with the Truth of God.

The biggest and most tragic aspect of the Nominal Christian’s thinking is that he thinks that he is truly good and accepted with the Lord.

Here’s what the Lord says about that,
Revelation 3:1c ,
"I know thy works, that thou hast a name that thou livest, and art dead."

A nominal Christian therefore may be religious, read the Bible and pray at set times or he may do it at random times and on certain occasions. He may be a philanthropist.
He may be a, “model citizen” in the eyes of society, one who has a very good work ethic and is basically a moral person. Yet, he has no life of the Risen Savior within Him.

A nominal Christian is not a Christian at all. He is not "saved." He is eternally lost. Unless the nominal Christian realizes the error of his ways and repents, only torment is his future and hell, his destination. And this is the part that breaks my heart!