Nominal
vs. Actual Christian
Are you a Christian? Are you a nominal or an actual
Christian?
If you’ve been around Christendom for very long you likely
have heard the term, nominal Christian.
The Google definition of nominal is “existing or being something in name only …
may vary from the actual.” Synonyms are minimal
and token. *
On the other hand, actual is defined as “existing in fact
or reality, … not false.” Synonyms are authentic
and genuine. **
The Lausanne Committee
for World Evangelization (LCWE), founded by Billy Graham, defines a nominal Christian as "a person who has not responded in repentance and faith to
Jesus Christ as his personal Savior and Lord." The LCWE notes that such a person
"may be a practicing or non-practicing church member … He may give intellectual assent to basic Christian doctrines and claim to be a Christian.” ***
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| Photo by Josh Felise from Unsplash |
I propose that a nominal Christian is a Christian in name
only and thus not a Christian at all, according to the whole truth of
Scripture. Ultimately, it is God who defines Christian—not any man. He is the
final judge—not any man.
But if a person is not
quite sure, especially if they don’t know exactly what the Bible really says
about being a true follower of Jesus Christ, then it is of upmost importance to
find out. Since one’s eternal destination depends on it, it’s the most
important thing about anyone’s life, because none of us know when we’ll breathe
our last breath.
The gospel writer,
Matthew warns that in that day some
will proclaim, “Lord, Lord,” but will be turned away from God’s Eternal Kingdom
and hear God say, “I never knew you; depart from me.”
God knows the thoughts
and intents of every man’s heart. He knows thoroughly every sin and motive. The
final reckoning will be done by the God of Creation. Only He knows, with
certainty, what each one has done with His Son, Jesus, who came to earth to
redeem whoever would believe and receive Him.
With God as the judge,
there will be no explaining, no rationalizing, and no arguing. There will be no
opportunity for a change of heart or a change of mind.
“And it is appointed for
men to die once, but after this the judgement” (Hebrews 9:27 NKJV).
A few years ago, when my
grandson was about fourteen years old, we were discussing the recent death of a
family member. I mentioned that at least that person was a Christian so we
could be confident they were with Jesus and we would see them again.
My grandson said, “Well
if someone is not a Christian when they die, they can decide to be one then,
can’t they?”
I was surprised at his
words, because here was a young fellow who had gone to church regularly all of
his life. I was grateful to have to opportunity to get him straightened out on
this primary Christian doctrine. And he seemed grateful to have accurate
information. This is a Bible truth of upmost importance!
Granted, he was young.
But he was a church kid—one who professes Christianity.
When discussing questions
like, “Are you ready to meet your maker?” and “Are you going to Heaven when you
die?” I have heard people say things like, “Well, I sure hope so.”
Another frequent answer
is, “Well, I’m a good person.”
What would be your
answer? Or, how have you heard others respond?
The above answers suggest
a lack of understanding of what it means to be a Christian—a true follower of
Christ Jesus. Hoping so indicates a
lack of assurance. An actual Christian would know what the Bible says well
enough to know where they stand.
Here are suggestions of
what to do if you are not completely sure, beyond a doubt, that you are a
born-again Christian—if you don’t have assurance that you’ll go to Heaven when
you die—I suggest you do these things:
1- Pray right now and ask
God to lead you to the way of salvation.
2- Say “Yes” to Jesus.
“Yes, Jesus, I believe You are who the Bible says You are. I believe in You and
want You to live in me. Please help me live according to Your ways. In Jesus
name, amen.
3- Read the Bible,
especially the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. Learn Jesus. Get to
know Him. He’s your Savior.
4- Get involved in a
Bible believing church. Don’t just attend on Sundays. Faithfully attend a
Sunday School class or Bible study. Become a part of what God is doing in your
community through His church.
5- Talk with an authentic
Christian and tell that person of your decision to follow Jesus. Beware, there
are lots of preachers and spiritual leaders who are themselves not actual
Christians. The blind leading the blind is not what you need. It is God’s
desire that none parish in Hell for eternity. (2 Peter 3:9)
God gives us free will
and we each choose for ourselves what we will do with Jesus. Therefore, the
eternal destination for each of us is our own choice.
“What a heartbreak it
would be to live an almost Christian
life, then almost get into Heaven.”
-Author unknown
Jesus said, “These people draw near to Me with their mouth, and honor Me with their lips, but their heart is far from Me” (Matthew 15:8).
Jesus said, “I am the
way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me” (John
14:6 NKJV).
Timothy proclaims that in
the last days it will be common for people to commit many and various sins yet “having
a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away!” (2
Timothy 3:1-7)
The Apostle John said, “He
who says, ‘I know Him,’ and does not keep His commandments, is a liar, and the
truth is not in him” (1 John 2:4 JKJV).
Do you call yourself a Christian?
Are you a nominal
Christian or an authentic Christian?
When you pass through
death’s portal and come face to face with the Living God, He will not ask that
or any other questions because He will know. You will have already decided. Your
decision to believe in and follow Jesus or not, prior to that moment, is all
that matters.
Please be sure you have
the right answer. Eternity is a long, long time.
©Copyright
2019 Connie Wohlford
Amen! I recently brought a Sunday morning lesson where I used the term CINO (Christian in Name Only), as opposed to a RINO (Republican...). Not sure how well it was received, as I saw some discomfort in the eyes of my friends, but no one punched me in the nose on the way out. Maybe God used me anyway. :-) Great message here Ms. Connie.
ReplyDeleteI expect the discomfort indicated those folks will be thinking about the matter and, with the help of the Holy Spirit, be changed to be more serious about their convictions. I believe God uses these encounters for His glory and for the benefit of people.
DeleteGod bless you for your boldness to speak truth.