The Almost Christian

Am I Almost Christian: The Uncomfortable Question We Need to Ask
One question has the power to unsettle even the most devoted lifelong church member or Christian. It has nothing to do with questions about doctrine or denomination, nor is it a test of your scriptural memory or theological vocabulary. It is far more personal and penetrating: Are you almost a Christian, or are you one altogether?

It sounds strange at first. What do you mean by “almost Christian”? Most people who attend worship regularly, give generously, serve their communities, and try to live with integrity would assume the answer is obvious. Of course they are Christians. They have been doing this their whole lives. But the question's discomfort is precisely the point. Because it is entirely possible to do all of those things and still only be almost there.

The Almost Christian
What does it actually look like to be almost a Christian? It might look more familiar than we expect, and Wesley gives a LONG list.

First, an almost Christian practices basic human decency. They deal honestly with others, never cheat or defraud their neighbors, and show kindness by helping those in need. These are genuinely good things. But here’s the uncomfortable truth: none of these behaviors requires faith. People from every background and belief system practice them. I know atheists who do this better than some Christians I know. Goodness and Christianity are not the same thing.

Secondly, the almost Christian also has what might be called the appearance of godliness. They attend worship, pray, read scripture, and participate in the life of the church. They try to follow the golden rule by treating others as they would want to be treated. From the outside, the picture seems complete. But as Wesley says, even the devil and demons believe in God.

Third, there is sincerity. The almost Christian is not a hypocrite. Their desire to please God is genuine. They are not faking it. They truly mean well. And yet, even sincerity is not enough. Good intentions, however earnest, are not the same as a heart transformed by grace. As the old saying goes, the road to hell is paved with good intentions.
This is the haunting reality. A person can be honest, religious, profess belief and sincerely try to be a Christian, all at once and still be standing at the edge of genuine Christian faith without ever stepping fully into it.

What Makes the Difference
So, what separates the almost Christian from the altogether Christian? The answer is notmore religious activity. Joining another committee, attending one more Bible study, or increasing a tithe will not close the gap. (However, we would love to have you on a committee, join us for study, and consider how much you give.) The difference between the almost and altogether is something far deeper than our actions. It is a transformation of the heart's ruling love.

The altogether Christian loves God with everything. Not as one priority among many, competing with career, comfort, and personal ambition. God becomes the center around which every desire, decision, and relationship is ordered. This is not a casual affection. It is the kind of love described in 1 Corinthians 13, a love that is patient and kind, that does not keep a record of wrongs, that bears all things and endures all things. This is the love that Paul tells the church in Corinth to pursue above every spiritual gift, every act of generosity, and every impressive religious credential. Without it, he says plainly, we are nothing.
The altogether Christian also loves their neighbor. And this is where things get genuinely difficult. Because a neighbor is not just the person next door who brings in your trash cans. A neighbor is every person in the world. That includes the difficult coworker. The family member who has caused real pain or whom you chose to ignore rather than accept. The political opponent. The person who cut you off in traffic. The enemy.

This kind of love does not mean pretending harm did not happen or that all behavior is acceptable. But it does mean extending to every person the same grace we have received. That is not a natural impulse. It is a Godly one. And it is only possible when the love of God has genuinely taken root in the heart.

Finally, the altogether Christian has a living faith in Christ, not merely intellectual agreement with Christian claims or familiarity with the right theological language, but a sure, personal trust that Christ loves us, gave himself for us, forgives us, and reconciles us to God. This faith produces real fruit: repentance, assurance, obedience, and good works. Good works do not earn anything; they are the natural overflow of a changed heart. Scripture reminds us that faith without works is dead.

The Question That Wakes Us Up
In Acts 26, the Apostle Paul stands before King Agrippa and makes his defense. He speaks about the hope of resurrection, about his own dramatic encounter with the risen Christ, about the transformation that followed. And Agrippa's response is telling. He says to Paul, are you trying to convince me in such a short time that you have made me a Christian? He has heard everything. He understands the argument. He is close. But close is not the same as committed.

That is the portrait of the almost Christian. Near to the kingdom. Familiar with the truth. But not yet fully surrendered to it. I will also admit that Wesley is reaching a little bit here, but his point is fair. Knowing and being are entirely different things.

The point of sitting with this question is not to produce guilt or despair. (Maybe a little bit). It is to produce honesty. Because the God who asks the question is also the God who answers it with grace. We do not make ourselves altogether Christians through sheer effort or religious discipline. God justifies freely. God pours divine love into our hearts through the Holy Spirit. The transformation is a gift.

But we must be willing to ask for it. We must be willing to stop settling for the appearance of faith when God offers a living faith. We must be willing to accept it and to change.
So, take the question seriously. Track where your time and money go. Notice what sits at the center of your decisions. Ask yourself honestly whether God is included in your life or whether you are reordering your life around God.

Almost is not enough. The invitation is to be altogether his.