LORD, I Want To Be A Christian In My Heart

An almost Christian

(James Smith, "The Way of Salvation Set Forth")

"Then Agrippa said to Paul: You almost 
persuade me to become a Christian!" 
Acts 26:28 

There are many who conclude that

they are Christians, because they

have been enlightened to see

something of their state, danger,

and deserved doom.

But many are only lighted 

to Hell, for light in the mind--

is not life in the soul.

Hebrews 6:4, 10:20.

A person may be awakened to feel,

to tremble, to desire salvation--

as did Felix and Balaam, Acts 24:25,

Numbers 23:10.

He may be reformed, and turn from

open profanity to strict morality--

as did some in Peter's day, 2 Peter 2:20.

He may be assisted to do many things

which are in themselves good, such

as reading the Scripture, attending

divine ordinances, engaging in prayer,

and working miracles, Matthew 7:21-23,

Mark 6:20, 1 Corinthians 13:3.

He may experience GOD'S power put forth

restraining him, and keeping him back from

sin, as did Abimelech, Genesis 20:6.

He may humble himself before GOD,

as did Ahab, 1 Kings 21:27-30.

He may possess joy and be exceeding

glad under the Word, Matthew 13:20.

He may believe the Word, receive

the testimony, and admire the preacher,

Luke 4:22-29, 8:13, Ezekiel 33:31-32.

He may be filled with zeal for CHRIST

and his cause, like the multitude,

John 6:15, 16; Matthew 21:8-11;

Luke 23:18-23.

He may be baptized upon a profession 

of faith, join a Christian church, and

imitate the saints in his conduct--a

s did Simon Magus, Acts 8:13.

He may fill an office in the church,

preach the gospel, and act

consistent for a time--

as did Judas; and yet Judas

by transgression fell, that he

might go to his own place, Acts 1:25.

He may be highly esteemed by

others, be sound in doctrine, and

suffer for the cause of CHRIST,

and yet be destitute of the vital

principle of saving faith--

like Demas, Alexander, Hymeneus,

and Philetus, 2 Timothy 2:16-18, 4:10-14,

1 John 2:15.

He may have many excellent qualities,

so that he may be admired and loved by

others, like the rich young ruler in Matthew 19.

He may have all that has been named above--

but ONE THING may be lacking, and he be

found at last, merely an almost Christian.

 
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GraceGems have published J.C. Ryle's superb article,
"The Lord's Garden".