| |
What is a Nominal
Christian?
MP3
I received an important question the other day from a member of the
church. He asked, "What is a 'nominal' Christian?" He had
heard both Garner Ted Armstrong, myself and others use the term but was
not sure of its meaning. Is it a phrase used in condemnation?
First let us look at the meaning of the term after which we will discuss
just how and for what reason we use the phrase in both preaching and
teaching.
a] of, resembling, relating to, or consisting of a name or names.
b] assigned to or bearing a person's name: nominal shares.
c] relating to or constituting or bearing or giving a name.
d] a matter of form only
e] being such in name only
Are all in the world who call themselves Christian or followers of
Christ really true Christians? Of course not. The Bible is
clear on this point. Notice...
For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive
many. –Matthew 24:5
Then the LORD said unto me, The prophets prophesy lies in my name: I
sent them not, neither have I commanded them, neither spake unto them:
they prophesy unto you a false vision and divination, and a thing of
nought, and the deceit of their heart. –Jeremiah
14:14
I have not sent these prophets, yet they ran: I have not spoken to them,
yet they prophesied.–Jeremiah 23:21
And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many.
–Matthew 24:11
For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew
great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall
deceive the very elect. –Matthew 24:24
I am come in my Father's name, and ye receive me not: if another shall
come in his own name, him ye will receive.
–John 5:43
For before these days rose up Theudas, boasting himself to be somebody;
to whom a number of men, about four hundred, joined themselves: who was
slain; and all, as many as obeyed him, were scattered, and brought to
nought. –Acts 5:36
But there was a certain man, called Simon, which beforetime in the same
city used sorcery, and bewitched the people of Samaria, giving out that
himself was some great one: To whom they all gave heed, from the least
to the greatest, saying, This man is the great power of God.–Acts
8:9-10
The ministry of the ICG use the term "nominal Christian" only to make a
distinction between true Christians and those who
ignorantly believe, though sincerely, that they are followers of Christ.
"True Christians" is defined as those individuals, called of God to
repentance, baptism and the receiving of the Holy Spirit by the laying
on of hands. By numbers alone, we are talking about 98% or more of all
Christian-named churches in existence today.
DOES THIS FACT MEAN THESE PEOPLE ARE CONDEMNED
OR TO BE CONDEMNED?
Absolutely not!! It is the ultimate plan of God to give all humans
their opportunity to know all truth, have access to the Holy Spirit,
enter the Salvation Process and, if successful there, enter the Kingdom
of God with eternal life. It would be against the principles and
plan of God to use the term, "nominal Christian" in condemnation.
Until that time of Christ's return when we will have one government, one
language and one religion, this term will be used only to make a
distinction between God's firstfruits and all those churches that offer
only a form of the true church. These people are not to be
condemned but prayed for ["thy kingdom come"]. We are to hold the
hope that all people come to know and understand spiritual things.
Until then we live by the fact laid down in 1 Corinthians 2:14 "But
the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they
are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are
spiritually discerned."
What is God's current thinking and attitude
regarding false churches?
This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men
shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud,
blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, Without natural
affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers
of those that are good, Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures
more than lovers of God; Having a form of
godliness, but denying the power thereof:
from such turn away. For of this
sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women
laden with sins, led away with divers lusts, Ever learning, and never
able to come to the knowledge of the truth. –2
Timothy 3:1-7
Howbeit in vain do they worship me, teaching for doctrines the
commandments of men. –Mark 7:7
Not giving heed to Jewish fables, and commandments of men, that turn
from the truth. –Titus 1:14
God is not condemning nominal Christians or humans
specifically by these statements. He is condemning false religion,
Christian or otherwise, and commanding, "from
such turn away." Our time to have full fellowship with
them will come in the Kingdom of God and/or when God calls them into the
flock.
So proceed in the knowledge that the term "nominal Christian" is one of
distinction between God's firstfruits who have God's Holy Spirit and all
religions that merely use the name of Christ and offer a form of
Christianity.
|
|