The Almost Christian Discovered

Summer is upon us, and that means that activities shift while the kids are out of school for several months… One such shift is that our church does not hold home Bible Study groups for the summer, so to fill the gap, a friend and I have started a Puritans Book Club.

The first selection is The Almost Christian Discovered, by Matthew Mead. Written in 1661, the title comes from the words of Agrippa in Acts 26:28:

Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian.

The premise of the book is simple:

You have here one of the saddest considerations imaginable presented to you, and that is how far it is possible a man may go in a profession of religion and yet, after all, fall short of salvation; how far he may run and yet not so run as to obtain. This, I say, is sad, but not so sad as true; for our Lord Christ plainly attests it: “Strive to enter in at the strait gate: for many, I say unto you, will seek to enter in, and shall not be able.”

In other words, Mead challenges us, like Peter, to be diligent to make our calling and election sure. This is not only the command of scripture, but it is the duty of every converted heart. As Mead points out, “They who can hear such truths as this without serious reflection and self-examination, I must suspect the goodness of their condition.”

Like the rest of the Puritans, Mead lays out his argument carefully, always appealing to scripture to demonstrate the truth of his arguments. We’ve just started reading through this book, Shannon and I, and I am looking forward to the challenge, the conviction, and the wisdom to be gained. I’ll be blogging through it here (promise!), so be sure to stop back periodically for updates.

There are very many in the world that are almost, and yet, but almost Christians. Many are near heaven and, yet, are never the nearer. Many are within a little of salvation, and, yet, shall never enjoy the least salvation. They are within sight of heaven and, yet, shall never have a sight of God.

How about you? How do you make your own calling and election sure? How do you discern that in your family members, your friends, so that you know who to share the Gospel with most diligently? Share in the comments…