The Almost Christian

by Matthew Mead, taken from "The Almost Christian Discovered; or, The False Professor Tried!" 1661

"You almost persuade me to become a Christian!" Acts 26:28

How far a man may go in the way to heaven—and yet be but almost a Christian? This shown in twenty various steps:

1. A man may have much knowledge—and yet be but almost a Christian.
2. A man may have great and eminent spiritual gifts—and yet be but almost a Christian.
3. A man may have a high profession of religion, be much in external duties of godliness—and yet be but almost a Christian.
4. A man may go far in opposing his sin—and yet be but almost a Christian.
5. A man may hate sin—and yet be but almost a Christian.
6. A man may make great vows and promises, strong purposes and resolutions against sin—and yet be but an almost Christian.
7. A man may maintain a strife and combat against sin—and yet be but almost a Christian.
8. A man may be a member of a Christian church—and yet be but almost a Christian.
9. A man may have great hopes of Heaven—and yet be but almost a Christian.
10. A man may be under visible changes—and yet be but almost a Christian.
11. A man may be very zealous in matters of religion—and yet be but almost a Christian.
12. A man may be much in prayer—and yet be but almost a Christian.
13. A man may suffer for Christ—and yet be but almost a Christian.
14. A man may be called by God and embrace his call—and yet be but an almost Christian.
15. A man may have the Spirit of God—and yet be but almost a Christian.
16. A man may have faith—and yet be but almost a Christian.
17. A man may have a love to the people of God—and yet be but almost a Christian.
18. A man may obey the commands of God—and yet be but almost a Christian.
19. A man may be sanctified—and yet be but almost a Christian.
20. A man may do all the external duties and worship which a true Christian can—and yet be but almost a Christian.