A central concern of Anglican Priests in the 1700’s was the “Almost Christian”—a full member of the Church of England whose faith was culturally given, simply a part of being English. Such nominal faith produced persons of good character perhaps, but not persons born along by “The Spirit”.
In a recent FB page of Naz pastors their concern with the “almost Christian” was framed this way.
How close can someone be to the faith and still fall short of being a real Christian? In our day of fast-food religion this question is very relevant. ‘Early Anglicans’ like Wesley defined the person who is almost a Christian. After looking at what they said, let’s discuss the matter. Here is the link.
My Thoughts:
Right Question, Needs Reframed-1a—is how I’d put it.
I think Wesley & other Anglicans were speaking to a specific National Community of Faith-2 and were properly awakening culturally conditioned believers (i.e. American civil religion inter-woven with Christian belief) with the need of a Spiritually awakened disciple—who, responding in faith to the forgiveness and acceptance offered by God need to “be made real” via God’s hallowing Presence in purifying the heart and in loving works that form the life of Jesus in and between us (Justification and sanctification).
That context is still relevant in the Post-Christian American context-3 when rooted in a political/social identity (right or left) but is not transformational of character or reconciling in relationships or even speaks into the political motivations that are the real source of identity. We are created politica/social persons in community. The critical gift missing is “reverence” which comes only with the Creator at heart and we in humility discovering our humanity.
The danger of reducing the Right Question to “have you received the Spirit since you believed?” ..is to fail to see ‘the initiating Work of God’s Spirit’ inside the sacraments, the worshiping community, the Scriptures read, ect. for authentic believers who rather nominally trust in Jesus life, death, resurrection for their “salvation”.
Did Wesley really believe his eternal destiny at risk had he died as a faithful Anglican priest in authentic search of the reality to which he was committed before Alders-gate—his spiritual awakening? (We would do well to remember his letter of confession later in ministry to his brother wherein he identifies himself worse than a pagan yet still affirms to his brother, “Charles, urge all on toward entire sanctification.”
Would the 12, before Pentecost, really had been lost if all were captured and died with Jesus?
As previously noted, salvation has always been communicated in community-1b. As Paul writes, “saving grace” attends when a non-believing husband is with a believing wife, not in the sense of the fullness of knowing God in Christ but within the relationship and prayers that move both God and the as yet unbelieving spouse on whom God’s Prevenient grace is relationally being poured out via the life of the believer—in whom Christ dwells, though admittedly, imperfectly.
It is valid to say that we who would share with devout Jehovah Witnesses (or any tradition that reverences Jesus but as a man only) need not assume anything other than their heart is quickened by the same Spirit whom we are privileged to know… beyond that, we should remember with Pope John Paul II, “All of the Church’s children must remember that their privileged condition is not the result of their own merits, but the result of the special grace of Christ. Therefore, if someone does not respond to this grace in thought, in word, and in deeds, not only will that person not be saved, he will be even more severely judged’ (Lumen Gentium14)...People are saved through the Church, they are saved in the Church, but they always are saved by the grace of Christ.”4
So, should we ever be inviting all we know to move deeper into the faith, know the blessed reality of the birthing of The Holy Spirit? Should we ever, in ourselves first, be concerned that, again by the Spirit, we must grow up into Christ in all things? Absolutely!
What we must never do is fail to recognize that ALL of Adams daughters and sons are ever being engaged by God’s Spirit and are justified freely in terms of Adams original sin and the wounds that attend. That is our starting point of reference as to how we see one another—God’s kindly heart toward humanity. The rest, having to do with our personal responses freely chosen, Justifying grace is provisionally given—because that can only be made real in relationship—and that in the Spirit.
It remains true—the closer we live to God revealed in Jesus, the more responsible we are.
Blessings! Terry :)
Root idea written in the Stream by:
1a & 1—Crystal Lutton
2 —Brandon Brown
3 —Melissa Smith Wass
Quote by:
4 —Pope John Paul Ii, “Be Not Afraid”
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