Nominal Christianity is a curse! Why? Because nominal Christians are not really Christians in the first place. Anyway, the Scriptures - New Testament - does not give any emphasis or weight to this term, 'Christian'.
The New Testament gives huge emphasis to 'believers' and 'disciples'. In Luke's gospel account, Jesus is recorded as saying in chapter 14, verses 25 to 35, that He regarded discipleship as a radical surrender to His Lordship. So radical that He said in Luke 14:26 "If anyone comes to Me and does not hate his father and mother and wife and children and brothers and sisters, yes, and his own life also, he cannot be My disciple. Luk 14:27 And whoever does not bear his cross and come after Me, he cannot be My disciple. "
Jesus understanding of who is a follower of His is unmistakably clear - these followers of His forsake all. Jesus says as much in the same chapter, verse 33, "So likewise, every one of you who does not renounce all his possessions cannot be My disciple" (English Majority Text Version, e-sword.net ).
Nominal Christians are those who merely confess with their lips that Jesus is their Lord, but in the core essence of their hearts, He is not! You can easily spot a nominal Christian through these signs:
1. They do not proactively, or actively seek the things of God - contrary to Matt 6:33
2. Their affections (feelings and emotions) are no set on 'things above' - contrary to Col 3:1-3.
3. They attend worship services out of pure obligation than love for God's house - contrary to Psalm 42:2
4. They have no hunger for righteousness - contrary to Matt 5:6
5. They have no desire to promote the kingdom of God - contrary to the early believers in the book of Acts
6. They constantly doubt and have no vision - contrary Pro 29:18
7. They live compartmentalized or fragmented lives - contrary to Eph 5:20 and Gal 2:20
Worst still when these nominal Christians hold leadership positions such as elders, deacons and pastors. That's when what Paul said to the Ephesian elders, as recorded in Acts chapter 20, becomes horribly true. In that chapter, we find recorded Paul's very first leadership conference. And the apostle went on to say (quite unlike contemporary leaders or pastors' conferences), Act 20:29 "For I know this, that after my departure grievous wolves shall enter in among you, not sparing the flock. Act 20:30 Also men shall arise from your own selves, speaking perverse things in order to draw disciples away after them."
Today, these nominal leaders and even preachers, continue to spew forth 'another gospel', one devoid of the centrality of Jesus Christ, His Person and His work of justification, the only message which can transform, and keep transforming the heart of man.
Celebrity pastors and preachers who in actual fact are preaching themselves, instead of 'not knowing anything among you, except Christ, and Him crucified' (1 Cor 2:2).
Today, it's all about sticking to safe things to preach. These preachers evidently have not read the gospel of John. It is incredible how Jesus 'got Himself into trouble' as one can clearly discern in that gospel, chapters five to ten. Read the number of times He was almost stoned! Jesus refused to compromise His message of truth. Truth does set one free, and in the process, truth kills lies. And to hearts so used to believing in lies of all sorts, truth is alien.
Which is why it is so easy to be a nominal Christian. I can say I believe the truth, and yet not live it. Jesus would have nothing of that sort of faith. For Jesus, it is either all of, through and for Him, or not at all.
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