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The almost Christian discovered; or, The false professor tried and cast
This is a reproduction of a classic text optimised for kindle devices. We have endeavoured to create this version as close to the original artefact as possible. Although occasionally there may be certain imperfections with these old texts, we believe they deserve to be made available for future generations to enjoy.
214 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 1825
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246 people want to read
About the author
Matthew Mead
90 books6 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name. This profile may contain books from multiple authors of this name.
Other authors with this name:
Matthew Mead (c. 1630 – 1699), English minister
Matthew Mead (1924-2009), English poet and translator
Other authors with this name:
Matthew Mead (c. 1630 – 1699), English minister
Matthew Mead (1924-2009), English poet and translator
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
April 11, 2013
This is a must read for every Christian (or Almost Christian) as our culture teaches a salvation that doesn't expect an effect on those converted. Too many people have prayed some "prayer" yet have not experienced the life changing Gospel of Jesus Christ.
This book will contrast the effect of the Gospel on those in the 1st Century with the effect (or lack thereof) of many ever since. The Gospel is not works for change but works because of change. If you aren't different you may be merely an "Almost Christian." This book will help you discover the difference for yourself and others.
This book will contrast the effect of the Gospel on those in the 1st Century with the effect (or lack thereof) of many ever since. The Gospel is not works for change but works because of change. If you aren't different you may be merely an "Almost Christian." This book will help you discover the difference for yourself and others.
July 10, 2013
This book was exactly what I needed to read. If you do read this book, read all of the introductory comments. The book makes a convincing case through scripture that there are people who think they are on their way to heaven and they rest in that belief, when in actuality they are destined for hell. You will see that Matthew Mead had a godly concern for weak Christians. He shows the issues and offers solutions for the "almost Christian." It was hard reading about sinful attitudes that I have had, but it was good to have those attitudes exposed. I was greatly encouraged from this.
January 30, 2025
I'd give 4.5 stars.
If you fell you'll be discouraged, I would suggest starting with the last (short) part about Altogether Christian and only then start from the beginning and read about Almost Christian. Aside from a half a dozen to a dozen of short sentences I could not fully agree, this book really is worth everybody's time.
If you fell you'll be discouraged, I would suggest starting with the last (short) part about Altogether Christian and only then start from the beginning and read about Almost Christian. Aside from a half a dozen to a dozen of short sentences I could not fully agree, this book really is worth everybody's time.
April 13, 2012
Rough stuff, but you have to look at yourself and ask the questions.
January 3, 2023
This book is hard to rate. The depth and truth in it are valuable, yet I had a hard time following because the introduction and first chapter took a lot of concentration. However, I believe it is a book that becomes sweeter to a believer the more times you read it.
Quotes
pg. 7 - "It is the hypocrite's fault to sit under the trials and discoveries of the world and yet not to mind them; and it is the weak Christian's fault to draw sad conclusions of their own state from premises which do not concern them."
pg. 29 - "Many take conviction of sin to be conversion from sin and so sit down and rest in their convictions. It is a sad complaint God makes of Ephraim, 'Ephraim is an unwise son; for he should not stay long in the place of breaking forth of children.' "
pg. 31 - "Many will confess sin in general, or confess themselves sinners, and yet see little, and say less, of their particular sins. An implicit confession, as one said, is almost as bad as an implicit faith."
pg. 50 - "Like the waterway man that looks one way and rows another, many have their eyes on heaven whose hearts are in the earth. They hope in God but choose Him not for a portion. They hope in God but do not love Him as the best good and, therefore, are likely to perish without Him, notwithstanding all their hopes."
pg. 129 - "True union makes a true Christian. Many close with Christ but it is upon their own terms. They take and own Him but not as God offers Him. The terms upon which God in the gospel offers Christ are that we shall accept a broken Christ with a broken heart, a whole Christ with the whole heart - broken Christ with a broken heart as a witness of our humility, a whole Christ with a whole heart as a witness of our sincerity. A broken Christ respects His suffering for sin, a broken heart respects our sense of sin. A whole Christ includes all His offices, a whole heart includes all our faculties. Christ is a King, Priest, and Prophet, and all as a Mediator. Without any one of these offices, the work of salvation could not have been completed."
Quotes
pg. 7 - "It is the hypocrite's fault to sit under the trials and discoveries of the world and yet not to mind them; and it is the weak Christian's fault to draw sad conclusions of their own state from premises which do not concern them."
pg. 29 - "Many take conviction of sin to be conversion from sin and so sit down and rest in their convictions. It is a sad complaint God makes of Ephraim, 'Ephraim is an unwise son; for he should not stay long in the place of breaking forth of children.' "
pg. 31 - "Many will confess sin in general, or confess themselves sinners, and yet see little, and say less, of their particular sins. An implicit confession, as one said, is almost as bad as an implicit faith."
pg. 50 - "Like the waterway man that looks one way and rows another, many have their eyes on heaven whose hearts are in the earth. They hope in God but choose Him not for a portion. They hope in God but do not love Him as the best good and, therefore, are likely to perish without Him, notwithstanding all their hopes."
pg. 129 - "True union makes a true Christian. Many close with Christ but it is upon their own terms. They take and own Him but not as God offers Him. The terms upon which God in the gospel offers Christ are that we shall accept a broken Christ with a broken heart, a whole Christ with the whole heart - broken Christ with a broken heart as a witness of our humility, a whole Christ with a whole heart as a witness of our sincerity. A broken Christ respects His suffering for sin, a broken heart respects our sense of sin. A whole Christ includes all His offices, a whole heart includes all our faculties. Christ is a King, Priest, and Prophet, and all as a Mediator. Without any one of these offices, the work of salvation could not have been completed."
February 23, 2023
One of those books that’s forces you to thoroughly examine the motives and desires of your heart in the Christian life. Both convicting and encouraging.
November 21, 2016
Strong medicine for sick souls
How can I, as a believer in Jesus Christ, discern whether or not I am genuinely converted? That is the question being asked and answered in this short, approachable book.
To answer that basic question, Matthew Mead raises four questions:
1.) How far in the Christian walk may a man go, yet still be an almost Christian?
2.) Why is it that so many go so far yet fall short?
3.) Why, if they've come this far, are they still almost Christians?
4.) what is the reason they only go so far and no further?
In short, the answer is in this: the almost Christian refuses either to rest solely on Christ alone for his salvation or to work out his salvation with fear and trembling. It is either a refusal to believe and thus to work for his own salvation or it is a refusal to pursue Christ in all of his offices of Prophet, Priest, and King.
The almost Christian will cling to a beloved lust even while fastidiously keeping NT the Law at points which do not trample on his true love. The almost Christian will not give up all for the sake of Christ.
How can I, as a believer in Jesus Christ, discern whether or not I am genuinely converted? That is the question being asked and answered in this short, approachable book.
To answer that basic question, Matthew Mead raises four questions:
1.) How far in the Christian walk may a man go, yet still be an almost Christian?
2.) Why is it that so many go so far yet fall short?
3.) Why, if they've come this far, are they still almost Christians?
4.) what is the reason they only go so far and no further?
In short, the answer is in this: the almost Christian refuses either to rest solely on Christ alone for his salvation or to work out his salvation with fear and trembling. It is either a refusal to believe and thus to work for his own salvation or it is a refusal to pursue Christ in all of his offices of Prophet, Priest, and King.
The almost Christian will cling to a beloved lust even while fastidiously keeping NT the Law at points which do not trample on his true love. The almost Christian will not give up all for the sake of Christ.
December 11, 2017
No book, other than the Bible, has impacted my life as much as this one. It was my second reading of it that really hit me, and the many subsequent readings continue to edify my heart and soul. If you want The truth, no matter how painful; if you truly love God and want to be pleasing to Him; if you want to give diligence to make your calling and election sure; if you long to walk the "narrow and difficult way," walk according to the Spirit and not the flesh and follow Jesus, then I am convinced this book will be of great benefit. If you do read it, I pray that the Lord will apply it to your heart.
HINT: Try to assume you are an "almost Christian." Humility is very hard to come by! Humiliation is the great goal of our heavenly Father in the sanctification of our souls.
HINT: Try to assume you are an "almost Christian." Humility is very hard to come by! Humiliation is the great goal of our heavenly Father in the sanctification of our souls.
May 25, 2016
Same reason as the Distinguishing Traits of Christian Character by Gardiner Spring (and also have only read a relatively small portion of this book so far)-the doctrine of assurance-determining, reassuring, and challenging the true follower of Jesus Christ.
January 1, 2019
VERY good and self-convicting.
March 31, 2022
Pretty good book. It is definitely worth a read, although I do find a few problems with the book. It is narrowly focused, but helpful over all. 3.75 stars. Recommended.
July 31, 2025
Extremely convicting. Useful in soberly evaluating your salvation. It's repetitive, but the material bears repeating due to its seriousness.
Mead says his purpose is to cause the hypocrite to realize their unbelief and turn to true faith, not to discourage weak believers.
For some chapters, I didn't take any notes, but I left the chapter titles in my notes because the titles themselves are helpful.
I read the free ebook from Monergism.
Notes
To the Reader
Don't judge your state on a single characteristic, but on all of them.
Question I. How far a man may go in the way to heaven—and yet be but almost a Christian?
1. A man may have much knowledge, much light; he may know much of God and his will, much of Christ and his ways—and yet be but almost a Christian
2. A man may have great and eminent spiritual gifts, yes, 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 religion—and yet be but almost a Christian
4. A man may go far in opposing his sin—and yet be but almost a Christian
True mourning for sin is more for evil of sin than for negative consequences of sin.
Almost Christian may be grieved to think of perishing for sin, but not for being defiled by sin.
5. A man may hate sin—and yet be but almost a Christian
Christian hates sin because of wrong done to God. Almost Christian hates sin for shame it brings, or because one sin is contrary to a different sin they love.
Almost Christian may hate others' sin more than own sin.
6. A man may make great vows and promises—he may have strong purposes and resolutions against sin—and yet be but an almost Christian
7. A man may maintain a strife and combat against sin in himself—and yet be but almost a Christian
Balaam, Pilate, Scribes, Pharisees strove against sin because of their consciences and/or fear of hell, but weren't believers.
Almost Christian may desire grace for sake of entering heaven, not for change of heart and subduing of sin.
Almost Christian may desire grace but not be willing to pursue it.
Almost Christian may desire grace too late.
Almost Christian may desire grace temporarily.
Almost Christian may delight in God's Word and ordinances but not obey (Isa 58:2; Mt 13:20; Ezek 33:31).
8. A man may be a member of a Christian church, he may join himself to the people of God, partake with them in all ordinances, and share of all church privileges—and yet be but almost a Christian
9. A man may have great hopes of heaven, great hopes of being saved—and yet be but almost a Christian
10. A man may be under great and visible changes, and these wrought by the ministry of the word—and yet be but almost a Christian
11. A man may be very zealous in the matters of religion—and yet be but almost a Christian
Almost Christian may have zeal for some of God's commands, not all.
Almost Christian may be zealous about minor or irrelevant things rather than important things (Mt 23:23).
Almost Christian may be zealous for selfish reasons.
Almost Christian may have zeal against others' sins, but not their own.
Almost Christian may be zealous about wrong things, not about God and His glory.
12. A man may be much in prayer—he may pray often, and pray much; and yet be but almost a Christian
Almost Christian may pray in pretense.
Almost Christian may pray, yet love sin.
Almost Christian may pray much for temporal things, and little for spiritual things.
Almost Christian may pray without having heart in it, being far from God.
Almost Christian may pray only to be relieved from suffering.
13. A man may suffer for Christ in his goods, in his name, in his person—and yet be but almost a Christian
Almost Christian may suffer for Christ without loving Christ, simply because world hates those who call themselves Christians.
14. A man may be called by God and embrace this call—and yet be but an almost Christian
15. A man may have the Spirit of God—and yet be but almost a Christian
Balaam (Num 24:2), Saul (1 Sam 11:6), Judas (Mt 10:1) had Spirit, but weren't believers.
Almost Christian may have Spirit temporarily, not permanently.
Almost Christian may have Spirit for conviction, not conversion.
16. A man may have faith—and yet be but almost a Christian
Only those with saving faith believe, not those with temporary faith. Stony ground hearers believe for a while (Lk 8:13). Many in Jerusalem believed in Jesus, but He didn't commit Himself to them (Jn 2:23-25). Simon the Sorcerer believed (Acts 8:13). Even demons believe (Jas 2:19).
Almost Christians assent to truth, but don't rest on God. They believe commands are true, but don't obey. They believe promises are true, but don't embrace them. They believe threats are true, but don't flee from them.
True faith involves a broken heart and bending of the will.
True faith transforms person into likeness of Christ and produces fruit.
17. A man may have a love to the people of God—and yet be but almost a Christian
When almost Christian loves Christians, it's for reasons other than their holiness.
Almost Christian loves some, not all, God's people.
18. A man may obey the commands of God, yes, many of the commands of God—and yet be but almost a Christian
Almost Christian obeys some laws, not all.
True obedience requires regenerated heart.
Almost Christian may obey law yet not love Lawgiver.
Almost Christian may obey for selfish reasons, as Pharisees did.
19. A man may be sanctified—and yet be but almost a Christian
Not all sanctification is effectual (Heb 10:29). Common sanctification restrains sin and gives common virtues that are only external; effectual sanctification mortifies sin and gives saving graces, and affects internal soul, conscience, will, affections.
20. A man may do all, as to external duties and worship, that a true Christian can; and, when he has done all, be but almost a Christian
Question II. Why is it that many go so far and yet no farther?
Heb 6:4 can't refer to elect, because they fall away.
Almost Christians have guilty conscience due to law, and fear death and hell, so to silence conscience, put efforts into works (trying to be their own Savior) and make lifeless profession of faith.
Question III. Why is it that many are but almost Christians, when they have gone thus far?
Almost Christians have limits to how much they love, seek, serve, obey God. True Christians always want to do those more.
Almost Christians try to silence conscience through works. True Christians seek to have guilt removed by applying Christ's work, and do works to bring them to Christ.
No matter how many works almost Christians do, they still have pet sin(s). They often do works to hide their sin. True Christians hate all sin and do works to discover and mortify sin.
Almost Christian is proud about works, as was Pharisee who prayed (Lk 18:9-14). True Christian is humbled by works, feeling unworthy, and gives all glory to God.
Almost Christian is more concerned about profession of faith than sanctification, holiness.
Almost Christian eventually decreases or discontinues good works. True Christian never does.
Almost Christian desires salvation only out of self-preservation and seeking happiness.
Question IV. What is the reason that many go no farther in the profession of religion, than to be almost Christians?
Almost Christian isn't thoroughly convinced of sin, with broken heart.
Almost Christian's conviction is mainly about public, scandalous sins. True conviction reaches to secret sins.
Almost Christian's conviction is about outward life and actual sins (not original sin). True conviction is about condition and all sin.
Rom 7:7 is about original sin, not actual sin.
Almost Christians' conviction causes them to focus on negative consequences of sin, including God's wrath and hell. True conviction causes Christians to focus on evil in sin, and dishonor done to God.
Almost Christian's conviction is temporary.
Almost Christians' conviction drives them from God. True conviction drives Christians to God.
True convictions lead to conversion. Unconvicted person't can't be converted.
Almost Christian's conviction causes hypocrisy.
God doesn't judge works by volume or frequency, but by sincerity.
Question V. What is the reason why many go no farther in the profession of religion, than to be almost Christians?
Almost Christians may focus more on works than sins, so think they're saved when they aren't.
True Christians may focus more on their sins than faith, so think they're unsaved when they aren't.
True Christians' hearts are thoroughly renewed by grace, minds savingly enlightened, consciences thoroughly convinced, wills truly humbled and subdued, affections spiritually raised and sanctified. This enables them to do good works.
True Christian pays attention to motive behind works.
Almost Christian has self-glory as goal (though God's glory may be a secondary goal). True Christian has God's glory as goal.
Reasons Christians lack comfort, joy
• Sin brings guilt and lack of peace
• God hides Himself because of Christian's sin (Isa 59:2; Ps 30:7)
• Satan tempts, which disturbs peace
How almost Christian can become true Christian
• Get rid of false peace of conscience, which keeps you from seeking Christ. See your need to make peace with God, and make it. Don't make peace with sin. The more of the peace of God you have, the more you can fight sin.
• Get thoroughly, truly convicted. Be convinced of heinousness of sin, misery and danger of being unsaved, inability of anything other than Christ to give relief.
• Don't stop being convicted until you're converted. Being convicted for sin isn't same as being forgiven for it.
Mead says his purpose is to cause the hypocrite to realize their unbelief and turn to true faith, not to discourage weak believers.
For some chapters, I didn't take any notes, but I left the chapter titles in my notes because the titles themselves are helpful.
I read the free ebook from Monergism.
Notes
To the Reader
Don't judge your state on a single characteristic, but on all of them.
Question I. How far a man may go in the way to heaven—and yet be but almost a Christian?
1. A man may have much knowledge, much light; he may know much of God and his will, much of Christ and his ways—and yet be but almost a Christian
2. A man may have great and eminent spiritual gifts, yes, 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 religion—and yet be but almost a Christian
4. A man may go far in opposing his sin—and yet be but almost a Christian
True mourning for sin is more for evil of sin than for negative consequences of sin.
Almost Christian may be grieved to think of perishing for sin, but not for being defiled by sin.
5. A man may hate sin—and yet be but almost a Christian
Christian hates sin because of wrong done to God. Almost Christian hates sin for shame it brings, or because one sin is contrary to a different sin they love.
Almost Christian may hate others' sin more than own sin.
6. A man may make great vows and promises—he may have strong purposes and resolutions against sin—and yet be but an almost Christian
7. A man may maintain a strife and combat against sin in himself—and yet be but almost a Christian
Balaam, Pilate, Scribes, Pharisees strove against sin because of their consciences and/or fear of hell, but weren't believers.
Almost Christian may desire grace for sake of entering heaven, not for change of heart and subduing of sin.
Almost Christian may desire grace but not be willing to pursue it.
Almost Christian may desire grace too late.
Almost Christian may desire grace temporarily.
Almost Christian may delight in God's Word and ordinances but not obey (Isa 58:2; Mt 13:20; Ezek 33:31).
8. A man may be a member of a Christian church, he may join himself to the people of God, partake with them in all ordinances, and share of all church privileges—and yet be but almost a Christian
9. A man may have great hopes of heaven, great hopes of being saved—and yet be but almost a Christian
10. A man may be under great and visible changes, and these wrought by the ministry of the word—and yet be but almost a Christian
11. A man may be very zealous in the matters of religion—and yet be but almost a Christian
Almost Christian may have zeal for some of God's commands, not all.
Almost Christian may be zealous about minor or irrelevant things rather than important things (Mt 23:23).
Almost Christian may be zealous for selfish reasons.
Almost Christian may have zeal against others' sins, but not their own.
Almost Christian may be zealous about wrong things, not about God and His glory.
12. A man may be much in prayer—he may pray often, and pray much; and yet be but almost a Christian
Almost Christian may pray in pretense.
Almost Christian may pray, yet love sin.
Almost Christian may pray much for temporal things, and little for spiritual things.
Almost Christian may pray without having heart in it, being far from God.
Almost Christian may pray only to be relieved from suffering.
13. A man may suffer for Christ in his goods, in his name, in his person—and yet be but almost a Christian
Almost Christian may suffer for Christ without loving Christ, simply because world hates those who call themselves Christians.
14. A man may be called by God and embrace this call—and yet be but an almost Christian
15. A man may have the Spirit of God—and yet be but almost a Christian
Balaam (Num 24:2), Saul (1 Sam 11:6), Judas (Mt 10:1) had Spirit, but weren't believers.
Almost Christian may have Spirit temporarily, not permanently.
Almost Christian may have Spirit for conviction, not conversion.
16. A man may have faith—and yet be but almost a Christian
Only those with saving faith believe, not those with temporary faith. Stony ground hearers believe for a while (Lk 8:13). Many in Jerusalem believed in Jesus, but He didn't commit Himself to them (Jn 2:23-25). Simon the Sorcerer believed (Acts 8:13). Even demons believe (Jas 2:19).
Almost Christians assent to truth, but don't rest on God. They believe commands are true, but don't obey. They believe promises are true, but don't embrace them. They believe threats are true, but don't flee from them.
True faith involves a broken heart and bending of the will.
True faith transforms person into likeness of Christ and produces fruit.
17. A man may have a love to the people of God—and yet be but almost a Christian
When almost Christian loves Christians, it's for reasons other than their holiness.
Almost Christian loves some, not all, God's people.
18. A man may obey the commands of God, yes, many of the commands of God—and yet be but almost a Christian
Almost Christian obeys some laws, not all.
True obedience requires regenerated heart.
Almost Christian may obey law yet not love Lawgiver.
Almost Christian may obey for selfish reasons, as Pharisees did.
19. A man may be sanctified—and yet be but almost a Christian
Not all sanctification is effectual (Heb 10:29). Common sanctification restrains sin and gives common virtues that are only external; effectual sanctification mortifies sin and gives saving graces, and affects internal soul, conscience, will, affections.
20. A man may do all, as to external duties and worship, that a true Christian can; and, when he has done all, be but almost a Christian
Question II. Why is it that many go so far and yet no farther?
Heb 6:4 can't refer to elect, because they fall away.
Almost Christians have guilty conscience due to law, and fear death and hell, so to silence conscience, put efforts into works (trying to be their own Savior) and make lifeless profession of faith.
Question III. Why is it that many are but almost Christians, when they have gone thus far?
Almost Christians have limits to how much they love, seek, serve, obey God. True Christians always want to do those more.
Almost Christians try to silence conscience through works. True Christians seek to have guilt removed by applying Christ's work, and do works to bring them to Christ.
No matter how many works almost Christians do, they still have pet sin(s). They often do works to hide their sin. True Christians hate all sin and do works to discover and mortify sin.
Almost Christian is proud about works, as was Pharisee who prayed (Lk 18:9-14). True Christian is humbled by works, feeling unworthy, and gives all glory to God.
Almost Christian is more concerned about profession of faith than sanctification, holiness.
Almost Christian eventually decreases or discontinues good works. True Christian never does.
Almost Christian desires salvation only out of self-preservation and seeking happiness.
Question IV. What is the reason that many go no farther in the profession of religion, than to be almost Christians?
Almost Christian isn't thoroughly convinced of sin, with broken heart.
Almost Christian's conviction is mainly about public, scandalous sins. True conviction reaches to secret sins.
Almost Christian's conviction is about outward life and actual sins (not original sin). True conviction is about condition and all sin.
Rom 7:7 is about original sin, not actual sin.
Almost Christians' conviction causes them to focus on negative consequences of sin, including God's wrath and hell. True conviction causes Christians to focus on evil in sin, and dishonor done to God.
Almost Christian's conviction is temporary.
Almost Christians' conviction drives them from God. True conviction drives Christians to God.
True convictions lead to conversion. Unconvicted person't can't be converted.
Almost Christian's conviction causes hypocrisy.
God doesn't judge works by volume or frequency, but by sincerity.
Question V. What is the reason why many go no farther in the profession of religion, than to be almost Christians?
Almost Christians may focus more on works than sins, so think they're saved when they aren't.
True Christians may focus more on their sins than faith, so think they're unsaved when they aren't.
True Christians' hearts are thoroughly renewed by grace, minds savingly enlightened, consciences thoroughly convinced, wills truly humbled and subdued, affections spiritually raised and sanctified. This enables them to do good works.
True Christian pays attention to motive behind works.
Almost Christian has self-glory as goal (though God's glory may be a secondary goal). True Christian has God's glory as goal.
Reasons Christians lack comfort, joy
• Sin brings guilt and lack of peace
• God hides Himself because of Christian's sin (Isa 59:2; Ps 30:7)
• Satan tempts, which disturbs peace
How almost Christian can become true Christian
• Get rid of false peace of conscience, which keeps you from seeking Christ. See your need to make peace with God, and make it. Don't make peace with sin. The more of the peace of God you have, the more you can fight sin.
• Get thoroughly, truly convicted. Be convinced of heinousness of sin, misery and danger of being unsaved, inability of anything other than Christ to give relief.
• Don't stop being convicted until you're converted. Being convicted for sin isn't same as being forgiven for it.
December 19, 2021
A book highly recommended, for all those who call themselves Christians. This book will help you test the genuineness of your faith, whether you are just a mere professor of Christ (“almost Christian”) or truly are in union with Christ (“altogether Christian”).
As John MacArthur notes in the foreword, “this book is not balm for the emotions. It is food for the soul.” It is easy reading for the logic and mind, as it is properly segmented. But it is very hard reading for the soul, for the mirror that it constructs forces you to take a good hard look into the state of the soul.
But it is necessary. Because there are professors who will find themselves turned away on the last day (Matt 7). There are virgins who have no oil in the lamp who were not accepted too. So what is the state of your soul? Have you (and I) truly believed that our evil state requires salvation from an infinitely loving and Holy God? And this God, while offering costly salvation to us who believe in Jesus, expects us to labour for our faith, and to grow in holiness. And to become more like his Son.
So after laying out 20 properties on what an almost Christian is, Mead goes on to apply, caution and exhort the readers towards the evil that is sin, the need to fly to Christ for salvation. And the labour that we need to do, in order to grow in Christ.
If there were 6 stars, I will have given it. (The additional star is for this edition, which makes the language easily accessible with modern English and short sentences.)
As John MacArthur notes in the foreword, “this book is not balm for the emotions. It is food for the soul.” It is easy reading for the logic and mind, as it is properly segmented. But it is very hard reading for the soul, for the mirror that it constructs forces you to take a good hard look into the state of the soul.
But it is necessary. Because there are professors who will find themselves turned away on the last day (Matt 7). There are virgins who have no oil in the lamp who were not accepted too. So what is the state of your soul? Have you (and I) truly believed that our evil state requires salvation from an infinitely loving and Holy God? And this God, while offering costly salvation to us who believe in Jesus, expects us to labour for our faith, and to grow in holiness. And to become more like his Son.
So after laying out 20 properties on what an almost Christian is, Mead goes on to apply, caution and exhort the readers towards the evil that is sin, the need to fly to Christ for salvation. And the labour that we need to do, in order to grow in Christ.
If there were 6 stars, I will have given it. (The additional star is for this edition, which makes the language easily accessible with modern English and short sentences.)
January 31, 2022
So many people think Jesus has forgiven their sins, and they're on the way to heaven. But what if they don't have real faith? What if they haven't been truly transformed?
There is a free audio version of this on SermonAudio which I listened to. This was similar to Alleine's Sure Guide to Heaven in its goals, but very different in its approach, such as how it takes turns saying how little fruit the genuine believers have, and how much fruit the reprobates have. But then it's very helpful to show clearly what sets them apart.
Here's a great example: "Where covetousness gets the heart, there the heart hates pride; and where pride gets uppermost in the heart, there the heart hates covetousness. Thus a man may hate sin, not from a principle of grace—but from the contrariety of lusts. He does not hate any sin, as it is sin; but he hates it, as being contrary to his beloved sin."
There is a free audio version of this on SermonAudio which I listened to. This was similar to Alleine's Sure Guide to Heaven in its goals, but very different in its approach, such as how it takes turns saying how little fruit the genuine believers have, and how much fruit the reprobates have. But then it's very helpful to show clearly what sets them apart.
Here's a great example: "Where covetousness gets the heart, there the heart hates pride; and where pride gets uppermost in the heart, there the heart hates covetousness. Thus a man may hate sin, not from a principle of grace—but from the contrariety of lusts. He does not hate any sin, as it is sin; but he hates it, as being contrary to his beloved sin."
July 1, 2022
Please don't let the 3-star rating dissuade you from reading this book. I am very conflicted in my rating of this work, as I think it a necessary read, especially in our age of Almost Christians filling the seats of Churches and Almost Churches.
Pros:
- this is a very thought provoking work that demands and results in introspection from the reader
- despite being written in 1661 (although this version has been modernized in grammar, format and spelling) the points of the book are as pertinent today as they were nearly 400 years ago, if not more so
- equips for speaking with those who may be Almost Christians
Cons:
- this is a drudging, laborious read
- Mead verbosely presents what could be a ~16 page argument over the span 166 pages (maybe a little hyperbolic on my part)
Pros:
- this is a very thought provoking work that demands and results in introspection from the reader
- despite being written in 1661 (although this version has been modernized in grammar, format and spelling) the points of the book are as pertinent today as they were nearly 400 years ago, if not more so
- equips for speaking with those who may be Almost Christians
Cons:
- this is a drudging, laborious read
- Mead verbosely presents what could be a ~16 page argument over the span 166 pages (maybe a little hyperbolic on my part)
June 5, 2020
A wonderful, wonderful book that should be read by every professing Christian. In 2 Corinthians 13:5, the Apostle Paul instructs us: "Examine yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Or do you not realize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?—unless indeed you fail to meet the test!" This book is a thorough practical method for doing just this. I cannot commend it highly enough. Read with fear and trembling.
June 16, 2025
This book is truly astounding.
The structure is great, such as this:
Statement: A man may have hopes of heaven, hopes of being saved, yet be but almost a Christian.
Then it’s followed with 4 points to support the claim, with occasional objections and answers, or sub points, or reflections.
The flow of the statements will make one want to read through the whole book in one sitting, but one could sit on each statement for a month in meditation.
The structure is great, such as this:
Statement: A man may have hopes of heaven, hopes of being saved, yet be but almost a Christian.
Then it’s followed with 4 points to support the claim, with occasional objections and answers, or sub points, or reflections.
The flow of the statements will make one want to read through the whole book in one sitting, but one could sit on each statement for a month in meditation.
December 10, 2018
Книга, що перевернула мене і дала поштовх для руху у правильному напрямку.
Want to read
August 11, 2023from the article Almost Saved - Four Reasons to Examine Yourself - Desiring God
January 12, 2024
Had me thinking
This book looks at a “works”, legalistic religion against true Christianity. This has been an ongoing struggle in the understanding of Faith verses works.
This book looks at a “works”, legalistic religion against true Christianity. This has been an ongoing struggle in the understanding of Faith verses works.
September 12, 2021
The scriptural truths in this book are profoundly deep, and desperately needed by the North American Christian church. The typical and unbiblical notion that salvation means ‘adding Jesus to your life’ leaves the sinner unregenerate and outside of God’s saving Grace. The author labor’s diligently to biblically define true conversion so we would be able to truly examine ourselves and test ourselves to be sure we are in the faith. Professing Christ does not equal possessing Christ.
“One of the greatest dangers in being ‘almost a Christian’ is that it serves to still and quiet the conscience. Now it is very dangerous to quiet the conscience with anything but the blood of Christ. It is bad to be at peace unless Christ speaks peace. Nothing can truly pacify conscience, less that which pacified God - and that is the blood of the Lord Christ.
Now the ‘almost Christian’ quiets his conscience- but not with the blood of Christ. He silences and bridles his conscience with a form of godliness, and so gives way to an undoing, soul-destroying peace. He rocks his conscience asleep in the cradle of outward duties and he will never awaken until judgement.
Ah, my brethren, it is far better to have a conscience that is never quiet, than one quieted any way but by ‘the blood of sprinkling by the Lamb’. Indeed, an evil, unbelieving conscience that is quiet is the greatest judgment to unconverted sinners.”
Matthew Mead (1633-1699)
‘The Almost Christian’
Read this book and prayerfully beseech God to show you your true heart and whether you are a lost and damned hypocrite or truly a regenerate member of God’s covenant family.
Pass this book along to your pastor and elders- this is a message they need to examine themselves and test the state of their own souls and also to preach this bold message to their congregations. Souls are at stake. Do not be deceived, God is not mocked. For whatever a man’s sows, this he will also reap. Galatians 6:7
“One of the greatest dangers in being ‘almost a Christian’ is that it serves to still and quiet the conscience. Now it is very dangerous to quiet the conscience with anything but the blood of Christ. It is bad to be at peace unless Christ speaks peace. Nothing can truly pacify conscience, less that which pacified God - and that is the blood of the Lord Christ.
Now the ‘almost Christian’ quiets his conscience- but not with the blood of Christ. He silences and bridles his conscience with a form of godliness, and so gives way to an undoing, soul-destroying peace. He rocks his conscience asleep in the cradle of outward duties and he will never awaken until judgement.
Ah, my brethren, it is far better to have a conscience that is never quiet, than one quieted any way but by ‘the blood of sprinkling by the Lamb’. Indeed, an evil, unbelieving conscience that is quiet is the greatest judgment to unconverted sinners.”
Matthew Mead (1633-1699)
‘The Almost Christian’
Read this book and prayerfully beseech God to show you your true heart and whether you are a lost and damned hypocrite or truly a regenerate member of God’s covenant family.
Pass this book along to your pastor and elders- this is a message they need to examine themselves and test the state of their own souls and also to preach this bold message to their congregations. Souls are at stake. Do not be deceived, God is not mocked. For whatever a man’s sows, this he will also reap. Galatians 6:7
February 13, 2021
Matthew Mead writes in the style I love: lots of Scripture and no personal stories. Puritans and a few others (Pink and Ryle come to mind) can pull this off without boring the reader. But, if you have not read this book yet, get ready for conviction. Mead goes through about 20 ways we can do good, "Christian" things and yet remain "almost a Christian". Praying, attending church, believing, giving up sins, etc. can all be accomplished by unbelievers and although they have much light, they are worse off than the heathen unbeliever because they ALMOST became a Christian. The book is challenging and necessarily so. While not popular today, the admonition to examine oneself is vital and healthy for the altogether Christian. Repenting of our sins, humbly approaching Christ, and trusting Christ alone for salvation are what we can have faith in and with the promise of Scripture have a sense of assurance of salvation BUT not such an assurance that leads to complacency. Though we know we can fall, and need to know that, we can still be assured we will not fall away. But this need for self examination helps us to remain focused on holiness and sanctification. Reading through the book will be a little like what I imagine sitting through a Jonathan Edward sermon would be like. But, oh, how we need that today with such timid preachers!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 31, 2025
Esta pieza de literatura puritana es el ejemplo perfecto de un tratado sobre instrospección casuística y exhaustiva de la condición espiritual del alma humana en cuanto a su estado salvífico.
Su principal virtud: Su exhaustividad.
Su principal vicio: Su exhaustividad.
Ha de leerse con madurez y procurando un justo medio en su aplicación, aunque atendiendo los muchos textos bíblicos que cita.
Su principal virtud: Su exhaustividad.
Su principal vicio: Su exhaustividad.
Ha de leerse con madurez y procurando un justo medio en su aplicación, aunque atendiendo los muchos textos bíblicos que cita.
November 15, 2021
This is a very convicting book and one that literally changed my life. Matthew Mead is a Puritan writer that challenges each person in the church to examine their lives to see if they are in the faith.
March 1, 2024
I asked a sister at church what some of her favorite books were and after she answered, I asked why to which she said her favorite books were timely. I think that reason is also the reason why this is one of my favorite books.
Read
September 21, 2007Probably emphasizing my less gracious tendencies, but I won't deny that it's fun old time relijun.
April 11, 2009
Excellent.
Want to read
January 6, 2017recommended by blakey
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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