I don't find it ridiculous at all! But it's your prerogative to believe whatever you choose to believe. Some of this is semantics. In the language I use, which I hope is biblical, the unregenerate person can indeed operate in the power of Christ. Judas Iscariot is one example. The author of Hebrews also indicate that people sometimes leave the faith after having known God and after having experienced His power.
I've personally known people who embraced Christ as Lord on a temporary basis. It truly looked like a life decision, and to some degree it was. But it devolved into an "appearance" game, with application to God's power when it suited the person, and not only when God led.
I believe we must call people in church "the Church," even though we know many there are only "half way there," in terms of Salvation. It is only honorable to give them a chance to start, to grow, and to endure.
We must call Christian nations "Christian nations," if that is the intention of the people to as a majority adopt the Christian faith and Christian morality for the people of that nation. But it certainly doesn't mean every citizen of a Christian State will be sincere or will last.
Heb 6.4 It is impossible for those who have once been enlightened, who have tasted the heavenly gift, who have shared in the Holy Spirit, 5 who have tasted the goodness of the word of God and the powers of the coming age 6 and who have fallen away, to be brought back to repentance.
What this appears to be saying is that when people come to a full knowledge of Christ as Savior and Lord they don't always confirm that decision by making a complete transition to Christianity. They accept the blessings, the power, and the love of Christ, but they don't completely submit to the lordship of Christ.
And so, when they turn away from that, from all that they know about Christ, what on earth can bring them back? They've already rejected all that Christ is--his love, and his offer of eternal fellowship with him. If they don't like that, then they never will!
And so, yes, I believe the Bible teaches that unregenerate people can know God and Christ, and experience His power. God is impartial, and when people meet certain conditions He blesses them with His presence and prosperity.
But it is the choice of people to make a complete transition or not. Until they've completed their decision, we should allow them the dignity of being called a "Christian," in my opinion. Otherwise, we will be driving them away.
I think the problem here is that some Christians--perhaps many, equate "regeneration" with experiencing the power of God, or verbal acknowledgment that Christ is Savior and Lord. I don't believe that to be the case personally.
We can experience God's power *before* regeneration. Regeneration happens only when there is a *complete* commitment to Christ as Savior and Lord. Only God knows when that commitment rises to the level of a "regeneration" experience.
