Status of an Erring Christian

If one’s behavior is not that of a disciple, not saying perfect but at least trying, such as desertion with out reconciliation no repentance of sin, could they be considered a non-believer? Thanks Tom.

An erring Christian, for instance, who refuses to provide for the physical welfare of his family is said to be “worse than an infidel” (1 Timothy 5:8). However, even an erring child of God from whom the church has withdrawn fellowship is still a brother in Christ (2 Thessalonians 3:6, 14-15; 1 Corinthians 5:1-13; 2 Corinthians 2:6-8). One purpose for which church discipline must be exercised when necessary is to try to restore the erring child of God (James 5:19-20; Jude 23). We must be willing to forgive the penitent in the event that they should ever repent, and as often as they may repent (Matthew 18:21-22). No rationale will permit us to get more mileage (or liberty) out of other passages by some re-designation of brethren, howbeit they may be erring brethren who may never return to the Lord.