Well, that is what I thought too. I was just trying to be diplomatic about it. I don't doubt he saw something, but it looks like he has been deceived. I hope he finds the truth before he checks out for good.
The bible makes it clear that unsaved people do not go to heaven. See Luke 16:19-31 is just one example. What’s more, the unsaved go to hell.
Conclusion: Deception of “the flesh.” He wasn’t really dead.
It happens all the time:
Galatians 1:8
But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach a gospel other than the one we preached to you, let them be under God's curse!
2 Corinthians 11:14
And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light.
Perhaps he is using the term incorrectly and my understanding of the term does not take in to account it’s literal meaning, but,
Nominal Christians I have never felt are necessarily unbelievers.