What are the main biblical interpretations used to defend the point of view that Nicodemus had inferior faith? I was reading a post by John Piper here where he said this:


  But it is not saving faith. Nicodemus was not born again


The same week my Pastor made a derogatory reference to the faith of Nicodemus, which took me by surprise.  I read some more online.

On bible.org I found this quote in a larger work on faith and some that included Nicodemus.


  Nicodemus seems to be John’s first example of one who “believes” by
  virtue of our Lord’s signs, yet he is also one to whom our Lord does
  not “entrust” Himself


Finally, when doing a simple read through wikipedia I find this:


  He is venerated as a Christian saint.


While some might gloss over this topic in my mind this is actually a very, very drastic difference in opinion.  From a Saint, to a false believer, and somewhere in between there are educated opinions all over the map on Nicodemus.  I think this creates a great litmus test for my own view of one snapshot of what saving faith is and if there is a ranking system to it as some obviously contend.

This question isn't about my opinion, of which I do have a strong one.  I would like for you to present information about existing research and viewpoints of different vetted sources on the ultimate judgement that Nicodemus had inferior or unsaving faith.

♣ Bible references are best (I would think James might have something to say, and probably Paul would argue with him  ☺)

♣ Existing  doctrines on the topic are good (I have no clue if these exist)

♣ Denominational statements on the topic are good (same as above)

Your opinion, like mine, should be left out of this discussion.
What are the main biblical interpretations used to defend the point of view that Nicodemus had inferior faith?

As Jesus had not yet ascended into heaven, those with faith could not yet receive new and eternal life in Jesus.

Hebrews chapter eleven is often called the “hall of faith” as numerous old testament figures are commended for their faith. Yet they are said to have been incomplete;


  Hebrews 11:39-40  And these all, having obtained a good report through
  faith, received not the promise:   God having provided some better
  thing for us, that they without us should not be made perfect.


I would rather call the faith of Nicodemus weak or incomplete rather than “inferior”. It is difficult make an accurate comparison of the faith of someone who has the indwelling Holy Spirit as proof of his new life in Christ with the faith of someone who has this future hope as his faith. 


  Ephesians 1:13-14  In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the
  word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that
  ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise,   Which
  is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the
  purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory.