"Now concerning the times and the seasons, brothers, you have no need to have anything written to you. For you yourselves are fully aware that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. While people are saying, "There is peace and security," then sudden destruction will come upon them as labor pains come upon a pregnant woman, and they will not escape. But you are not in darkness, brothers, for that day to surprise you like a thief. For you are all children of light, children of the day. We are not of the night or of the darkness. So then let us not sleep, as others do, but let us keep awake and be sober. For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk, are drunk at night. But since we belong to the day, let us be sober, having put on the breastplate of faith and love, and for a helmet the hope of salvation. For God has not destined us for wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, who died for us so that whether we are awake or asleep we might live with him. Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing." Thessalonians 5:1-11.
Observing people is something that I do a great deal of. Whether I am at the ‘Wally World’ or at the local gas station paying an unbelievable amount of money for a gallon of gasoline, I find myself looking at people. Rebekah is consistently reminding me not to ‘stare’.
What I find is quite interesting. As people are purchasing, whatever, the conversation always relates to the high prices. This has always been the case. I vividly recall the early 1970’s as the price of gasoline ‘took off’ from 25 cents per gallon to 31 0r 32 cents. “What are we going to do?” was the question and the same question is asked today as we are paying in the neighborhood of $3.50+ per gallon. Nothing has really changed except for the price of gasoline.
People everywhere have the same fears and desires….everywhere. The fears and desires may be energized by different forces, but those feelings of insecurity remain. There is no peace nor security except in the Christ.
The same quest is present everywhere, how to find peace or security in a volatile environment. Terrorism was an everyday event in Peru during the 80’s and early 90’s and everyone was very much aware of the presence of the ‘Shining Path’. No one was immune from the fear of their presence, whether in mountain villages or the metropolitan capitol city of Lima. The people who understood peace were the Christians. The same holds true today in a post 9/11 environment.
With the General Election of 2008 fast approaching, the question on everyone’s mind is ‘Who is the best candidate to hold the office of the President of the United States?’ With both candidates ‘at war’ with words and expressions of platforms, the electorate will soon cast their ballots and hope to find peace….but whether it be Obama or McCain, neither of them holds that key, either.
For you yourselves are fully aware that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. While people are saying, "There is peace and security," then sudden destruction will come upon them as labor pains come upon a pregnant woman, and they will not escape. vv 2-3.
We live in a day while those who are making proclamation of the Word of God are ignored. However, many preachers that I recall for my 60 years of life have been saying the very same thing. The point of reference comes directly from Scripture. “See that you do not refuse him who is speaking. For if they did not escape when they refused him who warned them on earth, much less will we escape if we reject him who warns from heaven. At that time his voice shook the earth, but now he has promised, "Yet once more I will shake not only the earth but also the heavens." Hebrews 12:25-26.
The desire to know peace is universal, and many routes to discover peace have been devised. Thousands of religions are existent that make attempts for inner peace, but none exists in the mind of man or woman. Only God is the Author of Peace that is found in His Son, Jesus Christ, and His desire is everyone to find salvation. “For God has not destined us for wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ” v9.
Saturday, September 6, 2008
Busy Week
This past week was filled with all sorts of opportunities.
One week ago we began moving Robert and family from our house to theirs in Nashville, Arkansas...just about 25 miles to the north of us. And then....
Hurricane Gustavo hit the Gulf Coast and Patti's family came to Hope. They stayed in a local motel and a couple of the families stayed over at the Migrant Center.
Patti traveled most of the week visiting different Co-ops. She now has a cold and this will probably hang on for about 10 days or so.
Today, we will attempt to complete the move for Robert, Robin and family...among other things that must be attended to.
One week ago we began moving Robert and family from our house to theirs in Nashville, Arkansas...just about 25 miles to the north of us. And then....
Hurricane Gustavo hit the Gulf Coast and Patti's family came to Hope. They stayed in a local motel and a couple of the families stayed over at the Migrant Center.
Patti traveled most of the week visiting different Co-ops. She now has a cold and this will probably hang on for about 10 days or so.
Today, we will attempt to complete the move for Robert, Robin and family...among other things that must be attended to.
Masterpiece
Looking at books that contain printed copies of oil paintings accomplished by the old Masters is something I do quite often. Doing so gives me some ideas on how to become a little bit better when I smear paint on canvas. Smearing is the best that I am able to do in light of a Leonardo Da Vinci painting.
"For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them." Ephesians 2:10.
God's workmanship! Replace the word ‘we’ with your name, "______ is God's workmanship." You and I are a one-of-a-kind original masterpiece! Sometimes we may not feel like a masterpiece. Perhaps you may not have been treated like a masterpiece, but the One who created you says you are His workmanship. From the moment of conception, God has been placing into you the qualities, experiences and the capabilities to make a unique difference in our world.
Remember that you and I are "created in Christ Jesus for good works." You are an original! You are priceless. For this reason alone, He died for you because no one else could pay that price. Your are beyond value.
Perhaps you have been rejected, ignored, hurt, or abused. It might be that you are criticized by folks who do not know who you are. But all of these negative messages are saying that you are not worth much and that you not good enough. However, people do not determine your worth. It is God who determines your value because you are His workmanship.
There are three words in this verse that define our personal worth, "in Christ Jesus." He paid for your sin with His life. God's Son died for you. That' is how much He believes you are worth!
"For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them." Ephesians 2:10.
God's workmanship! Replace the word ‘we’ with your name, "______ is God's workmanship." You and I are a one-of-a-kind original masterpiece! Sometimes we may not feel like a masterpiece. Perhaps you may not have been treated like a masterpiece, but the One who created you says you are His workmanship. From the moment of conception, God has been placing into you the qualities, experiences and the capabilities to make a unique difference in our world.
Remember that you and I are "created in Christ Jesus for good works." You are an original! You are priceless. For this reason alone, He died for you because no one else could pay that price. Your are beyond value.
Perhaps you have been rejected, ignored, hurt, or abused. It might be that you are criticized by folks who do not know who you are. But all of these negative messages are saying that you are not worth much and that you not good enough. However, people do not determine your worth. It is God who determines your value because you are His workmanship.
There are three words in this verse that define our personal worth, "in Christ Jesus." He paid for your sin with His life. God's Son died for you. That' is how much He believes you are worth!
Thursday, January 31, 2008
Can a Christian Live Apart from Christ?
Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life." John 8:12.
Did you read what Jesus says? “Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness…”
When He said this, Jesus was confronted by unbelieving Jewish leaders who had brought an adulterous woman to Him so that He would pronounce judgment on her. A moment later, Jesus makes these remarks to some believing Jews that are witnesses to those attempting to entrap him, "If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." John 8:31-32.
Jesus points out to his disciples after hearing their questions concerning the threats he is receiving from his enemies, "Are there not twelve hours in the day? If anyone walks in the day, he does not stumble, because he sees the light of this world. But if anyone walks in the night, he stumbles, because the light is not in him." John 11:9-10.
Many people I have known who have claimed that they had made a profession of faith, but somehow became sidetracked and returned to the way that they had previously lived before becoming a Christian. But now they want to ‘rededicate’ their lives and live for the Lord. But we find in John 11:10 that, “if anyone walks in the night, he stumbles, because the light is not in him." One ‘stumbles’ because the light, that is Jesus Christ, is not a part of he/her life.
If there could be such a thing as rededication, look again at the following…..
"When the unclean spirit has gone out of a person, it passes through waterless places seeking rest, but finds none. Then it says, 'I will return to my house from which I came.' And when it comes, it finds the house empty, swept, and put in order. Then it goes and brings with it seven other spirits more evil than itself, and they enter and dwell there, and the last state of that person is worse than the first. So also will it be with this evil generation." Matthew 12:43-45.
While we are here, let us take time to look suspiciously at this oft-used word ‘rededication’. I find it fascinating that this word is not to be found anywhere in the Word of God. Why look any further??? Why use it except to satisfy our desires to soften the blows of message of Jesus that states, "Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few.” Mattheew 7:13-15.
The phrase "fish out of water" refers to a person in an unfamiliar setting. And I have been referring Christians and nonbelievers, without saying so, who are attempting to live outside of their environments.
1. Christians, when they sin, are immediately convicted of their sin by the Holy Spirit for Jesus said this about Him, “when he comes, he will convict the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgment: concerning sin, because they do not believe in me; concerning righteousness, because I go to the Father, and you will see me no longer; concerning judgment, because the ruler of this world is judged.” John 16:8-11.
2. Unbelievers are members of Christian churches, whatever ‘flavor’ they are, being ‘comforted by well meaning Christians who say, “when we sin, God forgives our sin.” But they do not understand the words of Paul when he writes, “if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.” 2 Corinthians 5:17.
For number 2 I have taken 2Corinthians 5:17 from its context, but let us put it in the context that Paul was writing to as he states, “Therefore, knowing the fear of the Lord, we persuade others. But what we are is known to God, and I hope it is known also to your conscience. We are not commending ourselves to you again but giving you cause to boast about us, so that you may be able to answer those who boast about outward appearance and not about what is in the heart. For if we are beside ourselves, it is for God; if we are in our right mind, it is for you. For the love of Christ controls us, because we have concluded this: that one has died for all, therefore all have died; and he died for all, that those who live might no longer live for themselves but for him who for their sake died and was raised. From now on, therefore, we regard no one according to the flesh. Even though we once regarded Christ according to the flesh, we regard him thus no longer. Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation; that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation. Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God.” 2 Corinthians 5:11-20.
These verses are pregnant with information, but there are only a few that must be looked at within the context of our subject matter.
1. answer those who boast about outward appearance and not about what is in the heart. For those that were ‘born again’ and became involved in the life of the local church and leave for a season of time but return and ‘rededicate their lives’…this is for them when they say, “Look at what I did, and did, and now am doing.” HOGWASH!!
2. and he died for all, that those who live might no longer live for themselves but for him who for their sake died and was raised. From now on, therefore, we regard no one according to the flesh. The Church of Jesus Christ must look at the heart of those that want to ‘rededicate’ themselves and return to the Lord. One cannot leave and return, leave and return….look again at Hebrews 6…..
3. Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. Note that Paul writes, “If anyone is in Christ”…. According to Jesus, nothing can snatch His own from His hand, and as Paul wrote to the church at Rome, “No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 8:37-39.
Christians cannot separate themselves from God in Christ, no matter how hard they may try or how they may sin because of the Holy Spirit who lives within the heart of the believer. 1 John 4:4-6 reports the following, “you are from God and have overcome them, for he who is in you is greater than he who is in the world. They are from the world; therefore they speak from the world, and the world listens to them. We are from God. Whoever knows God listens to us; whoever is not from God does not listen to us. By this we know the Spirit of truth and the spirit of error.”
The crazy fish is flopping around on the floor of the Science Classroom and Jackie cries out, “Get real fish, you cannot swim on the floor……” Christians cannot live without Christ no more than a non believer is able to survive in the midst of Christians……
Fish cannot survive out of water…..
But they are able to do a great many push-ups, and really fast!!!
Did you read what Jesus says? “Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness…”
When He said this, Jesus was confronted by unbelieving Jewish leaders who had brought an adulterous woman to Him so that He would pronounce judgment on her. A moment later, Jesus makes these remarks to some believing Jews that are witnesses to those attempting to entrap him, "If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." John 8:31-32.
Jesus points out to his disciples after hearing their questions concerning the threats he is receiving from his enemies, "Are there not twelve hours in the day? If anyone walks in the day, he does not stumble, because he sees the light of this world. But if anyone walks in the night, he stumbles, because the light is not in him." John 11:9-10.
Many people I have known who have claimed that they had made a profession of faith, but somehow became sidetracked and returned to the way that they had previously lived before becoming a Christian. But now they want to ‘rededicate’ their lives and live for the Lord. But we find in John 11:10 that, “if anyone walks in the night, he stumbles, because the light is not in him." One ‘stumbles’ because the light, that is Jesus Christ, is not a part of he/her life.
If there could be such a thing as rededication, look again at the following…..
"When the unclean spirit has gone out of a person, it passes through waterless places seeking rest, but finds none. Then it says, 'I will return to my house from which I came.' And when it comes, it finds the house empty, swept, and put in order. Then it goes and brings with it seven other spirits more evil than itself, and they enter and dwell there, and the last state of that person is worse than the first. So also will it be with this evil generation." Matthew 12:43-45.
While we are here, let us take time to look suspiciously at this oft-used word ‘rededication’. I find it fascinating that this word is not to be found anywhere in the Word of God. Why look any further??? Why use it except to satisfy our desires to soften the blows of message of Jesus that states, "Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few.” Mattheew 7:13-15.
The phrase "fish out of water" refers to a person in an unfamiliar setting. And I have been referring Christians and nonbelievers, without saying so, who are attempting to live outside of their environments.
1. Christians, when they sin, are immediately convicted of their sin by the Holy Spirit for Jesus said this about Him, “when he comes, he will convict the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgment: concerning sin, because they do not believe in me; concerning righteousness, because I go to the Father, and you will see me no longer; concerning judgment, because the ruler of this world is judged.” John 16:8-11.
2. Unbelievers are members of Christian churches, whatever ‘flavor’ they are, being ‘comforted by well meaning Christians who say, “when we sin, God forgives our sin.” But they do not understand the words of Paul when he writes, “if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.” 2 Corinthians 5:17.
For number 2 I have taken 2Corinthians 5:17 from its context, but let us put it in the context that Paul was writing to as he states, “Therefore, knowing the fear of the Lord, we persuade others. But what we are is known to God, and I hope it is known also to your conscience. We are not commending ourselves to you again but giving you cause to boast about us, so that you may be able to answer those who boast about outward appearance and not about what is in the heart. For if we are beside ourselves, it is for God; if we are in our right mind, it is for you. For the love of Christ controls us, because we have concluded this: that one has died for all, therefore all have died; and he died for all, that those who live might no longer live for themselves but for him who for their sake died and was raised. From now on, therefore, we regard no one according to the flesh. Even though we once regarded Christ according to the flesh, we regard him thus no longer. Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation; that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation. Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God.” 2 Corinthians 5:11-20.
These verses are pregnant with information, but there are only a few that must be looked at within the context of our subject matter.
1. answer those who boast about outward appearance and not about what is in the heart. For those that were ‘born again’ and became involved in the life of the local church and leave for a season of time but return and ‘rededicate their lives’…this is for them when they say, “Look at what I did, and did, and now am doing.” HOGWASH!!
2. and he died for all, that those who live might no longer live for themselves but for him who for their sake died and was raised. From now on, therefore, we regard no one according to the flesh. The Church of Jesus Christ must look at the heart of those that want to ‘rededicate’ themselves and return to the Lord. One cannot leave and return, leave and return….look again at Hebrews 6…..
3. Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. Note that Paul writes, “If anyone is in Christ”…. According to Jesus, nothing can snatch His own from His hand, and as Paul wrote to the church at Rome, “No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 8:37-39.
Christians cannot separate themselves from God in Christ, no matter how hard they may try or how they may sin because of the Holy Spirit who lives within the heart of the believer. 1 John 4:4-6 reports the following, “you are from God and have overcome them, for he who is in you is greater than he who is in the world. They are from the world; therefore they speak from the world, and the world listens to them. We are from God. Whoever knows God listens to us; whoever is not from God does not listen to us. By this we know the Spirit of truth and the spirit of error.”
The crazy fish is flopping around on the floor of the Science Classroom and Jackie cries out, “Get real fish, you cannot swim on the floor……” Christians cannot live without Christ no more than a non believer is able to survive in the midst of Christians……
Fish cannot survive out of water…..
But they are able to do a great many push-ups, and really fast!!!
It is Impossible
For it is impossible, in the case of those who have once been enlightened, who have tasted the heavenly gift, and have shared in the Holy Spirit, and have tasted the goodness of the word of God and the powers of the age to come, and then have fallen away, to restore them again to repentance, since they are crucifying once again the Son of God to their own harm and holding him up to contempt. Hebrews 6:4-6
Take care, brethren, that there not be in any one of you an evil, unbelieving heart that falls away from the living God. But encourage one another day after day, as long as it is still called "Today," so that none of you will be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin. For we have become partakers of Christ, if we hold fast the beginning of our assurance firm until the end, while it is said, "TODAY IF YOU HEAR HIS VOICE, DO NOT HARDEN YOUR HEARTS, AS WHEN THEY PROVOKED ME."
For who provoked Him when they had heard? Indeed, did not all those who came out of Egypt led by Moses? And with whom was He angry for forty years? Was it not with those who sinned, whose bodies fell in the wilderness? And to whom did He swear that they would not enter His rest, but to those who were disobedient? So we see that they were not able to enter because of unbelief. Therefore, let us fear if, while a promise remains of entering His rest, any one of you may seem to have come short of it. For indeed we have had good news preached to us, just as they also; but the word they heard did not profit them, because it was not united by faith in those who heard. For we who have believed enter that rest, just as He has said, "AS I SWORE IN MY WRATH, THEY SHALL NOT ENTER MY REST,"although His works were finished from the foundation of the world. Hebrews 3:12 – 4:3
The issue in Hebrews is unbelief and disobedience. These are those that have fallen away and were not able to enter into His rest. This passage speaks directly about those folks who came out of Egypt having been led by Moses. My personal contention is that we cannot lose our salvation, that is, fall from grace and neither is a believer able to ‘backslide’ into the condition that he was before becoming a born again believer in Jesus Christ.
…in the case of those who have once been enlightened,
who have tasted the heavenly gift,
and have shared in the Holy Spirit, and have tasted the goodness of the word of God and the powers of the age to come,
and then have fallen away… Hebrews 6:4-5
Be very careful with ‘proof texting’. That is, removing a text from God’s Word in order to prove a point. Always, always, always study God’s Word within the context of the message of Scripture. Never, never remove form the context any text to prove doctrine. Do not bring your personal experiences nor what others have said to you to the Lord’s Table. Allow Him to provide the meal and you feast upon it….leave it in context.
With that in mind….look at verses 4 and 5 and study them within the message of Christ found in the following passage.
The Jews then gathered around Him, and were saying to Him, "How long will You keep us in suspense? If You are the Christ, tell us plainly." Jesus answered them, "I told you, and you do not believe; the works that I do in My Father's name, these testify of Me. "But you do not believe because you are not of My sheep. "My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me; and I give eternal life to them, and they will never perish; and no one will snatch them out of My hand. "My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father's hand. "I and the Father are one." Jews picked up stones again to stone Him. John 10:24-31.
The message of Christ is, "I told you, and you do not believe; the works that I do in My Father's name, these testify of Me. "But you do not believe because you are not of My sheep. "My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me; and I give eternal life to them, and they will never perish; and no one will snatch them out of My hand. " within this framework, look again at Hebrews 6:4-5
…in the case of those who have
once been enlightened,
who have tasted the heavenly gift,
and have shared in the Holy Spirit,
and have tasted the goodness of the word of God
and the powers of the age to come,
and then have fallen away…
For indeed we have had good news preached to us, just as they also; but the word they heard did not profit them, because it was not united by faith in those who heard. Hebrew 4:2
And now we must consider the ideas of ‘backsliding and salvation lost or falling from grace’. There is no gray area here because of these two phrases, ‘It is impossible’ and ‘to restore them again to repentance, since they are crucifying once again the Son of God to their own harm and holding him up to contempt’ that precede and follow ‘…in the case of those who have once been enlightened, who have tasted the heavenly gift, and have shared in the Holy Spirit, and have tasted the goodness of the word of God and the powers of the age to come, and then have fallen away…
One might say, but I know ‘so and so’ who was saved, that is to say, ‘walked the aisle, made a public profession of faith, was baptized by the Pastor, joined the choir, stopped drinking, smoking, using drugs, foul language, fornication, gossiping, pornography, country western music, playing the drums, bought a hybrid car, cut his hair, pulled his pants up and all those other sins. He began to follow the straight and narrow.’ Four or five years later he became disgruntled with the Sunday School teacher and a deacon and jumped right back into all of that stuff, but Praise the Lord, he came to church this morning and Rededicated his Life to the Lord. Why, he even burned his guitar this afternoon. He was just ‘backslidden’.
And I have a piece of the original Cross of Jesus Christ that was given to me by a certain TV Evangelist that visited Golgotha and picked up this sliver of wood. He sent it to me with his blessing because I gave him $5.00 so he could stay on the air, and I want to give it to you.
Fish cannot swim out of water…..
And tomorrow I will give you the reasons why. In the mean time, study and read God’s Word before listening to others. Including me.
Take care, brethren, that there not be in any one of you an evil, unbelieving heart that falls away from the living God. But encourage one another day after day, as long as it is still called "Today," so that none of you will be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin. For we have become partakers of Christ, if we hold fast the beginning of our assurance firm until the end, while it is said, "TODAY IF YOU HEAR HIS VOICE, DO NOT HARDEN YOUR HEARTS, AS WHEN THEY PROVOKED ME."
For who provoked Him when they had heard? Indeed, did not all those who came out of Egypt led by Moses? And with whom was He angry for forty years? Was it not with those who sinned, whose bodies fell in the wilderness? And to whom did He swear that they would not enter His rest, but to those who were disobedient? So we see that they were not able to enter because of unbelief. Therefore, let us fear if, while a promise remains of entering His rest, any one of you may seem to have come short of it. For indeed we have had good news preached to us, just as they also; but the word they heard did not profit them, because it was not united by faith in those who heard. For we who have believed enter that rest, just as He has said, "AS I SWORE IN MY WRATH, THEY SHALL NOT ENTER MY REST,"although His works were finished from the foundation of the world. Hebrews 3:12 – 4:3
The issue in Hebrews is unbelief and disobedience. These are those that have fallen away and were not able to enter into His rest. This passage speaks directly about those folks who came out of Egypt having been led by Moses. My personal contention is that we cannot lose our salvation, that is, fall from grace and neither is a believer able to ‘backslide’ into the condition that he was before becoming a born again believer in Jesus Christ.
…in the case of those who have once been enlightened,
who have tasted the heavenly gift,
and have shared in the Holy Spirit, and have tasted the goodness of the word of God and the powers of the age to come,
and then have fallen away… Hebrews 6:4-5
Be very careful with ‘proof texting’. That is, removing a text from God’s Word in order to prove a point. Always, always, always study God’s Word within the context of the message of Scripture. Never, never remove form the context any text to prove doctrine. Do not bring your personal experiences nor what others have said to you to the Lord’s Table. Allow Him to provide the meal and you feast upon it….leave it in context.
With that in mind….look at verses 4 and 5 and study them within the message of Christ found in the following passage.
The Jews then gathered around Him, and were saying to Him, "How long will You keep us in suspense? If You are the Christ, tell us plainly." Jesus answered them, "I told you, and you do not believe; the works that I do in My Father's name, these testify of Me. "But you do not believe because you are not of My sheep. "My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me; and I give eternal life to them, and they will never perish; and no one will snatch them out of My hand. "My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father's hand. "I and the Father are one." Jews picked up stones again to stone Him. John 10:24-31.
The message of Christ is, "I told you, and you do not believe; the works that I do in My Father's name, these testify of Me. "But you do not believe because you are not of My sheep. "My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me; and I give eternal life to them, and they will never perish; and no one will snatch them out of My hand. " within this framework, look again at Hebrews 6:4-5
…in the case of those who have
once been enlightened,
who have tasted the heavenly gift,
and have shared in the Holy Spirit,
and have tasted the goodness of the word of God
and the powers of the age to come,
and then have fallen away…
For indeed we have had good news preached to us, just as they also; but the word they heard did not profit them, because it was not united by faith in those who heard. Hebrew 4:2
And now we must consider the ideas of ‘backsliding and salvation lost or falling from grace’. There is no gray area here because of these two phrases, ‘It is impossible’ and ‘to restore them again to repentance, since they are crucifying once again the Son of God to their own harm and holding him up to contempt’ that precede and follow ‘…in the case of those who have once been enlightened, who have tasted the heavenly gift, and have shared in the Holy Spirit, and have tasted the goodness of the word of God and the powers of the age to come, and then have fallen away…
One might say, but I know ‘so and so’ who was saved, that is to say, ‘walked the aisle, made a public profession of faith, was baptized by the Pastor, joined the choir, stopped drinking, smoking, using drugs, foul language, fornication, gossiping, pornography, country western music, playing the drums, bought a hybrid car, cut his hair, pulled his pants up and all those other sins. He began to follow the straight and narrow.’ Four or five years later he became disgruntled with the Sunday School teacher and a deacon and jumped right back into all of that stuff, but Praise the Lord, he came to church this morning and Rededicated his Life to the Lord. Why, he even burned his guitar this afternoon. He was just ‘backslidden’.
And I have a piece of the original Cross of Jesus Christ that was given to me by a certain TV Evangelist that visited Golgotha and picked up this sliver of wood. He sent it to me with his blessing because I gave him $5.00 so he could stay on the air, and I want to give it to you.
Fish cannot swim out of water…..
And tomorrow I will give you the reasons why. In the mean time, study and read God’s Word before listening to others. Including me.
Falling from Grace?
The doctrine of Falling from Grace is a curious thing for me, and I admit that what is said here is prejudiced by what I know to be true in Scripture. From what I have read and understand, at least in part, this statement of faith tells us that one can be saved, lost and saved again….repeatedly. And at the same time I have sat on numerous occasions listening to those that profess this and have heard them say that “God saves perfectly and completely, and that salvation does not depend upon the good works of the believer.” And, in almost the same breath, say that if one sins that salvation is lost.
The following studies will continue the previous statement concerning “Falling form Grace”. But once again, everyone is responsible to the Lord Jesus to be faithful in Bible reading and study. As Paul wrote to Timothy, “Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth.” 2 Timothy 2:15.
Read this text in its entirety, 2 Timothy 2.
“For I am the least of the apostles, unworthy to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God. But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace toward me was not in vain. On the contrary, I worked harder than any of them, though it was not I, but the grace of God that is with me. Whether then it was I or they, so we preach and so you believed”
1 Corinthians 15:9-11.
For it is impossible, in the case of those who have once been enlightened, who have tasted the heavenly gift, and have shared in the Holy Spirit, and have tasted the goodness of the word of God and the powers of the age to come, and then have fallen away, to restore them again to repentance, since they are crucifying once again the Son of God to their own harm and holding him up to contempt. Hebrews 6:4-6
“I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting him who called you in the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel— not that there is another one, but there are some who trouble you and want to distort the gospel of Christ.” Galatians 1:5-7
There are all varieties of ‘gospels’ out there….sort of a buffet kind of experience. Anything from those that want to get rich to those that want to have miracles in order to know God. We once would say, “turn your dial” but today we say, “push the button” change the channel and you will find the gospel that will fit your situation. And the truly astounding thing is that each of those that ‘market’ their gospel will certainly say that they have been given ‘knowledge’ of the truth. “?”
By the way, the word ‘gospel’ is defined as being, ‘something regarded as true and implicitly believed.”
“Look: I, Paul, say to you that if you accept circumcision, Christ will be of no advantage to you. I testify again to every man who accepts circumcision that he is obligated to keep the whole law. You are severed from Christ, you who would be justified by the law; you have fallen away from grace. For through the Spirit, by faith, we ourselves eagerly wait for the hope of righteousness. For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision counts for anything, but only faith working through love.” Galatians 5:2-6.
Paul is speaking directly to those who were known as Judaizers. These were Jews who wanted to hang on to their Jewish traditions and follow Christ at the same time, and as Paul is indicating this cannot be done. From what can be seen within the context of this Scripture, these people were not followers of Christ and were never ‘born again’. Again, read the context….
“For if we go on sinning deliberately after receiving the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, but a fearful expectation of judgment, and a fury of fire that will consume the adversaries. Anyone who has set aside the law of Moses dies without mercy on the evidence of two or three witnesses. How much worse punishment, do you think, will be deserved by the one who has spurned the Son of God, and has profaned the blood of the covenant by which he was sanctified, and has outraged the Spirit of grace? For we know him who said, "Vengeance is mine; I will repay." And again, "The Lord will judge his people." It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.” Hebrews 10:26-30.
Receiving ‘knowledge of the truth’ is different from receiving Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. No need for explanation here.
“For certain people have crept in unnoticed who long ago were designated for this condemnation, ungodly people, who pervert the grace of our God into sensuality and deny our only Master and Lord, Jesus Christ.” Jude 1:3-5
Reading the entire first chapter of Jude and following really gives understanding to all that the Bible tells us about relationship with God…..
For all that we can know about God, no one has the complete answer that will satisfy their own prejudices and doctrines that are designed by man. However, we must begin with Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. And for those of us who, indeed, know Him…..see you in Heaven.
The following studies will continue the previous statement concerning “Falling form Grace”. But once again, everyone is responsible to the Lord Jesus to be faithful in Bible reading and study. As Paul wrote to Timothy, “Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth.” 2 Timothy 2:15.
Read this text in its entirety, 2 Timothy 2.
“For I am the least of the apostles, unworthy to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God. But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace toward me was not in vain. On the contrary, I worked harder than any of them, though it was not I, but the grace of God that is with me. Whether then it was I or they, so we preach and so you believed”
1 Corinthians 15:9-11.
For it is impossible, in the case of those who have once been enlightened, who have tasted the heavenly gift, and have shared in the Holy Spirit, and have tasted the goodness of the word of God and the powers of the age to come, and then have fallen away, to restore them again to repentance, since they are crucifying once again the Son of God to their own harm and holding him up to contempt. Hebrews 6:4-6
“I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting him who called you in the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel— not that there is another one, but there are some who trouble you and want to distort the gospel of Christ.” Galatians 1:5-7
There are all varieties of ‘gospels’ out there….sort of a buffet kind of experience. Anything from those that want to get rich to those that want to have miracles in order to know God. We once would say, “turn your dial” but today we say, “push the button” change the channel and you will find the gospel that will fit your situation. And the truly astounding thing is that each of those that ‘market’ their gospel will certainly say that they have been given ‘knowledge’ of the truth. “?”
By the way, the word ‘gospel’ is defined as being, ‘something regarded as true and implicitly believed.”
“Look: I, Paul, say to you that if you accept circumcision, Christ will be of no advantage to you. I testify again to every man who accepts circumcision that he is obligated to keep the whole law. You are severed from Christ, you who would be justified by the law; you have fallen away from grace. For through the Spirit, by faith, we ourselves eagerly wait for the hope of righteousness. For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision counts for anything, but only faith working through love.” Galatians 5:2-6.
Paul is speaking directly to those who were known as Judaizers. These were Jews who wanted to hang on to their Jewish traditions and follow Christ at the same time, and as Paul is indicating this cannot be done. From what can be seen within the context of this Scripture, these people were not followers of Christ and were never ‘born again’. Again, read the context….
“For if we go on sinning deliberately after receiving the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, but a fearful expectation of judgment, and a fury of fire that will consume the adversaries. Anyone who has set aside the law of Moses dies without mercy on the evidence of two or three witnesses. How much worse punishment, do you think, will be deserved by the one who has spurned the Son of God, and has profaned the blood of the covenant by which he was sanctified, and has outraged the Spirit of grace? For we know him who said, "Vengeance is mine; I will repay." And again, "The Lord will judge his people." It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.” Hebrews 10:26-30.
Receiving ‘knowledge of the truth’ is different from receiving Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. No need for explanation here.
“For certain people have crept in unnoticed who long ago were designated for this condemnation, ungodly people, who pervert the grace of our God into sensuality and deny our only Master and Lord, Jesus Christ.” Jude 1:3-5
Reading the entire first chapter of Jude and following really gives understanding to all that the Bible tells us about relationship with God…..
For all that we can know about God, no one has the complete answer that will satisfy their own prejudices and doctrines that are designed by man. However, we must begin with Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. And for those of us who, indeed, know Him…..see you in Heaven.
Backsliding?
Therefore let us leave the elementary doctrine of Christ and go on to maturity, not laying again a foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God, and of instruction about washings, the laying on of hands, the resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment. And this we will do if God permits. Hebrews 6:1-3
For it is impossible, in the case of those who have once been enlightened, who have tasted the heavenly gift, and have shared in the Holy Spirit, and have tasted the goodness of the word of God and the powers of the age to come, and then have fallen away, to restore them again to repentance, since they are crucifying once again the Son of God to their own harm and holding him up to contempt. Hebrews 6:4-6
Basically, two doctrines of faith come from these verses from God’s Word. And this is the moment that your integrity in reference to personal Bible Study comes to bear. This also brings to question whether or not you are reading God’s Word for yourself, reading commentaries and/or listening to preachers and other ‘Bible Teachers’ for your understanding.
I know where I stand on these critical issues because of
· my personal Bible studies,
· commentary reading,
· and listening to others make comments concerning them.
And do not leave out a very large dose of prayer
Do not take what I have to give you as the truth. Refer only to God’s Word for truth. Read and Study diligently what the Word of God gives to you. You might want to use what I have to give you as a reference point, and that is okay. But do this for yourself first of all and then go to other places.
However, if you do not want to believe what I have to say, you can be wrong if you desire. Take that with a grain of salt, too. Ha.
Two of the critical means of studying Scripture also come to focus here as well; Deductive and Inductive methods.
Deductive - a proposition that is necessarily true independent of fact or experience.
Advice is that no one should study God’s Word deductively. Therefore, I will not say more.
Inductive - proceeding from particular facts to a general conclusion
Advice here is that persistence and diligence is the key are the keys to effective study. Finding the ‘nuggets of truth’ form Scripture does not come easily nor without prayer.
“Falling from Grace” and “Backsliding” are two cats that come from the same bag and they fight all of the time with no solutions. These two have real issues when faced with this biblical truth. “It is impossible…..then have fallen away, to restore them again to repentance, since they are crucifying once again the Son of God to their own harm and holding him up to contempt” Hebrews 6:4 & 6.
Have you ‘fallen away’ or ‘backslidden’? Look hard at this. For Baptists the question of ‘falling from grace’ is not an issue, and because I am Baptist I will not go there this morning; Tomorrow.
“Even in laughter the heart may ache, and the end of joy may be grief. The backslider in heart will be filled with the fruit of his ways, and a good man will be filled with the fruit of his ways. The simple believes everything, but the prudent gives thought to his steps.” Proverbs 13:14-15.
Look for yourself, but this is the only verse in all of Scripture that uses the word ‘backslide’. I find it difficult to teach and preach the ‘doctrine of backsliding’ for this reason. Bad theology.
‘drift’ is found only in Hebrews 2:1-3, “Therefore we must pay much closer attention to what we have heard, lest we drift away from it. For since the message declared by angels proved to be reliable, and every transgression or disobedience received a just retribution, how shall we escape if we neglect such a great salvation?”
‘drifitng’ is not found in the best translations, either. And I have heard great sermons using this analogy for ‘backsliding’ Christians. Be careful.
Now, with this said, look at the following verses with prayerful and careful understanding….Hebrews 3:12 – 4:3
Take care, brethren, that there not be in any one of you an evil, unbelieving heart that falls away from the living God. But encourage one another day after day, as long as it is still called "Today," so that none of you will be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin. For we have become partakers of Christ, if we hold fast the beginning of our assurance firm until the end, while it is said, "TODAY IF YOU HEAR HIS VOICE, DO NOT HARDEN YOUR HEARTS, AS WHEN THEY PROVOKED ME." For who provoked Him when they had heard? Indeed, did not all those who came out of Egypt led by Moses? And with whom was He angry for forty years? Was it not with those who sinned, whose bodies fell in the wilderness? And to whom did He swear that they would not enter His rest, but to those who were disobedient? So we see that they were not able to enter because of unbelief. Therefore, let us fear if, while a promise remains of entering His rest, any one of you may seem to have come short of it. For indeed we have had good news preached to us, just as they also; but the word they heard did not profit them, because it was not united by faith in those who heard. For we who have believed enter that rest, just as He has said, "AS I SWORE IN MY WRATH, THEY SHALL NOT ENTER MY REST," although His works were finished from the foundation of the world.
Now, look at Hebrews 6:4-6 and compare with Hebrews 3:12 – 4:3.
That phrase “For it is impossible” looms large, does it not?, especially when connected to, ‘to restore them again to repentance” that is found in that same sentence.
Take you time to study this without reading commentaries, and referring to your pastor or favorite Bible teacher. Get this understanding from your personal study and prayer (discussion) with God.
One more comment. Be careful not to interpret God’s Word from personal experiences with other people or even your own. Rather, allow God’s Word to interpret the experience.
Enjoy in Him…..
For it is impossible, in the case of those who have once been enlightened, who have tasted the heavenly gift, and have shared in the Holy Spirit, and have tasted the goodness of the word of God and the powers of the age to come, and then have fallen away, to restore them again to repentance, since they are crucifying once again the Son of God to their own harm and holding him up to contempt. Hebrews 6:4-6
Basically, two doctrines of faith come from these verses from God’s Word. And this is the moment that your integrity in reference to personal Bible Study comes to bear. This also brings to question whether or not you are reading God’s Word for yourself, reading commentaries and/or listening to preachers and other ‘Bible Teachers’ for your understanding.
I know where I stand on these critical issues because of
· my personal Bible studies,
· commentary reading,
· and listening to others make comments concerning them.
And do not leave out a very large dose of prayer
Do not take what I have to give you as the truth. Refer only to God’s Word for truth. Read and Study diligently what the Word of God gives to you. You might want to use what I have to give you as a reference point, and that is okay. But do this for yourself first of all and then go to other places.
However, if you do not want to believe what I have to say, you can be wrong if you desire. Take that with a grain of salt, too. Ha.
Two of the critical means of studying Scripture also come to focus here as well; Deductive and Inductive methods.
Deductive - a proposition that is necessarily true independent of fact or experience.
Advice is that no one should study God’s Word deductively. Therefore, I will not say more.
Inductive - proceeding from particular facts to a general conclusion
Advice here is that persistence and diligence is the key are the keys to effective study. Finding the ‘nuggets of truth’ form Scripture does not come easily nor without prayer.
“Falling from Grace” and “Backsliding” are two cats that come from the same bag and they fight all of the time with no solutions. These two have real issues when faced with this biblical truth. “It is impossible…..then have fallen away, to restore them again to repentance, since they are crucifying once again the Son of God to their own harm and holding him up to contempt” Hebrews 6:4 & 6.
Have you ‘fallen away’ or ‘backslidden’? Look hard at this. For Baptists the question of ‘falling from grace’ is not an issue, and because I am Baptist I will not go there this morning; Tomorrow.
“Even in laughter the heart may ache, and the end of joy may be grief. The backslider in heart will be filled with the fruit of his ways, and a good man will be filled with the fruit of his ways. The simple believes everything, but the prudent gives thought to his steps.” Proverbs 13:14-15.
Look for yourself, but this is the only verse in all of Scripture that uses the word ‘backslide’. I find it difficult to teach and preach the ‘doctrine of backsliding’ for this reason. Bad theology.
‘drift’ is found only in Hebrews 2:1-3, “Therefore we must pay much closer attention to what we have heard, lest we drift away from it. For since the message declared by angels proved to be reliable, and every transgression or disobedience received a just retribution, how shall we escape if we neglect such a great salvation?”
‘drifitng’ is not found in the best translations, either. And I have heard great sermons using this analogy for ‘backsliding’ Christians. Be careful.
Now, with this said, look at the following verses with prayerful and careful understanding….Hebrews 3:12 – 4:3
Take care, brethren, that there not be in any one of you an evil, unbelieving heart that falls away from the living God. But encourage one another day after day, as long as it is still called "Today," so that none of you will be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin. For we have become partakers of Christ, if we hold fast the beginning of our assurance firm until the end, while it is said, "TODAY IF YOU HEAR HIS VOICE, DO NOT HARDEN YOUR HEARTS, AS WHEN THEY PROVOKED ME." For who provoked Him when they had heard? Indeed, did not all those who came out of Egypt led by Moses? And with whom was He angry for forty years? Was it not with those who sinned, whose bodies fell in the wilderness? And to whom did He swear that they would not enter His rest, but to those who were disobedient? So we see that they were not able to enter because of unbelief. Therefore, let us fear if, while a promise remains of entering His rest, any one of you may seem to have come short of it. For indeed we have had good news preached to us, just as they also; but the word they heard did not profit them, because it was not united by faith in those who heard. For we who have believed enter that rest, just as He has said, "AS I SWORE IN MY WRATH, THEY SHALL NOT ENTER MY REST," although His works were finished from the foundation of the world.
Now, look at Hebrews 6:4-6 and compare with Hebrews 3:12 – 4:3.
That phrase “For it is impossible” looms large, does it not?, especially when connected to, ‘to restore them again to repentance” that is found in that same sentence.
Take you time to study this without reading commentaries, and referring to your pastor or favorite Bible teacher. Get this understanding from your personal study and prayer (discussion) with God.
One more comment. Be careful not to interpret God’s Word from personal experiences with other people or even your own. Rather, allow God’s Word to interpret the experience.
Enjoy in Him…..
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