Frequently brethren will have lessons on the possibility of apostasy to counter Calvinism. Those lessons will be clear to point out that individual Christians and whole congregations can fall away from the faith (Galatians 5:4 and Revelation 2:1-7). We might see or hear quotes from common Baptist false teachers that teach that one cannot fall away from grace and we will rightfully become upset at how many believe that false doctrine. In fact, many of us are fully prepared to draw the sword of the Spirit (Ephesians 6:17) when we hear some of those absurd doctrines. This is right and good in the sight of God (Psalms 119: 128). My question is this, why do we know and teach the truth on the possibility of apostasy, yet act as though we cannot fall ourselves? One visiting brother exclaimed proudly that he knows the truth and will never fall for false doctrine. Another brother proclaimed that his children are faithful to the Lord, they know the truth, and their school or friends cannot change that since they’ve been brought up right. One sister was sure to say that if we did not see her at services not to worry. She explained that she would never miss a time the brethren come together unless she was too ill to be there. Who is right here? The truth is, not a single one of us can proclaim with surety that we’d never fall for a false doctrine. We can and may some day. That is exactly why we are so strongly warned about false doctrine and false teachers (II Timothy 2:14-18). The fact is, many will follow the way of error even if they think they won’t (Acts 20:28-31 and II Peter 2:1-3). We or our children can fall to the influence of others. Paul said: “Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners” (I Corinthians 15: 33). We may stop assembling faithfully with the brethren someday, such had become a common practice in the first century (Hebrews 10:25) even though it had not always been so (Acts 2:42-46). How much you know or do is not a surety of faith. We are fallible! Therefore, ALL OF US must know and admit that we could fall away! If you don’t accept that, you’ve fallen already! By inspiration Paul wrote the following: “Moreover, brethren, I would not that ye should be ignorant, how that all our fathers were under the cloud, and all passed through the sea; And were all baptized unto Moses in the cloud and in the sea; And did all eat the same spiritual meat; And did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ. But with many of them God was not well pleased: for they were overthrown in the wilderness. Now these things were our examples, to the intent we should not lust after evil things, as they also lusted. Neither be ye idolaters, as were some of them; as it is written, The people sat down to eat and drink, and rose up to play. Neither let us commit fornication, as some of them committed, and fell in one day three and twenty thousand. Neither let us tempt Christ, as some of them also tempted, and were destroyed of serpents. Neither murmur ye, as some of them also murmured, and were destroyed of the destroyer. Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come. Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall” (I Corinthians 10:1-12). STOP, back up and read again what Paul said. Then proceed further in this article. Now that you’ve read what Paul wrote twice (I hope you did), did you not realize that God’s chosen people of old fell over and over again and that is an example for us to consider? Did you not see that when we think we stand, we better take heed? Therefore, when we think we cannot fall away we are saying the exact opposite of what the inspired Apostle Paul had to say. Folks, that makes you, if you believe you cannot err, in disagreement with the word of God. Therefore, you have already fallen (Luke 6:46-49)! Folks, we need to wake up and change our attitudes. It is arrogant to think you are so great that you cannot be tempted. Being confident in the truth is a good thing (II Timothy 2:19). Working to make your faith solid is a command (II Peter 1: 10). To be arrogant is to have God’s hatred upon you (Proverbs 8:13). The Lord knows how to deal with those who are arrogant. He will let them see that they are not great above all men (Isaiah 13:11). The proud and arrogant attitude leads us to our fall (Proverbs 16:18). Notice what Solomon penned: “An high look, and a proud heart, and the plowing of the wicked, is sin” (Proverbs 21:4). Those that are proud and arrogant are not willing to listen to truth and reason. Such is implied when Jeremiah said: “Hear ye, and give ear; be not proud: for the Lord hath spoken” (Jeremiah 13:15). Some will confidently proclaim that they know the truth. They may even have some form of godliness in their lives. Yet, pride can still be one of those traits that will keep them far from ever being right with God. We are to turn ourselves away from such individuals (II Timothy 3:1-5). Where are you? Do you walk about with your head up your own rear praising your intestines while professing that your crap doesn’t stink; or do you walk about soberly and watchful understanding you can fall (I Peter 5:8)? Brethren, the Lord warns saying: “Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak” (Matthew 26:41). Do we not believe what Jesus says? How can we if we will enter into temptation and think that we are strong enough to overcome it? How can we believe that the Lord tells us the truth if we think we are too strong to fall for fleshly desires? Folks, the Savior warned us to watch and pray, that we enter not into temptation. Read that again too! Remember it! For if we reach a point wherein we think we are too great, we’ve already fallen! |
| Volume VII ~ Issue XLV ~ August 5th, 2007 |
Words of Truth Weekly - Online Edition
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What must one do to be saved (Acts 2:37)? Hear and believe the Gospel (Mark 16:15-16 & Romans 10:17), repent of their
sins (Acts 3:19), confess Christ (Acts 8:37), and be baptized (immersed) for the remission of your sins (Acts 2:38 and
Romans 6:1-6). Upon your obedience to these requirements of the Lord He will add you to the church of Christ (Acts 2:41; 47
and I Corinthians 12:12-13; cf. Romans 16:16). One must then remain faithful (Colossians 1:23 and Revelation 2:10).
sins (Acts 3:19), confess Christ (Acts 8:37), and be baptized (immersed) for the remission of your sins (Acts 2:38 and
Romans 6:1-6). Upon your obedience to these requirements of the Lord He will add you to the church of Christ (Acts 2:41; 47
and I Corinthians 12:12-13; cf. Romans 16:16). One must then remain faithful (Colossians 1:23 and Revelation 2:10).
| Edited by: Brian A. Yeager |
| Are You Infallible? By: Brian A. Yeager |
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| The “I Can’t Fall” Idea is an Admission of Apostasy |
| The Lord Hates Pride and Arrogance |
| Conclusion |