We often have friends and family who are not members of the Lord’s church. We love these folks but we cannot get them to see the truth. No matter how much we pray for them or study with them, they often answer the Bible truths by saying, “That is your interpretation.” If we are honest with the Word of God, we do not interpret it. We simply read and apply.
One of the greatest sins presented by Satan to fool mankind into complacency is the idea of “once saved, always saved.” If this doctrine of damnation was true, then nothing would be required of me. The entirety of my salvation would rest on the broad shoulders of God. That’s right; NOTHING would be required of me! However, God’s Word does not support that idea.
Notice the following examples:
- Judas- Matthew 26:14-16
- Prodigal Son- Luke 14.24
- The Angels- 2nd Peter 2:4, Jude 6
- Simon the Sorcerer-Acts 8:9-24
- The Galatians- Galatians 5:4- 7
- Hymenaeus & Alexander- 1st Timothy 1:18-20…
As we study those examples, I would like to focus in on two men- Demas and Paul. Notice Demas first.
Demas is only mentioned three times in the New Testament. In Colossians 4:14, Demas is mentioned to be working alongside of Luke. In Philemon 1:24, Demas is called a fellow laborer with Paul. The final time we read about Demas is 2nd Timothy 4:10 where Demas had left the Faith to go back into the world. What is never mentioned by Paul through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit is the fact the Demas was still in a proper relationship with God. Ladies and gentlemen, Demas left God for the world, and if Demas died in that state, he was lost.
And then there is the Apostle Paul… In 1st Corinthians 9: 24-27, Paul reminds the readers of this letter that the child of God needs to remain focused on the prize of Heaven. As a matter of fact, Paul feared that his work to save so many would cause him to lose focus on the bigger picture & become disqualified (vs.27). Paul knew and was always aware of the fact that the children of God CAN fall away.
It is so very disheartening that so many we love believe this false teaching about Salvation. We must continue to pray for our loved ones. Let me encourage you to keep the conversation about this subject going. As we live faithfully unto our God, let us educate those who do not grasp truth yet, lovingly and gently.
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