“For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost, And have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come, If they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put him to an open shame.”
–Hebrews 6:4-6
Several years ago, at a church function, an introduction was made.
“This is [name of person]. He was a born-again believer baptized in the Holy Ghost and on fire for the LORD. He left about five years ago to sow some wild oats, but now he’s back and ready to do the LORD’s work.”
And thus was promulgated one of the most enduring fables of the church folk: the story about how a “born again believer” walked away from the LORD, but having seen the error of his ways–and rested and refreshed by the world–is now back for Round Two.
Shortly after the introduction was made, it was pointed out to the returning church-goer that the Bible is VERY clear about those who walk away from the LORD.
“For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning. For it had been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, after they have known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered unto them.”
–2PETER 2:20-21
“The Son of man goeth as it is written of him: but woe unto that man by whom the Son of man is betrayed! it had been good for that man if he had not been born.”
–Matthew 26:24
“For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins, But a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries.”
–Hebrews 10:26-27
“I don’t believe that!”
The reaction was expected–how else could a counterfeit react?
Though it would have been more accurate had the man said “Hath God said?”
“Of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace?”
–Hebrews 10:29
Though the introduction did take place and this account is true, it is presented as a sort of cautionary tale to any pretenders reading this.
The Bible declares that SOME end times men WILL walk away from the truth.
“Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils”
–1TIMOTHY 4:1
God’s Word naturally does not say they will find their way back.
Because they cannot.
And they will not.
WHICH does the reader believe: God’s Word or the stories of the churches?
It is not YET too late: there is still time to change direction (repent), place your faith (hope) for the future entirely on Jesus Christ and enter the kingdom of heaven.
DOES the reader believe he is saved?
Make Your Calling and Election Sure: End Times Survival
DOES the reader believe he is NOT saved?
Time is Running Out: Today is the Day of Salvation
- Gospel of Jesus Christ: Making a Choice
- The Gospel of Jesus Christ
- Gospel of Jesus Christ: The Power of God Unto Salvation
- Gospel of Jesus Christ: The End Times Power of God Unleashed
THE GOSPEL OF JESUS CHRIST
“Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain. For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:
And that he was seen of Cephas, then of the twelve: After that, he was seen of above five hundred brethren at once; of whom the greater part remain unto this present, but some are fallen asleep. After that, he was seen of James; then of all the apostles. And last of all he was seen of me also, as of one born out of due time. ”
–1 Corinthians 15:1-8
“For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.”
-–Romans 1:16
MORE: Eternal Salvation Through Jesus Christ: Salvation Messages from End Times Prophecy Report
[Portions of this piece appeared originally in End Times Prophecy Headlines: August 20, 2019.]
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by Jeremiah Jameson
–with Mondo Frazier
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