“Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall.” (I Cor. 10:12)
It is obvious that this is a stern warning about the possibility of apostasy. Another warning is found in (Hebrews 3:12,13) which states, “Beware, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief in departing from the living God; but exhort one another daily, while it is called Today; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin.” There are scores of warnings in the word of God about the dangers of apostasy. Numerous examples of it are found in the scriptures, as well as in our day. It is an undeniable reality that some, strong in the faith for a time, fall away from the Lord and his church. It has happened to elders, preachers, Bible teachers, and to other devoted people we have known. Some serve most of their lives, and in the sunset years they become unfaithful and die in a lost condition. Some endure tremendous hardship in fighting the good fight of faith, and then fall away when things are much easier. Every congregation would be larger and stronger, and more souls would be won from the devil, if this were not the case. Empty pews and restored closed Bibles do not influence people for good. Why is it that some faithful Christians fall away, never to be restored?
Some are not truly converted. Repentance results from Godly sorrow. (II Cor. 7:10), and a changed life follows repentance. (Matt. 3:8) Those who have no godly sorrow find it difficult to repent and change their lives. Some obey the gospel for the wrong reason…to please someone else, for social acceptance, or because it seems to be the right thing to do. They are not burdened with the guilt of sin, nor deeply moved by the atoning sacrifice of the Savior. Their allegiance is to self instead of Christ. The seed sown among the rocks, in Jesus’ parable illustrates their commitment. (Matt. 13:20,21) They fail to realize that Christianity is not a new venture…it is a new life. (II Cor. 5:17) Where there is no true commitment there is no true conversion.
Some fail to count the cost of discipleship. Discipleship involves cross bearing, giving up possessions and loving the Lord more than any human being. We serve from commitment rather than convenience. The faithful unto death (not unto difficulty, or hardship) will be rewarded. (Rev. 2:10) Some associates must be given up. Some practices must cease if we are to follow Christ. Failure to realize these things often causes the weak in faith to have second thoughts about being a follower of Christ. Jesus illustrated the importance of considering the cost of being a disciple just as a wise builder of a tower would make sure he has enough money to finish the project before starting, or a king with ten thousand men considers alternatives before going into battle against twenty thousand. (Luke 14:28-32) Each of us should ask ourselves…Have I counted the cost?
(To be continued)
Richard