INTRODUCTION
Outline.
1. The saints’ removal from the gospel
2. The saints’ departure from the faith
3. The saints’ falling from God’s grace
Introductory Remarks.
1. In our lesson today, we will discuss the theme: “You Are Fallen From Grace.” This will be a topical sermon reviewing the saints’ removal from the gospel, their departure from the faith, and their “falling away” from God’s grace. This lesson is needful because some religious groups are teaching that the “elect of God” or His “chosen ones” are saved and predestined to salvation without ever falling from grace "until the day of Christ.” They stubbornly neglect the somber warnings of Paul, given to the Hebrew saints: “Therefore, we ought to give the more earnest heed to the things we have heard, lest at any time we should let them slip (pass by) … For if the word spoken by angels…How shall we escape if we neglect so great salvation…according to His own will?” Hebrews 2:1-4. This sermon will close our lesson series entitled: “He Called Us By His Grace.” This lesson refutes the notion: of "once saved, always saved," as taught by these religious groups, through an exhaustive exposition of the Holy Scriptures.
2. First, we will consider the saints’ removal from the gospel and the grace of God. To the Galatians, Paul wrote: “I marvel that you are so soon removed from Him…the grace of Christ unto another gospel, which is not another…pervert the gospel of Christ,” Galatians 1:6-9. These babes in Christ were being troubled by evil teachers (false brothers), who caused them to “be removed from the grace of Christ." Their removal from the gospel, caused them also to be removed from the grace and goodness of Christ, Galatians 1:4. The work and care of stronger brothers restored them to the truth in Christ, and the grace of God,” Galatians 4:17-20; Galatians 6:1-10; James 5:19-20.
3. Second, we will discuss the saints’ departure from the faith. To Timothy, Paul wrote: “Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirit, and doctrines of devils; Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron; Forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from meats, which God hath created to be received with thanksgiving of them that believe and know the truth,” 1 Timothy 4:1-3. He gives Timothy a similar warning after charging him to: “preach the word…reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine. For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine…and shall turn away their ears from the truth…make full proof of thy ministry,” 2 Timothy 4:1-5. Such a charge and warning would not be necessary if the believers, the "elect of God,” could not depart from the faith. The apostles are writing about those who once had embraced the faith. Still, now they are “turning away their ears from the truth, and being turned unto fables (lies and false teachings).
4. Lastly, we will investigate the saints’ falling from God’s grace. This brings us to the last point in this lesson, how the Galatians saints had fallen from God's grace. The apostle wrote: "Christ has become no effect unto you, whosoever are justified by the law; you are fallen from grace,” Galatians 5:4. Here it is! Anything that diverts our faith and trust from the gospel of Christ will cause us to fall from the grace of God. There can be no other message: "saving Jesus Christ and Him crucified," 1 Corinthians 2:1-5. The storms of the Judaizing doctrines of combining faith in Christ with the law and circumcision were taught as necessary for the Gentiles to be saved by grace. This teaching, however, was not ordained by God to be a part of these believers’ call: “by grace through the faith in Christ Jesus,” Galatians 2:16; Ephesians 2:8-9. These false teachers had to be silenced, and it was through the boldness of Paul and Barnabas that permitted the apostles and elders at Jerusalem: to stand firm in their message that called both Jews and Gentiles, “through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ,” Acts 15:7-11; Acts 15:24. With this brief introduction, let’s discuss our first point in this lesson.
BODY OF LESSON
I THE SAINTS’ REMOVAL FROM THE GOSPEL
A. Build yourself up. I believe it is proper to begin with, Jude's admonition and warning to the believers. He wrote how the saints were to build themselves up in the most holy faith. For them to remain in the grace of God. He wrote: “But you, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost. Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life. And of some have compassion, making a difference: And others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh. Now unto Him, that can keep you from falling and to present you faultless before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy. To the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, now and ever. Amen," Jude 1:20-25. He outlines how we must live, looking for the mercy of our Lord unto eternal life. Notice,
1. First, “By building up ourselves (in) the most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost." This undoubtedly refers to the “faith once delivered unto the saints,” Jude 1:3.
a. The words “building up” in Gr., is epoikodomeo or ep-oy-kod-om-eh'-o, which means to build upon, i.e., to rear up: —build thereon (thereupon, on, upon). Further, in plain language, to give a constant increase in building yourself up in the Christian faith and knowledge, Acts 20:32; Hebrews 5:12-14; 2 Peter 3:17-18. And living a life that conforms to righteousness, godliness, and true holiness, Colossians 2:6-8; Titus 2:11-12; Hebrews 12:14; Ephesians 4:22-24.
b. As well as: “praying without ceasing” unto God, 1 Thessalonians 5:17. The very God of peace might: “Sanctify us wholly; and that our whole spirit, soul, and body, be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. Faithful is He that calleth us, who will do it," 1 Thessalonians 5:23-24; 2 Thessalonians 2:13-14.
2. Further, “By keeping ourselves in the love of God.” We must remain faithful “to our calling and election, that we shall never fall,” 2 Peter 1:10-11. And to keep ourselves in the love and grace of God. This we do by “keeping His commandments.” Observe,
a. Jesus said: “He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, it is he that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him and manifest myself to him,” John 14:21; Matthew 11:27. And, also: “As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you: continue ye in my love. If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love,” John 15:9-10.
b. John wrote: "And hereby we know that we know Him if we keep His commandments. He that saith, I know Him and keepeth, not His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. But whoso keepeth His word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in Him. He that saith he abideth in Him ought himself also to walk, even as He walked,” 1 John 2:3-6; 1 Peter 2:21-25.
c. John continued: "If we say that we have fellowship with Him, and walk in darkness, we lie and do not the truth: But if we walk in the light…His Son cleanseth us from all sin," 1 John 1:6-9.
d. John again: “He that saith he is in the light, and hateth his brother, is in darkness even until now. He that loveth his brother abideth in the light, and there is none occasion of stumbling in him. But he that hateth his brother is in darkness, walketh in darkness, and knoweth not whither he goeth, because that darkness hath blinded his eyes,” 1 John 2:9-11; 1 John 4:19-21.
1) No brother who claims to love God can hate (dislike, despise or detest) his brother.
2) Those who hate their brothers cannot be a disciple of Christ, nor can they love God: who hath called all believers by the same grace, into the fellowship of Jesus Christ, John 13:34-35; Hebrews 13:1-2.
3) To study this idea further, consider the lesson below.
NOTE: Download the sermon: Just As He Is, from SermonCentral.com, by Ron Freeman, Evangelist. It describes the Christian’s love for the brethren, Matthew 22:37-40.
3. Next, “By looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.” We are continually looking for Christ's return and the completion of God's eternal promise: "So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for Him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation," Hebrews 9:28; Philippians 3:20-21; Acts 1:11; Revelation 1:7. Observe,
a. “And of some having compassion, making a difference.”
b. “And others save with fear:”
1) “Pulling them out of the fire.”
2) “Hating even the garment spotted by the flesh.”
4. Finally, “Now unto Him that is able:”
a. “To keep you from falling, and,”
b. “To present you faultless before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy.”
c. “To the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen.” What a stirring doxology! See Matthew 6:13.
NOTE: Download our lesson: Our God is Able, from Sermoncentral.com, by Ron Freeman, Evangelist. We discussed these verses more thoroughly in this lesson. We are now ready to begin our work on whether or not: the saints can fall from the grace of God.
e. We will pick up in Paul’s Letter to the Galatians’ saints regarding their sudden “removal (desertion), from the grace of Christ unto another gospel,” Galatians 1:6-7. Observe,
B. To the Galatians, He penned: “I marvel that you are so soon removed from Him…the grace of Christ unto another gospel, which is not another…pervert the gospel of Christ,” Galatians 1:6-9. I have collapsed these verses for brevity. We should note that they had “already” been removed from the grace of Christ. How is this possible under the doctrine of “Calvinism?” Consider,
1. First, Paul noted that these babes in Christ were being troubled by false brothers and evil teachers, whose work among them caused their sudden: “removal from the grace of Christ.” The work of these teachers was to cause doubt and division between Paul’s message of the grace of God; and the Judaizers’ belief: that the supreme law of Moses and circumcision were vital parts of the Gentiles’ complete conversion to Christ, as it has been with them.
2. Further, These new converts had suddenly deserted Paul’s teaching of the gospel of Christ. They were no longer trusting in their faith and obedience to the gospel that had saved them by the grace of God. This sudden removal from the gospel also removed them: from the grace of God, Galatians 5:4. We will speak about this later in the lesson. But for now, these saints are no longer being justified or standing in the grace of God, Romans 5:1-2. According to the apostle Paul!
3. Next, He had established that their justification was due entirely to their faith and obedience to the gospel. This was possible only by the work of the Holy Spirit and not the Law, Galatians 3:1-5. Their receipt of the promised Spirit was “through the faith in Christ Jesus,” Galatians 3:14.
4. Finally, Their work of faith by love was deterred by false teachings. He continued,
a. One, “You did run well; who did hinder you that you should not obey the truth?” See Galatians 3:1; Galatians 5:7. That is, the truth of the gospel of the grace of God, Acts 20:24; 2 Thessalonians 2:13-14.
b. Two, "This persuasion cometh not of Him (Christ) that calleth you. A little leaven…Through the Lord, I have confidence in you that you will be none otherwise minded: but he that troubleth you shall bear his judgment, whosoever he is," Galatians 5:8; Galatians 2:4-5.
c. Three, "But there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ…let him be accursed. As we said before, I now again, If any man preaches any other gospel unto you than you have received, let him be accursed (or anathema),” Galatians 1:7-9.
d. Fourth, we might note here that this same “curse” applies to all false teachers and preachers today. They have forfeited their "hope of eternal life" and are self-condemned for proclaiming a doctrine contrary to the “grace of Christ,” Titus 3:10-11. Paul’s concern was,
C. The Galatians’ saints had: “Suddenly been removed from the grace of Christ,” Galatians 1:6-9. A short period after Paul established this church; these false teachers arrived in Galatia: with intentions of tearing down his work in Christ among them.
1. Paul wrote: “My little children, of whom I travail in birth again until Christ be formed in you. I desire to be present with you now and to change my voice, for I stand in doubt of you. Tell me, you that desire to be under the law, do you not hear the law?” Galatians 4:19.
NOTE: Illustrate the two sons, Galatians 4:22-31. Children of the bond-woman or of the free-woman. “Now we, brethren, as Isaac was, are the children of promise," Galatians 4:28.
2. Paul continued: “Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again…yoke of bondage…Christ has become of no effect unto you, whosoever of you are justified by the law; ye are fallen from grace. For us, through the Spirit, wait for the hope of righteousness by faith…Ye did run well; who did hinder you that ye should not obey the truth?... I have confidence in you through the Lord, that you will be none otherwise minded: but he that troubleth you shall bear his judgment, whosoever he is," Galatians 5:1-10. Text shortened for brevity.
3. Fallen from grace. These saints “had fallen from grace; because they now believed that their salvation was also tied to being justified by the law,” Galatians 5:4; Galatians 3:11-12.
4. The gospel of Christ is not of the law, but of the Spirit, Galatians 3:1-5.
5. These babes in Christ were being troubled by evil teachers, who caused them to "be removed from the grace of Christ,” Acts 15:1-5; Acts 15:24; Galatians 2:4-5.
6. However, they were restored to the faith by loving and caring brothers in the Lord, Galatians 4:19-20; Galatians 6:1-10. The Galatians’ saints are now guilty of apostasy: having fallen from the grace of God. To be removed from the grace of God is to become apostatized, “from the faith that is in Christ.” Consider,
D. Apostasy. The word apostasy means refusing to continue following, obeying, or recognizing a religious faith. In this case, to abandon one’s previous loyalty to Christ; by defecting from the teaching of the gospel of the Son of God. After many disciples had forsaken Jesus, John 6:66. He asked the twelve: “Will you also go away?” John 6:67-69. The noted American Sociologist,
1. Lewis A. Coser defined an apostate as not just a person who experienced a dramatic change in conviction but "a man who, even in his new state of belief, is spiritually living not primarily in the content of that faith, in the pursuit of goals appropriate to it, but only in the struggle against the old faith and for the sake of its negation. Reference, Sociologist Definitions - Wikipedia. The apostate now exists to destroy the faith he once embraced. Not as the beloved Paul, who now: “preacheth the faith he once destroyed,” Galatians 1:22-24. It should be noted,
2. The word “apostasy” is a New Testament word; and a teaching of the New Testament, 2 Thessalonians 2:3; Acts 21:21. It is also called: "a falling away, or departure from the faith" or "a removal from the grace of Christ.”
3. Justification is by grace “through the faith in Christ Jesus,” Galatians 2:16; Ephesians 2:8-9.
4. If these Galatians’ have adopted any part of the law, i.e., circumcision, sabbath, etc., then they have placed their trust of salvation in the works of the law; and not by their faith and obedience to the “gospel of the grace of God,” Acts 20:24; Romans 5:1-2.
5. This was contrary to what they had learned and had obeyed through Paul’s preaching of the gospel unto them, Galatians 1:6-9; Galatians 3:1-5.
NOTE: Paul wrote that they: "had fallen from grace." Then, the question is: "Were the Galatians once saved by grace, and now are fallen from grace?” Every Christian must be mindful and on watch, that they keep themselves in the love and grace of God.
6. Conclusion: If so, then the notion: once saved, always saved was not Paul’s doctrine in preaching, nor his Letter, to the Galatians. Let me remind you again of the reason why this lesson is necessary. Some religious groups teach: “once saved, always saved.” This teaching has risen from men, not Christ or the apostles! The “doctrine of predestination” began with John Calvin.
E. John Calvin and Calvinism. Chapter 21 of Book III of the Institutes is written: "Of the eternal election, by which God has predestinated some to salvation, and others to destruction." Reference, Predestination – Wikipedia. You can read more about Calvin’s teaching on the Internet. Observe,
1. Calvin believed that God (has) picked those he would save and bring with him to heaven before the world was created.
2. He also believed that those people God does not save would go to hell.
3. He thought saved people could never lose their salvation, and the "elect" (those God saved) would know they were saved because of their actions.
4. Thus, the notion: “Once saved, always saved.” (My insertion to this section).
5. I present this teaching to you for your consideration. It is not a teaching of the New Testament. I will devote no more time discussing it. I will use this entire lesson to present what the Bible teaches: "falling from the grace of God." I will allow the scriptures to settle this question. The word of God shall be the final answer to this, as it is with all religious questions. I make no apology for: “thus saith the Lord.” Let’s now notice the second point in this lesson.
II THE SAINTS’ DEPARTURE FROM THE FAITH
A. Timothy’s first warning. Paul wrote: “Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirit, and doctrines of devils; Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron; Forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from meats, which God hath created to be received with thanksgiving of them that believe and know the truth,” 1 Timothy 4:1-5. The Spirit revealed to Paul and other inspired men regarding this departure, 1 Timothy 4:1; 2 Thessalonians 2:3. This will occur in the latter times, in the not-so-distant future. He doesn't suggest how far away this departure lurks; he merely states it will come. Paul affirms: "some shall depart from the faith." There shall be a "great apostasy." Paul, in this Letter, notes some signs and teachings of this great apostasy. Observe,
1. First, they are giving heed to seducing spirits. The apostle seems to recognize a supernatural element that speaks by false prophets, in false utterances which claim to be from God. These seducing spirits might work through spiritual hierarchy, councils, and synods that claim to speak for God, who claim their words are infallible utterances.
2. Further, they are teaching the doctrines of demons. These doctrines are the work and suggestions of demons. The word “doctrines” in Gr., is didaskalia, or did-as-Kal-ee'-ah, which means instruction: —doctrine, learning, or teaching. When used in the New Testament, indicating the teachings of men and demons, it is always plural. As in the case of the “teachings and commandments of men,” the “traditions of the fathers,” and the “doctrines of demons,” Matthew 15:9; Galatians 1:14; Colossians 2:22; 1 Timothy 4:1. The sacred writings of Calvin and Luther are nothing but the: "doctrines of men." They are not the words of eternal life! It matters not how sincere they might have been when their teachings are not aligned to the Holy Scriptures: they are the doctrines and commandments of men.
3. Next, they will be speaking lies through hypocrisy. He wrote: "Some shall depart from the faith...through the hypocrisy of men, speaking lies." Consider,
a. The men who speak lies; some no doubt because of their deception; and others to insight deception. They are deceivers being deceived and deceiving, the disobedient and disbelievers.
b. They know the "truth," but for "filthy lucre's sake," speak lies, Titus 1:11. For their unprofitable gain. The "love of money is the root of all evil," 1 Timothy 6:10.
c. They do not proclaim the truth. Paul wrote: “For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple (innocent, ignorant and unlearned), Romans 16:17-18.
4. Additionally, the great deceiver shall: “Come after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders, and with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them, that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved. And for this, cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie: that they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness,” 2 Thessalonians 2:9-12.
NOTE: Download our lesson: “Revealing the God of this World,” from SermonCentral.com. It presents an exhaustive discussion on this topic.
5. Finally, this is because their conscience is sheered with a hot iron. The liars just mentioned they had the sensitiveness of their consciences destroyed: by the branding iron of the devil. They have become blinded by the evil one – preaching a message of deceit and deception. And for it, they have become the product of their own words of deception. Paul concludes: “But evil men and seducer shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived,” 2 Timothy 3:13.
B. Timothy’s second warning. He gives Timothy a second warning after charging him: "Preach the word…reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine. For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine…and shall turn away their ears from the truth…make full proof of thy ministry,” 2 Timothy 4:1-5. I have collapsed these verses for brevity.
1. First, such a charge and warning would not be necessary if the believers, the "elect of God,” could not depart from the faith. The apostle is writing about saints who once had embraced the faith but now are: “turning away their ears from the truth, and being turned unto fables (lies and false teachings).
2. Further, Paul repeats this "warning" in his Second Letter to Timothy. He charges the young evangelist to:
a. Preach the word "in and out of seasons;" when they want it and when they don't. Brother Keeble use to say: “Give it to them when they want it, and when they don’t want it!” The truth is bitter to the mouth and troubling to the heart once heard, but soothing and comforting to the soul once believed and obeyed. On Pentecost: “When they (the Jewish believers) heard this, they were pricked in the heart and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, Men, and brethren what shall we do? ... Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there was added unto them about three thousand souls,” Acts 2:37-41; Acts 2:47.
b. That the “time will come that they (the saints) will not endure sound doctrine, or they will no longer desire 'sound doctrine' or the 'truth' to be preached unto them." There came a time that the believers no longer wanted to hear the truth. The truth condemns sin and unrighteousness and requires the obedient believer to live: “righteously and godly in this present world,” Titus 2:11-12. The idea of “sound doctrine” is “healthy teaching,” Titus 2:1. Teaching that builds up the body of Christ, not that which: “turns the grace of God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ,” Jude 1:4; Galatians 2:4-5.
c. But after their own lust, "they shall heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears;" they will search for the doctrines that satisfy the lust of the flesh and not the Spirit, Jude 1:12-13; Jude 1:16-19. Ungodly and deceitful men will teach lies and falsities to those that desire to hear it. Their messages “feed and satisfies the lust of the flesh,” to those that have: “departed from the faith, and been turned unto fables,” 2 Peter 2:9-19.
3. Next, he continued: “They shall turn away their ears from the truth and be turned unto fables.” Fables are children’s stories of good things. Their lies and deceit are designed to encourage the heart of the disobedient and disbelievers to propagate their false doctrines. They will choose error in place of the truth. Remember the “Big Lie, the 2020 Election!”
4. Finally, he admonishes: "But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry." Timothy, be on guard to stand and preach against these heresies. You must endure afflictions; do the work of an evangelist and make full proof of thy ministry. Preach boldly of those things which you have received, believed, and obeyed, 2 Timothy 1:8-11; 2 Timothy 2:1-7; 2 Timothy 2:15-17.
5. Conclusion: In these verses, Paul reminds Timothy that a "falling away,” or a “departure from the faith” will be because: “they (the saints) will not endure (continue in) sound doctrine” 1 Timothy 1:3; 2 Timothy 1:13.
a. For this reason: “they shall turn away their ears from the truth" and search for men that will scratch their “itching ears.”
b. The saints shall “turn away their ears from the truth and be turned unto fables.”
c. Paul warned the Ephesians’ elders at Miletus of this departure, Acts 20:29-32.
d. The elders and ministers of the Lord’s church must be on guard for such teachings. Holding fast “the faithful word as he hath been taught,” Titus 1:9; Titus 2:1.
C. Faith once delivered to the saint. Jude wrote: "Jude, the servant of Jesus Christ, and brother of James, to them that are sanctified by God the Father, preserved in Jesus Christ and called: Mercy unto you, and peace, and love, be multiplied,” Jude 1:1. He wrote:
1. The common salvation. “Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith once delivered unto the saints," Jude 1:3.
a. It was not needful for me to write unto you.
b. To exhort you that ye should contend for the faith.
c. Once delivered unto the saints. Jude makes it clear to the saints:
1) The truth had already come or had been entirely revealed. This occurred before the close of the "first century." Where is the Calvinistic doctrine "in the scriptures?"
2) The saints must “earnestly contend for the faith, which was already delivered,” Galatians 5:1; 1 Corinthians 16:13; Philippians 1:27.
3) Therefore, the “once saved, always saved" teachings are not a part of the faith that was once delivered unto the saints,” Jude 1:3. If it is, where is it taught in the Bible? This thinking did not emerge until the 16th Century. The writings of the apostle John closed the book in 96 A.D.
4) Conclusion: There is no mention of the “doctrine of predestination,” as taught by these religious groups. Such teaching is not a part of the “revelation of Christ.” These are the doctrines of demons! These are the writings and suppositions of men.
a) We encourage all believers "to earnestly contend for the faith" that has already been delivered. You can find it codified (collected, organized, and systemized) in the New Testament.
b. Therefore, Calvinists’ views on "predestination" are not found in the New Testament. It sprang out of Papacy, in the 16th Century, by men like John Calvin and Martin Luther.
NOTE: Download our lesson entitled: "A Departure From the Faith" from SermonCentral.com by Ron Freeman, Evangelist. It discusses the three religious’ movements in history. We are in the last one, the Restoration Movement.
2. Paul’s Letter to Titus. He wrote: “Of the faith of God's elect, and the truth after godliness," Titus 1:1-3. As well as the “common salvation,” Titus 1:4. Observe,
a. Who are the "elect" that is admonished unto godliness? Titus 2:11-12.
b. How were these believers: “justified by God’s grace,” Titus 3:4-7?
c. What instruction did Paul give them about “maintaining good works?” Titus 2:13-15; Titus 3:8; Titus 3:14.
d. What did Paul tell them to avoid? Titus 3:9-11. Why was this necessary? Titus 1:14-16.
e. What instruction did Paul give Titus about the Cretians? Titus 1:10-13.
f. Conclusion: Our challenge while standing in the faith is to continue in it and contend for the faith that has been (already) delivered unto the saints. We will do this by our constant and devoted study of this divine revelation. We are instructed to study and reverence this revelation of truth.
3. This is the truth that Jesus promised: "Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free...Therefore, if the Son shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed," John 8:31-36. Text shortened for brevity.
4. Study to be approved unto God. Paul wrote: "Study to shew ourselves approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth," 2 Timothy 2:15.
a. Paul wrote: “All scriptures are given by the inspiration of God,” 2 Timothy 3:16-17. They are profitable unto all things. And “God has given unto us all things that pertain to life and godliness,” 2 Peter 1:3.
b. Jesus said: “Search the scriptures for in them you think that you have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me,” John 5:39; Acts 17:11.
c. Isaiah wrote: “Seek ye out of the book of the Lord and read: no one of these shall fail, none shall want her mate: for my mouth, it hath commanded, and His Spirit it hath gathered them,” Isaiah 34:16; Isaiah 55:6-11.
d. Peter wrote: “If any man speaks, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man minister, let him to it as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion forever and ever. Amen,” 1 Peter 4:11.
NOTE: Where in the Holy Scriptures does it state: “once saved, always saved?” Any scripture given to support this doctrine can be explained by reading the “context of the text.” Then apply sound interpretive judgment to those things written by: “comparing spiritual things with spiritual (things),” 1 Corinthians 2:12-13; 2 Peter 1:19-21.
D. Judgment in God’s house. The beloved apostle Peter wrote: “Yet if any man suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf. For the time has come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begins at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God? And if the righteous scarcely be saved, where shall the ungodly and sinners appear? Wherefore let them that suffer according to the will of God commit the keeping of their souls to Him in well-doing, as unto a faithful Creator," 1 Peter 4:16-19. Let's consider Peter's words again,
1. Suffers as a Christian. “If any man suffers as a Christian, let him glorify God on this behalf.”
2. Judgment must begin. “Judgment will begin at the house of God.” Why is judgment necessary for the “elect of God?” According to Calvin, their eternal state is sealed in heaven.
3. If righteous scarcely be saved. "If the righteous just barely make it into the kingdom."
4. What about the ungodly? “Where shall the ungodly appear before God?”
5. Conclusion: The Christian life is a struggle. It is filled with persecutions, disappointments, and challenges. Yet if we suffer as a saint, be not ashamed, but rather glorify God in it. The righteous shall have many afflictions, but the Lord will deliver them from them all. The ungodly shall not find refuge in the grace of God. Nor shall they be given mercy on the day of judgment. "The Lord knows how to deliver the righteous, but the way of the ungodly shall perish," Psalms 1:1-6. As we move forward in this lesson, let’s consider the “parable of the tares,” which will illustrate the judgment that Peter mentioned in his Letters to the saints. Consider the,
E. Parable of the tares. To save time, we will only outline this parable for you. Jesus has just concluded His discussion on the "parable of the sower;" He moved immediately into His "parable of the tares." You would do well to read the entire 13th Chapter of Matthew to glean the difference between the “Hearer of the word" and the "Sower of the word.” Stay with me beloved in the Lord.
1. Parable of the sower. Matthew wrote: "The same day went Jesus out of the house and sat by the seaside, and great multitudes were gathered together…And He spake many things unto them in parables, saying, Behold a sower went forth to sow, And some fell by the wayside…some upon stony places…some fell among thorns…but others fell into good ground…Who hath ears to hear let him hear," Matthew 13:1-9. Text shortened for brevity. Read Jesus' interpretation of this parable, Matthew 13:18-23. Hear His,
2. Reason for parables. Matthew continued: "And the disciples came and said unto Him, why speakest thou unto them in parables? He answered and said unto them, Because it is given unto you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them, it is not given…Therefore I speak unto them in parables…And in them is fulfilled the prophecy of Esaias…But blessed are your eyes, for they see: and your ears for they hear…many prophets and righteous men have desired to see…and to hear, and have not heard them," Matthew 13:10-17. Text shortened for brevity. Here now Jesus’ discussion of the,
3. Parable of the tares. Matthew continued: “Another parable he put forth unto them, saying, The kingdom of heaven is likened unto a man which soweth seed into His field: But while men slept, the enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat, and went his way. But when the blade was sprung up…then appeared the tares. So, the servants said: didst, not thou sow good seed in thy field? From whence then hath it (the field) tares? He said…an enemy has done this. The servants said…wilt thou then that we go and gather them up? But He said, Nay: lest while ye gather up the tares, ye root up also the wheat with them. Let them grow together until the harvest: and…I will say to the reapers, Gather you together first the tares, and bind them in bundles to burn them: but gather the wheat into my barn,” Matthew 13:24-30. Text shortened for brevity. Observe,
a. Jesus withdraws from the crowd and declares unto the disciples the meaning of the tares of the field, Matthew 13:34-36. Jesus explains to His disciples the “parable of the tares.”
b. The sower. “He that soweth the good seed is the Son of man,” Matthew 13:37.
c. The field. “The field is the world:” Matthew 13:38a.
1) “The good seed is the children of the kingdom,” Matthew 13:38b.
2) “The tares are the children of the wicked one,” Matthew 13:38c.
d. The enemy. “The enemy that sowed them is the devil,” Matthew 13:39a.
e. The harvest. “The harvest is the end of the world (age),” Matthew 13:39b.
f. The reapers. “The reapers are the angels,” Matthew 13:39c.
4. The harvest. Consider Jesus’ interpretation of the harvest,
a. Tares are gathered first. Jesus said: "As, therefore, the tares are gathered and burned in the fire; so, shall it be at the end of this world (age),” Matthew 13:40.
1) The reapers are sent. “The Son of man shall send forth His angels,” Matthew 13:41a.
2) To gather out. “And they shall gather out of His Kingdom:”
a) “All things that offend, and”
b) “Them which do iniquity (unrighteousness),” Matthew 13:41.
b. Judgment of the tares. “And shall cast them (the tares) into a furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth,” Matthew 13:42.
c. Judgment of the wheat. “Then shall the righteous (the wheat) shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father,” Matthew 13:43a-b.
d. Warning. “Who hath ears to hear, let him hear,” Matthew 13:43c. This warning was also repeated in our concluding verses below. As we begin to conclude,
5. Conclusion: “So, shall it be at the end of the world (age): the angels shall come forth, and sever the wicked from among the just. And shall cast them into the furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth. Jesus said unto them, Have you understood all these things? They say unto Him, Yes, Lord,” Matthew 13:49-50. I cannot be certain, but I am not sure that Peter and the rest of the disciples truly understood Jesus' message in these parables. Questions for the Calvinist?
a. Who is the wheat in the parable? The children of the Son of man.
b. Who are the tares in the parable? The children of the evil one.
c. Who are the "gathered out of the kingdom: which offend, and did inequity?" Are these the "elect" or the "non-elect?" The angels of the Lord know who they are and will gather them out of the kingdom (sever from among the just) and cast them into the furnace to be burned, Matthew 25:41. See the entire judgment scene in Matthew 25:31-46.
d. Who is righteous that shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father? They are the just, the children of the Son of man. Those that will inherit eternal life, Matthew 25:46.
NOTE: Download our lesson entitled: "Tares Among The Wheat," from SermonCentral.com by Ron Freeman, Evangelist. It presents an exhaustive discussion on this topic. Now, let’s consider the last point in the lesson.
III THE SAINTS’ FALLING FROM GOD’S GRACE
A. Paul’s two Letters regarding “falling from God’s grace. We will begin our discussion of this point by reviewing two Letters which contain Paul's warning to the saints about: falling from God’s grace. We have no “ax to grind,” only our love in the: “Confirmation and defense of the truth of the gospel of Christ." To Philippi, he wrote: "Even as it is meet for me to think this of you all because I have you in my heart; since both in my bonds and the defense and confirmation of the gospel, ye all are partakers of my grace,” Philippians 1:7; Philippians 1:15-18. Observe,
1. First, to Galatians, he wrote: "Christ has become no effect unto you, whosoever of you are justified by the law; you are fallen from grace,” Galatians 5:4. We must look into the mind of Paul, as he warned these saints of their "falling from God's grace." I want to be clear; he did not suggest they could fall; but that "they had fallen from grace.” How does the Calvinist explain these saints’ current condition within the grace of God? Let’s look closer at this text.
a. The phrase “justified by the law" means they now have earned their salvation through the works of the law. If this is so, their salvation was not of grace but works.
1) The Calvinists do not preach this to be so. They believe salvation is by grace, apart from any works of the law or human merit.
2) They affirm that “salvation is through faith, and not of works, lest any man should boast,” Ephesians 2:8-9.
b. The phrase "you are" means that they have been removed from the grace of God. They are now in bondage to the law of Moses, Galatians 5:1. They are now under the "curse of the law" Galatians 3:10. They are again under the law of sin and death, Romans 8:1-4. It would be appropriate at this time to discuss the phrase a little more: “you are fallen from.”
c. The phrase “you are fallen from,” in Gr., is ekpipto or ek-pip'-to, which means to drop away; primarily, be driven out of one's course; to lose, become inefficient: —to be cast, fail, or fall (away, off), to take none effect.
d. The noun “grace” in Gr., is charis or khar'-ece, which means to be graciousness or gratitude): —acceptable, benefit, favor, grace (- ious), joy, or liberality. In this case, divine favor.
1) They no longer are under the law of grace, the law of Christ, Galatians 6:2.
2) They are “fallen” away from the grace of God. Grace no longer has a part in their salvation.
3) Their salvation now is made possible by the law, and their keeping of every commandment and ordinance contained in it, James 2:10; Galatians 3:11-12.
4) This contradicts Paul's teaching to them and others regarding their “salvation by grace through the faith,” Ephesians 2:8-9; Titus 3:4-7.
NOTE: The New Greek/English Interlinear New Testament translates this text as: “You were estranged from Christ, whoever by the law are being justified, you fell from grace,” Page 656. The NRSV, Galatians 5:4. Brother, Johnson commented on this verse.
e. B. W. Johnson wrote: "Christ has become of no effect unto you. If you are circumcised in order to keep the Mosaic law (verse 2). Ye are fallen from grace. By resorting to the law for salvation. We are Christians who trust in the gospel. Through the Spirit. Not through carnal ordinances but strengthened by the Spirit, we wait. For the fulfillment of the hope which (is) righteousness by faith instead of (what) the law ensures to us,” Page 518. (Insertions are mine for clarity).
f. Matthew Henry wrote: “Now in this case…he (Paul) declares that Christ would profit them nothing, that they were debtors to do the whole law, that Christ had become of no effect to them, and that they were fallen from grace...it appears that thereby they renounced that way of justification which God had established…for they became debtors to do the whole law, which required such an obedience as they were not capable of performing…and therefore condemned, but could not justify them; and, consequently, that having thus revolted from Christ, and built their hopes upon the law, Christ would profit them nothing, nor be of any effect (unto) them,” Page 961. (Insertions are mine). These Galatians had given up liberty and grace, for the bondage of the law.
2. Second to the Hebrews, he wrote: “Looking diligently lest any man (fail)* of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many (are) defiled,” Hebrews 12:15.
3. NOTE: *Fail, in the NRSV, reads “falling.” Falling away means to renounce one’s faith, to drift off course. To be removed from one’s election to the hope of “eternal life.”
4. The New Greek/English Interlinear New Testament reads: “Seeing to it lest anyone falling from the grace of God, lest some root of bitterness sprouting up may trouble you and by it many (are) defiled,” Page 782. The NRSV, Hebrews 12:15.
5. Matthew Henry wrote: “Here you may observe, First, The nature of apostasy: it is failing of the grace of God; it is to become bankrupts in religion, for want of a good foundation, and suitable care and diligence; it is failing of the grace of God, coming short of a principle of true grace in the soul, notwithstanding the means of grace and a profession of religion, and so coming short of the love and favor of God here and hereafter. Secondly, The consequences of apostasy: where persons fail of having the true grace of God, a root of bitterness will spring up, corruption will prevail and break forth…producing bitter fruits to themselves and others. It produces to themselves corrupt principles, which lead to apostasy and are greatly strengthened and radiated by apostasy—damnable errors (to the corrupting of the doctrine and worship of the Christian church) and corrupt practices,” Page 1378. Evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse being deceived.
6. B. W. Johnson wrote: "Being careful that no one lags and falls by the way so as not to reach the final reward. Lest any root of bitterness. Any opposition, or element of disturbance (riseth) causing (any) members to sin,” Page 637. (Insertions are mine for clarity).
a. Paul uses Esau, as an example of the sin of bitterness, for all believers. His sin was that he “sold his birthright for a morsel of bread, and therefore was rejected, never inheriting the blessing,” Hebrews 12:16-17.
b. Let us all beware and be on guard; lest selling our birthright for the pleasures of sin, causeth us to be rejected, and thereby, not inherit the full blessing: eternal life. God forbid such to be so!
c. Moses: "When he came to years, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter; Choosing rather suffer affliction with the people of God than enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season. Esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures of Egypt: for he had respect unto the recompense of reward,” Hebrews 11:24-26. Consider Paul’s,
B. Somber warning to the Hebrews. He wrote: “We ought to give the more earnest heed to the things we have heard, lest at any time we should let them slip…For if the word spoken by angels…How shall we escape if we neglect so great salvation…according to His own will?" Hebrews 2:1-4. This text was shortened for brevity. Let’s consider Paul’s somber (grave) warning in this text. Consider,
1. First, “Therefore, we ought to give the more earnest heed to the things we have heard, lest we should let them slip." As saints of God, we ought to think about these things constantly to not let them slip from our minds or quick view, James 1:22-27.
2. Further, "For if the word spoken by angels was steadfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just recompense of reward." Notice,
a. Under the Old Covenant, no disobedience or transgressions were overlooked, Hebrews 12:25. All received a just recompense of reward. Would not the same be true under the New Covenant?
b. God has not committed to any under either Covenant, the liberty to sin without issuing a just recompense of reward. There is a reward for habitual sinning under this Covenant. Paul again,
c. For the “wage(s) of sin is (are) death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord,” Romans 6:23; Ezekiel 18:18-20. God’s penalty for sin is death! Spiritual separation from Him, Isaiah 59:1-2.
3. Next, “How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard Him.” How can the believers think that they will escape the judgment of God? How could they think their neglect of this great salvation would not go unpunished? The great salvation has begun with the Lord and confirmed unto us by them that heard Him, the apostles of Christ. They continued preaching this message of hope and salvation into all the nations, Matthew 28:19-20; Acts 1:8; Acts 2:5.
4. Finally, “God also bearing them witness, both with signs and wonders, and with divers’ miracles, and gifts of the Holy Ghost, according to His own will,” Hebrews 2:1-4. God granted signs, wonders, miracles, and the gift of the Holy Ghost unto repentant believers through their obedience to the gospel, Acts 2:38; Ephesians 1:12-14. God certified their message with miracles, spiritual gifts, and by giving the obedient believers the Holy Ghost's gift, Acts 5:32; John 7:38-39; 1 Peter 1:12.
5. Conclusion: What was Paul's actual warning to these saints? Not to allow themselves to neglect so great a salvation by letting it slip away from them and falling short of God’s grace through unbelief, disobedience, transgressions, and sin. Observe,
a. His thesis was this: “If every sin, transgression, and disobedience” brought upon Israel, “a just recompense of reward.” How can those under “so great salvation:" whose "failing or falling away from God’s grace” will not give them a greater recompense of reward?
b. The apostles of Christ have given this truth a thorough and exhaustive discussion. Anyone contending that the “elect of God” will be saved regardless of their sins; their removal from or desertion of the faith; or persistent unbelief and disobedience to God’s will, is pure nonsense.
c. This was not permitted under the Old Covenant. How could anyone contend it is possible under the New Covenant? Remember, “every transgression and disobedience received a just recompense of reward,” Hebrews 2:2.
1) Beware, it's a frightful and terrible thing: “To fall into the hands of the living God,” Hebrews 10:31; Hebrews 10:27.
2) He shall recompense: “For our God is a consuming fire,” Hebrews 12:29; Romans 12:19.
3) Be forewarned whom you shall fear: “Fear him, which after he hath killed hath power to cast into hell; yea, I say unto you, Fear him,” Luke 12:5; Matthew 10:28.
d. B. W. Johnson wrote: “For if the word spoken by angels. The Jewish law. See notes on Acts 7:53 and Gal. 3:19. The law was given through the medium of angels, as was confessed by the Jews. See Josephus, Antiq. XV: 5, section 3. Was steadfast. Confirmed by a penalty upon transgressors. Every transgression. Nothing is plainer in all Jewish history than that obedience to the law was rewarded and disobedience punished. How shall we escape? How then, if this was true of the law, can we hope to escape if he neglects the message of the Son? So great salvation. Not a temporal, but eternal salvation, the salvation of the gospel,” Page 613.
e. Matthew Henry wrote: “From the great loss we shall sustain if we do not take this earnest heed to the things which we have heard: We shall let them slip…Those meet with an inconceivable loss who let gospel truths, which they had received, slip out of their minds; they have lost a treasure far better than thousands of gold and silver; the seed is lost, their time and pains in hearing loss, and their hopes of a good harvest lost; all is lost, if the gospel is lost…This consideration should be a strong motive both to our attention to the gospel and our retention of it; and indeed, if we do not well attend, we shall not long retain the word of God; inattentive hearers will soon be forgetful hearers,” Page 1286. Let’s consider,
C. Other warnings to the Hebrews. Paul wrote: “Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord: Looking diligently lest any man fails of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled; Lest there be any…as Esau, who for one morsel of meat sold his birthright…for he found no place of repentance, though he sought it carefully with tears,” Hebrews 12:14-17. We have discussed this verse already so we will pass by it now. Paul continued,
1. First, "Take heed, brethren, lest there be an evil heart of unbelief in any of you, in departing from the living God,” Hebrews 3:12-14.
a. The warning, “take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you.” Give attention to this.
b. The sin, “an evil heart of unbelief.” Beware of an evil heart of unbelief.
c. The results "in departing from the living God." An evil heart can cause one to depart from the living God. This will be possible due to the deceit of sin, their unbelief, and disobedience!
d. B. W. Johnson wrote: "Take heed … lest, etc. They fell from unbelief, which led them to depart from God. Take heed, lest you Hebrew Christians seeking the heavenly rest should fall. But exhort one another daily. Continually stir each other to duty, lest you be hardened against God's voice by the deceitfulness of sin. How sin deceives us by making false promises of happiness and safety,” Page 616-617.
e. Matthew Henry: “He enforces the admonition with an affectionate compellation: "Brethren, not only in the flesh, but in the Lord; brethren whom I love, and for whose welfare I labor and long." And here he enlarges upon the matter of the admonition: Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief in departing from the living God. Here observe (1.) A heart of unbelief is an evil heart. Unbelief is a great sin; it vitiates the heart of man. (2.) An evil heart of unbelief is at the bottom of all our sinful departures from God; it is a leading step to apostasy; if we allow ourselves to distrust God, we may soon desert him. (3.) Christian brethren need to be cautioned against apostasy. Let those who think they stand to take heed lest they fall," Page 1298-1299. —What a different view here than John Calvin and others: who ignore the truth of the scriptures.
2. Further, "Let us labor, therefore, to enter into that rest, lest any man falls after the same example of unbelief,” Hebrews 4:11-14. Remain vigilant and busy to enter into that rest. Lest any of us also fall through the same example of unbelief.
a. The warning, “Let us labor to enter into that rest.”
b. The sin, “The same example of unbelief.”
3. The results, “Lest any man fall.” What? Lest any man fall. Does “any man” include the “elect?”
3. Next, "For it is impossible for those once enlightened to have tasted the heavenly gift…If they shall fall away, 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.
a. The warning, “It is impossible for those…who tasted of the heavenly gift... to renew them again unto repentance.”
b. The sin, “Seeing they crucify…the Son of God; and put Him to an open shame.”
c. The results, “If they shall fall away.” Fall away from what?
d. B. W. Johnson wrote: “If they fall away. Apostatize from the faith. To renew them to repentance. He is so far fallen that he has no capacity left for repentance. Judas the Apostate sorrowed, but his sorrows became despair. There was remorse but not repentance. Crucify…the Son of God afresh. By rejecting Christ, they place themselves with those who rejected him and crucified him because he affirmed that he was the Son of God. Those meant are not those “overtaken in a fault,” or backsliders only, but men once Christians…who not only turned away from but (now also) oppose Christ,” Page 621-622.
4. Again, “For if we sin willfully after that, we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins…Of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God and counted the blood of the Covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace?” Hebrews 10:26-29. Observe,
a. The warning: “If we sin willfully.” Who are these being mentioned? It included those he now writes to, himself and all believers. If we sin willfully, with intent, lustful desires, habitually. We are in danger of falling from the grace of God. And if this be so,
b. The results: “How much sorer punishment, suppose you, shall he be thought worthy?” What punishment is Paul referencing? Who is in danger of such punishment?
c. The sin: “Who hath?” Those that have committed these offenses. Those that have received the knowledge of the truth. For them, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins. Christ will not return to earth and offer Himself again in sacrifice for their sins. What remaineth is "a certain fearful looking for (the) judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries,” Hebrews 10:27. Consider,
1) Here, the “elect of God" are being classed: as the “adversaries” or the “enemies of God.”
2) They were once the “enlightened saints,” but now the adversaries of God, awaiting His judgment and fiery indignation.
3) The New Greek/English Interlinear New Testament reads: "But some terrible expectation of judgment and a blaze of fire being about to consume the ones opposed," Page 774. The NRSV, Hebrews 10:27.
4) Not a very good portrait of these saints. Their sins have caused their destruction!
d. Paul continued: "Who hath:” Who are these who have done such terrible things to the Godhead? The Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost.
1) One, “Trodden underfoot the Son of God?” These are the "salt that has lost its savor.” Which is good for nothing: “but to be cast out, and trodden under foot of men,” Matthew 5:13. They are likened to a swine. Consider,
a) Jesus said: “Give not that which is holy unto the dogs, neither cast you (your) pearls before (the) swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn again and rend you,” Matthew 7:6.
b) Peter wrote: “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 to turn from the holy commandment delivered unto them after they have known it. But it is happened unto them according to the true proverb: The dog has turned to his vomit again; and the sow that was washed to her wallowing in the mire,” 2 Peter 2:20-22.
c) These are the saints who once knew the way of righteousness and tasted the good things to come but now have turned from the holy commandments delivered unto them. They have become: "The dog that has turned to his vomit again; and the sow (the prize-winning hog), that was washed (made clean) to her wallowing in the mire." What a sad and terrible end for those who: “Let so great salvation slip from their hearts and out of their hands.” Recall, however,
d) According to Calvin, these could only be the “elect of God.” It sounds like they have fallen far from God, into the sinful abyss, resulting from their departing from the living God. They also have,
2) Two, “Counted the blood of the covenant:” The Covenant of Christ.
a) “Wherewith he was sanctified,” to serve the living God.
b) “An unholy thing?” Counting the precious blood of Christ, an unholy thing, 1 Peter 1:18-19.
c) How shall they escape if they neglect so great a salvation?
3) Three, “And Hath done despite the Spirit of grace?” They have now done despise to the Holy Spirit of grace. Like Ananias and Sapphira, who lied unto the Holy Ghost and fell dead before the whole church, Acts 5:1-11. These were saints judged by the Holy Spirit, not having a chance to repent or be forgiven by God. They had not lied unto men but unto God!
4) May I ask of the Calvinists. Are these the elect sinning willfully before God?
5) Remember, all the non-elect are already condemned to hell. I will not let them shy away now by saying: "these weren't the elect of God." To admit such is to infer that God does not know: Who He has “called and elected" into the “way of righteousness.”
a) What a bold and contradictive doctrine!
b) That the God of heaven calls His very elect but does not know who are His faithful.
c) Or, worse, God calls His “elect” but will save them regardless of their unfaithfulness and sinful conditions.
d) To what ends will false teachers degenerate into a strange vine before God? Jeremiah 2:21.
e) Rather than confessing: “Be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life,” Revelations 2:10; 2 Timothy 4:16-18; 1 Peter 5:1-4. B. W. Johnson commented on these verses.
e. He wrote: “For if we sin willfully. Deliberately trample underfoot Christ's will; (we) apostatize from the faith in life. We have, in that case, rejected Christ, the only sacrifice for sin. There remains instead a looking for judgment. Cut off from the hope of salvation by rejecting Christ; one has only judgment and punishment to look forward to. He that despised Moses' law'...had no remission. When proved guilty by two or three witnesses, his fate was death. See Num. 15:30–36; Deut. 13:6–10. There was mercy for the ignorant, the mistaken, those "overtaken," but not for the deliberate despiser...of how much sorer punishment. Where much is given, much is required. How great the sin of the apostate! Trodden under-foot the Son of God. Counted the blood of the Covenant, the blood of Christ, the blood by which he was sanctified (cleansed from the guilt of sin), and treated this blood as if it was unholy—done despite unto the (Spirit) of grace. Reject(ing) all the work, the words, the preaching, the pleadings of the Holy Spirit. A fearful thing for the sinner who has despised God's mercy; for the apostate who has trampled it underfoot," Page 632. Let me remind you again that this is the teaching of Calvinism. The propagation of “once saved, always saved,” by some, i.e., the “elect and chosen” of God. I want to confess that,
NOTE: I sense in this teaching not only religious bias but also racial prejudice. Some religious groups once believed and taught that people of color had no souls. They might not believe this now, but those believing this error are behaving like it is so, beginning at the highest levels of government and religion. The man of faith will not align himself with those seeking to deny some Americans their “right to vote.”
1) But the Republican Party has set forth this plan. I wonder if Mitt Romney, a Republican, considers himself an “elect of God?”
2) His recent vote to confirm Ketanji Brown Jackson to the Supreme Court cannot annul his vote against the recent: “Civil Rights’ Legislations.”
3) I pray for this Nation. God will permit both men and women to be elected to congressional offices that stand for truth, justice, and righteousness: with unwavering faith in God and the Nation. Returning to the lesson,
f. Conclusion: Who are these that have despised the grace of God? It could not be the ungodly or the non-elect. They are not even in the faith (according to Calvinism). They are eternally condemned to hell per their doctrine.
1) They could only be the “elect or chosen of God.” They are the only ones who: “Have received the knowledge of the truth; and are sinning willfully.”
a) What a disgraceful doctrine: once saved, always saved.
b) Remember, according to their doctrine: “the ‘elect or chosen ones’ are predestined to glory" (even in this undone and sinful condition). (Insertion is mine).
c) Who could believe such a damnable doctrine with a sane mind and faithful heart?
2) Paul could only be referring to: “the saints who are sinning willfully,” who have “fallen from God’s grace through their unbelief, disobedience, and the deceitfulness of sin,” Hebrews 3:12-13; Hebrews 4:11.
3) Remember Paul’s “somber warning” unto them, Hebrews 2:1-4. These have indeed: “Neglected so great salvation; and have let the things heard, slip away from them!”
4) Is there hope for the saints? Only through true repentance and returning to God’s grace for His forgiveness.
5. Finally, “Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man (draws) back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him. But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition (destruction); but of them, who believe in saving the soul,” Hebrews 10:38-39.
NOTE: Read also 10:30-37. These verses tell the saints why they should hold fast to the profession of their faith. God is faithful to all His promises. Consider,
6. Other New Testament evidence of “forsaking and falling from the faith.”
a. Paul wrote to Timothy: “Demas hath forsaken me, having loved this present world, and is departed unto Thessalonica," 2 Timothy 4:10; 1 John 2:15-17. Paul sent the other ministers to their destinations. But Demas hath forsaken Paul and the faith.
b. James wrote to the Jews: "Brethren if any of you do err from the truth, and one convert him; Let him know, that he which converteth the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins,” James 5:19-20.
1) I wonder if James had Peter in mind when he wrote these verses in his Letter to the saints?
2) He knew of the offense at Antioch and attended the Conference in Jerusalem.
3) James quoted the prophet Amos, which settled the Gentiles’ inclusion into the faith: “by the grace of God,” Acts 15:13-18; Amos 9:11-12.
c. Paul warned the Corinthians: “Take heed lest they fall,” 1 Corinthians 10:11-13. But to be: “steadfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labor is not in vain in the Lord,” 1 Corinthians 15:58.
d. John warns his children: “Look to yourselves, that we lose not those things which we have wrought, but that we receive a full reward,” 2 John 1:8. This was John's warning against deceivers, who "abideth not in the doctrine of Christ," 2 John 1:7-11. To receive the "full reward," he desired that they "abide in the doctrine of Christ, to have both the Father and the Son,” 2 John 1:9.
e. Peter advised the Jewish saints: “To beware lest ye also, be led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your steadfastness,” 2 Peter 3:17-18. Now, let's look into Peter’s mind with more illumination. Let’s investigate his writings on how to safeguard ourselves from falling from our steadfastness in the faith. Recall our discussion on this in Jude’s Letter? Proceeding to a conclusion, let’s consider,
D. Peter's warnings and safeguards. He grants his audience some suitable warnings and safeguards to hold fast to their profession of faith. We will now hear from one apostle who had, in fact: "failed the Lord" in His hours of trial, suffering, and death.
1. The Lord’s rebuke of Peter, Luke 22:31-32. Peter continued to have a heart of fear way into his apostleship. However, he stood before the Jewish Council and demonstrated unwavering courage in his preaching: "in the name of Jesus," Acts 4:19-20; Acts 5:29. Peter, again demonstrates a heart of fear before the “men from James” in Antioch. He was given a stern rebuke before all.
2. Paul’s rebuke of Peter, Galatians 2:11-16. Peter failed to stand up to the brothers spreading contentions and division in the church regarding circumcision and the law. Notice,
a. Peter's fear of criticism, and the challenges by those of the “circumcision,” or the “men from James,” Acts 15:1-5. He dissimulated himself (committed hypocrisy) before the Gentiles when the men from James came to Antioch. Fortunately, Paul was in the assembly when this occurred.
b. Paul’s rebuke saved Peter from himself and his fears of the Pharisees (who became Christians) but insisted that the Gentiles needed to conform to the law and circumcision to be saved. Peter feared their condemnation of the Gentiles, and for his fellowship (eating with them), without any segregation between them and the Jewish saints.
c. Leadership brings on circumstances that either build their faith or cause them to error unto their destruction. Peter would find his courage after Paul's open rebuke for his sin before the church at Antioch.
d. Paul calls out Peter for his hypocrisy. Because: "he walked not uprightly according to the gospel's truth," Galatians 2:11-16.
e. Years have passed since this incident, and Peter is now a hardened veteran for the Lord. Having a background of weakness and indecisiveness, he can call upon God’s divine revelation and his failures in this matter he has now overcome. Beloved,
1) We write these words to alert some of you that stand before God’s people and “reason of righteousness, temperance, and the judgment to come. (Like) Felix, (many) hearing might tremble, but answer as he did: ‘Go thy way for this time; when I have a (more) convenient season, I will call for thee (I will hear from thee, O’ Lord),’” Acts 24:25. (Insertions are mine).
a) Sin causes the seekers of the faith to close their eyes and hearts from the word of the Lord.
b) After sin and deceitfulness set in, it causes believers to: "fall from their steadfastness."
c) Jeremiah wrote: “The heart is deceitful above all things, and (it is) desperately wicked: who can know it?” Jeremiah 17:9; Jeremiah 16:12.
2) The shameful truth is that a more convenient season might not ever come. And your end for such neglect will be your ruin. Therefore: "To him, that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is a sin," James 4:17.
3) Paul’s rebuke saved Peter from eternal destruction. God’s servant must be a voice of reasoning unto the people. He cannot “go along, to get along.” Ultimately, like Cain: “If thou doest well, shalt thou not be accepted? And if thou doest not well, sin lieth at the door,” Genesis 4:7.
4) Substitution and neglect are the sins of disobedience and unbelief! Hold forth the truth, and "be about your Father’s business,” Luke 2:49. Let’s now hear from God’s servant Peter,
3. He wrote: “According to His divine power (He) hath given unto us (saints) all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him that hath called us to glory and virtue: Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these you might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped to corruption that is in the world through lust,” 2 Peter 1:3-4. Observe,
a. Great and precious promises. Peter writes of the exceeding great and precious promises. He will now tell us how to remain faithful: "to make our calling and election sure.” He continues,
b. Giving all diligence. He wrote: “And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith:”
1) Virtue, the word in Gr., is arete or ar-et'-ay, which means manliness (valor), i.e., excellence: —praise, virtue, Philippians 4:8; 1 Peter 2:9; 2 Peter 1:3; and 2 Peter 1:5.
2) Knowledge, the word in Gr., is gnosis or gno'-sis, which means, to know, or (the act), i.e., to acquire understanding: —knowledge, or science, Romans 15:14; 2 Corinthians 4:6; Ephesians 3:19.
3) Temperance, the word in Gr., is egkrateia or eng-krat'-i-ah, which means self-control (especially continence): —temperance, Acts 24:25; Galatians 5:23; 2 Peter 1:6.
4) Patience, the word in Gr., is hypomone or hoop-om-on-ay', which means cheerful (or hopeful) endurance, constancy: —enduring, patience, patient continuance (waiting), Luke 8:15; Luke 21:19; Romans 15:4-5; Colossians 1:11.
5) Godliness, the word in Gr., is eusebeia or yoo-seb'-i-ah, which means purity; especially, the gospel scheme: —godliness, holiness, 1 Timothy 2:2; 1 Timothy 3:16; 1 Timothy 6:3; 2 Peter 1:3.
6) Brotherly love, the word in Gr., is Philadelphia or fil-ad-el-fee'-ah, which means fraternal affection: —brotherly love (kindness), love of the brethren, Romans 12:10, 1 Thessalonians 4:9; Hebrews 13:1; 1 Peter 1:22.
7) Charity, the word in Gr., is agape or ag-ah'-pay, which means, love, i.e., affection or benevolence; especially in a love-feast: — (feast of) charity(-ably), dear, love, John 15:13-14; Romans 5:8; Romans 12:9; 1 Corinthians 13:13; 1 Corinthians 16:14; Galatians 5:6; Ephesians 6:23; 1 John 4:17; 1 John 5:3. Observe, Peter’s use of the conjunction (for),
c. For if these things are in you, and abound: “They make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ,” 2 Peter 1:8. What things are Peter referencing in this demonstrative pronoun? "If these things are in you and abound." Observe,
1) First, he references the: "exceeding great and precious promises," 2 Peter 1:4. These are the blessing given to us from the Lord; as a result, the divine nature we now share with Him (the new man, the new creature), 1 Peter 1:22-23; Ephesus 2:10; 2 Corinthians 5:17.
2) Second, if we have added unto our faith these “seven graces”: “we shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ,” 2 Peter 1:8; 2 Peter 1:6-9; 2 Peter 3:18; 1 Peter 2:1-3.
3) Third, if we “give all diligence, to make our calling and election sure,” 2 Peter 1:10a-b. This we have done, and now can be assured that our calling and election have been assured by the power of the Lord Jesus Christ.
4) Fourth, then if we (continue) in doing these things, “we shall never fall,” 2 Peter 1:10c. By continuing in these things, we shall never fall from the grace of God; nor depart from the faith of the gospel, Galatians 1:6-9; Galatians 5:4; Hebrews 12:15. However,
d. But he that lacketh these things: “Is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins,” 2 Peter 1:9; Hebrews 1:3. What things again does Peter refer to? Without a doubt, the seven graces mention earlier in this text. If the graces are absent, he is blind and cannot see very far. He has forgotten Christ has forgiven him of all his past sins and transgressions.
e. Conclusion: “Wherefore the rather, brethren, give the diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, you shall never fall: For so an entrance shall have ministered unto us abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ," 2 Peter 1:10-11. Let’s look more closely at what Peter wrote. Observe,
1) Brethren, give diligence. These are those having:
a) First, “Been called into His glory and virtue."
b) Second, "Been given exceeding great and precious promises."
c) Third, “That by these we might be partakers of the divine nature.”
d) Fourth, “Having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.”
e) Summary: It was to the brethren (the saints); that these promises were being made. Those who have been partakers of the divine nature (the new man) have escaped the world's corruption through lust. The graces to be added to their faith were to make them fruitful in the knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ. However, those lacking these graces: are blind, cannot see afar off and hath forgotten that they were purged from their old sins. Who are these that are blind and forgetful of God's love and kindness? Are they the "elect and chosen" of God? Listen to Peter,
2) The phrase “to make" is a verb that guarantees: “Their calling and election will be sure.” These must undoubtedly be the Calvinists: the “called and elect of God.” This sentence contains the: "called and elect" of God, as in Romans 8:28-30; Ephesians 1:4-5. Consider,
a) The word “calling” in Gr., is klesis or klay'-sis, which means an invitation: —calling, 2 Peter 1:10; Matthew 11:28-30. This calling, by the way, is given unto all, John 3:16; 1 Timothy 1:3-7; Romans 10:11-13. Unlike Calvinism, these verses ensure that all believers can be saved if they: “Obey out of the heart that form of doctrine,” Romans 6:17-18; Romans 10:16-17; 1 Peter 1:22-23; 1 Peter 3:20-22.
b) The word “election” in Gr., is ekloge or ek-log-ay', which means a (divine) selection: —chosen, or election, 2 Peter 1:10; Ephesians 1:3-14; Colossians 1:1-8; Colossians 1:23-29.
c) The saints are the redeemed of God. The “called and elect” ones. It does not sound like their “predestination” was as secure as the Calvinists claim. Some were blind, and others were fruitful. Both were admonished to "add to their faith…to make their calling and election sure." I wish I had some help right about now! Now which of these are the "predestinated" that Calvin and others believe will be saved without any work of righteousness?
NOTE: Predestination, what has God predestined to those that he has called? Calvinism affirms it is salvation under any cause. However, the word “predestination” as used by Paul does not suggest this error. Let me quote Paul in the Roman Letter. He wrote: “And we know that all things…For whom He (God) foreknew, He also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren. Moreover, whom He did predestinate, them He also called, them He also justified: and whom He justified; them He also glorified,” Romans 8:28-30. Observe,
i. Calvinism, “Whom God called, He predestinated some to heaven, and others to hell.”
ii. Paul, “Whom God foreknew, He did predestinate to be conformed to the image of His Son,” Romans 8:29; Ephesians 1:5; John 1:11-12; Galatians 3:26-27; Galatians 4:4-7.
iii. Conclusion: Sounds like Calvin got it all wrong. God’s predestination was that those whom: “He foreknew, He called, and He justified, and He glorified. That they should: “Conform to the image of His Son, Christ Jesus,” Romans 8:29; 1 Corinthians 6:11; 2 Peter 1:3-4; Philippians 3:20-21; 1 John 3:2. Let’s continue our exposition,
d) The word “sure” in Gr., is bebaios or beb'-ah-you, which means to be stable: —firm, of force, steadfast, or sure. This is the same word Paul has been using in his warning to the Hebrews. Now Peter admonishes,
3) Notice, “If you do these things, you shall never fall.” What are the things needed to be done? Let’s dig a little deeper!” Looking more intently into this sentence': phrases, verbs, pronouns, and particles. Stay with me; this is going to get good!
a) The verb, and present active particle: “if you do” in Gr., is poieo or poy-eh'-o, which means to make or do (a thing): —to abide, content, continue’ to execute, exercise, or fulfill; to hold, to perform, or complete a thing, that which contains a promise.
b) The phrase, a demonstrative pronoun: “these things” in Gr., is tauta or tow'-tah, meaning the things: — afterward, or previously mentioned. In this case, adding to your faith…virtue, love, etc. (After that, you will secure yourself to the promise.) Stay with me; we are almost there!
c) The phrase, with the disjunctive particle: “never” in Gr., is me or may, which is a primary particle of qualifying negation, i.e., not, lest, whether: —any but (that), neither, never, without, etc. (Definition shorten for brevity). The negative particle "never," combined with the verb "fall," completes the phrase: "you shall never fall." Observe,
d) The verb, second person plural, “fall” in Gr., is the verb ptaio or ptah'-yo, which means to trip, i.e., to err, sin, fail (of salvation): —fall, offend, stumble. The verb ptaio, when used with the disjunctive particle me, means: “to never fall from grace, or fail in the grace of God.” Let’s be clear here: to never fall is predicated on: adding to your faith…virtue, love, etc., as mentioned before in phrases: “Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence: to make your calling and election sure,” 2 Peter 1:10a. If you do these things, you make your: “Calling and election sure,” 2 Peter 1:10b. And you through these things: “Shall never fall,” 2 Peter 1:10c.
NOTE: The New Greek/English Interlinear New Testament translates this verse as: “Therefore, rather, brethren, be diligent to make your; calling and election sure, for these things [by] doing by no means will you stumble [even] once,” Page 814. The NRSV, 2 Peter 2:10.
e) Now I think we have it. If (the saints) add these graces to their faith, they shall never fall. However, if they fail to add them, they shall be in danger of falling from their steadfastness and God’s grace. This doctrinal truth, however, does not agree with the Calvinist’s position: once saved, always saved. On the contrary, this truth opposes their man-made teaching of error. Please, remember,
NOTE: Peter was being guided by the Holy Spirit and from his experiential knowledge of this subject of: "falling from his steadfastness." The same cautions are given today: Add to our faith…virtue, love, etc. “To make our calling and election sure: if we do these things, we shall never fall,” 2 Peter 1:10. Peter concludes,
4) For so an entrance: “Shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ,” 2 Peter 1:11; 2 Timothy 4:16-18. We have discussed the kingdom of God in many sermons now on SermonCentral.com. You have been a kind and considerate audience. Therefore, we will now move to the conclusion of this lesson.
4. Peter acknowledges Paul. Calling him a “beloved brother,” Peter 3:15-18. Peter has been "converted and is now strengthening his brothers.” Ministers should acknowledge the word and contributions of their counterparts: it demonstrates humility and goodwill.
E. Final summation. What has been uncovered in Christ’s apostles’ cautions and warnings are five things that can cause the sin of falling away: "from grace, or our steadfastness." We must not be "ignorant to Satan's devices," 2 Corinthians 2:11. As I begin to close, let me illustrate each one of them from the scriptures we have already discussed. They are,
1. First, unbelief: “Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God," Hebrews 3:12-14. It will be through unbelief one will depart from the faith. Unbelief will hinder the searcher of truth from accepting the scriptures contrary to their own beliefs. Disbelief in the word of God can cause one to deny and reject the truth. Remember the Lord Jesus: "He that believeth on me as the scripture hath said," John 7:38.
2. Second, transgression and disobedience: “For if the word spoken by angels was steadfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just recompense of reward,” Hebrews 2:2. As these were not tolerated under the Old Covenant, so are they not overlooked under the New! But every transgression and disobedience shall be given God’s just recompense of reward. Due entirely because He is: “The Just and justifier of them that believeth in Jesus,” Romans 3:23-26.
3. Third, neglect: “How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation,” Hebrews 2:3. Also, “Therefore we ought to give the more earnest heed to the things we have heard, lest we should let them slip,” Hebrews 2:1. Jesus said: “Take heed, therefore, how you hear,” Luke 8:18.
4. Fourth, self-reliance: “Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he falls," 1 Corinthians 10:12-13. Trust in God’s power to help you stand, for He is faithful that promises. The saints' stand must be first with their faith and trust in God and, then, their willing obedience to His word. There is a “power that worketh in us,” Ephesians 3:20-21; Philippians 2:12-13.
5. Fifth, error of the wicked: “To beware lest ye also, be led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your steadfastness,” 2 Peter 3:17-18. Peter wrote: “But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them and bring upon themselves swift destruction. And many shall follow their pernicious ways; causing the way of truth shall be evil spoken about irreverently. And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you: whose judgment now of a long time lingereth not, and their damnation slumbereth not,” 2 Peter 2:1-3. Consider,
a. Our salvation is in Christ. His word not only enlightens us to His way, but it "sanctifieth us through its truths,” John 17:17; 1 Corinthians 6:11.
b. David wrote: “Thou art near, O LORD, and all of thy commandments are truth,” Psalms 119:151; Psalms 119:142. He also wrote: “The word of the Lord is right; and all his works are done in truth,” Psalms 33:4.
c. Conclusion: The real weakness and failure of anyone claiming to believe and trust in God’s word; is in their apprehension in acknowledging the scriptures when the truth does not conform to their current teachings and beliefs. They cannot submit themselves to the will of God and accept His word in all matters of faith, doctrine, and living.
NOTE: Illustrate Apollos’ Conversion to the truth of the gospel. He was willing to be instructed in “the way of God more perfectly,” Acts 18:24-28.
1) Some will now reject the truth presented in this lesson even though you are reading the scriptures for yourself. Why is this so?
2) You do not reverence, trust, or have a confident belief in the word of God. You will hold to all your previous beliefs, although they are opposing and inconsistent with the Holy Scriptures.
3) This failure in your faith is the real sign of unbelief, disobedience, and rejection of the word of the Lord, John 12:48. Be an “Apollos” today! Then help others: “learn the way of God more perfectly,” Acts 18:26; Psalms 51:9-13.
4) I trust that I have not: “become your enemy, because I told you the truth,” Galatians 4:16. For we can: “do nothing against the truth, but for the truth,” 2 Corinthians 13:8.
6. Conclusion: The scriptures have validated that some saints in the first Century lost their way in the faith. Some were indeed lost, but others recovered. Remember, we were to allow the Holy Scriptures to answer whether or not the Calvinist’s view of “predestination, and the once saved, always saved” doctrine: was the teaching of the New Testament. The scriptures have concluded: that the saints or children of God: “Can fall from God’s grace, be removed from the gospel, and depart from the faith?” I trust you have been listening to the word of God. It will ultimately have the final word in Judgment (when the books are opened). I pray this lesson has helped those seeking to know the "way of God more perfectly?" As I begin to close this lesson-series, let me quickly remind you: the listeners….
CONCLUSION
A. Outline.
1. The saints’ removal from the gospel
2. The saints’ departure from the faith
3. The saints’ falling from God’s grace
B. Summarize main points.
1. First, we considered the saints’ removal from the gospel and the grace of God. To the Galatians, Paul wrote: “I marvel that you are so soon removed from Him…the grace of Christ unto another gospel, which is not another…pervert the gospel of Christ,” Galatians 1:6-9. These babes in Christ were being troubled by evil teachers (false brothers), who caused them to “be removed from the grace of Christ." Their removal from the gospel caused them also to be removed from the grace and goodness of Christ, Galatians 1:4. The work and care of stronger brothers restored them to the truth in Christ, and the grace of God," Galatians 4:17-20; Galatians 6:1-10; James 5:19-20.
2. Second, we discussed the saints’ departure from the faith. To Timothy, Paul wrote: “Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirit, and doctrines of devils; Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron; Forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from meats, which God hath created to be received with thanksgiving of them that believe and know the truth,” 1 Timothy 4:1-3. He gives Timothy a similar warning after charging him to: “preach the word…reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine. For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine…and shall turn away their ears from the truth…make full proof of thy ministry," 2 Timothy 4:1-5. Such a charge and warning would not be necessary if the believers, the "elect of God," could not depart from the faith. The apostles are writing about those who once had embraced the faith. Still, now they are "turning away their ears from the truth, and being turned unto fables (lies and false teachings).
3. Lastly, we investigated the saints’ falling from God’s grace. The apostle wrote: "Christ has become no effect unto you, whosoever are justified by the law; you are fallen from grace," Galatians 5:4. Here it is! Anything that diverts our faith and trust from the gospel of Christ will cause us to fall from the grace of God. There can be no other message: "saving Jesus Christ and Him crucified," 1 Corinthians 2:1-5. The storms of the Judaizing doctrines of combining faith in Christ with the law and circumcision were taught as necessary for the Gentiles to be saved by grace. This teaching, however, was not ordained by God to be a part of these believers' call: "by grace through the faith in Christ Jesus," Galatians 2:16; Ephesians 2:8-9. These false teachers had to be silenced, and it was through the boldness of Paul and Barnabas that permitted the apostles and elders at Jerusalem: to stand firm in their message that called both Jews and Gentiles, "through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ,” Acts 15:7-11; Acts 15:24.
C. Invitation. Present the pattern of conversion, i.e., hearing and believing the gospel; repentance of all past sins; confessing faith in Christ, as the Son of God; and then, by obeying the gospel; that is to: “repent and be baptized, in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and to receive the gift of the Holy Ghost,” Acts 2:38; Romans 6:17-18; Ephesians 1:12-14.
D. Exhortation. Let is not be said of you: “The harvest is past, the summer is ended, and we are not saved,” Jeremiah 8:20.
E. Motivation. Do as Peter directed: “Save thyself from this untoward (wicked and ungodly) generation,” Acts 2:40; Acts 2:36-39; Acts 2:41.
I give credit to my contributors; I, therefore: "Render to all their dues: tributes to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; and honor to whom honor, (is due)," Romans 13:7. I thank and acknowledge my consultation with these distinguished authors in this lesson.
References:
1. Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary on the Bible, by Matthew Henry, Christian Classics Ethereal Library, Grand Rapids, MI, 1706.
2. The People's New Testament, by B. W. Johnson, Christian Publishing Company, Grand Rapids, MI, 1891.
3. The New Greek-English Interlinear New Testament; United Bible Societies,’ Fourth, Corrected Edition, Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Wheaton, IL, 1990.
4. Textus Receptus, taken from the Greek Text of Stephens 1550, The Englishman’s Greek New Testament, Zondervan Publishing House, Grand Rapids, Michigan, First Zondervan Printing, 1970.
5. Clarke Commentary on the Bible, Eight Volumes, Published 1810-1826, New York, Published by J. Emory and B. Waugh, for the Methodist Episcopal Church, at the conference office, 13 Crosby-Street., J. Collord, Printer, 1831.
6. Vine’s Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words, by W. E. Vine, Fleming H. Revell Company, Old Tappan, NJ, Copyright, 1981.
7. Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary © 2015 by Merriam-Webster, Incorporated; Springfield, Massachusetts, 01105.
8. Merriam-Webster Online Thesaurus © 2015 by Merriam-Webster, Incorporated; Springfield, Massachusetts, 01105.
9. Smith's Bible Dictionary, William Smith, Grand Rapids, MI: Christian Classics Ethereal Library, Printing 1884.
10. Calvinism, “Predestination in Calvinism” – Wikipedia.
Ron Freeman, Evangelist
Worldwide Ministry Church of Christ.org
https://wwmchurchofchrist.org
Contact me at: wwmcoc@earthlink.net
ronald.e.freeman@wwmchurchofchrist.org
