Apostacy is dangerous
Hebrews 6:4-6 “For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost, and have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come, if they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put him to an open shame.”
Jesus Christ warned his apostles, and all believers in all ages to come, against apostacy, when he used Lot’s wife as an illustration. He said, “Remember Lot’s wife.” Telling us that once we have come to Christ, there is no going back. He further said, “No man having put his hands to the plough and looking back is fit for the kingdom of God.”
At the moment of conversion, the sinner bids farewell to the way of the world to walk in it no more. Therefore, fixing his eyes on Jesus Christ, the author and finisher (perfecter) of his faith. Turning back becometh that of the true proverb, “The dog is turned to his own vomit again; and the sow that was washed to her wallowing in the mire.”
Take heed therefore that ye give more earnest heed to the things which ye have heard, lest at any time ye should let them slip. For Apostacy is as dangerous as the sin of the devil himself. For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins, but a fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries.
He that despised Moses’ law died without mercy under two or three witnesses: of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the convenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace?
Many who were once at the Apex of Christian experience and service, have now deteriorated because they think that the imminent return of Christ as revealed in the scriptures is a mere fairytale. Their love have now waxed cold: pursing filthy lucre, thinking that gain is godliness, and hath gone the way of Demas.
Nonetheless, Christ our Lord is saying to you beloved, “A little bit more endure.” Many who were vigorous preachers of righteousness and holiness, are now scoffers of the truth. It is written “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.” Therefore, let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall.
Crucial Questions
- Is it now that you want to go back?
- Is it now that we are almost at the end of our Christian journey that you want to quit?
- Is it now that signs of the age are all ripe and glittering at us that you will retreat?
No! Strive to enter in! Until we see Jesus, we will never stop our journey halfway. Lift up your head, for redemption draweth nigh.
- Many have gone the way of Balaam.
- Many have gone the way of Ghehazi.
- Many have gone the way of Cain.
- Many have gone the way of Judas Iscariot.
- Many have gone the way of the rich young ruler.
But we will go the way of Apostle Paul. So that at the end we may boldly say “I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.”
Also Read: The prison door is open
Reagan Azoyenime is a born again Christian and an undergraduate student of Ambrose Ali University, Nigeria. He writes edifying Christian messages centred on salvation in Christ and holiness.
E-mail: razoyenime@gmail.com
