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Post by maggie on Mar 26, 2010 6:30:16 GMT -5
i am still in study of Romans, I have been praying and studying because i know the pastor from the freewill church will call and I want to be able to answer him for my beliefs. this "falling away" is what they pretty much base a lot of their doctrine on. But this am in bible study, I looked up the word apostacy, it said an abandonment of what one previously professed. Holy Spirit then led me to matthew the parrable of the sower. All I am asking is if Iam on the right track, those who "fall" away are they the ones who never took root? Never were truly born again? those with religion not relationship? is that why the Lord said depart from me ye workers of iniquity?
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Post by Brother Ben on Mar 26, 2010 12:50:32 GMT -5
That is exactly what apostasy means in that context (personal as opposed to corporate.) When a person falls away, it is not to mistaken from a case of "backsliddenness." A believer may become backslidden, but if one indeed "falls away," it is an evidence that they never establishes proper relationship. You dictionary, (or whatever source you used,) said:
There is a BIG difference between profession and possession. Now here is where there is some difference in the body of Christ. Some, (of valid N.T. faith,) believe one can fall away from their salvation. I would disagree and say they fell away from their "profession." The fact that they "fell away," is evidence of that. I have probably posted the following verse 100's of times, but it is my "proof text," for legitimate relationship.
Jhn 10:27 My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me:
Some follow closer that others, but they follow. If someone "falls away," and never comes back to Christ, they, according to this text, prove that they were not one of his sheep. Put simply, his sheep follow.
Some mistake the doctrine of perserverence as "Calvinistic," but it is very much not so, it is simple bible truth. The fact is, the ones still following at the end of life are his sheep. If someone departs from their "profession" and (imortantly here,) NEVER come back to the Lord, they have no hope of heaven. The fact that they could walk away from their profession and never feel the least inkling of conviction and remorse for their sinful departure and ways, is evidence that the Holy Spirit of God does not abide in their heart to convict them of their dangerous ways.
A point to be carefully observed is the difference between personal and corporate apostasy. There are verse in the N.T. that imply loosing salvation IF they are not divided correctly. Here is one:
Rom 11:20 Well; because of unbelief they were broken off, and thou standest by faith. Be not highminded, but fear: Rom 11:21 For if God spared not the natural branches, [take heed] lest he also spare not thee.
Here the Apostle Paul is explaining why Israel was broken off. It was unbelief. He then goes on to tell the Gentile beleivers not to become highminded unless they (corporately,) do the same thing, become guilty of unbelief, and he cuts them off.
Again, notice his admonition to the church a Corinth:
1Cr 15:1 ΒΆ Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; 1Cr 15:2 By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain. He was addressing the body of Christ at Corinth and all believers everywhere just what the gospel is. He then warns, that they, corporately, keep in memory what he preached to them, unless they beleive in vain and let the truth of the gospel slip away and it leaves their group, and there is no salvation to offer those who they minister to. This has happened to many a group. Read the book, 'Eternity In Their Hearts,' by Don Richardson. He gives detailed accounts of people groups all over the globe that knew the Creator God, but they forgot him and his ways, and his truth departed from them and they went into paganism until the missionaries came. This is why some foreign countries are sending missionaries here now. Wow! How America has fallen.
So the age old battle, some say, "He lost it." while other say, "He never had it." Judgement Day will reveal the truth. This is why Paul admonished:
2Cr 13:5 Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faithove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?
and Peter said:
2Pe 1:10 Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall:
You make sure you are saved. Don't let someone tell you: 1. You said the prayer. 2. You've been baptized. 3. Your a good church member. 4. You teach Sunday School. 5. You've lead a soul to Christ, etc.
Arminians, Calvinists, and those in between will not reconcile this side of heaven. But when you strip all the "ism" away from it, you have this truth:
Jhn 10:27 My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me:
Do we hear him? Does he know us (as his?) Are we following?
My thoughts, Bro. Ben
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