January 25, 2002
It is impossible for those who have once been enlighted, who have tested the heavenly gift, who have shared in the Holy Spirit, who have tasted the goodness of the word of God and the powers of the coming age, if they fall away, to be brought back to repentance, because to their loss they are crucifying the Son of God all over again and subjecting him to public disgrace. Land that drink in the rain often falling on it and that produces a crop useful to those for whom it is farmed receives the blessings of God. But land that produces thorns and thistles is worthless and is in danger of being cursed. In the end it will be burned. Hebrews 6:4-8 (NIV)
If we deliberately keep on sinning after we have received the knowledge of the truth, no sacrifice for sins is left, but only a fearful expectation of judgment and of raging fire that will consume the enemies of God. Anyone who rejected the law of Moses died without mercy on the testimony of two or three witnesses. How much more severely do you think a man deserves to be punished who has trampled the Son of God under foot, who has treated as an unholy thing the blood of the covenant that sanctified him, and who has insulted the Spirit of grace? Hebrews 10:26-29 (NIV)
Pay attention to him and listen to what he says. Do not rebel against him; he will not forgive your rebellion, since my Name is in him. Exodus 23:21 (NIV)
Once saved always saved? Well, I know that is a very popular teaching and to a point, I do believe it. However, what of the person who is living a lifestyle of sin and knows he or she is living contrary to the word of God? In the King James Bible the word blasphemy is used. What is blasphemy and who can commit it? In looking at scripture, I have come to realize that only those who have had the indwelling of the Holy Spirit can blaspheme him. To rebel continually against the Holy Spirit in living a lifestyle of sin could possibly fit the mold for blasphemy. I will say, right here, that once you have come to a saving knowledge of Jesus and have had that lifechanging experience with him, that you would know that you have reached the point of rebellion that would lead to being cursed and burned. Salvation is not something that Jesus is going to let you give up easily. He is going to go to great lengths to give you a chance to get your life right with him. However, he says he stands at the door and knocks. He only goes where he is wanted. The teachings of the New Testament say that when you go to a town with truth and they reject it to dust your feet and walk on. Now, if Jesus only goes where he is wanted, and the Holy Spirit is the Spirit of Jesus, he will only stay your Savior if you want him to. Now, this does not include things said in a fit of anger. This is lifestyle. I don’t believe it would be easy for one to truly come to that lifechanging experience with Jesus and turn from it. Yes, you will fall. We all fall. Losing your salvation is not about falling. It is about mocking the Holy Spirit and basically telling him that you don’t want to listen, you don’t intend to listen and you are going to do whatever you want to do no matter what the consequences then telling him to go away and leave you alone. For one bought with the blood of Jesus to reach this point, there is no further hope. Jesus will not come to die again. If you tread upon him and reject him, rebelling against him to the point that you choose to no longer serve him, there is no hope. However, this day, if you question that you have reached that point, and your conscience is bothering you, I say it is not too late. As long as you feel that prick of the Holy Spirit he is still there. Turn, repent, do not continue to walk away. Return to your first love. Do not continue in your sinful ways. Get on your knees and begin the journey to learn to live a holy upright life. Do not allow satan to take you among those who are falling away. Jesus is the Lord and he is calling to you this day. Turn, follow him. Look at the love he has for you. It is his love that has drawn you. Let his love restore you.
Father, I know this is not going to be a popular message. Lord, I have searched and searched your word, yet I am still convinced that a believer can choose to walk away and never look back. Father, this day, if there be one who is in danger of this, for the sake of the name of Jesus, you bring them to their knees before you. Lord, do whatever you must do to prevent them from making a mockery of you. Lord, for the sake of your name, you go to any lengths necessary to bring them to their knees in repentance. In Jesus name, keep each one from the falling away that scripture says must come. In Jesus name show your love to each one. Right now, Holy Spirit, let each person feel the great love the Lord has for him or her. Right now, Holy Spirit, show that love beyond a doubt, the love that leads to hope. In Jesus name, let this be the time each one secures their hope in you and you alone, amen.
All rights reserved: Amy Seelbach
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