What About Those
Who Do Fall Away
I John 2:19
It cannot be denied that many do depart
from Christ, forsake the gospel, fall away from the faith, and leave the
What about them? Do these examples of
apostasy prove that men and women who are truly born again by the grace of God
can be lost? Certainly not! That conclusion would be directly contrary to the
plain statements of the Word of God and all the doctrines of the gospel. The
multitudes who leave Christ never truly knew Christ. Those who leave the church
were never part of the Church. Those who forsake the way of faith,
never had true, saving faith in Christ. But these apostates do stand as beacons
to warn and instruct all who profess faith in Christ. We should learn from them
that...
1. Anyone
who can leave Christ will leave him.
2. There is
a false faith by which many are deceived.
3. Salvation
is by grace alone.
4. The one,
ultimate proof of faith is perseverance in faith. "He that endureth to the
end shall be saved." The test of time is the sure test of faith.
Experience, profession, deeds, and feelings are nothing. We are made partakers
of Christ only "if we holdfast the beginning of our confidence steadfast
unto the end."
Don Fortner