Should A Christian Fear God?

SHOULD A CHRISTIAN FEAR God?; Sermon #395; by Joe McClure on July 18,2004

At issue today is the misunderstood topic of fear.

I shall address 2 basic positions regarding fear and the Christian.

1. Some have the impression that they should be scared continually of God; even to the point that they are afraid that they might take their dying breath without having asked Gods forgiveness for any sins of ignorance they might have committed since the last time they prayed.
2. Some have the impression that once a person becomes a Christian that there is no fear involved in their relationship with God; only love.

Today we shall examine what God teaches us about the subject and how it relates to the stated positions.

There are 2 basic scriptural passages that will show these 2 differing positions.

1. Ecclesiastes 12:13--- Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this [is] the whole [duty] of man.
2. 2 Timothy 1:7-- For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.
   

FEAR GOD

As we examine position #1, which teaches us to fear God and to keep His commandments, we find a multitude of scriptures throughout the Bible that affirms this position for the children of God.

The Apostle Paul gave a similar commandment:

Position #1.

Philippians 2:12 Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.

I want you to consider for a moment the God that we serve and how powerful and wonderful that God is.

God created the heavens and the earth, and all that is.

God brought the great flood that covered the entire earth, destroying all the population of the earth except Noah and his family.

We have recorded history of many great and marvelous miracles of God, such as the parting of the Red Sea, the resurrection of Christ from the dead, and the healing of the sick.

Would you be brave enough to face God and attempt to resist His power?

We should certainly show our reverence to Almighty God and never forget that there is coming a Judgment Day.

2 Thessalonians 1:7-10 KJV-- 7 And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels, 8 In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ: 9 Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power; 10 When he shall come to be glorified in his saints, and to be admired in all them that believe (because our testimony among you was believed) in that day.

In support of the 2nd position, we have such scriptures as:

Position #2.

Romans 8:15 For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.

Hebrews 2:15 --And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage.

1 John 4:18 --There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.

It is our goal to rightly divide Gods message to the church; and to never take a position that causes the scriptures to seemingly contradict one another; so then we must study these 2 positions in view of the other.

Position #2.

John says that the Christian that fears is not made perfect or complete in the love of Christ because such fear causes torment.

Position #1:

The Apostle Paul, on the other hand, teaches us to perfect holiness, or our love to God, in the fear of God.

[Position #1]

2 Corinthians 6:17-7:1 KJV-- 17 Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean [thing]; and I will receive you, 18 And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty. [7]. 1 Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.

We know that if we refuse to obey the commandments of Christ that we will be classed among those that have rejected the gospel of Christ.

In reference to position #2 (Do Not Fear), we read a passage that speaks of Jesus Christ and how that he put on the nature of the physical man, in order that He might be partakers of this life with us, and suffer the same temptations that we suffer.

In this same passage, we see that Jesus is our deliverer from the fear of death.

Hebrews 2:14-15 KJV-- 14 Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil; 15 And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage.

What do we see in this passage regarding fear?

How should we relate to fear as Christians?

Before we became Christians, we were in bondage to the fear of death, not having an assurance of having a good outcome on the other side.

Hebrews 10:26-31 KJV-- 26 For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins, 27 But a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries. 28 He that despised Moses' law died without mercy under two or three witnesses: 29 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 covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace? 30 For we know him that hath said, Vengeance [belongeth] unto me, I will recompense, saith the Lord. And again, The Lord shall judge his people. 31 [It is] a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.

As Christians, we have the assurance in Christ that death holds no power over the children of God and that we should have no fear of death.

If you fear death, such fear indicates that you do not yet fully trust in your salvation in Christ; and in such a case, your Christian love is not complete as it should be.

1 Corinthians 15:17-26 KJV-- 17 And if Christ be not raised, your faith [is] vain; ye are yet in your sins. 18 Then they also which are fallen asleep in Christ are perished. 19 If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable. 20 But now is Christ risen from the dead, [and] become the firstfruits of them that slept. 21 For since by man [came] death, by man [came] also the resurrection of the dead. 22 For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive. 23 But every man in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ's at his coming. 24 Then [cometh] the end, when he shall have delivered up the kingdom to God, even the Father; when he shall have put down all rule and all authority and power. 25 For he must reign, till he hath put all enemies under his feet. 26 The last enemy [that] shall be destroyed [is] death.

We have been given this gospel that teaches us that Jesus Christ has risen from the dead and that the faithful in Christ will be resurrected to life everlasting.

If we believe that we should fear death, then our faith is suspect.

So far, we have dealt with one aspect of the scriptures that teaches us to not fear.

We are not to fear death; so what else are we not to fear?

Can we love God and fear God at the same time?

Does John teach us that we are not supposed to fear God and keep His commandments?

Does John teach only that we are to love God and keep His commandments?

1 John 4:14-19 KJV-- 14 And we have seen and do testify that the Father sent the Son [to be] the Saviour of the world. 15 Whosoever shall confess that Jesus is the Son of God, God dwelleth in him, and he in God. 16 And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him. 17 Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as he is, so are we in this world. 18 There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love. 19 We love him, because he first loved us.

How do you know that God loves you?

Have you believed that God has constant love to you?

Pay attention now!

In I John 4.16-19, pay attention to ALL that Jesus tells us; not just what you want to hear.

Follow my points and see if you agree with my understanding of v. 16.

*God is love

If you live daily loving as you should; then you live in God; and God lives in you.

You cannot separate [a] the Christian who loves, [b] the God of love, and [c] the love itself.

God shows His love to us by calling us sons of God.

1 John 3:1 KJV-- 1 Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not.
If you dwell in love, you dwell in God; thus if you dwell in God, you confess that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.

Expressing Godly love in my life=Confessing Jesus Christ as the Son of God.

Perfect love provides us courage to face death without fear.

All said and done, remember that Jesus said If ye love me, ye will keep my commandments; so we can safely extrapolate that those who have Godly love keep His commandments as they keep God in their hearts.

In defining what a Christian is, one cannot separate God the Father, God the Son, God the Holy Spirit, the disciple of Christ, Godly love, keeping Gods commandments, and fellowship with all others who are in like fellowship with Christ.

If we have perfect love, we have no fear of Judgment Day

Love of God and Christ does not excuse us from obedience to the gospel of Christ; and those who love Christ will be motivated in their hearts to do their best in obeying or fulfilling the will of God anyway.

1 John 5:1-3 KJV--- 1 Whosoever believeth that Jesus is the Christ is born of God: and every one that loveth him that begat loveth him also that is begotten of him. 2 By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God, and keep his commandments. 3 For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous.

If we love our Lord for the love that He has shown to us, it is obvious that we are keeping His commandments, to the best of our ability.

With such an attitude, we are promised that we are free from the wrath of God in Judgment.

Romans 5:8-10 KJV-- 8 But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. 9 Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him. 10 For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life.

Again, in consideration of view #2 (do not fear); I want to look at the passage in Romans 8 about fear.

Romans 8:15-18 KJV-- 15 For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. 16 The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: 17 And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with [him], that we may be also glorified together. 18 For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time [are] not worthy [to be compared] with the glory which shall be revealed in us.

Do you fear the suffering that comes upon you because you have chosen to stand with Christ?

When we compare the glory of Heaven with the cost of getting there, there is no comparison that is worth making; in other words, the price is small.

Those who preach that there is no fear involved in the relationship between God and His children refer to this passage in Romans 8 and say that if you are a Christian then there is no fear of God.

I want to look at the conditions that come with this passage of scripture.

Romans 8:1 KJV-- 1 [There is] therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.

Brothers and sisters, when you pass from this life to the next, you will enter into Paradise without condemnation of God if you have walk according to the instructions of the Holy Spirit.

This means that if we live a righteous life that we have no need to fear the wrath of God on Judgment Day.

Romans 8:10 KJV-- 10 And if Christ [be] in you, the body [is] dead because of sin; but the Spirit [is] life because of righteousness.

The Spirit bears witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God is the message of Romans 8.16. Paul points out that if we are the children of God that we will suffer because we are Christians; but that the glory to come makes it worthwhile.

Satan would have us fear the suffering and afflictions that come upon us.

Peter addresses this subject and tells us to always remember that God cares for us.

1 Peter 5:6-10 KJV-- 6 Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: 7 Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you. 8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: 9 Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world. 10 But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle [you].

The message of Romans 8.15 teaches us not to fear Satan and his disciples; not to fear the coming sufferings that we may endure for Christ.

There is a way provided for us by God to escape this fear.

Paul tells the Ephesians to put on the whole armor of God, to use ‘truth, righteousness, the gospel, and faith to withstand Satan and to be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might.

Ephesians 6:11-16 KJV-- 11 Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high [places]. 13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. 14 Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; 15 And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 16 Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.

If you fear what your family and friends might think of your faith in Christ; this has not been given to you by God.

2 Timothy 1:7-8 KJV-- 7 For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. 8 Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner: but be thou partaker of the afflictions of the gospel according to the power of God;

God has provided us the spirit of power, love, and a sound mind.

When we need help in overcoming our fears of the things of this world and its possible afflictions that may come upon Gods children, we have faith in that God will listen to our cries for help.

Hebrews 4:14-16 KJV-- 14 Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast [our] profession.
15 For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as [we are, yet] without sin.
16 Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.

If we will just avail ourselves of all the help that God has provided, there is no need for us to have the spirit of fear as regarding the world.

If you are walking according to the Holy Spirit of God, you will never be ashamed of the testimony of Christ, nor of His apostles.

Those in the church who seem to always be concerned with what the sinner might think about what the church stands for and how the church worships; those people are living with the spirit of fear, rather than standing firm in Gods power and might.

When you are tempted to fear the afflictions of the world upon the church, James says to rejoice because when your faith is tried, it brings the good work of patience.

James 1:2-4 KJV-- 2 My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; 3 Knowing [this], that the trying of your faith worketh patience. 4 But let patience have [her] perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.

In the days during which the New Testament was written, the church of Christ suffered many afflictions.

It certainly would have been very tempting to deny Christ under such circumstances.
It is certainly a shame today to be tempted to disobey the commandment to share the gospel with the lost when we have very little political opposition compared to that of the 1st century.

Men of God were put in prison, stoned to death, beaten, among many other sufferings and Peter told them to rejoice in their many temptations.

1 Peter 1:6-9 KJV-- 6 Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations: 7 That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ: 8 Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see [him] not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory: 9 Receiving the end of your faith, [even] the salvation of [your] souls.

Jesus teaches us to not fear man, but rather to fear God.

Matthew 10:28 And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.

What does it mean then to work our salvation with fear and trembling?

Faith in Christ demands that we do the work of Christ and the most important work of the Christian is the spreading of the gospel of Christ. Are you brave enough to share your faith with your family and friends?

Are you afraid to tell a stranger about the salvation available in Christ Jesus?

True faith in Christ means that we are righteous in obeying the call to take the gospel to the lost.

We should never let an opportunity pass us by to pass on the testimony of Jesus Christ to those that we meet along lifes way.

True faith or belief in the promise that God cares for us, that God is with us, and that God loves us will give us the power to stand in the might of God and declare His good tidings to the lost.

1 John 5:3-4 KJV-- 3 For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous. 4 For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, [even] our faith.

If you know what God desires of you and you know that you are not doing what pleases God; then you should fear God and His wrath.

Isaiah 33:14---- The sinners in Zion are afraid; fearfulness hath surprised the hypocrites. Who among us shall dwell with the devouring fire? who among us shall dwell with everlasting burnings?

The 1st Century church of Christ was commanded to rebuke sinners in their congregations, for the purpose that any others present who might be tempted to do the same thing might fear and thus not sin.

1 Timothy 5:19-20 KJV-- 19 Against an elder receive not an accusation, but before two or three witnesses. 20 Them that sin rebuke before all, that others also may fear.

One of the jobs of the bishop of the church is to stop the mouths of false teachers, that they may repent and become strong in the faith.

Titus 1:13 KJV-- 13 This witness is true. Wherefore rebuke them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith;

Position #3:

Conclusion: In matters of faith, we are not to fear to do that which God has commanded of us.

However, as we look forward to eternity, we are supposed to watch over our souls with caution against failing Christ.

Godly fear is the feeling of reverent regard for God, tempered with awe and fear of the punishment of disobedience.

The true Godly attitude of a Christian should not be that of being scared to death.

We are told by the Scriptures that we can be assured of salvation, and that we can have confidence in our faith in Christ.

Neither should the true attitude of the Christian be one that has no fear at all.

While we should live in such a manner of life that we know that we stand before God blameless, and Holy; we must also realize the danger of giving in to the temptations of Satan, as he walketh about seeking to devour us.

True Godly fear is somewhere between positions 1 and 2 as we began with in this study.

Part of our faith is our belief in the wrath of God that will come upon those that believe not God and do not obey the gospel of Christ; so in that sense we are to fear God and keep His commandments that will bring us to eternal life.

Become 'As The Weak'

Become As The Weak; Sermon #394 by Joe McClure; preached on 06/27/04; Text: I Corinthians 9.1-27

Please turn to our text reading of I Corinthians 9; with special emphasis on verses 19-23.

Some teach that we find a license from I Corinthians 9.19-23 to not always stand boldly and starkly for the truth , based on the situation.
They teach, in error, that if we are in a situation where a lost sinner might be offended or shocked by our actions, then we should use our ‘God-given horse sense’ to choose to not be confrontational.
In other words, the idea is that, we are told that we need to temper the truth by not enacting it fully when we know that there are those present who might be offended by our practice of the what God expects of us.
They teach that since the world may not understand why we act as we do, we might scare them away before we have a chance to teach them the way of truth.
Some in the religious world calls this ‘situation ethics’.
Situation ethics states: man’s reasoning should be the basis of moral judgment.
We might state: Situation ethics is the opposition between man’s opinions and God’s laws.
Situation ethics make no sense in Christianity whatsoever.
If in just one instance; or situation, a man feels empowered to use his own reasoning to set aside one word of the ‘inspired Word of God’; then that man loses all credibility in ever using any of the Bible as binding.
I believe that the major point of contention is between those who believe that God’s Word is ‘ABSOLUTE TRUTH’, and those that believe it to, at best, be a good guide.
Situation Ethics was developed by an Anglican theologian Joseph Fletcher in 1966. Fletcher argued that there are no fixed moral principles which should be used to judge whether a person’s actions are right or wrong but quite the reverse. It should be the context (the individual and the situation) and the application of an ethical principle which should be used to judge whether an action is either good or evil (moral or not). (http://www.faithnet.org)

The preacher who claims that he has the right to judge by his own reason what is right or wrong, based upon the situation, claims that absolute standards of right and wrong hopelessly stifle love. He makes his reasoning acceptable to a large number of people by making it appear that his way is the most loving thing to do in any given situation, rather than following some ‘universal law’.
The situationist sees a clear distinction between love and obedience, between right and expedience. The situationist is prepared to suspend, ignore, or violate any principle if he feels he can show more love by its violation than by its observance. (www.christiananswers.net)

1 Corinthians 9:11-23 KJV-- 11 If we have sown unto you spiritual things, [is it] a great thing if we shall reap your carnal things? 12 If others be partakers of [this] power over you, [are] not we rather? Nevertheless we have not used this power; but suffer all things, lest we should hinder the gospel of Christ. (Suffer all) 13 Do ye not know that they which minister about holy things live [of the things] of the temple? and they which wait at the altar are partakers with the altar? 14 Even so hath the Lord ordained that they which preach the gospel should live of the gospel. 15 But I have used none of these things: neither have I written these things, that it should be so done unto me: for [it were] better for me to die, than that any man should make my glorying void. (Not availed himself of his due) 16 For though I preach the gospel, I have nothing to glory of: for necessity is laid upon me; yea, woe is unto me, if I preach not the gospel! 17 For if I do this thing willingly, I have a reward: but if against my will, a dispensation [of the gospel] is committed unto me.(Preaches because he wants to) 18 What is my reward then? [Verily] that, when I preach the gospel, I may make the gospel of Christ without charge, that I abuse not my power in the gospel. 19 For though I be free from all [men], yet have I made myself servant unto all, that I might gain the more. (servant to all men) 20 And unto the Jews I became as a Jew, that I might gain the Jews; to them that are under the law, as under the law, that I might gain them that are under the law; (Servant to Jews, men under law) 21 To them that are without law, as without law, (being not without law to God, but under the law to Christ,) that I might gain them that are without law. (Servant to men without law) 22 To the weak became I as weak, that I might gain the weak: I am made all things to all [men], that I might by all means save some. (Servant to the weak) 23 And this I do for the gospel's sake, that I might be partaker thereof with [you].
SITUATION ETHICS
Some teach that Paul was stating his belief in situation ethics, even though the term was not commonly used in religious circles until the year 1966.
They say that Paul is teaching us to place our emphasis on the consequences that we hope to achieve, as in this passage, the salvation of the lost souls of the various groups.
Joseph Fletcher, the founder of Christian Situation Ethics states his belief as: “When faced with a decision we should apply any rules but act on the basis of love. There is no such thing as the right or the wrong thing to do. We must work out each situation and respond in a loving way.�
(http://re-xs.ucsm.ac.uk)
This chapter begins with the concept of paying the preacher of the gospel. Paul pointed out to them that it was ordained that the gospel preacher or evangelist should be paid by the saints for his work. Paul emphasizes that he could charge them financially; but he willingly chose to work without charge to the congregation at Corinth. We know from other passages that Paul did accept financial aid from some of the congregations however. Then Paul confirms why that he chose to work without charge to the Corinthians. He stated that he chose willingly to be a servant to all.
He chose to become AS A Jew if perhaps the Jews might obey the gospel. He chose to become as those subject to the Law of Moses that perhaps those under the law might obey the gospel. He chose to become as those that had not subjected themselves to any law that he might perhaps bring the law of Christ to their attention, for the goal that they might obey the gospel. He chose to become as the weak that he might gain the weak.
: I am made all things to all [men], that I might by all means save some. 23 And this I do for the gospel's sake, that I might be partaker thereof with [you].
The question that must be answered is: Exactly what is the Apostle Paul saying here in this passage?
Is Paul teaching situation ethics?
Before proceeding, I want to examine this idea that Paul emphasized the desired consequence, and then did whatever it took to achieve them. Paul did not believe that any means of man could be used to justify a good ending.
Some of our brethren today call this ‘expedience’. Even though there is a valid justification for ‘expedience’ that can be proven by the scriptures, many have used ‘expedience’ to justify many things that are not in the will of God. Briefly, we know that water baptism is commanded by Christ, but He did not tell us where to baptize. He left it to the church, whether to baptize in a farm pond or a creek. The church is left with the authority then to baptize in the most expedient manner, that which is the quickest and most efficient.
But, back to the issue at hand, did Paul believe that the end consequence of attracting sinners to believe in Christ justify any means he might use, or any doctrine that he might preach?
Romans 6:22 But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life. (Here the end result called for is a Holy life on earth, and Heaven at the end, but to achieve such an end you must be a servant of God and you must be made free from sin. Sin cannot be a means to doing that which is ‘good’ or ‘Holy’.)
Romans 3:8 And not [rather], (as we be slanderously reported, and as some affirm that we say,) Let us do evil, that good may come? whose damnation is just. (Paul said that he had been slandered by those that were saying that Paul made such a statement. Paul says here that those who falsely accused him of saying that one could do evil for a good consequence; these false accusers are justly damned by God.)

In attempting to understand the meaning of our text, particularly the verses of I Corinthians 9.19-22; I want to notice the verse 23.
1 Corinthians 9:23 And this I do for the gospel’s sake, that I might be partaker thereof with [you].
We see in verse 23 that whatever he meant, he did what he did for the gospel’s sake. What is the ‘gospel’s sake’? The goal of the preaching of the gospel is that ‘all will come to repentance’.
He acted as he did that he might reach as many as possible with the truth of Christ, that perhaps he might by the gospel save SOME.
According to Paul’s own teaching, could he have saved any without defending the absolute moral truth of the gospel of Christ?
Romans 1:16 KJV-- 16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.
Salvation is impossible if we cannot get the message of the gospel to those who are lost. The one who is not in Christ cannot ever believe that which he has not heard.
The situationist would have us believe that Paul was ashamed of the gospel when he was with the Jews, the Gentiles, and the weak.
If Paul had preached something other than the gospel to any of these groups of people, what would they have obeyed?
Who would be left for Paul to preach the gospel message to, if he left out the Jews, the Gentile, and the weak?
To begin with, I want to look at what it did not mean to Paul to become as a Jew to gain the Jews.
We can prove first of all that Paul did not compromise the truth in any way when speaking the gospel of Christ to the Jews or the Gentiles.
Acts 14.1-6>>1 And it came to pass in Iconium, that they went both together into the synagogue of the Jews, and so spake, that a great multitude both of the Jews and also of the Greeks believed. 2 But the unbelieving Jews stirred up the Gentiles, and made their minds evil affected against the brethren. 3 Long time therefore abode they speaking boldly in the Lord, which gave testimony unto the word of his grace, and granted signs and wonders to be done by their hands. 4 But the multitude of the city was divided: and part held with the Jews, and part with the apostles. 5 And when there was an assault made both of the Gentiles, and also of the Jews with their rulers, to use them despitefully, and to stone them, 6 They were ware of it, and fled unto Lystra and Derbe, cities of Lycaonia, and unto the region that lieth round about:
What do we see in this account of the preaching of Paul and Barnabus?
1. Preaching took place in the Jewish synagogue.
2. Some Jews and some Greeks believed.
3. They spoke boldly in the Lord.
4. Plan was made to stone them.
5. When they became aware of the plan they fled.
The only accommodation revealed here that Paul made to the Jews and the Gentiles in this instance was to preach in the Jewish church.
Paul did not weaken the gospel in any way to please the unbelieving Jews or Gentiles; as we see that part of the city was against the teaching of the apostles and part was supportive of the truth.

We might also consider the attitude of the Apostle Paul in Athens, Greece; where he waited on the arrival of Silas and Timothy.
In Acts 17.16; Paul noticed that the whole city was given to worshipping idols.
Act 17:16-18 KJV-- 16 Now while Paul waited for them at Athens, his spirit was stirred in him, when he saw the city wholly given to idolatry. 17 Therefore disputed he in the synagogue with the Jews, and with the devout persons, and in the market daily with them that met with him. 18 Then certain philosophers of the Epicureans, and of the Stoicks, encountered him. And some said, What will this babbler say? other some, He seemeth to be a setter forth of strange gods: because he preached unto them Jesus, and the resurrection.
You will not see a weakened attitude of Paul if you read the content of his preaching in the Jewish synagogue, the market, or with the Greek philosophers at Mar’s Hill.
Paul ‘disputed with’ the Jews in the Jewish synagogue of Athens.
He did not become ‘as the Jews’ regarding the message of the gospel; but he did become as a Jew in that he was able to enter into the midst of the Jews in their place of worship to preach Christ to them.
In other words, Paul did not water down the truth just because he was with a particular race or type of person.

Now, what about the philosophers, those that were ‘without law’?
Again, in the same context at Mar’s Hill, we see how Paul became as ‘without law’.
Act 17:22-23 KJV-- 22 Then Paul stood in the midst of Mars' hill, and said, [Ye] men of Athens, I perceive that in all things ye are too superstitious. 23 For as I passed by, and beheld your devotions, I found an altar with this inscription, TO THE UNKNOWN GOD. Whom therefore ye ignorantly worship, him declare I unto you.

Paul did not cut them any slack, as we would say; but boldly declared that they were superstitious and ignorant in their worship.
How then did Paul become as these philosophers who had not subjected themselves to God’s law?
The answer is that Paul proclaimed Christ to them in a philosophical way and even referred to some of their own authors to convince them.
You can see this in Acts 17.28-29.
Act 17:28-29 KJV-- 28 For in him we live, and move, and have our being; as certain also of your own poets have said, For we are also his offspring. 29 Forasmuch then as we are the offspring of God, we ought not to think that the Godhead is like unto gold, or silver, or stone, graven by art and man's device.
Notice how he refers to what they considered as valid writings; and then argues from this point to the truth that he which to proclaim; while all the time not backing away from the truth in any point; and being bold at the same time.

We find the same consistency from the Apostle Paul on each occasion throughout the writing of the book of Acts by Luke.
When the Jews, the chief priests, and the elders conspired together to kill Paul, he defended himself and at the same time was able to further preach Christ to his captors, such as Felix, Festus, and King Agrippa.
I want to read one such defense speech made by Paul early in his captivity, before he was sent to Rome.
Act 24:14-19 KJV-- 14 But this I confess unto thee, that after the way which they call heresy, so worship I the God of my fathers, believing all things which are written in the law and in the prophets: 15 And have hope toward God, which they themselves also allow, that there shall be a resurrection of the dead, both of the just and unjust. 16 And herein do I exercise myself, to have always a conscience void of offence toward God, and [toward] men. 17 Now after many years I came to bring alms to my nation, and offerings. 18 Whereupon certain Jews from Asia found me purified in the temple, neither with multitude, nor with tumult. 19 Who ought to have been here before thee, and object, if they had ought against me.
Here in this passage, we notice how Paul became ‘as a Jew’ without offence to the gospel of Christ. He pointed out that he believed all that in the ‘law and the prophets’. Now this would have meant very little to the Roman soldier or to the Greeks at Corinth; but it carried great meaning to the Jews. He points out that he has something in common, and in addition that he and the Jews both believe in resurrection and Judgment Day.
He tells of coming to the temple with alms and being purified according to the customs of the Law of Moses in the temple. Notice his boldness when he pointed out that there were Jews present when he worshipped in the temple, that these Jews had not come to place any accusations against him.
Act 25:7-8 KJV-- 7 And when he was come, the Jews which came down from Jerusalem stood round about, and laid many and grievous complaints against Paul, which they could not prove. 8 While he answered for himself, Neither against the law of the Jews, neither against the temple, nor yet against Caesar, have I offended any thing at all.
If indeed Paul became exactly as a Jew, exactly as a Gentile, exactly as a weak person; then how would he act in such cases when all groups of people were present at the same time?
Paul did not mean that he was like a chameleon; he did not mean that he preached to please the audience that he was with; but as we are seeing, Paul adjusted his actions and his speech and way of reasoning to fit the occasion, while doing so without offense to the truth.
He was able to speak to prisoners in jail, to the jailer, to the priests, to the elders, to the kings, and to all men he did all that he could do to keep the door open. When with the rulers in power, Paul ‘reasoned’ with them of time and eternity; thus indicating to me that he might have changed the way that he brought the gospel to them in particular, but not a change of content; not any compromise of the truth.
At this point, I want to notice the accusation that was brought by the chief priests, elders, and was stated by Tertullus, the orator.
Act 24:5 KJV-- 5 For we have found this man [a] pestilent [fellow], and a mover of sedition among all the Jews throughout the world, and a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes:
The preaching of the gospel by the Apostle Paul had caused quite a stir among those Jews who did not believe in Christ, as we can see from this accusation by the Jews.
It seems that Paul had not been practicing situation ethics when with the Jews.
We can also see what effect such boldness of Paul had upon the governor of that area.
Act 24:24-25 KJV-- 24 And after certain days, when Felix came with his wife Drusilla, which was a Jewess, he sent for Paul, and heard him concerning the faith in Christ. 25 And as he reasoned of righteousness, temperance, and judgment to come, Felix trembled, and answered, Go thy way for this time; when I have a convenient season, I will call for thee.
· The defense of the Christian faith as presented by the Apostle Paul, nor the accusations brought against him by the leaders of the Jewish faith at that time; neither of these prevented Governor Felix from calling Paul before him to hear him speak regarding Christ.
Notice in this passage that Paul reasoned with Felix; but he did not compromise the truth. Paul spoke in his reasoning of righteousness, temperance, and Judgment Day in such a forthright manner that it caused Felix to tremble.
We know from experience that some folks are more conducive to simple speaking; while others respect a more straightforward approach. Those who live in rural areas tend to accept the message of a country preacher with more ease; if for no other reason than the slang, the tone, and inflexion of speech; and even the preacher’s appearance does not distract them from the message itself.
The same would be true for many urban areas, especially such as the Bronx in New York City, for example.
Just because we might use local situations to make a gospel point, or use colloquial language, or preach in a community center instead of a ‘church house’ or out in a field or in a tent, or even maybe have to use an interpreter; none of these things prevent us from preaching Christ.
The Apostle Paul was an educated man; but he realized that the wisdom of man’s vocabulary could get in the way of the message of the gospel of Christ.
1 Corinthians 1:17-- For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect.
1 Corinthians 1:21-25 KJV-- 21 For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe. 22 For the Jews require a sign, and the Greeks seek after wisdom: 23 But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumblingblock, and unto the Greeks foolishness; 24 But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God. 25 Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of God is stronger than men.
Paul did not pamper the consciences of the Jew or Greek as it is obvious from this passage of scripture. I would think that if Paul had been more concerned about whether these Jews loved him that he would not have been so bold in his preaching of a truth that was so offensive to the Jews.
Some of the Jews were offended by the preaching of Christ crucified; and to some of the Greeks this preaching was foolishness to them.
However, those Jews and Greeks that were called, the gospel was the power of God unto their salvation.
Paul preached the same thing in every church, regardless of whether the audience consisted of Jews, Gentiles, or the weak.
I Corinthians 4:17 For this cause have I sent unto you Timotheus, who is my beloved son, and faithful in the Lord, who shall bring you into remembrance of my ways which be in Christ, as I teach every where in every church.
Paul preached the same gospel, and the same Christ in every church, regardless of whether the audience was made up of Jews, or of Gentiles, or a mixture.
Paul was consistent in always bringing the same message to all, regardless of the situation, is found in Paul’s farewell address to the elders of Ephesus.
Acts 20:20,21,26,27
20 And how I kept back nothing that was profitable unto you, but have shewed you, and have taught you publickly, and from house to house, 21 Testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.
26 Wherefore I take you to record this day, that I am pure from the blood of all men. 27 For I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God.



Now I wish to look specifically at verse 22 in our text reading of I Corinthians 9, where Paul said that to the weak, he became as weak that he might save some. The word ‘weak’ comes from the Greek word ‘asthenes’.
772 ~asyenhv~ asthenes \@as-then-ace'\@ from 1 (as a negative particle) and the base of 4599; TDNT-1:490,83; adj AV-weak 12, sick 6, weakness 2, weaker 1, weak things 1, impotent 1, more feeble 1, without strength 1; =25 times used in the KJV of the NT. 1) weak, infirm, feeble
1 Corinthians 9:22 To the weak became I as weak, that I might gain the weak: I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some. 1 Corinthians 9:23 And this I do for the gospel’s sake, that I might be partaker thereof with you.
Who are the weak that Paul is referring to?
Does he refer to weak Jews, weak Gentiles, the weak unbelievers, or to the weak Christians?
In context, we must remember that we are reading a letter by Paul to the church of Christ at Corinth.
It might be good for us to know that when the ancient manuscripts were written there were no divisions such as chapters and verses. This was just one long letter written by Paul to the church there, and to all that are saints everywhere.
This being the case, there were some specific things that Paul dealt with that the church of Christ in Corinth needed help with, and one of those is idolatry and the eating of meat that had been offered to idols.
1 Corinthians 8:8 But meat commendeth us not to God: for neither, if we eat, are we the better; neither, if we eat not, are we the worse. 9 But take heed lest by any means this liberty of yours become a stumblingblock to them that are weak. 10 For if any man see thee which hast knowledge sit at meat in the idol's temple, shall not the conscience of him which is weak be emboldened to eat those things which are offered to idols;
Paul has just written the entire chapter 8, that deals with how we should act around those who are weak in the faith, specifically those who may not have the knowledge in them that there is but one God.
A weak, or immature, or maybe one that is not mentally capable of understanding all of the truth about God; such a person may see you eating in the idol temple and although it has offended his conscience in the past so that he would not eat at the temple of a different God than the Father of Christ; now he comes in and sits down and eats with you; and therefore you are the cause of his sin, and possibly his falling from grace.
How does Paul act when around the weak in this situation?
We see that he does nothing to compromise the truth; but he does give up a Christian liberty because he loves the weak brother, as he imitates the nature of Christ.

Situation ethics teaches us that we should use ‘love’ as our rule of law. ‘Love’ then dictates that the husband not hurt his wife’s feelings by telling her how he really feels about her appearance, or her food; according to this false doctrine.
According to those that actually promote ‘situation ethics’ in religious circles, without shame, state 6 basic principles that guide their actions in their religious life.
These are: (1. Love only is always good; 2. Love is the only norm; 3. Love and justice are the same; 4. Love is not liking; 5. Love justifies the means; 6. Love decides there and then)
The situationist believes that being ‘practical’ in making moral decisions is of more value than following the letter of the scriptures.
The ‘situationist’ denies that there is a fixed set of rules from God that define what is ‘right’ or ‘wrong’.
The use of these terms of ‘right and wrong’ is ‘relative’. The reason that it is relative to speak of right and wrong is that what might be right in one situation may be wrong in another, given similar circumstances.
For the situationist, truth is what works in any given circumstance.
When man begins to think that he is wiser than God, he begins to change the scriptures, or twist them to satisfy the way that he ‘feels’ about the matter.
Here is a quote from a man that calls himself a Christian Situationist: Thus when facing a moral dilemma the Legalist says, 'What does the law say?' whereas the Situationist says, 'Who is to be helped?'
The situationist believes that we should read and study the Bible, and its principles or rules; and then reject anything that does not work in any given situation.
At issue is submission to Christ as the Lord and Master of our life. Those who practice ‘situation ethics’ are not in submission to Jesus as their Lord; but instead believe that God put them in charge of deciding what is right or wrong.
Proverbs 16:25-- There is a way that seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof [are] the ways of death.
Practicing ‘situation ethics’ would mean breaking our covenant with Christ; since our covenant with Christ means that we have committed ourselves to love Him always; and to love Christ means to seek to do His will, not that of our flesh.
In understanding what the Apostle Paul meant when he said that when with the Jew, he became as a Jew, when with the Gentile, he became as a Gentile, and when with the weak, he became as the weak; we must understand the greater context of his situation in the known world at the time, in the 1st Century.
In the days of history during which the Apostle Paul lived, there was in existence the great Roman Empire that ruled over most of the land. These were those ‘without law’. The Roman Caesar in many cases expected to be treated like a God and those who refused in many cases were put to death.
When the Apostle Paul had an opportunity to speak with a Roman citizen, in most cases, it would have made little sense to the Roman to hear Paul quote scriptures from the Bible to prove a point. So, when Paul was with a Roman, he preached Christ with reference to morality in a way that they would understand.
In the same society existed those who were Jewish, and these could be appealed to with the prophecies of their own past that prophesied of the coming of a Messiah.
Simply put, Paul is not teaching ‘situation ethics’; but he is teaching ‘situation preaching’. Paul adjusted himself the best that he could, without damage to the gospel; that he might gain some to Christ.
In conclusion, what I do believe that we should do as regarding situations in our teaching is that there are times that we should consider the needs of the one that we are speaking with.
If a person has not obeyed the gospel, we have no need to preach about various doctrinal issues that face the Christian in his walk with God; but that we need to teach them the gospel of Christ, that is about Christ, his sacrifice, his love, their sin and guilt, and that Christ’s blood will atone for their sins if they believe in Christ and obey His word.
If a person in the church has fallen into some particular error, when we speak with that person, we need to address their particular situation.
This however is not situation ethics, as in none of the cases do we compromise the truth.

P:Perseverence of the Saints

Perseverance of the Saints (Also known as Once Saved Always Saved; and as Eternal Security); Sermon #393, preached by Joe McClure on 6/13/2004

Scriptural References for Study: Hebrews 10.34-39; James 5.10-11; Ezekiel 18.24-26; John 10.27-29; I Cor. 10.12-14; II Peter 1.1-4; Philippians 1.2-7; John 15.1-6

The system of Calvinism LOUDLY PROCLAIMS that it derives its theological formulations based solely on God’s word.
It states that it focuses on God’s sovereignty, stating that God is able and willing by virtue of his omniscience, omnipresence, and omnipotence, to do whatever He desires with His creation.
It also maintains that within the Bible are the following teachings:
1. That God, by His sovereign grace predestines people into salvation
2. That Jesus died only for those predestined
3. That God regenerates the individual where he is then able and wants to choose God
4. That it is impossible for those who are redeemed to lose their salvation.
‘T.U.L.I.P’ is an anachronism that is commonly utilized by the Calvinists to remember 5 key points of modern-day Calvinism.
Total Depravity (also known as Total Inability and Original Sin)Unconditional Election Limited Atonement (also known as Particular Atonement)Irresistible GracePerseverance of the Saints (also known as Once Saved Always Saved)
These five categories do not comprise Calvinism in totality. They simply represent some of its main points.
Today, I bring the 5th lesson in this series exposing the errors of the false doctrine of Calvinism.
Today, we wish to expose the doctrine of Perseverance of the Saints, by stating what it teaches, why they believe as they do, and look at what God has to say about the matter.
PERSEVERANCE OF THE SAINTS
Perseverance of the Saints: You cannot lose your salvation. Because the Father has elected, the Son has redeemed, and the Holy Spirit has applied salvation, those thus saved are eternally secure. They are eternally secure in Christ. Some of the verses for this position are John 10:27-28 where Jesus said His sheep will never perish; John 6:47 where salvation is described as everlasting life; Romans 8:1 where it is said we have passed out of judgment; 1 Corinthians 10:13 where God promises to never let us be tempted beyond what we can handle; and Phil. 1:6 where God is the one being faithful to perfect us until the day of Jesus’ return.

Perseverance of the saints, as taught by Calvinism, is nothing more than “once in grace, always in grace� doctrine that is taught by some in our communities.
If I can prove today that a saint can fall away from being in fellowship with Christ fatally; then I have disproved this doctrine of perseverance.
**It is important that we do not become confused in how Calvinism defines perseverance and how God defines the same word.
God teaches us that we must persevere to the end to be saved, which is the exact opposite of how Calvinism defines it.
James points out the meaning of perseverance by pointing us to the Old Testament saints as our examples.
James 5:10-11--10 Take, my brethren, the prophets, who have spoken in the name of the Lord, for an example of suffering affliction, and of patience. 11 Behold, we count them happy which endure. Ye have heard of the patience of Job, and have seen the end of the Lord; that the Lord is very pitiful, and of tender mercy.
The true gospel definition of ‘perseverance’ is to endure unto the end of our life, and to not turn back to the lusts of the world. Eternal salvation is conditional upon how we finish our course.
This said, we wish to look at ‘perseverance’ as defined by the Calvinists as once you are saved that you can never fall from grace and lose your soul.
So, the question before us is this: Can a person who has obeyed the gospel, been added to the church or kingdom of Christ ever fall from grace, so as to be lost eternally?
I shall attempt to prove that the answer is emphatically in the affirmative.
The first proof text against the false doctrine of the Calvinists that I wish to quote for you is found in the OT.
Since the Calvinists insist that for all of history that man has been elected to be saved and thus cannot fall from grace; that man’s salvation has nothing whatsoever to do with his own works or repentance; we shall use first these passages from the first covenant, or the Law of Moses.
Ezekiel 18:4 KJV-- 4 Behold, all souls are mine; as the soul of the father, so also the soul of the son is mine: the soul that sinneth, it shall die.
Ezekiel 18:24-26 KJV-- 24 But when the righteous turneth away from his righteousness, and committeth iniquity, [and] doeth according to all the abominations that the wicked [man] doeth, shall he live? All his righteousness that he hath done shall not be mentioned: in his trespass that he hath trespassed, and in his sin that he hath sinned, in them shall he die. 25 Yet ye say, The way of the Lord is not equal. Hear now, O house of Israel; Is not my way equal? are not your ways unequal? 26 When a righteous [man] turneth away from his righteousness, and committeth iniquity, and dieth in them; for his iniquity that he hath done shall he die.
Now, notice carefully what this passage states will happen to this man that has turned away from God when he dies without repentance: he shall die, after he has died in his iniquity; indicating that he shall die an eternal death.
Here, we see it taught in the Old Testament that it is possible for a child of God to fall from grace, to lose his eternal salvation. We shall see that the same is true under the new covenant of Christ.
As we saw in the later verses of this same chapter, God refers to those that He had called His sons, and it is their souls that die, due to their turning away from God.
Here in Ezekiel, God states that He is righteous in His judgment of death against those that go to the grave without repenting of their turning from serving God.
Those who teach that a ‘saint’ or saved one can never, ever fall take various passages of scriptures out of context and attempt to apply these passages to those that they were never spoken to, or for.
When we rightly divide the scriptures, we find that some laws were for the Jewish nation, some things Jesus told His apostles in no way could relate to Christians today; and there are commandments, such as those regarding miraculous gifts that were those of the 1st century only.
We might briefly consider an example for your consideration that will show that just because Jesus spoke something does not mean that it was intended to instructions for all people of all time.
Let us notice the example:
John 15:26-27 KJV-- 26 But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, [even] the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, he shall testify of me: 27 And ye also shall bear witness, because ye have been with me from the beginning.
As we can see from what Jesus speaks here only to His apostles, Jesus promised them that He would send them the Comforter, who would testify of Jesus, and that they (the apostles) would bear witness or preach the same truth to others because they had been with Jesus from the beginning.
Is there any Christian today who has walked and talked with Jesus, seen His miracles, ate with Him, or been given the power to work miracles by Him?
The answer is obvious that John 15.26-27, even though in the Bible, and written FOR our consideration to strengthen our faith; was not written TO us, nor can we receive that same promise, nor become apostles.
Beware then of this fact when you discuss the scriptures with anyone: just because a scripture quoted without its context may SEEM to contradict some other passage of scripture in the New Testament of Christ; you must seek to discover whether it was given as the Law of Christ to the church of Christ today.

Calvinist Proof-Text #1
The first proof text that we shall consider by the Calvinists is found in John 10-27-29. Let us turn there please. The scriptures that they quote are verses 28 and 29, but I want us to read starting at verse 27.
John 10:27-29 KJV-- 27 My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: 28 And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any [man] pluck them out of my hand. 29 My Father, which gave [them] me, is greater than all; and no [man] is able to pluck [them] out of my Father's hand.
Verses 28 and 29 are used by the Calvinist to state that those that have been given eternal life will never fall from grace; but is that what this passage says?
Notice the answer, as we attempt to ‘rightly divide the word of truth’:
· The people referred to are ‘My sheep’, or in other words people that have submitted themselves as sheep to the leadership of the shepherd.
· These are people that ‘hear’ the voice of Jesus. Following the figure given by Jesus of sheep, we understand that the sheep recognize the voice of the shepherd and respond to the commands given.
· These are people that Jesus ‘knows’. They are not of another sheep-fold.
· These are people that ‘follow’ Jesus. As we consider the symbolism in this passage, we know that only the sheep that recognize the voice of the shepherd follow Him. He leads them to water, to good pasture, and protects them from dangers.
People today, in these last days, that fit the description of those that Jesus spoke of, are secure and alive in Christ; and also have the same promise of eternal life.

The next verse is one that you may even have wondered about yourself in Romans 8.1.
Calvinist proof-text #2
Romans 8:1-2 KJV-- 1 [There is] therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. 2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death.
The Calvinist uses this text as proof because he says that Christians have ‘passed out of judgment’.
In other words, according to this false doctrine; once you are saved, you no longer come under the examination of Heaven; but are always justified.
Again, let us look at the facts presented here:
· Who are these people that have no condemnation from God?
a) People in Christ Jesus
b) People who walk according to the instructions of the Holy Spirit
· Why are these people not condemned?
Verse 2 explains: When we follow the Law of the Spirit, we have life in Christ Jesus.
If you are obedient to the instructions given in the inspired scriptures, you will not die spiritually.
Calvinist Proof-Text #3
The next proof-text of the Calvinist that we shall consider is in I Corinthians 10.13.
They use this passage because they think that it proves that once you are saved that God protects you always from temptation, and where there is no temptation, there can be no sin.
Turn and read I Corinthians 10.12ff:
1 Corinthians 10:12-14 KJV-- 12 Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall. 13 There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God [is] faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear [it]. 14 Wherefore, my dearly beloved, flee from idolatry.
We are not going to quote this passage out of its context, as the Calvinists do, but we shall examine the context of verse 13, including verse 12, 13, and 14 all together.
· Verse 12 proves that some of these once saved Corinthian Christians were in danger of ‘falling’ from grace (lest he fall).
· The Christian is able to bear, or resist temptations, with God’s help. God provides us a way to bear the temptation (Webster’s Dictionary -5. To support or sustain without sinking or yielding; to endure;)
· Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life.
· Temptations are not ‘removed; but the way is revealed that shows us how to endure temptation without giving in and sinning.
· The Way to escape temptations is God’s way; that way provided for and revealed to us in the Word of God.
· In verse 14, we notice that one of God’s way to escape the temptation to worship idols was to ‘flee’ away from idolatry, which can mean to shun the practice of idolatry. Don’t associate with idolaters; don’t go to the temple. (If thy eye offends thee, pluck it out…)
These converts to Christ were under tremendous pressure to join the majority, to return to their old life of worshipping idols.
· The way of escape, being God’s way of escape, is provided for us in the written word of God.
Therein, in the gospel of Christ, we find all things that pertain to life and godliness. Turn to II Peter 1 with me to read more about God’s way of escape; and see if this way is just to protect those who are ‘always saved’.
2 Peter 1:1-4 KJV-- 1 Simon Peter, a servant and an apostle of Jesus Christ, to them that have obtained like precious faith with us through the righteousness of God and our Saviour Jesus Christ: 2 Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord, 3 According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that [pertain] unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue: 4 Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.
· God’s grace and peace is available to the Christian because he has knowledge of God and Christ.
· It is that same knowledge (v.3) that gives us all things necessary for us to be alive spiritually and to live godly lives; lives that have found the way of escape to endure as Godly when tempted to do evil.
· When we learn this knowledge, which has been given to us by God; if we take heed to obey the things that we have learned; we will have escaped the corruption of the world and will have become partakers of His divine nature.
We conclude from II Peter 1.1-4 that in order to obtain that which is necessary to endure temptations, there are conditions; and only if we comply with those conditions will we find the way of escape provided by God.
Another way of escape provided for by God’s word is the admonition to stay away from those things that are evil that you know will tempt you; or if you find yourself in a situation that is tempting you to do evil, so run and flee, as Lot did. Shun the very appearance of evil.
I want you to take notice of Peter’s exhortation regarding Noah and Lot.
II Peter 2:4-8à4 For if God spared not the angels that sinned, but cast them down to hell, and delivered them into chains of darkness, to be reserved unto judgment; 5 And spared not the old world, but saved Noah the eighth person, a preacher of righteousness, bringing in the flood upon the world of the ungodly; 6 And turning the cities of Sodom and Gomorrha into ashes condemned them with an overthrow, making them an ensample unto those that after should live ungodly; 7 And delivered just Lot, vexed with the filthy conversation of the wicked: 8 (For that righteous man dwelling among them, in seeing and hearing, vexed his righteous soul from day to day with their unlawful deeds;) 9 The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptations, and to reserve the unjust unto the day of judgment to be punished:
In the case of Noah and Lot, God destroyed the evil; but God first told Lot to get out of the city and to not look back. If we learn this lesson of escaping temptations, we will shun evil; we will flee evil; and we will not look longingly back at the worldly pleasures that we used to engage in.
The principle that I see here is that when we live in the constant presence of evil, if we have a righteous and Godly attitude; if we are partakers of the divine nature of God, then we become vexed with their filthy conversation; and we should make every effort possible to get out of that situation if possible.
God does not then provide some miraculous way of escape for the saints, but the Christian must avail himself of that knowledge by studying to show himself approved unto God.
The Calvinist says that since God provides the way of escape that God assures that the escape will take place.
God’s word says that the way of escape is described in the Word of God, and that we should take heed to those escape instructions or we will fall.
There was a very real chance that they could fall away from the grace of God, and thus were not assured that they were ‘always saved’.

Calvinist Proof Text #4
The next proof-text of the Calvinist is found in Philippians 1.6.
Here the Calvinists believe that the ‘once saved, always saved’ Christian is protected by God from falling due to the fact that God is forever perfecting them until the end of life.
Philippians 1:2-11 KJV-- 2 Grace [be] unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and [from] the Lord Jesus Christ. 3 I thank my God upon every remembrance of you, 4 Always in every prayer of mine for you all making request with joy, 5 For your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now; 6 Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform [it] until the day of Jesus Christ: 7 Even as it is meet for me to think this of you all, because I have you in my heart; inasmuch as both in my bonds, and in the defence and confirmation of the gospel, ye all are partakers of my grace. 9 And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and [in] all judgment; 10 That ye may approve things that are excellent; that ye may be sincere and without offence till the day of Christ; 11 Being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ, unto the glory and praise of God.

Did Paul teach us here that they could not fall from grace?
Notice these points:
· Paul prayed that they would have God’s grace and peace.
· If a person had eternal security, would he not already have all the grace that would be possible to have?
According to the Calvinist definition of those who have eternal security, they are without judgment by God; so why was it any of Paul’s concern that they be without offence, or that they be sincere, or prove all things, or be righteous, or increase in knowledge?
Paul did not say that they would not fall, but what he does say, is that due to what he knew of these Christians at Philippi, he felt he could be confident in believing that they would continue faithful.
Why does it appear in Paul’s writing that there existed a remote possibility that these Christians would not stand fast in the faith?
Philippians 1:27 KJV-- 27 Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ: that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel;
If they were once in grace, always saved; what purpose was there in working out their own salvation with fear and trembling?
Philippians 2:12 KJV-- 12 Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.
Further on in his epistle to the Philippians, Paul writes something that indicated that he did not believe in the doctrine of once saved, always saved. Notice in Philippians 3 with me.
Philippians 3:11-14 KJV-- 11 If by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead. 12 Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus. 13 Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but [this] one thing [I do], forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, 14 I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.
Paul was certainly on the road to Heaven, and pressed toward the prize, but he did not count himself among the number that already apprehended.

Calvinist Proof Text #5
Another proof-text that they like to use is found in Romans 8.39.
Romans 8:38-39 KJV-- 38 For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, 39 Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
They contend that this is another proof that once you are saved that there is nothing absolutely, whatsoever that can separate you from Christ.
Is that what Paul says here?
If you notice carefully, what Paul says is that there are no external forces whatsoever that take away our promise of eternal life as a result of the abiding love of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. The choice to follow Christ, or to deny Him is our free choice to make.
This is true, but it is also true that we can choose to leave or reject the love of Christ.
This is equal to the passage of scripture in which we hear Jesus say that no one can pluck his disciples out of His hand.
Neither Satan, nor anyone else could negate the grace extended to the saved ones.
However, we know that Judas choose to leave as a disciple of Christ and betray Him.
All of these passages of scriptures that we have looked at are conditional passages.
The abiding presence of Christ and the Holy Spirit in the life of a Christian is conditional upon the continuing faithfulness of the Christian to his Lord and Master’s directions.
One key passage of scriptures that supports this concept is found in I Thessalonians 5. Here we discover admonitions on several things regarding living as a Christian.
1 Thessalonians 5:21-23 KJV-- 21 Prove all things; hold fast that which is good. 22 Abstain from all appearance of evil. 23 And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and [I pray God] your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Consider verse 23 of this passage as a conclusion of what will happen if you are Christ-like in your attitude; if you prove all things by the word of God; if you hold on to good and shun all appearance of evil.
If you do these things, God will sanctify you completely.
If you do these things, God will preserve you without any blame from Him to the end of time.
Sanctification requires you to be good; to stay away from evil; to study God’s word so that you can prove what God’s will and pleasure consists of and do them.
What we see described here is a life that is dedicated completely to serve the will of Christ: that soul shall never fall from grace as long as that love for Christ perseveres to death.
When the conditions of grace are fulfilled, the soul shall be saved eternally.
But, there are those that do turn back who are lost eternally when they fail to repent and obey God.

Now, I want to consider some very plain passages of scriptures that teach us that those who are saints can fall away from grace and eternally lose their souls.
II Peter 2:13-15--13 And shall receive the reward of unrighteousness, as they that count it pleasure to riot in the day time. Spots they are and blemishes, sporting themselves with their own deceivings while they feast with you; 14 Having eyes full of adultery, and that cannot cease from sin; beguiling unstable souls: an heart they have exercised with covetous practices; cursed children: 15 Which have forsaken the right way, and are gone astray, following the way of Balaam the son of Bosor, who loved the wages of unrighteousness;
From this passage of scriptures, it seems apparent that these had once been right, but now have gone astray after the wages of evil.
We see this same concept taught to the early Disciples of Christ in the figure of the vine and the branches in John 15. Turn with me and read along.
As I read, I want to notice that there were those who were a living part of the vine, which is Christ; and when they failed to bear fruit, they were taken away from the vine and burned.
Did Jesus not understand about ‘once saved, always saved’?
John 15:1-6 KJV-- 1 I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman. 2 Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every [branch] that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit. 3 Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you. 4 Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. 5 I am the vine, ye [are] the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing. 6 If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast [them] into the fire, and they are burned.
In this figure, those that were once in Christ that were broken off and cast forth were never grafted back into the main vine ever again, but were burned up, lost eternally.
Those who are living in Christ must continue to feed on the sap that rises up in the vine. We are a product of what we eat spiritually. When we are no longer able to exist off of the vine, we are in effect no longer in Christ.
Do you want to have an assurance of your eternal destiny?
Then abide in Christ, as Jesus instructed His disciples. Without Christ, we are nothing and can do nothing.
Even though Jesus did not want to lose any of His followers, and certainly did not want to lose any of the 12 apostles, we know that one fell away to eternal destruction.
John 17:11-12 KJV-- 11 And now I am no more in the world, but these are in the world, and I come to thee. Holy Father, keep through thine own name those whom thou hast given me, that they may be one, as we [are]. 12 While I was with them in the world, I kept them in thy name: those that thou gavest me I have kept, and none of them is lost, but the son of perdition; that the scripture might be fulfilled.
God’s promises are conditional upon our obedience to the covenant of Christ.
It is true that we make mistakes on the journey, but as long as we are still feeding on the vine, we can mend from a state of spiritual sickness by repentance and confessing our sins.
Even though, there are those who have been once saved that have died without any hope, lost eternally, damned forever.
The doctrine of once in grace, always in grace is dangerous in that it encourages Christians to let down their guard against the wiles of Satan. I am afraid that even many in the church of Christ today have a false sense of ‘eternal security’.
You can lose your soul if you leave the vine of Christ.
I want to notice a passage that Peter wrote in regard to false prophets that had come into the midst of the church and had deceived the very elect and had made many converts, convincing them to leave after following the truth.
2 Peter 2:18-22 KJV-- 18 For when they speak great swelling [words] of vanity, they allure through the lusts of the flesh, [through much] wantonness, those that were clean escaped from them who live in error. 19 While they promise them liberty, they themselves are the servants of corruption: for of whom a man is overcome, of the same is he brought in bondage. 20 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. 21 For it had been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, after they have known [it], to turn from the holy commandment delivered unto them. 22 But it is happened unto them according to the true proverb, The dog [is] turned to his own vomit again; and the sow that was washed to her wallowing in the mire.
It should be obvious even to a Calvinist that these once knew the way of righteousness and later became corrupted, entangled with, and overcome with sin.
We can see the danger here of a saint associating with, and living with; and influenced by those in error.
If we nurture such an association, we are tempted to consider them as our brothers in Christ, which they propose to be.
Those who were once saved chose to follow these false prophets and teachers; and because of that, the church of Christ was spoken evil of by others.
According to II Peter 1.4, we saw that those who have escaped the corruption that is the world are partakers of the divine nature.
To turn from truth to error means giving up our divine nature, and if effect, means that one will come to despise that divine nature.
Some sins that we commit can be repented of and not cause us to fall from grace; but there are others that totally separate us from God to the extent that we may never find repentance again, and be burned in the fires of hell, eternally lost.
In Hebrews 6, we see that without any doubt there are some that Paul refers to there that were once saved, but now are have fallen away.
Hebrews 6: 4-6--4 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, 5 And have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come, 6 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.
God says that it is impossible to renew them again to repentance.
There can be no doubt that these have once been saved and can never again be saved.

Apparently there are many that need the crutch of this false doctrine of once in grace, always in grace.
There are those that feel so inadequate, so ungodly that they need such a crutch; but instead of soothing their consciences, they should examine themselves to make themselves sure of their salvation.
2 Corinthians 13:5-- Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?
Paul warns Christians that they might not be ‘in the faith’ any longer; no longer saved; and no longer in grace.
We can know fellowship with Christ by the walk we walk, by our commitment to do the will of Christ; and by the love we have for Christ, which is reflected in all that we are.
The scriptures show us eternal life in Christ, and the conditions of our covenant with Christ.
I John 1:5-7--5 This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. 6 If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth: 7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.
I point out these things so that we may have comfort in our own walk in Christ, and not in some false doctrine.
Can any man who has been in the faith stop walking in light?
According to the Calvinist, the answer is no; but let God be true and every man a liar who is not in agreement with God.
It is true that we must persevere as saints to have eternal life; and that point is time and again alluded to in the scriptures when we are exhorted to be strong, to be watchful, to take heed, to shun evil and cling to good; and to prove all things by the gospel.
If we follow Jesus Christ to the end of life, we are assured of eternal salvation.
Hebrews 10:35-39--35 Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompence of reward. 36 For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise. 37 For yet a little while, and he that shall come will come, and will not tarry. 38 Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him. 39 But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition; but of them that believe to the saving of the soul.
If a saint could not lose his confidence in Christ’s promises, why did Paul give such an admonition?
Paul indicates here that a man can draw back from living by faith, and would not then be just, but only fit for perdition.
Will God ever leave or forsake us?
God will not leave you, but you can leave God by rejecting His word of salvation. If you turn back into the world, God no longer has pleasure in your life.
Hebrews 13:5 [Let your] conversation [be] without covetousness; [and be] content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.
Here we see that God’s promises regarding our physical and spiritual life are conditional.
He will help us, be by our side against our enemies; but only if we have a conversation devoid of the sin of covetousness and have an attitude of contentment; that is that we will be content with whatever God chooses to bless us with.
Nevertheless, God can only bless us when we meet the conditions that are necessary to receive those blessings.
It is made plain time and again in the scriptures that those who have been sanctified can fall away, draw back, and be lost eternally without repentance.
Hebrews 10:26-27 KJV--- 26 For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins, 27 But a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries.
We cannot despise the law of Christ, without despising Christ Himself!
Here in this passage of Hebrews 10.24-30, we have a person that has been sanctified by the blood of Christ, by the blood of the covenant; and yet can be lost so that he has nothing to look forward to at the end of life but God’s wrath and an eternal destination of the fires of Hell.
Paul said that those that ‘stand’ can fall.
1 Corinthians 10:12 KJV-- 12 Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall.
In Romans 11, Paul speaks of those who were formerly God’s people, the Jews that did not accept Jesus as the Christ in contrast to those that he wrote to; the Christians at Rome.
Romans 11:20-22 KJV-- 20 Well; because of unbelief they were broken off, and thou standest by faith. Be not highminded, but fear: 21 For if God spared not the natural branches, [take heed] lest he also spare not thee. 22 Behold therefore the goodness and severity of God: on them which fell, severity; but toward thee, goodness, if thou continue in [his] goodness: otherwise thou also shalt be cut off.
You can see the conditional nature of the promises of God here in Romans 11. You must continue in God’s goodness, and we see in verse 20 that we do that by standing by faith.
If a person was not once saved, and in Christ, how could he be ‘cut off’?
We see in Romans 11.20 : if we do not continue or persevere in God’s goodness, we shall be CUT OFF.
Next, in Hebrews 3, we see that brethren can depart from God. Staying IN CHRIST is conditional upon our endurance.
Hebrews 3:12-14 KJV-- 12 Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God. 13 But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin. 14 For we are made partakers of Christ, if we hold the beginning of our confidence stedfast unto the end;
Next in Hebrews 4, we see that there is a danger of some Christians failing to arrive at their final eternal rest in Heaven.
Hebrews 4:1 KJV-- 1 Let us therefore fear, lest, a promise being left [us] of entering into his rest, any of you should seem to come short of it
Next, in Hebrews 4.11, we see that the possibility exists for a man to fall due to a lack of faith.
Hebrews 4:11 KJV -- 11 Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief.
Next, in Hebrews 12, we see the danger of being defiled and rejected of God.
Hebrews 12:14-17 KJV-- 14 Follow peace with all [men], and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord: 15 Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble [you], and thereby many be defiled; 16 Lest there [be] any fornicator, or profane person, as Esau, who for one morsel of meat sold his birthright. 17 For ye know how that afterward, when he would have inherited the blessing, he was rejected: for he found no place of repentance, though he sought it carefully with tears.
All men, regardless of who they are, on the Judgment Day, will be judged according to their works.
If one were to be assured of eternal security, they would not have to watch and fear.
1 Peter 1:17 KJV-- 17 And if ye call on the Father, who without respect of persons judgeth according to every man's work, pass the time of your sojourning [here] in fear:
In our next passage, again by Peter, we read in II Peter 1 a list of things that we are exhorted to add to our Christian life, and then Peter says that if we do these things we shall never fall.
2 Peter 1:10-12 KJV-- 10 Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall:
If you persevere, you shall be saved eternally; but what if you do not?
Revelation 2:10 KJV--Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast [some] of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.
The doctrine of eternal security is denied by Paul by his teaching regarding perseverance in good works.
Romans 2: 7 KJV-- 7 To them who by patient continuance in well doing seek for glory and honour and immortality, eternal life:
Paul pointed out that if he failed to persevere in subjecting his body to the will of Christ, then he too could be lost.
1 Corinthians 9:27 KJV-- 27 But I keep under my body, and bring [it] into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.
In Colossians 1.21-23, we see that we shall be presented to God without blame or reproof only if we continue in the faith.
Colossians 1:21-23 KJV-- 21 And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in [your] mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled 22 In the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight: 23 If ye continue in the faith grounded and settled, and [be] not moved away from the hope of the gospel, which ye have heard, [and] which was preached to every creature which is under heaven; whereof I Paul am made a minister;
BOOK OF LIFE:
One of the most convincing passages is found in Revelation 3, where we find that our names can be taken out of the book of life if we do not persevere as faithful Christians until death.
Revelation 3: 5 KJV-- 5 He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels.
No true saint has any reason to fear that he shall lose his salvation to Satan; but he is to fear that he might be deceived by sin and fall from grace.
We should fear to apostatize; we should fear to even contemplate for an instant some action that might separate us from the love of Christ.
In conclusion, we see that we have sufficient proof to show that in the 1st Century there existed those who had once been saved, had been Holy, had been branches of the true vine, had been in the church of Christ; had so known Christ that they had escaped the pollutions of the world; those who had realized the light of Christ in their lives, who understood God’s will for them; those who indeed lived by faith that fell from grace; that fell from a position in God’s kingdom to be lost eternally.
Some information used to compose this sermon came from the following website: "http://www.evangelicaloutreach.org/wesley.htm