In the Laws of Physics, we can agree there is absolute truth governing the universe. What about when it comes to matters of faith and ideology? Ideologically, if not careful, we can be tempted to assign pliability based on worldview. If truth is truth, there can be no pliability. Suddenly we find ourselves faced with the question Pontius Pilate asked the Nazarene, "What is truth?"
Lately, I have been pondering apostasy. Either there is a growing epidemic of people leaving Biblical Christianity to pursue a different spiritual path, or I am just now becoming aware of something that does not make sense to me.
My understanding of scripture is a person, by faith in Christ, becomes born again, is regenerated, and adopted as a child of God. Upon becoming born again, a person is indwelt and sealed by the Holy Spirit and, by Christ's own words, cannot be plucked out of God's hand. This is the doctrine of Eternal Security. I believe this doctrine.
My confusion sets in when I see the "testimonies" of countless people who once considered themselves Christian and now waver between Agnosticism and Atheism. People who once served as ministers, church leaders and Christian musicians. People who, by their own admission, had zeal for God and seemed to bear fruit.
According to the Apostle John, those who profess Christ and then walk away never truly believed in the first place: 1 John 2:19 - They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would have continued with us. But they went out, that it might become plain that they all are not of us.
I get this and accept it as truth. My confusion is not in Eternal Security, but in trusting the testimony of those who claim to believe. I have personally known more than one person who claimed faith, testified to a clear born again experience, served with zeal, bore fruit, worshiped, understood scripture, explained truth to others and then, inexplicably, decided God was not good and renounced faith in Christ.
I have also read numerous first hand accounts of those to whom all of the above applied and later decided God was not real embracing Atheism.
So, what is the lesson in all this? Take nothing for granted! If you are a minister, do not take it for granted your leadership is good with God. If you are a parent, do not take it for granted your children are good with God. If you are married, do not take it for granted your spouse is good with God. Do not take it for granted your friends are good with God.
Judas Iscariot walked with Jesus for 3 years. Judas lived and interacted with the other 11 apostles for 3 years. The other 11 took it for granted Judas was committed and on board. So devastating was Judas' betrayal, his name has become synonymous with betrayal. In fact, when was the last time you met, or even heard of someone named Judas?
Cain asked God, "Am I my brother's keeper?" All of scripture testifies, "YES!" We are our brother's and sister's keeper in the sense we should be concerned about one another's spiritual life.
Oh, we are so polite and careful not to intrude or violate someone's privacy. We assume everyone is telling the truth when we ask, "how's it going?" and they answer "doing great." We forgo accountability for the god of privacy. We suffer alone or allow others to suffer privately until we are blindsided when someone falls into tremendous sin, is exposed as a tremendous sinner or renounces faith.
Even top Christian leaders are susceptible to falling into sin or falling away. What do we make of a Mega-church pastor with an internationally revered ministry, who falls into sin and ends up managing a night club, until he is fired from the night club, due to rumors about improper behavior toward a minor? How many in his inner circle knew about his struggles but turned a blind eye?
People are not only leaving the traditional church, but traditional faith. For the first time in American history, over 25% claim none when asked to identify faith in a deity. Accountability, caring enough to notice someone's struggle, not taking anyone's faith for granted and encouraging one another in Christ are key practices every Christian should employ.
All of the above practices comes down to one word - love. Not just feeling affection toward someone, sacrificial love that puts the needs of others before your own. The kind of love Jesus commanded: John 13:34 - A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. Jesus demonstrated this kind of love when He laid down His life for the lost.
Can someone lose salvation? I believe when Jesus says we cannot be plucked out of His hand, He means we are secure. Can a person renounce true faith? I must defer back to 1 John 2:19 - They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would have continued with us. But they went out, that it might become plain that they all are not of us.
Take the time to have the tough spiritual discussions with those you care about. Be transparent enough to allow accountability in your life. Love others enough to invade their privacy a little. Know that most people are not really "doing great" when they tell you they are. Live consistently to your professed faith. Love as Jesus loved.
Now, go live as Christ... and give the devil hell!
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