Today, I want to extend our discussion from last week on fellowship to address a challenging topic: those who fall away from faith. As we prepare to sing “Hear the Gentle Voice,” let’s consider the significance of heeding Jesus’ call, for He is the way, the truth, and the life.
Our primary text today is Hebrews 6:1-6, which speaks to the Jewish Christians who were regressing in their faith, reverting to Judaism instead of progressing in Christ. This regression isn’t unique to that era; even today, many have fallen away, particularly noticeable in the wake of the pandemic. This reality challenges the doctrine of “once saved, always saved,” as Scripture clearly indicates the possibility of falling from grace (Galatians 5:4, 1 Corinthians 9:26-27, 1 Corinthians 10:13, Hebrews 3:13).
To prevent falling away, it’s crucial to understand and maintain discipline in various aspects of life:
- Government: Romans 13:1-7 teaches us the importance of respecting governmental authorities as God’s ministers for maintaining order and justice.
- Family and Education: Ephesians 6:1-4 and Proverbs 22:6 emphasize the responsibility of parents to discipline and train their children in the way of the Lord.
- Church: Discipline within the church is also essential for maintaining doctrinal purity and correcting those who err (2 Thessalonians 3:6, 14-15).
So, what can be done about those who have fallen away? Matthew 18:15-20 provides a clear procedure for addressing sin within the church community. It involves personal confrontation, taking witnesses if necessary, and if unrepentant, bringing the matter before the church.
The reasons people fall away are varied, including temptations by Satan, love for the world, discouragement, offenses, indifferences, neglect, and lack of discipline. As followers of Christ, we must be vigilant in addressing these issues within ourselves and our communities.
If you are not yet a member of the Lord’s Church, you can start your journey today. Hear the gospel, believe, repent of your sins, confess Jesus as the Lord, and be baptized for the remission of your sins. And for those who have fallen away or are struggling, this is a call to reaffirm your commitment to Christ.
Let this be a moment of reflection and decision. Are our hearts right with God? Do we need to make a change or take a step towards Him? Let this be a gentle nudge towards making that crucial decision for Christ.
