Those That Have Fallen Away

To Those That Have Fallen Away

The Bible speaks of individuals that at one time named the name of Christ, but had given up the faith. The phrase “having gone back out into the world” is used to describe those that no longer serve God. Men such as Demas comes to mind, 2 Timothy 4.10. It should be no surprise to find Christians making shipwreck of their faith since the Bible speaks of it in the first century. If you have put on Christ through baptism, but now no longer serve Him, consider what the Bible says.

The apostle Paul agonized over the condition of his brethren in Galatia . They have received the gospel only to pervert it. “I am afraid for you, lest I have labored for you in vain” (Galatians 4.11). Later he writes, “You ran well. Who hindered you from obeying the truth?” (Galatians 5.7). To know the way, then consciously decide to turn your back on the truth is sad because of your influence on others. You will be teaching your children, co-workers, and others that you do not love the truth enough to live it. “For if, after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, they are again entangled in them, and overcome, the latter end is worse for them than the beginning” (2 Peter 2.20). It is sad because there is nothing that I or anyone else can do for you. “For if we sin willfully after we have received the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins” (Hebrews 10.26). It is said, for you will appear before God one day and give an account for your life, 2 Corinthians 5.10.

There are generally three reasons or excuses given by those that have left the faith. Consider the results of each one:

The pleasure of sin. Perhaps you are enjoying activities the Bible condemns. Realize that sin always has a cost. Sometimes it may be hidden, but it is still there. “Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God ? Do not be deceived. Neither fornicators, nor homosexuals, nor sodomites, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extorioners will inherit the kingdom of God ” (1 Corinthians 6.9-10). No matter what the sin, is it worth spending eternity in torment?

The problem of being different. In the parable of the sower there is the rocky soil. “But the ones on the rock are those, who, when they hear, receive the word with joy; and these have no root, who believe for a while and in time of temptation, fall away” (Luke 8.13). Christ suffered death on the cross for you and me. Do you not love our Savior enough to wear His name and suffer the rebukes and sarcasm of some people in this world?

Getting too caught up in this world. Perhaps you intend some day to get serious about religion, but not while there is so much to do. “Now the ones that fell among the thorns are those who, when they have heard, go out and are choked with cares, riches, and pleasures of life, and bring no fruit to maturity” (Luke 8.14). Ballgames, work, and social activities are not wrong in themselves, but they should never come before God. It you are too busy to worship, study, meditate on the Bible, then you are too busy to go to heaven.

I hope you will think about your soul’s condition, repent, and return back to your rightful place in the household of God. –D.T. (Editor’s Note: If you know of a Christian that is no longer faithful, give them a copy of this bulletin.)

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