Sins That Will Keep You From Heaven

Many people make the mistake of thinking that there are so-called "small" sins.  No sin is small in God's sight.  All sin separates us from God. That's why we need to repent of all sin, ask forgiveness, and put our faith in the atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross.
 
However, many Christians incorrectly assume that it is not necessary to obey the Word of God, if it is found in the part of our Bible that comes before the Gospel of Matthew.  They like to refer to Paul's epistle to the Galatians as proof that we must not go back to the law.  But let's make sure we correctly understand Paul's purpose in writing to the Galatians, and what he meant, as I have covered in more depth in Faith Works!

Natural Circumcision is a Shadow or Type
In Galatians, Paul taught that circumcision is a symbol of the Old Covenant, which has been fulfilled in Christ.  This is what the Galatians were going back to, after they had come to Christ, and that is the error Paul was addressing.  Christ came to fulfill the law, and now when we come to Christ, our hearts are circumcised by the Spirit, which is true circumcision. So now that we have the reality in Christ, we do not need to go back to the symbols and shadows.  However, while Christ came to fulfill the Law and the Prophets, He did not come to abolish them (Mt 5:17-20).  There are still commandments in the Old Testament portion of Scripture and definitions of sin found in the Law and the Prophets. We are not under the supervision of the Law.  But the Bible is the Book of Truth, and we must obey the truth (Gal 5:7; Rom 2:8; 1 Pe 1:22)!

Christ will not repent for you. So if you repent of sin, confessing them to the Lord, asking for forgiveness in Christ, you will be forgiven (1 Jn 1:9).  Then you must walk by the Spirit, so that you will obey God by the power of the Spirit.  The righteous requirements of the law will be fulfilled in your life because of Christ, "so that the requirement of the Law might be fulfilled in us, who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit." (Rom 8:4). But Jesus did not die on the cross so that we could go on disobeying God.

As Paul said, "Do we then nullify the Law through faith? May it never be! On the contrary, we establish the Law." (Rom 3:31).  And elsewhere he said, "What shall we say then? Are we to continue in sin so that grace may increase? May it never be! How shall we who died to sin still live in it?" (Rom 6:1-2)

Don’t get symbols, ceremonies, and rituals in the Old Covenant confused with God’s commandments. Now that the substance of those ritual, ceremonial, and dietary regulations has come (in Christ), we need not observe them. Paul said what matters is keeping God’s commandments (1 Cor 7:19).  There are still commandments in the Bible, and the New Testament contains many lists of sins that will keep you out of heaven.  They will take you to hell. 

The First Church Council in Jerusalem
One of those lists is in Acts 15:19-21. When Judaizers went up to Antioch, telling the Gentile Christians that they must be circumcised, the elders and apostles held a council in Jerusalem to decide what to do. James stated the final decision:

"Therefore it is my judgment that we do not trouble those who are turning to God from among the Gentiles, but that we write to them that they abstain from things contaminated by idols and from fornication and from what is strangled and from blood. For Moses from ancient generations has in every city those who preach him, since he is read in the synagogues every Sabbath." (Act 15:19-21)

People like to quote this one, because they assume it is the only list of sins for Christians to avoid. They assume that they will not go to hell, as long as they that abstain from things sacrificed to idols and from blood and from things strangled and from fornication.  People like that short list of five sins to avoid.

Nothing Unclean May Enter the Holy City
Another list that people like to quote is Rev 21:27; 22:15.  It says this in its context:
 
"And the city has no need of the sun or of the moon to shine on it, for the glory of God has illumined it, and its lamp is the Lamb. The nations will walk by its light, and the kings of the earth will bring their glory into it. In the daytime (for there will be no night there) its gates will never be closed; and they will bring the glory and the honor of the nations into it; and nothing unclean, and no one who practices abomination and lying, shall ever come into it, but only those whose names are written in the Lamb's book of life." (Rev 21:23-27)

"Blessed are those who wash their robes, so that they may have the right to the tree of life, and may enter by the gates into the city. Outside are the dogs and the sorcerers and the immoral persons and the murderers and the idolaters, and everyone who loves and practices lying." (Rev 22:14-15)

Some people assume that as long as they are a Christian, and are not in one of those categories of excluded people, they are going to heaven. They assume that as long as they do not love or practice lying, and as long as they are not dogs (homosexuals), sorcerers, sexually immoral persons, or idolaters, and as long as they are not unclean and do not practice abomination, then if they have given their life to Jesus at one time, their name is still written in The Book of Life and they are going to heaven.

However, there are several more lists in the New Testament Scriptures, including Mk 7:20-23; Rom 1:29-32; 2:6-13; 1 Cor 5:9-11; 6:9-11; Gal 5:19-21; 6:7-9; Eph 4:17-5:21; Col 3:5-10; 1 Thes 4:3-8; 2 Tim 3:1-5; 2 Pet 2:10-19; Mat 10:32-39; and Rev 14:9-12.  Let's look at those, too.

Evil Things from Within Make a Man Unclean
Notice that in the Revelation 21 passage I quoted above, it says that nothing "unclean" will come into the Holy City of heaven.  Our Lord Jesus defined what kinds of things make a man unclean, and this is not just an Old Testament concept, as some might think.

"And He was saying, 'That which proceeds out of the man, that is what defiles the man. For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed the evil thoughts, fornications, thefts, murders, adulteries, deeds of coveting and wickedness, as well as deceit, sensuality, envy, slander, pride and foolishness. All these evil things proceed from within and defile the man." (Mar 7:20-23)

But when do you hear people these days preaching against evil thoughts, deeds of coveting and wickedness, sensuality, envy, slander, pride, or foolishness?  For that matter, when do you hear people preaching against deceit, thefts, murders, or adulteries?  Preachers are afraid to offend people, so they do not name sin anymore, which will take you to hell. Jesus was not afraid to name sin.  So we see that this is another list of things that make a man unclean, and Revelation 21:27 says that nothing unclean will enter the Holy City.

Those Who Practice Such Things Are Worthy Of Death
Another list is in Paul's epistle to the Romans. He said:

"And just as they did not see fit to acknowledge God any longer, God gave them over to a depraved mind, to do those things which are not proper, being filled with all unrighteousness, wickedness, greed, evil; full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, malice; they are gossips, slanderers, haters of God, insolent, arrogant, boastful, inventors of evil, disobedient to parents, without understanding, untrustworthy, unloving, unmerciful; and although they know the ordinance of God, that those who practice such things are worthy of death, they not only do the same, but also give hearty approval to those who practice them." (Rom 1:28-32).

This means that those who practice unrighteousness, wickedness, greed, evil, envy, murder, strife, deceit, malice, gossiping, slander, hatred of God, insolence, arrogance, boasting, inventing evil, disobedience to parents, or being without understanding, untrustworthy, unloving, or unmerciful, they are worthy of death.

There Will Be Wrath and Indignation for Those Who Do Such Things
Paul went on to say:

"But because of your stubbornness and unrepentant heart you are storing up wrath for yourself in the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God, who will render to each person according to his deeds: to those who by perseverance in doing good seek for glory and honor and immortality, eternal life; but to those who are selfishly ambitious and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, wrath and indignation. There will be tribulation and distress for every soul of man who does evil, of the Jew first and also of the Greek, but glory and honor and peace to everyone who does good, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. For there is no partiality with God. For all who have sinned without the Law will also perish without the Law, and all who have sinned under the Law will be judged by the Law; for it is not the hearers of the Law who are just before God, but the doers of the Law will be justified." (Rom 2:5-13)

Paul was clear that there will be wrath and indignation for those who are selfishly ambitious and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, and do evil.

Immoral People Defined
In Paul's first epistle to the Corinthians, he defined who the immoral people are, and said we must not associate with any brother who is immoral by this definition:

"I wrote you in my letter not to associate with immoral people; I did not at all mean with the immoral people of this world, or with the covetous and swindlers, or with idolaters, for then you would have to go out of the world. But actually, I wrote to you not to associate with any so-called brother if he is an immoral person, or covetous, or an idolater, or a reviler, or a drunkard, or a swindler--not even to eat with such a one." (1Co 5:9-11)

He added:

"Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived; neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor homosexuals, nor thieves, nor the covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers, will inherit the kingdom of God. Such were some of you; but you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and in the Spirit of our God." (1Co 6:9-11)

Paul was absolutely clear that neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor homosexuals, nor thieves, nor the covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers, will inherit the kingdom of God.  That is why we must avoid these sins and avoid associating with any so-called brother who is practicing these things.

And Things Like These
In his epistle to the Galatians, Paul listed the acts of the sinful nature.

"Now the deeds of the flesh are evident, which are: immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmities, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, disputes, dissensions, factions, envying, drunkenness, carousing, and things like these, of which I forewarn you, just as I have forewarned you, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God." (Gal 5:19-21)

Many teachers like to assume this is a complete list of all acts of the sinful nature.  However, there are too many to list here, so Paul simply says, "...and things like these."  He strictly warns us that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. Have you ever stopped to wonder what is included in that little phrase "...and things like these"?  Could you be practicing "things like these" that are not specifically listed here, but which nevertheless will keep you from inheriting the kingdom of God?

Reaping Destruction
In that same letter to the Galatians, Paul was clear what he meant when he said such people would not inherit the kingdom of God.  He said:

"Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, this he will also reap. For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life. Let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we will reap if we do not grow weary." (Gal 6:7-9)

So those who do not inherit the kingdom, as described in the Galatians 5 passage I quoted previously, will reap destruction, since they are sowing to their sinful nature.

Excluded from the Life of God
This next passage from Paul's epistle to the Ephesians is a rather long one, but notice all the sins he listed in it.

"So this I say, and affirm together with the Lord, that you walk no longer just as the Gentiles also walk, in the futility of their mind, being darkened in their understanding, excluded from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them, because of the hardness of their heart; and they, having become callous, have given themselves over to sensuality for the practice of every kind of impurity with greediness. But you did not learn Christ in this way, if indeed you have heard Him and have been taught in Him, just as truth is in Jesus, that, in reference to your former manner of life, you lay aside the old self, which is being corrupted in accordance with the lusts of deceit, and that you be renewed in the spirit of your mind, and put on the new self, which in the likeness of God has been created in righteousness and holiness of the truth. Therefore, laying aside falsehood, speak truth each one of you with his neighbor, for we are members of one another. Be angry, and yet do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, and do not give the devil an opportunity. He who steals must steal no longer; but rather he must labor, performing with his own hands what is good, so that he will have something to share with one who has need. Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth, but only such a word as is good for edification according to the need of the moment, so that it will give grace to those who hear. Do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you." (Eph 4:17-32)

The passage continues in the next chapter:

"Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children; and walk in love, just as Christ also loved you and gave Himself up for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God as a fragrant aroma. But immorality or any impurity or greed must not even be named among you, as is proper among saints; and there must be no filthiness and silly talk, or coarse jesting, which are not fitting, but rather giving of thanks. For this you know with certainty, that no immoral or impure person or covetous man, who is an idolater, has an inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God. Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience. Therefore do not be partakers with them; for you were formerly darkness, but now you are Light in the Lord; walk as children of Light (for the fruit of the Light consists in all goodness and righteousness and truth), trying to learn what is pleasing to the Lord. Do not participate in the unfruitful deeds of darkness, but instead even expose them; for it is disgraceful even to speak of the things which are done by them in secret. But all things become visible when they are exposed by the light, for everything that becomes visible is light. For this reason it says, "Awake, sleeper, And arise from the dead, And Christ will shine on you." Therefore be careful how you walk, not as unwise men but as wise, making the most of your time, because the days are evil. So then do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. And do not get drunk with wine, for that is dissipation, but be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody with your heart to the Lord; always giving thanks for all things in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to God, even the Father; and be subject to one another in the fear of Christ." (Eph 5:1-21)

Some of the sins listed in this long passage are immorality, filthiness, silly talk, coarse jesting, callousness, sensuality, impurity, greediness, the lusts of deceit, falsehood, stealing, unwholesome speech, speech that does not edify, grieving the Holy Spirit, bitterness, wrath, anger, letting the sun go down on your anger, giving the devil an opportunity, clamor, and slander, along with all malice, as well as unforgiveness.  Any of these that were not listed specifically in Galatians 5 as acts of the flesh are examples of what Paul meant by "things like these" that will keep you from inheriting the kingdom of God.  They should not even be named among God's people. Those who live like this are excluded from the life of God.

Because Of These Things The Wrath Of God Will Come Upon The Sons Of Disobedience
In Paul's epistle to the Colossians, he gave another list of sins that incur the wrath of God:

"Therefore consider the members of your earthly body as dead to immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and greed, which amounts to idolatry. For it is because of these things that the wrath of God will come upon the sons of disobedience, and in them you also once walked, when you were living in them. But now you also, put them all aside: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and abusive speech from your mouth. Do not lie to one another, since you laid aside the old self with its evil practices, and have put on the new self who is being renewed to a true knowledge according to the image of the One who created him--" (Col 3:5-10)

This list includes immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and greed, which amounts to idolatry, anger, wrath, malice, slander, lying, and abusive speech from your mouth. We must put all of these away out of our lives. Paul clearly said that because of these things that the wrath of God will come upon the sons of disobedience.

The Lord Is The Avenger In All These Things
"For this is the will of God, your sanctification; that is, that you abstain from sexual immorality; that each of you know how to possess his own vessel in sanctification and honor, not in lustful passion, like the Gentiles who do not know God; and that no man transgress and defraud his brother in the matter because the Lord is the avenger in all these things, just as we also told you before and solemnly warned you. For God has not called us for the purpose of impurity, but in sanctification. So, he who rejects this is not rejecting man but the God who gives His Holy Spirit to you." (1Th 4:3-8)

In this passage, Paul lists sexual immorality, lustful passion, and not possessing your own body in sanctification and honor, which is a very broad category of sin. He said the Lord is the avenger in all these things. 

Avoid Such Men As These
In Paul's second epistle to Timothy he gave another list.

"But realize this, that in the last days difficult times will come. For men will be lovers of self, lovers of money, boastful, arrogant, revilers, disobedient to parents, ungrateful, unholy, unloving, irreconcilable, malicious gossips, without self-control, brutal, haters of good, treacherous, reckless, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, holding to a form of godliness, although they have denied its power; Avoid such men as these." (2Ti 3:1-5).

We are to avoid such men as these, who live like this. While they may have a form of godliness, they have denied the power to live a godly life, which is found only in the Holy Spirit. We know from Paul's letter to the Corinthians, which I have already quoted, he is not telling us to avoid those in the world who live like this, but so-called brothers and sisters in Christ.

He Keeps The Unrighteous Under Punishment For The Day Of Judgment
The last passage I would like to mention that gives a list of sins is in Peter's second epistle.  He says:

Then the Lord knows how to rescue the godly from temptation, and to keep the unrighteous under punishment for the day of judgment, and especially those who indulge the flesh in its corrupt desires and despise authority. Daring, self-willed, they do not tremble when they revile angelic majesties, whereas angels who are greater in might and power do not bring a reviling judgment against them before the Lord. But these, like unreasoning animals, born as creatures of instinct to be captured and killed, reviling where they have no knowledge, will in the destruction of those creatures also be destroyed, suffering wrong as the wages of doing wrong. They count it a pleasure to revel in the daytime. They are stains and blemishes, reveling in their deceptions, as they carouse with you, having eyes full of adultery that never cease from sin, enticing unstable souls, having a heart trained in greed, accursed children; forsaking the right way, they have gone astray, having followed the way of Balaam, the son of Beor, who loved the wages of unrighteousness; but he received a rebuke for his own transgression, for a mute donkey, speaking with a voice of a man, restrained the madness of the prophet. These are springs without water and mists driven by a storm, for whom the black darkness has been reserved. For speaking out arrogant words of vanity they entice by fleshly desires, by sensuality, those who barely escape from the ones who live in error, promising them freedom while they themselves are slaves of corruption; for by what a man is overcome, by this he is enslaved. (2Pe 2:9-19)

Peter said the Lord knows how to keep the unrighteous under punishment for the day of judgment. He gave some examples of unrighteous people that included those who indulge the flesh in its corrupt desires and despise authority. Daring, self-willed, they do not tremble when they revile angelic majesties.  They have greedy, adulterous hearts that revel in the daytime, reveling in their deceptions, carousing, enticing unstable souls, forsaking the right way, going astray, following the way of Balaam, the son of Beor, who loved the wages of unrighteousness, speaking out arrogant words of vanity, enticing others by fleshly desires and by sensuality.  The Lord will punish all such people in the same eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels.

Practicing Lawlessness
Although lawlessness is not in any of the other lists mentioned above, it will keep you from heaven.

Jesus said, "Not everyone who says to Me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father who is in heaven will enter. Many will say to Me on that day, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in Your name, and in Your name cast out demons, and in Your name perform many miracles?' And then I will declare to them, 'I never knew you; depart from me, you who practice lawlessness.'"  (Mat 7:21-23)

The Greek word for lawlessness is "anomia" meaning "violation of law or (generally) wickedness" (Strongs). So the Lord taught that if you practice violations of the law or wickedness, He does not know you and will command you to depart from Him. He said that only he who does the will of our Father who is in heaven will enter the kingdom of heaven. That is why Walking in the Perfect Will of God is absolutely necessary.  For as John said, "The one who says, 'I have come to know Him,' and does not keep His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him;" (1Jn 2:4).

Many of these same sins listed in the New Testament are found in the Law and the Prophets, which were the only Scriptures the apostles had during the first century.  However, cursed is he that observes the Law, who insists on pleasing God through works, and denies what Christ did for us on the cross. The Scripture says:  "For all who rely on the works of the law are under a curse, as it is written: ‘Cursed is everyone who does not continue to do everything written in the Book of the Law.’ Clearly no one who relies on the law is justified before God, because 'the righteous will live by faith.'” (Gal 3:10-11). Never Trust in Your Own Good Works. If you are still not sure which part of the Law and the Prophets we must obey, then please see these other articles of mine that explain it. 

Is Obedience Optional? The Law of Christ  The Law Fulfilled in Us The Law Established Through Faith The Cost of Discipleship The New Covenant Costly Grace Deleted Scriptures in the Bible? Did Jesus Nail the Law to the Cross? The Obedience of Faith Is Practical Righteousness a Lost Truth? Faith Works! Remember the Eternal Law of God

The Law is Good if Used Lawfully Striving to Enter the Kingdom of God Aim for Perfection Righteous Deeds and White Robes Doing What is Right Your Rewards Are Based on Your Practice Partaking of the Divine Nature Walking in the Perfect Will of God Pressing on Toward the Goal Obedience by the Spirit What Then Must We Observe?

Denying Christ
Among the lists of sins that Jesus warned about is denying Christ.  Yet Jesus said:

"Therefore everyone who confesses Me before men, I will also confess him before My Father who is in heaven. But whoever denies Me before men, I will also deny him before My Father who is in heaven. Do not think that I came to bring peace on the earth; I did not come to bring peace, but a sword. For I came to set a man against his father, and a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law; and a man's enemies will be the members of his household. He who loves father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me; and he who loves son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me. "And he who does not take his cross and follow after Me is not worthy of Me. He who has found his life will lose it, and he who has lost his life for My sake will find it.” (Mat 10:32-39)

Paul said, "If we endure, we will also reign with Him; If we deny Him, He also will deny us;" (2Ti 2:12)

Although the apostle Peter denied Christ three times in one night, he repented of it and was forgiven.  In addition to denying Christ, some other sins Jesus listed that will keep you from heaven are loving father, mother, son or daughter more than Him, not taking your cross and following after Him, and finding your life.

Not Loving the Lord
Let us not forget the greatest commandment! Recall the time when a lawyer asked Jesus, " 'Teacher, which is the great commandment in the Law?’ And He said to him, 'You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.' This is the great and foremost commandment. The second is like it, 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself.' On these two commandments depend the whole Law and the Prophets."  (Mat 22:36-40)

Paul pronounced an eternal curse on anyone who does not love the Lord, when he wrote: "If anyone does not love the Lord, he is to be accursed. Maranatha." (1Co 16:22).

Blaspheming the Holy Spirit
Another sin that is not mentioned in any of the lists is blaspheming the Holy Spirit, but Jesus strictly warned us about it.  He said:

"Therefore I say to you, any sin and blasphemy shall be forgiven people, but blasphemy against the Spirit shall not be forgiven. Whoever speaks a word against the Son of Man, it shall be forgiven him; but whoever speaks against the Holy Spirit, it shall not be forgiven him, either in this age or in the age to come." (Mat 12:31-32)

He was clear that while any other sin shall be forgiven if you repent, blasphemy against the Spirit shall not be forgiven. For more on this, please see Blasphemy of the Holy Spirit.

Taking the Mark of the Beast
I want to mention some sins listed in the book of Revelation, which are not found elsewhere in the Bible. The apostle John wrote:

"Then another angel, a third one, followed them, saying with a loud voice, 'If anyone worships the beast and his image, and receives a mark on his forehead or on his hand, he also will drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is mixed in full strength in the cup of His anger; and he will be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels and in the presence of the Lamb. And the smoke of their torment goes up forever and ever; they have no rest day and night, those who worship the beast and his image, and whoever receives the mark of his name.' Here is the perseverance of the saints who keep the commandments of God and their faith in Jesus." (Rev 14:9-12)

Anyone who worships the beast and his image, and receives a mark on his forehead or on his hand, will be tormented with fire and brimstone forever and ever. They will not enter heaven.  Do not under any circumstances commit any of these sins. For more on this, please see The Mark of the Beast (666).

Unforgiveness
Our Lord said in His sermon on the Mount, "For if you forgive others for their transgressions, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others, then your Father will not forgive your transgressions." (Mat 6:14-15).

He also taught us the parable of the unmerciful servant, in which the one who was forgiven so much refused to forgive someone else what they owed him.

"Then Peter came and said to Him, 'Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me and I forgive him? Up to seven times?' Jesus said to him, 'I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven. For this reason the kingdom of heaven may be compared to a king who wished to settle accounts with his slaves. When he had begun to settle them, one who owed him ten thousand talents was brought to him. But since he did not have the means to repay, his lord commanded him to be sold, along with his wife and children and all that he had, and repayment to be made. So the slave fell to the ground and prostrated himself before him, saying, "Have patience with me and I will repay you everything." And the lord of that slave felt compassion and released him and forgave him the debt. But that slave went out and found one of his fellow slaves who owed him a hundred denarii; and he seized him and began to choke him, saying, "Pay back what you owe." So his fellow slave fell to the ground and began to plead with him, saying, "Have patience with me and I will repay you." But he was unwilling and went and threw him in prison until he should pay back what was owed. So when his fellow slaves saw what had happened, they were deeply grieved and came and reported to their lord all that had happened. Then summoning him, his lord said to him, "You wicked slave, I forgave you all that debt because you pleaded with me. Should you not also have had mercy on your fellow slave, in the same way that I had mercy on you?" And his lord, moved with anger, handed him over to the torturers until he should repay all that was owed him. My heavenly Father will also do the same to you, if each of you does not forgive his brother from your heart.'" (Mat 18:21-35)

In this parable, the lord of the unmerciful servant, moved with anger, handed him over to the torturers until he should repay all that was owed him. The heavenly Father will also do the same to you, if each of you does not forgive his brother from your heart. There are many people in hell for unforgiveness, so please don't let that happen to you.

Refusing Him Who Speaks
The writer of Hebrews wrote: "See to it that you do not refuse Him who is speaking. For if those did not escape when they refused him who warned them on earth, much less will we escape who turn away from Him who warns from heaven." (Heb 12:25)

Compilation of Lists
The lists we have just reviewed include such sins as those in the following compilation:

Not doing the will of our Father who is in heaven, refusing Him who speaks and warns us from heaven, forsaking the right way, going astray, loving self, loving money, boastfulness, arrogance, reviling (verbal abuse of people), disobedience to parents, ungratefulness, being unholy, being unloving, being irreconcilable, without self-control, brutality, hating good, treacherousness, recklessness, conceit, loving pleasure rather than loving God, holding to a form of godliness but denying its power, relying on the works of the law or observing the law, eating things sacrificed to idols, eating blood, eating the meat of strangled animals, loving or practicing lying, deceit, sorcery, sensuality, impurity, passion, homosexual acts, sexual immorality, fornication, adultery, idolatry, practicing abomination, evil desire, evil thoughts, deeds of coveting and wickedness, envying, pride, foolishness, greed, thefts (including stealing from God what belongs to God or from Caesar what belongs to Caesar), practicing unrighteousness, lawlessness, sowing to the flesh, indulging the flesh in its corrupt desires, evil, murder, strife, malice, gossiping, slander, speaking unwholesome words, abusive speech, filthiness and silly talk, or coarse jesting, despising authority, being daring, self-willed, reviling angelic majesties, enticing unstable souls, following the way of Balaam, the son of Beor, who loved the wages of unrighteousness, loving father, mother, son or daughter more than Jesus, not taking your cross and following after Jesus, finding your life, denying Christ, not loving the Lord, hatred of God, grieving the Holy Spirit of God, blasphemy of the Spirit (this sin shall not be forgiven), receiving the mark of the beast on your forehead or hand, worshiping the beast or his image, unforgiveness, insolence, arrogance, speaking out arrogant words of vanity, boasting, inventing evil, being without understanding, untrustworthy, unloving, or unmerciful, being an effeminate (a catamite), being selfishly ambitious and not obeying the truth, but obeying unrighteousness, and doing evil; drunkenness, swindling, immorality, enmities, strife, jealousy, bitterness, wrath, outbursts of anger, clamor, slander, malice, callousness, disputes, dissensions, factions, carousing, and things like these.

However, this is by no means a comprehensive list. And we have not even looked at any of the Scriptures from the Old Testament yet!

Putting it All Together
So we can see that the list of sins forbidden at the First Council of Jerusalem in Acts 15 were not the only ones that take people to hell.  In the New Testament there is no single, comprehensive list of sins that will keep you from heaven, in terms of specifically naming each and every individual sin.  In fact, there are several lists. 

And even though we examined many such passages in this article, I did not even mention failing to evangelize the lost, not Keeping Sundays Holy, or The Forgotten Sin of Worldliness.  This is why Paul used the expression "and things like these" to describe the acts of the sinful nature that keep people from inheriting the kingdom of God. Sin will keep you from heaven, and there are no small sins.

Don't be fooled by anyone who tells you we don't need to obey the Word of God.  The Word of God is not just the New Testament Scriptures, but it includes the whole the Bible from Genesis to Revelation.  Don't let anyone tell you that it is legalism to obey God. Paul said that what counts is keeping God's commandments (1 Cor 7:19). And that explains why James added at the First Church Council in Jerusalem his reason for limiting the list to the sins he named for the Gentiles coming to Christ was this: "For Moses from ancient generations has in every city those who preach him, since he is read in the synagogues every Sabbath."  James knew that Gentiles have heard of God's commandments which are preached in every city.  He was implying that we who follow Christ must obey the commandments of God, which we can only do by the power of the Spirit.  Rather than seeking to observe the Law, live by the Spirit! For without Christ we can do nothing.

Whether or not you are a Christian, if you are practicing any of these sins or "things like these", you need to know they will take you to hell.  You will perish unless you repent.  But please don't put it off until later, or else it may be too late.  Mercy is only available while you are on earth.  Jesus still loves you, but His standard for heaven is high and He's not going to lower it for anyone. Cry out to the Lord Jesus to forgive you, and then with His help live for Him, producing the fruits of repentance.

Attribution notice: Most Scripture quotations taken from the NASB.
 
Author's note: You are invited to read Abominations in the Sight of God, To Sin or Not to Sin, Aim for Perfection, Godly Attire and Adornment -- Seven Divine Revelations, Carrying Your Cross or Cross Dressing?, Tattoos and Body Piercing, Michael Shigaba's Encounter with Jesus, Alcohol and Cigarettes -- Ten Divine Revelations, A Warning for Christian Married Couples, Messages from the Lord for Catholics Worshipping Idols, Keeping Sundays Holy - Part I, Keeping Sundays Holy - Part II, Rock, Rap, and Reggae Music -- Three Divine Revelations, The Origin of Sin, Satan, and Secular Music, Is it a Sin to Take Medicine?, Is Contraception a Sin? -- A Divine Revelation, The Forgotten Sin of Worldliness, Led by the Spirit, Called to be Blameless, Holy Living in a Perverted World, Never Trust in Your Own Good Works, Separation from the World, and Fruit in Every Season. You may access the Main Directory for this Seeking the Lord blog for more articles like this, as well as my complete blog directory at "Writing for the Master."

A Warning for Christian Married Couples	Only the Holy -- Three Shocking Testimonies	Angelica Zambrano Hell and Heaven
Baptized by Blazing Fire	Taken to Hell	Angelica Zambrano Second Visit to Hell
Australian Pastor Raised from the Dead	Nigerian Pastor Raised from the Dead	Revelation of Hell to Seven Colombian Youths

Do You Want to Know Him?
If you want to know Jesus personally, you can. It all begins when you repent and believe in Jesus.  Do you know what God's Word, the Bible says?

“Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of God, and saying, ‘The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.’” (Mar 1:14b-15).  He preached that we must repent and believe.

Please see my explanation of this in my post called "Do You Want to Know Jesus?"

_________________________________________________

Len Lacroix is the founder of Doulos Missions International.  He was based in Eastern Europe for four years, making disciples, as well as helping leaders to be more effective at making disciples who multiply, developing leaders who multiply, with the ultimate goal of planting churches that multiply. His ministry is now based in the United States with the same goal of helping fulfill the Great Commission. www.dmiworld.org.

The Apostasy Parables

Dear God-seekers, some people believe that it’s impossible for a disciple of Christ to fall away and perish.  I’ve proven that to be false in my article, Drifting Away, based on the explicit use of around nineteen different words for apostasy in the New Testament. However, in addition to those explicit references to apostasy in the Bible, there are also many implicit teachings on apostasy, such as the parables about falling away.  Let’s take a look at those together.

Parable of Sower
First, there is the Parable of the Sower (Mat 13:20-21; Mk 4; Luk 8:13). When people hear and receive the Word in their hearts, one possible outcome that does happen to some of them is that they "fall away" in time of temptation, such as when affliction and persecution arises because of the Word.

The Lord said, "The one on whom seed was sown on the rocky places, this is the man who hears the word and immediately receives it with joy; yet he has no firm root in himself, but is only temporary, and when affliction or persecution arises because of the word, immediately he falls away." (Mat 13:20-21)

His words were recorded a bit differently by Luke, yet with the same meaning: "Those on the rocky soil are those who, when they hear, receive the word with joy; and these have no firm root; they believe for a while, and in time of temptation fall away.” (Luk 8:13).   

Jesus said this about the man who hears the word and receives it with joy; yet he has no firm root in himself. In other words, he was speaking about those who initially receive the gospel with joy.  Certainly it’s impossible to fall away from something you have never experienced.  Many people, after having been born again, have lost value.  According to our Lord, if during their lifetime on earth they do not repent for doing so, they will perish in hell.

Parable of the Faithful Servant
Secondly, there is the Parable of the Faithful Servant about a faithful servant and an evil one (Matthew 24:45-51; Mark 13:33-37; Luke 12:35-48).  The faithful and sensible servant did what his master put him in charge of His household to do, which was to give them their food at the proper time.  Therefore, he was ready when his master returned.

This is clearly a parable about falling away, because both of those depicted in the parable were servants of the Master, put in charge of the His household to feed them promptly.  The only one who is blessed is the one whom the Master finds doing so when He comes.  "Blessed is that slave whom his master finds so doing when he comes." (Mat 24:46). This depicts the Lord’s return on a day when you do not expect, and at an hour when you do not think or know (see Mt 24:44,50).  It is only the one who is doing what He was told to do and fulfilling all the duties of His ministry who will make it. 

However, the wicked servant was not ready when his master returned.  The reason is “that evil slave says in his heart, 'My master is not coming for a long time,'” (Mat 24:48).  It is an evil attitude to suppose the Lord will not be coming for a long time.  Please don’t entertain that thought, because He is coming very soon.  It was such an evil thought that caused that servant to make the fatal error of beginning to beat his fellow slaves and to eat and drink with drunkards. (see Mat 24:49).  He depicts that servant of the Lord who falls away, and the Lord tells us the final outcome of such a one.  “The Master of that slave will come on a day when he does not expect him and at an hour which he does not know, and will cut him in pieces and assign him a place with the hypocrites; in that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. (Mat 24:50-51)

Parable of the Ten Virgins
Thirdly, there is the Parable of the Ten Virgins (Mt 25:1-13).  All ten virgins were waiting for the Bridegroom to come, which depicts the disciples of Christ waiting for the Lord’s return.  Those who don’t care about Jesus are not waiting for Him to return.  The five wise virgins bought extra oil for their lamps. This proved to be wise, since the Bridegroom came at a very late hour, after they had burned up their initial supply of oil, and it was very dark at the midnight hour when He came, so they definitely needed their lamps.

The five foolish virgins didn’t realize they were doing anything wrong, yet due to being unprepared, they missed the wedding.  Their problem was that they neglected to buy extra oil for their lamps, and only realized their need for it when their lamps began to go out just as the Bridegroom was returning.  Since the wise ones did not have enough oil for both their own lamps and those who were running out, the foolish ones were forced to go seeking after oil when it was too late.

"And while they were going away to make the purchase, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the wedding feast; and the door was shut. "Later the other virgins also came, saying, 'Lord, lord, open up for us.' "But he answered, 'Truly I say to you, I do not know you.' (Mat 25:10-12)

The foolish virgins missed the wedding feast.  The door was shut, and although they begged to be let in, they were left outside in the dark.  Although they called the Bridegroom “Lord,” He said He did not know them. 

This parable clearly depicts disciples who fall away from the Lord.  Those who are of the world are not depicted as virgins, but those who seek to keep themselves for Christ are.  You cannot say the foolish virgins did not acknowledge Jesus, because they called him Lord.  They were waiting for His return, and they had lamps just as the other five virgins did, since they had all received the Light of the gospel.

Don’t be caught with your lamp going out just as the Lord is returning.  It’s up to you to buy extra oil from the Lord.  Cry out to the Lord to give you extra oil in your flask by the anointing of the Holy Spirit. 

Parable of the Talents
The fourth parable about falling away is the Parable of the Talents (Mt 25:14-30).  The parable of the talents depicts three different servants being given talents.  They were all given something, which they were expected to put to work for the master.  Two of the servants put all their talents to work for the master, and had something to show Him for it.  But the one servant did not put his talent to use for the master, and had nothing to show for it.  He was the servant who fell away, even though he was given talent just as the others were.  Therefore the master ordered, "Throw out the worthless slave into the outer darkness; in that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.” (Mat 25:30).  This represents the eternal punishment of hell that awaits those who do not use their talent for the glory of God.

If you don’t use every talent you have been given for the glory of God, you will be judged for it. One could put his talent to work to make a profit for himself, which is pursuing mammon.  Yet he may not realize that in doing so, he is doing nothing with it for the Lord.  He is looking out for himself only.  Mammon in the New Testament of the Bible, is material wealth, which is evil, and enslaves people through the use of money.  Pursuing mammon is stressful and leads to frustration.  It also leads to hell.  You cannot serve God and Mammon. “For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.” (1 Tim 6:10).  Remember the parable of the rich fool (Luk 12:15-21).  Jesus warned, "Beware, and be on your guard against every form of greed; for not even when one has an abundance does his life consist of his possessions." (Luk 12:15b).

Parable of the Sheep and Goats
The fifth parable about falling away is the Parable of the Sheep and Goats (Mt 25:31-46). It depicts the final judgment when the King sits on His throne and all the nations stand before Him.  He will separate the sheep from the goats with the sheep on His right and the goats on His left. The sheep are those who loved and served their neighbor. "Then the King will say to those on His right, 'Come, you who are blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.” (Mat 25:34).  But the goats did not love and serve their neighbor.  Therefore, the King will condemn them.  "Then He will also say to those on His left, 'Depart from Me, accursed ones, into the eternal fire which has been prepared for the devil and his angels.’” (Mat 25:41)

There are many similarities between the wicked ones who fall away in each of these parables.  They share common traits.  The goats who did not serve the Lord by loving their neighbor are like the wicked servant in Mt 24:45-51, who mistreated and abused his fellow servants.  The goats are also like the wicked, lazy servant who did not use his one talent in Mt 25:24-30.  And if you look at these parables yourself, I’m sure you will find more similarities among the wicked people described in them, since sin always leads us away from God.  In fact, the same wicked person could be depicted in more than one of these apostasy parables.

It would be a big mistake to assume these parables don’t apply to you.  That’s why we need to ask the Holy Spirit to search our hearts and expose anything that is hidden that must go. The goats don’t even notice when they are not serving the Lord (Mt 25:44).  They were shocked when they got to the end of their life and discovered they had neglected to serve Him.  Yet they are His followers during their lifetime, because they called Him “Lord.”

On the other hand, the sheep don’t even notice when they were serving the Lord (Mt 25:37).  That’s because they don’t blow a trumpet to let everyone know whenever they do a good deed.  They don’t even let their left hand know what their right hand was doing.  They just serve the Lord from the heart obediently with love.

As I mentioned, the goats are also like the man with one talent that didn’t put it to work for the Lord.  They have something to give in the Lord’s service, but they don’t give it or use it.  They are looking out for themselves only.  They don’t think about the Lord’s needs. Jesus was that hungry person you met.  Jesus was that thirsty person you met. Jesus was that stranger you saw or met.  They may have come to your door, needing a place to stay.  Jesus was that person who was in prison. Jesus was that person you saw or met who was in need of clothes. Jesus was that sick person you saw or knew. The goats don’t recognize Jesus when they see Him in their brother.  They only cry for themselves and not for the Lord.  They fail to realize that the talent they received was supposed to be used for serving the Lord, not for self.

Therefore, in the end, the Lord will call them accursed ones, and command them to depart from Him into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels.  The devil will never be shown any mercy, but will be punished forever and ever with eternal fire.  In case you are one who does not believe a Christian could ever go to hell, you need to realize that the goats are assigned to the same place prepared for the devil and his angels.

Parable of the Unmerciful Servant
The sixth parable about falling away is the Parable of the Unmerciful Servant (Matt 18:23-35).  This man missed heaven, because of unforgiveness.  He was tortured instead and had to pay his own debt, because he did not forgive his debtor.  It’s clearly a warning about falling away.

We know for certain that this man depicts the disciple who has fallen away unto eternal damnation, because of the following reasons: First, he was a servant of the King, who was his Lord. This clearly depicts a follower of Jesus, our Lord and King. Secondly, he had received mercy from the Lord.  Since the only people who receive mercy and forgiveness for their sins are those who call upon the name of Jesus, we know this man depicts a believer.  However, the mercy that had been given to him was later revoked, because of his own refusal to show mercy. Thirdly, Jesus told this parable to Peter (see Mt 18:1, 21).  The parable of the unmerciful servant was a response to Peter’s question about the need to forgive others.  Fourthly, we know this man depicts the disciple who has fallen away unto eternal damnation, because Jesus concluded the parable by saying, "My heavenly Father will also do the same to you, if each of you does not forgive his brother from your heart." (Mat 18:35).  He said His heavenly Father would do the same to “you” His disciples, if a certain condition were met.  That condition is if each of you does not forgive his brother from your heart. The expression “each of you” clearly refers to Peter and the other disciples, which proves that this is a warning to disciples. Fifthly, the fact that Jesus said we must each forgive our “brother” shows that this is about disciples, since he was not speaking of biological brothers but spiritual brothers in Christ.

Parable of the Head of the House
The seventh parable about falling away is the Parable of the Head of the House (Mat 24:43-44).  Jesus said:

"But be sure of this, that if the head of the house had known at what time of the night the thief was coming, he would have been on the alert and would not have allowed his house to be broken into. For this reason you also must be ready; for the Son of Man is coming at an hour when you do not think He will." (Mat 24:43-44)

This parable was spoken to the Lord’s disciples (see Mt 24:1,3).  In fact, Jesus said, “You also must be ready.” (Mt 24:44), which meant that the disciples themselves must also be ready, and this parable applied to them.  Each disciple is like the head of a household. In the parable, the head of the house was not on the alert when the thief came, which represents the coming of the Son of Man at an hour when you do not think He will.  And since the head of the house did not know when the thief was coming, he fell away by failing to remain alert.  Therefore, he allowed his house to be broken into, which depicts the loss experienced by those who are not ready.

Some Things God Won’t Do for You
Those who incorrectly believe that a disciple could never fall away usually believe so due to a false understanding of God’s sovereignty.  While God is sovereign over the universe, He has given each person a free will, and there are some things God won’t do for you. 

Let me give you some examples. First, these parables teach that God won’t utilize your talents for you.  He is waiting for you to use them for His glory.  Secondly, He won’t serve others for you. Although He will lead you to opportunities, and He will prompt you, He will watch to see whether or not you serve the people He puts in your life.  Thirdly, He won’t forgive your debtors on your behalf, but expects you to forgive your brother from your own heart.  Fourthly, He won’t automatically fill your flask with extra oil to help you stay ready for the Bridegroom’s return, if He is a long time in coming.  You need to go and buy that extra oil from Him yourself, and if you are wise you will do so.  Fifthly, He won't repent for you.

In fact, He won’t do anything you yourself are supposed to do in order to be ready for the Lord’s return.  If He did all these things for you, then there would be no reason for Him to punish all those people depicted in the parables for not doing them. Granted He will prompt you through the Word and by the Spirit, as well as through others in the Body of Christ, and through circumstances.  The Holy Spirit does work in and through the yielded and willing vessel to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose (see Phil 2:13). But He will not override your will and do these things for you.  It is possible to resist, quench, and grieve the Holy Spirit.  It's possible to neglect to seek the Lord for help to do His will.  The Holy Spirit does lead the sons of God, if we desire Him to, but it is necessary on our part to be led by Him (see Rom 8:14).  You must live in accordance with the Spirit (Rom 8:5). 

Final Judgment of Those Who Fall Away
In these parables, we see recurring themes, as well as a recurring pattern in which a final judgment is rendered against those who fall away, and they are sentenced with eternal punishment. Some of those final judgments include the following:

• “And in anger his lord handed him over to be tortured until he would pay his entire debt.” (Mt 18:34)
• “And will cut him in pieces and assign him a place with the hypocrites; in that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.” (Mat 24:51)
• The door was shut. "But he answered, 'Truly I say to you, I do not know you.’” (Mat 25:12)
• "Throw out the worthless slave into the outer darkness; in that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.” (Mat 25:30)
• "These will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life." (Mat 25:46)
• “The master of that slave will come on a day when he does not expect him and at an hour he does not know, and will cut him in pieces, and assign him a place with the unbelievers.” (Luk 12:46)

Jesus Prophesied There Would Be Apostasy
These parables depict what our Lord Jesus prophesied would happen in the last days, when He said, "Then they will deliver you to tribulation, and will kill you, and you will be hated by all nations because of My name. At that time many will fall away and will betray one another and hate one another. Many false prophets will arise and will mislead many. Because lawlessness is increased, most people's love will grow cold. But the one who endures to the end, he will be saved.” (Mat 24:9-13)

He said that many would fall away, which means it will not be a rare occurrence.  Since it is so common today, even among pastors, the standards within the church have been lowered to accommodate the apostates.  Truly, you could be a Christian reading this article, and not even know that you yourself have gone astray. You may not even realize you have fallen away through immorality of some kind, through idolatry, through your attire and adornment, through the music you listen to, through false doctrine, the traditions of men, failure to tithe properly, failure to keep Sundays holy, through the things you do for entertainment, or one of many other possible sins that have become so common and accepted in the Church today. This is because very few are preaching against sin any more.  They are neglecting to tell people what will land them in hell.  They are teaching falsely.

The Lord told us what those would act like, who have fallen away.  First, they will betray one another and hate one another, which is widespread these days. Secondly, most people's love will grow cold, which is so common today that we no longer even notice it.  It seems to be accepted as the norm. Thirdly, the Lord said lawlessness would be increased, until it reaches a climax just before He returns, when it will be just as it was in the days of Noah.  “Then the LORD saw that the wickedness of man was great on the earth, and that every intent of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.” (Gen 6:5). Fourthly, many will be misled by false prophets, which is much more common than you may realize. 

Putting it All Together
There are at least seven parables about falling away, including the Parable of the Sower, the Parable of the Head of the House, the Parable of the Faithful Servant, the Parable of the Ten Virgins, the Parable of the Talents, the Parable of the Sheep and Goats, and the Parable of the Unmerciful Servant.  We could call them “the apostasy parables,” although they teach other lessons besides this.

These parables depict what our Lord Jesus predicted would happen in the last days, when He said that many would fall away.  In these parables, we find some recurring themes.  First, they teach that some followers of Jesus will not be saved, because they fall away. Second, we learn from them that the righteous will inherit eternal life, rewards, and happiness, while the ones who fall away will be thrown into hell, where they will inherit eternal punishment and condemnation. Thirdly, the Lord taught us to keep on the alert, be ready, and stay awake, in order to avoid falling away.  Fourthly, it is only the one who endures to the end, who will be saved.  Fifthly, it’s necessary to act according to His will.  Sixth, while God is sovereign over the universe, He has given each of you a free will, and there are some things God won’t do for you.  Last but not least is the recurring theme in which a final judgment is rendered against those who fall away, and they are sentenced with eternal punishment.

Let this be a wake up call to each of us to heed the voice of the Spirit, and listen to the warnings of our Lord.  We are living in the days of the Great Deception and the Great Apostasy.  Please ask the Holy Spirit to examine your heart and reveal if you have gone astray in any area of your life.

I want to see each and every one of you there in the kingdom of heaven.  But the path is narrow that leads to life.  God’s standard is high and He is not going to lower it for anyone.  He still loves you, but He requires holiness, righteousness, and truth in all of His children.

I want to be the seed on good soil that produces thirty, sixty, or a hundredfold.  I want to be that faithful slave whom the Master finds promptly feeding His household when he comes. I want to be one of the wise virgins, who were ready and went in with the Bridegroom to the wedding banquet.  I want to use every talent the Lord has given me, and hear Him one day say to me, "Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!"  I want to be among the sheep who one day hear the King say, "Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world."  Don't you want that, too? I pray the the Lord would help you and I live in such a way, so that we can be among those who are called blessed.  But don't assume it is automatic, just because you call yourself a Christian, or just because you once prayed a sinner's prayer to accept Jesus as your Lord and Savior.

If you realize you’ve gone astray, then be earnest and repent, cry out for mercy, return to the Lord, and seek Him with all your heart. There is still hope for you while you are alive, but mercy is only available on the earth.  So don’t put this off for later, thinking you will have time.  This could be your last chance.

Also see: 1 Timothy, Hebrews, Romans 11, 1 Corinthians 9-10, 2 Peter 2, Jude, and Revelation 3.

Attribution notice: Most Scripture quotations taken from the NASB. Photo from goatsupplies.netfirms.com

Author's note:  Also see Drifting Away, The False Gospel of Eternal Security, The Conditional Security of the Believer, Overcomers in This Life, Garments of Godliness, Godly Attire and Adornment -- Seven Divine Revelations, Rachael Mushala Testimony of Hell, Faith Works!, Avoid Becoming a Corrupted Christian, Holding Fast the Faithful Word, Walking in the Perfect Will of God, Only the Holy -- Three Shocking Testimonies, Keeping Sundays Holy, and Is Tithing Required?

If you are confused about how the Lord is able to keep us while there is still the possibility of falling away, then I recommend reading Keeping Power of God and Election and Predestination.

You can access the Seeking the Lord Main Directory or my complete blog directory at "Writing for the Master." Now I'd like to ask a very important question.

Do You Want to Know Him?
If you want to know Jesus personally, you can. It all begins when you repent and believe in Jesus.  Do you know what God's Word, the Bible says?

“Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of God, and saying, ‘The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.’” (Mar 1:14b-15).  He preached that we must repent and believe.

Please see my explanation of this in my post called "Do You Want to Know Jesus?"

_________________________________________________

Len Lacroix is the founder of Doulos Missions International.  He was based in Eastern Europe for four years, making disciples, as well as helping leaders to be more effective at making disciples who multiply, developing leaders who multiply, with the ultimate goal of planting churches that multiply. His ministry is now based in the United States with the same goal of helping fulfill the Great Commission. www.dmiworld.org.

Costly Grace

Grace is not an excuse to sin.  It’s not an exemption from obedience.  Here is what grace is, as I understand it.

By grace God justifies the sinner
First, it is by grace that God justifies the sinner through faith.

“For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, so that no one may boast.” (Eph 2:8-9)

“But now apart from the Law the righteousness of God has been manifested, being witnessed by the Law and the Prophets, even the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all those who believe; for there is no distinction; for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, being justified as a gift by His grace through the redemption which is in Christ Jesus; whom God displayed publicly as a propitiation in His blood through faith. This was to demonstrate His righteousness, because in the forbearance of God He passed over the sins previously committed; for the demonstration, I say, of His righteousness at the present time, so that He would be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus. Where then is boasting? It is excluded. By what kind of law? Of works? No, but by a law of faith. For we maintain that a man is justified by faith apart from works of the Law. Or is God the God of Jews only? Is He not the God of Gentiles also? Yes, of Gentiles also, since indeed God who will justify the circumcised by faith and the uncircumcised through faith is one. Do we then nullify the Law through faith? May it never be! On the contrary, we establish the Law.” (Rom 3:21-31)

For more on this point, please see my blog "By Grace Alone."

Jesus Forgives the Sinner
Secondly, Jesus forgives sins committed, as defined by the first covenant, and He sets the sinner free from those sins. 

"For I will be merciful to their iniquities, and I will remember their sins no more." (Heb 8:12)

“For this reason Christ is the mediator of a new covenant, that those who are called may receive the promised eternal inheritance —now that he has died as a ransom to set them free from the sins committed under the first covenant.” (Heb 9:15)

By Grace We Are Free from Sin
Thirdly, because we are under His grace, we do not go on deliberately sinning (breaking God’s commands).  In Christ, we died to sin, as defined by the Law and the Prophets.

“What shall we say then? Are we to continue in sin so that grace may increase? May it never be! How shall we who died to sin still live in it?” (Rom 6:1-2)

“No one who abides in Him sins; no one who sins has seen Him or knows Him. Little children, make sure no one deceives you; the one who practices righteousness is righteous, just as He is righteous; the one who practices sin is of the devil; for the devil has sinned from the beginning. The Son of God appeared for this purpose, to destroy the works of the devil. No one who is born of God practices sin, because His seed abides in him; and he cannot sin, because he is born of God.” (1Jo 3:6-9)

So grace makes us free FROM sin, not free TO sin. 

Jesus Fulfills the Law in Us
Next, Jesus fulfills the Law and enables those who believe in Him under the New Covenant to fulfill the intent of the Law.  By His grace He enables us to obey His commands through the leading of the Spirit. 

The apostle Paul wrote: “Do we then nullify the Law through faith? May it never be! On the contrary, we establish the Law.” (Rom 3:31)

Jesus said, "Do not think that I came to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I did not come to abolish but to fulfill. For truly I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not the smallest letter or stroke shall pass from the Law until all is accomplished. Whoever then annuls one of the least of these commandments, and teaches others to do the same, shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but whoever keeps and teaches them, he shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven. For I say to you that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven.”  (Mat 5:17-20)

Jesus said, "He who has My commandments and keeps them is the one who loves Me; and he who loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I will love him and will disclose Myself to him." (Joh 14:21)

He also said, "This is My commandment, that you love one another, just as I have loved you. (Joh 15:12)

Do Not Receive the Grace of God in Vain
Some people don’t realize that it is possible to receive the grace of God in vain.  In other words, you can receive the grace of God and be born again, but then through your disobedience you could fail to be saved in the end.

The Corinthians were marrying unbelievers and doing things that were unholy (2 Co 6:14).  He was concerned that they might be led astray from pure devotion to Christ (2 Cor 11:3) Paul had reminded them that we will all stand before the judgment seat of Christ and receive what is due to us for whatever we did while in the body, whether good or bad. (2 Co 5:10).   That ought to have put the fear of God back into them!  Immediately after he spoke about the judgment of Christ, he said he knew what it was to fear the Lord.  That’s why he tried to persuade men and hoped that it would manifest itself in their conscience. (2 Co 5:11)

Paul said, “We implore you on behalf of Christ: Be reconciled to God.” (2 Co 5:20).  He was telling Christians to be reconciled to God!  Reconciliation is normally for those who are not saved.  That means they were not living right.

He reminded them that we are to be “the righteousness of God” (2 Co 5:21). Then he says, “We URGE you, as God’s co-workers, not to receive God’s grace in vain.” (2 Co 6:1).  The way they were living was such that although they had received the grace of God, it would all be in vain unless they repent.  How could the grace of God be in vain for them?  The answer is because they thought they were saved but were not living righteous, obedient, and holy lives, and risked missing heaven.

He says that now’s the time of God’s favor when they can get right with God (2 Co 6:2). He urged them to come out from among them and be separate, to touch no unclean thing.  And then the Lord would walk among them, dwell among them, and be their God, and they would be His people.  (2 Co 6:16-17) He said that we should cleanse or purify ourselves from all that defiles our flesh and spirit, and perfect holiness in the fear of God!! (2 Co 7:1) And just in case they felt condemned, he reassured them that his purpose was not to condemn them (2 Co 7:3).

Do Not Fall Short of the Grace of God
Paul wrote to the Hebrews, “See to it that no one comes short of the grace of God; that no root of bitterness springing up causes trouble, and by it many be defiled.”  (Heb 12:15).  It’s possible to fall short of God’s grace after initially receiving it. 

For those who think the grace of God is an excuse to sin, Paul said that Jesus “became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey him.” (Heb 5:9). He did not become the source of salvation for those who go on disobeying Him. 

Putting it All Together
The grace of God cost Jesus His life.  He laid down His life so that we might know Him and experience this gift of salvation.  By grace through faith, God justifies the sinner, forgives all his sin, and sets him free from slavery to sin. But it’s possible to fall short of the grace of God and to receive His grace in vain.  This is a tragic mistake.  

Grace enables the Lord to fulfill the Law in His people.  He writes His law on their hearts.  By grace through faith, the one who is saved is enabled to fulfill the commandments of God, because the Spirit of Christ, who fulfills the Law, lives in him.  And He is the source of salvation for all who obey Him.

Grace will cost you your life.  It will cost you everything, but it's worth it.  All we have is as filthy rags compared to what He has in store for those who love and obey Him.

Attribution notice: Most Scripture quotations taken from the NASB.

Author's note: This post is a follow up on the following articles I've written recently:

Is Obedience Optional?
The Cost of Discipleship
The Law Fulfilled in Us
Keeping Sundays Holy
Salvation with Fear and Trembling
The Highest Form of Slavery 

I invite you to read my daughter's poem, called "The Cost." You can also find my complete collection of blogs at Writing for the Master.

Do You Want to Know Him?
If you want to know Jesus personally, you can. It all begins when you repent and believe in Jesus.  Do you know what God's Word, the Bible says?

“Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of God, and saying, ‘The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.’” (Mar 1:14b-15).  He preached that we must repent and believe.

Please see my explanation of this in my post called "Do You Want to Know Jesus?"

_________________________________________________

Len Lacroix is the founder of Doulos Missions International.  He was based in Eastern Europe for four years, making disciples, as well as helping leaders to be more effective at making disciples who multiply, developing leaders who multiply, with the ultimate goal of planting churches that multiply. His ministry is now based in the United States with the same goal of helping fulfill the Great Commission. www.dmiworld.org.

Drifting Away

Apostasy (a-POS’-te-see) means an abandonment of what one has professed; a total desertion, or departure from one's faith or religion. It’s a turning away or going away from the truth. Can a true Christian become apostate?

Let’s see what the Scriptures have to say on this matter. There are many Scriptures about apostasy, especially in the book of Hebrews. In the following passages, I’ve marked the key words with bold letters. I've also provided footnotes (in parentheses) to all biblical words pertaining to apostasy, so that you can refer to the definitions of the original Greek words used, which I've listed at the bottom in the section called Greek word definition footnotes.

Drifting Away
The writer of Hebrews wrote: “For this reason we must pay much closer attention to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away(c) from it.” (Heb 2:1). It is possible to drift or slip away from the Lord like a boat gradually drifts from shore, when it’s not anchored. That’s why we must pay much closer attention to the message of Christ that we have heard than the Jews paid to the Law and the Prophets.

Salvation can be Neglected
“How will we escape if we neglect(j) so great a salvation? After it was at the first spoken through the Lord, it was confirmed to us by those who heard.” (Heb 2:3). It is possible to neglect your salvation, which means to reject, deny, or refuse it. And since the Jews were punished for their disobedience, how shall we escape if we do so?
  
Conditional promise based on holding fast our confidence
These promises are conditional ones, based on our holding fast our confidence. Notice the word “if” in these passages:

“but Christ was faithful as a Son over His house--whose house we are, if we hold fast our confidence and the boast of our hope firm until the end.” (Heb 3:6)

For we have become partakers of Christ, if we hold fast the beginning of our assurance firm until the end, (Heb 3:14)

Our confidence, our assurance, and our hope are all connected with the trust we had in Jesus at the beginning of our walk with Him. We must maintain these until the very end.

Falling, Straying or Turning Away from the Living God
It is possible to fall away or turn away from the living God.

“Take care, brethren, that there not be in any one of you an evil, unbelieving heart that falls away(b) from the living God.” (Heb 3:12)

“For in the case of those who have once been enlightened and have tasted of the heavenly gift and have been made partakers of the Holy Spirit, and have tasted the good word of God and the powers of the age to come, and then have fallen away(a), it is impossible to renew them again to repentance, since they again crucify to themselves the Son of God and put Him to open shame.” (Heb 6:4-6)

“See to it that you do not refuse Him who is speaking. For if those did not escape when they refused him who warned them on earth, much less will we escape who turn away(d) from Him who warns from heaven.” (Heb 12:25)

“But, beloved, we are convinced of better things concerning you, and things that accompany salvation, though we are speaking in this way.” (Heb 6:9)

“Some (younger widows) have in fact turned away(e) to follow Satan.” (1 Tim 5:15)

“But the Spirit explicitly says that in later times some will fall away(b) from the faith, paying attention to deceitful spirits and doctrines of demons, by means of the hypocrisy of liars seared in their own conscience as with a branding iron, men who forbid marriage and advocate abstaining from foods which God has created to be gratefully shared in by those who believe and know the truth.” (1Tim 4:1-3)

“Among them are Hymenaeus and Philetus, men who have gone astray(f) from the truth saying that the resurrection has already taken place, and they upset the faith of some.” (2Tim 2:17-18)

“O Timothy, guard what has been entrusted to you, avoiding worldly and empty chatter and the opposing arguments of what is falsely called "knowledge"-- which some have professed and thus gone astray(f) from the faith. Grace be with you.” (1Tim 6:20-21)

“For the love of money is a root of all sorts of evil, and some by longing for it have wandered away(h) from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.” (1Tim 6:10)

“But the goal of our instruction is love from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith. For some men, straying from these things, have turned aside(e) to fruitless discussion,” (1Tim 1:5-6)

My brethren, if any among you strays(o) from the truth and one turns him back, let him know that he who turns a sinner from the error of his way will save his soul from death and will cover a multitude of sins.  (Jam 5:19-20)

In these last two verses of James, he is writing to believers, whom he calls “brothers.” And he indicates that it is possible for his fellow brethren in Christ to stray or wander from the truth into error. He then indicates that such a person’s soul is in danger of death, even using the term "sinner."  When this happens, the only way such a sinner’s soul can be saved is if he turns from the error of his way.  That’s why James indicates that the brothers should seek to turn such a person back, in other words “convert” him. 

Some may say that no true believer would ever fall away. However, the Scripture indicates it is indeed possible.  The only way a person can fall away, turn aside, wander away, or go astray, is if they were once in a personal relationship with the Lord.  You cannot wander away from someone you were never following or turn aside from a path you were never on.

Falling Away 
Our Lord Jesus Christ Himself said, regarding these last days, "At that time many will fall away (s) and will betray one another and hate one another." (Mat 24:10). We are now living in the days He once spoke about, when it has become common for people to "fall away."  Just as the Lord predicted, such people betray one another and hate one another.  Do you suppose that a person who calls himself a Christian and lives like that will inherit the kingdom of heaven?  Certainly not! "The one who says he is in the Light and yet hates his brother is in the darkness until now. The one who loves his brother abides in the Light and there is no cause for stumbling in him. But the one who hates his brother is in the darkness and walks in the darkness, and does not know where he is going because the darkness has blinded his eyes." (1Jn 2:9-11)

The Lord used this expression "fall away" many times, and He made it clear that those who "fall away" without repentance before they die will be thrown into hell.

He said, "If your hand or your foot causes you to stumble (s), cut it off and throw it from you; it is better for you to enter life crippled or lame, than to have two hands or two feet and be cast into the eternal fire. "If your eye causes you to stumble (s), pluck it out and throw it from you. It is better for you to enter life with one eye, than to have two eyes and be cast into the fiery hell." (Mat 18:8-9; cf., 5:29-30; Mk 9:43,45,47)

He also said that when people hear and receive the Word in their hearts, one possible outcome that does happen to some of them is that they "fall away" in time of temptation, such as when affliction and persecution arises because of the Word.

He said, "The one on whom seed was sown on the rocky places, this is the man who hears the word and immediately receives it with joy; yet he has no firm root in himself, but is only temporary, and when affliction or persecution arises because of the word, immediately he falls away (s)." (Mat 13:20-21)

These words of Jesus were recorded a bit differently by Luke, yet with the same meaning: "Those on the rocky soil are those who, when they hear, receive the word with joy; and these have no firm root; they believe for a while, and in time of temptation fall away(b).” (Luk 8:13).  In fact, Luke used a different and even stronger Greek word for "fall away" (see footnote b) than the one Matthew and Mark used (see footnote s).  Since these inspired gospel writers used these two different words (footnotes b and s) in quoting the same sentence spoken by our Lord about "falling away", we know that they are essentially synonymous terms.

Furthermore, it is important to note that Jesus said this about the man who hears the word and receives it with joy; yet he has no firm root in himself. In other words, he was speaking about those who initially receive the gospel with joy.  As I have already mentioned, it is certainly impossible to fall away from something you have never experienced.  Many people, after having been born again, have lost value.  According to our Lord, if during their lifetime on earth they do not repent for doing so, they will perish in hell.

Falling through disobedience or pride
Many scholars believe that the devil and one-third of the angels fell through disobedience. Whether one-third or some other number of angels fells with him, we know they were holy at one time and fell through disobedience.

“For if God did not spare angels when they sinned, but cast them into hell and committed them to pits of darkness, reserved for judgment;” (2Pe 2:4)

“Then another sign appeared in heaven: and behold, a great red dragon having seven heads and ten horns, and on his heads were seven diadems. And his tail *swept away a third of the stars of heaven and threw them to the earth. And the dragon stood before the woman who was about to give birth, so that when she gave birth he might devour her child.” (Rev 12:3-4)

“And there was war in heaven, Michael and his angels waging war with the dragon. The dragon and his angels waged war, and they were not strong enough, and there was no longer a place found for them in heaven. And the great dragon was thrown down, the serpent of old who is called the devil and Satan, who deceives the whole world; he was thrown down to the earth, and his angels were thrown down with him.” (Rev 12:7-9)

Likewise, an overseer or elder can become conceited and fall under the same judgment as the devil.

Paul warned Timothy about recent converts who may otherwise qualify to be elders. “He must not be a recent convert, or he may become conceited and fall under the same judgment as the devil.” (1 Tim 3:6)

The Jews who fell through disobedience are an example for us. They did not enter the rest that God promised. “Therefore let us be diligent to enter that rest, so that no one will fall(g), through following the same example of disobedience.” (Heb 4:11)

Becoming hardened by sin's deceitfulness

It’s possible for your tender heart to become hardened by sin, which is so deceitful. A person who is deceived does not know he is deceived or he would not remain that way. This is a very real danger. That’s why we need to encourage one another. “But encourage one another day after day, as long as it is still called ‘Today,’ so that none of you will be hardened(n) by the deceitfulness of sin.” (Heb 3:13)

Unbelief
The reason so many Jews were not able to enter the Promised Land was because of their unbelief. They did not combine the message they heard with faith. “So we see that they were not able to enter because of unbelief.” (Heb 3:19). Likewise, Jesus said we must be doers and not only hearers of His Word.

Coming short of entering His rest
It is possible to come short of entering His rest. The writer of Hebrews was addressing true believers in Christ. He wrote, “Therefore, let us fear if, while a promise remains of entering His rest, any one of you may seem to have come short (l) of it.” (Heb 4:1). He indicated that even though there remains for us a promise of entering His rest, we should fear the possibility that any one of us may fall short of it.

Coming short of the grace of God
Just as we can come short of entering His rest, we can come short of God’s grace. “See to it that no one comes short( l) of the grace of God; that no root of bitterness springing up causes trouble, and by it many be defiled; that there be no immoral or godless person like Esau, who sold his own birthright for a single meal. For you know that even afterwards, when he desired to inherit the blessing, he was rejected, for he found no place for repentance, though he sought for it with tears.” (Heb 12:15-17)

As I mentioned earlier, the danger is that when you come short of God’s grace by abusing it, you may not be able to find a place for repentance ever again. This is what happened to Esau. Therefore, see to it that no one comes short of God’s grace.

Going on sinning willfully
It is possible to go on sinning willfully after receiving the knowledge of the Truth. “For if we go on sinning willfully after receiving the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, but a terrifying expectation of judgment and THE FURY OF A FIRE WHICH WILL CONSUME THE ADVERSARIES.” (Heb 10:26-27).

Sadly, many people do this. They receive the knowledge of the Truth. But afterward, they continue in a lifestyle of willful sin, in which they choose to remain.

Before I knew Christ, one of my favorite songs was Carry on My Wayward Son, by Kansas. In this song, a son is encouraged to continue in his wayward lifestyle. He is assured that there will be peace when he is done, at the end of his life. That’s a recipe for sure disaster. There’s only one acceptable sacrifice for sins, and if a wayward son carries on in sin, after receiving the Truth, no other sacrifice remains. The only thing remaining is not peace, but a terrifying expectation of judgment and fiery fury from God.

Regarding the blood of Jesus as unclean
Anyone who set aside the Law of Moses died without mercy under the Old Covenant, as long as there were two or three witnesses. Under the New Covenant, it is possible to regard as unclean the blood by which you are sanctified. “How much severer punishment do you think he will deserve who has trampled under foot the Son of God, and has regarded as unclean the blood of the covenant by which he was sanctified, and has insulted the Spirit of grace?” (Heb 10:29).

In order to do this, you first have to be sanctified, which means to be made holy. The only way to be sanctified is through the blood of Jesus. Yet some people trample the Son of God under foot after they’ve been sanctified, and this insults the Holy Spirit. According to the Scripture, such people deserve a more severe punishment that those who died without mercy in the Old Covenant.

Shrinking back to destruction
It is possible to withdraw from your faith in Jesus Christ. But the Lord will have no pleasure in the one who does this. “For yet in a very little while, He who is coming will come, and will not delay. But my righteous one shall live by faith; and if he shrinks back(m), my soul has no pleasure in him. But we are not of those who shrink back(m) to destruction, but of those who have faith to the preserving of the soul. (Heb 10:37-39).

The Lord’s righteous one must live by faith. However, if he cowers, pulls back, or shuns the Lord, he will ultimately be destroyed. I hope that everyone reading this is of those who has the kind of enduring faith that preserves the soul.

Being cut off and thrown into the fire
As long as you remain in Christ, you’re safe. But for those who do not, they cannot bear any good fruit, and they will be cut off.

"If anyone does not abide in Me, he is thrown away as a branch and dries up; and they gather them, and cast them into the fire and they are burned. (Joh 15:6)

"Indeed the axe is already laid at the root of the trees; so every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire." (Luk 3:9; Mat 3:10)

"Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. (Mat 7:19)

The Lord’s remedy for such people is to cut them off and throw them into the fire. It’s impossible to be cut off from Christ the Vine, unless you were at one time connected to Him. The key to avoid this terrible fate is to continue to abide in Him, bearing good fruit.

Being cut off, if we do not continue in His kindness
Paul wrote to the Romans about the Jews, who were a natural part of God’s original tree. Those who fell were cut off, demonstrating the severity of God. And we who believe in Christ were like wild branches grafted into God’s tree, demonstrating the kindness of God.

“Behold then the kindness and severity of God; to those who fell(g), severity, but to you, God's kindness, IF you continue in His kindness; otherwise you also will be cut off.” (Rom 11:22). God’s kindness remains toward us as long as we continue in His kindness. Those who fall will be cut off, according to God’s Word. If He did so to the natural branches, why should He spare the wild branches that were grafted in?

Denying or rejecting the faith
It’s possible to deny the faith. Paul wrote to Timothy, “If anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for his immediate family, he has denied(i) the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.” (1 Tim 5:8)

Paul warned Timothy about the need to struggle against sin, keep the faith and a good conscience. He wrote, “This command I entrust to you, Timothy, my son, in accordance with the prophecies previously made concerning you, that by them you fight the good fight, keeping faith and a good conscience, which some have rejected(k) and suffered shipwreck in regard to their faith. Among these are Hymenaeus and Alexander, whom I have handed over to Satan, so that they will be taught not to blaspheme.” (1Tim 1:18-20) These people, like Hymenaeus and Alexander, once had faith and a good conscience. But they have rejected these, rather than keeping them. In doing so they blaspheme and will be handed over to Satan.

Leaving the straight way and wandering off
Peter wrote about people who were walking on the straight way of Jesus, but then wandered off of that way. “They have left(t) the straight way and wandered off(o) to follow the way of Balaam son of Beor, who loved the wages of wickedness.” (2 Pet 2:15) You cannot leave the straight way unless you were once on it. They left the straight way and wandered off for one purpose, which was to follow the wicked way of Balaam. They forsook the straight and narrow path and went astray.  These are the people Peter is writing about throughout the entire chapter of 2 Peter 2. Read verse 15 first. Then go back and read the entire chapter with the understanding that this is whom he is referring to beginning in verse 1. He gives many examples of how God did not spare others and will not spare them, even though they once knew the way of righteousness. This passage teaches us that it is possible to be on the straight way following Jesus Christ, and then leave the straight way.

“The Lord knows how to…hold the unrighteous for the day of judgment, while continuing their punishment.” (2 Pet 2:9). What is the fate of such people? Peter declares, “Like beasts, they too will perish.” (2 Pet 2:12).

Being entangled in the world and overcome by it
Just like a bird can become entangled in a net and be trapped in it, it is possible for a sincere believer to become entangled in the world and overcome by it.

Peter wrote, “If they have escaped the corruption of the world by knowing our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and are again entangled(p) in it and overcome(q), they are worse off at the end than they were at the beginning.” (2 Pet 2:20). These people once escaped the corruption of the world by knowing our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ! When you know Jesus Christ, you are saved. Yet they again became entangled in corruption and overcome by the world.

As I already mentioned, these are the people Peter is writing about throughout the entire chapter 2 Peter 2. Read verse 20 first. Then go back and read the entire chapter with the understanding that this is who he is referring to beginning in verse 1. He gives many examples of how God did not spare others and will not spare them, even though they once knew the way of righteousness. He said they are "Bringing swift destruction upon themselves" (2 Pet 2:1b) and “Their destruction has not been sleeping.” (2 Pet 2:3)

Being carried away by the error of unprincipled men
The apostle Peter forewarned us to be on our guard, so that we would not be carried away by the error of unprincipled men and fall from our secure position. He wrote:

"You therefore, beloved, knowing this beforehand, be on your guard so that you are not carried away(u) by the error of unprincipled men and fall from(v) your own steadfastness..." (2Pe 3:17)

Therefore, although you may be steadfast in your faith now, it is possible to passively yield to the error of unprincipled men, or be carried away by their error, and thus fall from your steadfastness. He had just spoken about these unprincipled men in the previous verse as ignorant and unstable men who distort the Scriptures to their own destruction (2 Pet 3;16). Since they will be destroyed, so will those who are carried away together with them.

Turning your back on the sacred commandment
It is possible to turn your back on the sacred commandment. And that is what the people whom Peter wrote about did. “It would have been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than to have known it and then to turn their backs(r) on the sacred commandment passed on to them.” (2 Pet 2:21).

These people knew the way of righteousness and later turned their backs on the sacred commandment. These are the people Peter is writing about in 2 Peter 2 throughout the entire chapter. Read this verse first and then go back and read the entire chapter with the understanding that this is who he is referring to beginning in verse 1. He gives many examples of how God did not spare others and will not spare them, even though they once knew the way of righteousness.

Of them the proverbs are true: “A dog returns to its vomit,” and “A sow that is washed goes back to her wallowing in the mud.” (2 Pet 2:22). It is possible for a person who has been washed to go back to wallowing in the mud, and their end is clearly described in verses 3-10, and verse 13, as well as verse 17. “They will be paid back with harm for the harm they have done.” (2 Pet 2:13) Finally, “Blackest darkness is reserved for them.” (2 Pet 2:17).

My friend, these are harsh words, but they serve as a warning for us. I’m not writing to you self-righteously, as one who has never fallen, but as one who has fallen away before and returned to the Lord.

The prodigal son
Twenty-nine years ago, I was serving in the US Army, and had recently committed my life to Christ (Read my testimony here). As a young, nineteen year-old infantryman, I had been delivered from alcohol and substance abuse, as well as the sinful lifestyle that goes with all of that.

He radically saved me. I was on fire for Jesus in the beginning, sharing the Lord with the people in my life. I had a genuine personal relationship with the Lord. Day and night, I read the Word of God, prayed, had fellowship with other believers, and shared the gospel.

But about three months later, I was transferred for temporary duty overseas. I soon found myself serving in Berlin, Germany. I had brought my Bible and my Christian music, sincerely intending to stay close to the Lord.

However, when I went to the military chapel, I did not like the way they conducted the services. Since I knew of no other place where I could worship with fellow believers, I decided that I would just follow the Lord on my own, without being connected with the Body of Christ. It’s not that I didn’t want fellowship. I prayed for God to provide Christian friends, and I tried to be a witness to those around me. I really thought I could do it alone, but this was a foolish mistake.

I was lonely and wanted to find a wife. So I began going to places where single women could be found, such as the nightclub on post. At first, I just drank cola. It seemed innocent. I knew the Lord was with me, even in that place. But then I began to allow myself one beer or hard drink. Soon it was two, then three, and eventually six in one evening. I slowly slipped right back into my old lifestyle and found myself one night at 2:00 AM, laying in a gutter along the side of the street.

This pattern of falling away from the Lord continued for about six months. But on New Years Eve, I went back to the Protestant military chapel that I had rejected when I first arrived in Germany. They were having a “watch night service,” bringing in the New Year with prayer, worship, and fellowship. I felt so unworthy to be there, so dirty and ashamed of the way I had been living. I sat in the back, away from others.

They happened to be showing a video of a Vietnam veteran named David Roevers, who was awarded the Purple Heart. He gave a testimony about how the Lord saved him from an accidental explosion of a phosphorus grenade. About eighty five percent of his body had been severely burned, but he continued to serve the Lord. At the end of the video, the chaplain gave an invitation for anyone who wanted to commit his or her life to Jesus. I went forward, responding to his invitation with repentance, asking God to forgive me. The Lord’s mercy was so great. He forgave me completely and took me back.

It was like the story of the prodigal son. Like him, I had squandered what the Lord gave me. I spent everything on my own selfish desires until I hit rock bottom. But I came to my senses just like him.

He said, “I will get up and go to my father, and will say to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven, and in your sight; I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me as one of your hired men.'” So he got up and came to his father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and felt compassion for him, and ran and embraced him and kissed him. And the son said to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and in your sight; I am no longer worthy to be called your son.” But the father said to his slaves, “Quickly bring out the best robe and put it on him, and put a ring on his hand and sandals on his feet; and bring the fattened calf, kill it, and let us eat and celebrate; for this son of mine was dead and has come to life again; he was lost and has been found.” And they began to celebrate. (Luk 15:18-24)

If you have fallen away from the Lord, or are beginning to do so, then return to Him with all your heart. Just as the father ran to meet his prodigal son, our Heavenly Father will run to you as soon as you repent and set your heart to return to Him.

Safeguards to keep you
Not everyone who falls away returns to the Lord. The saying is true that sin will take you farther than you want to go, keep you longer than you want to stay, and cost you more than you want to pay. It’s very dangerous to play with sin. Once you harden your heart to the conviction of the Holy Spirit, it will become very difficult to sense it at all again. So you will no longer hear the warning indicator inside of you.

There are some safeguards that you should implement in your life to ensure you don’t fall away like that.

First of all, seek the Lord. The prophet Isaiah wrote: “Seek the LORD while He may be found; Call upon Him while He is near. Let the wicked forsake his way And the unrighteous man his thoughts; And let him return to the LORD, And He will have compassion on him, And to our God, For He will abundantly pardon.” (Isa 55:6-7)

Aim to love with a pure heart, a good conscience, and a sincere faith (1 Tim 1:4).

And just as many of the Scriptures about falling away come from the book of Hebrews, many of the safeguards are also found in the same book. Keep on loving each other (Heb 13:1). Do not forsake the assembling of yourself with other true believers (Heb 10:25). In other words, stay in fellowship with the Body of Christ, where you can worship, pray, serve, and be accountable. Encourage one another daily (Heb 3:13). Hold firmly to the faith we profess (Heb 4:14). Draw near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith (Heb 10:22). Hold fast our confidence (Heb 10:35). Throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles (Heb 12:1). Run the race with perseverance (Heb 12:1). Fix our eyes on Jesus (Heb 12:2). Keep striving against sin (Heb 12:4). Strive to enter the kingdom (Luk 13:24). Do not make light of the Lord’s discipline or grow weary from it (Heb 12:5). Make every effort to live in peace with all men and to be holy (Heb 12:14). Avoid sexual immorality (Heb 12:16). Let your hearts be strengthened by grace (Heb 13:9). Continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise through Jesus (Heb 13:15). Obey your leaders and submit to their authority (Heb 13:17).

Lastly, you should bear good fruit for the Lord’s glory (John 15:6; Luke 3:9; Mat 7:19), and continue in God’s kindness (Rom 11:22)

Greek word definition footnotes
As you review all of these Greek words used in the New Testament for the various aspects of apostasy, please bear in mind that the Holy Spirit inspired the authors to use these words. This is not an isolated topic, but one that is thoroughly treated in Scripture. Those who deny that it is possible for a true believer to fall away must reckon with all of these words. And those who falsely teach on this topic must one day give an account to God.

a. parapito – to fall aside, that is, (figuratively) to apostatize: - fall away.

b. aphistemi - to desist, desert, etc.: - depart, draw (fall) away, refrain, withdraw self.

c. pararrhueo - to flow by, that is, (figuratively) carelessly pass (miss): - let slip; to flow beside; to glide aside from; to fall off from profession, decline from steadfastness, make forfeit of faith.

d. apostrepho - to turn away or back (lit. or fig.): - bring again, pervert, turn away (from).

e. ektrepo – to deflect, that is, turn away (lit. or fig.): - avoid, turn (aside, out of the way).

f. astocheo - to miss the mark, that is, (figuratively) deviate from truth: - err, swerve.

g. pipto, peto - to fall (literally of figuratively): - fail, fall (down)

h. apoplanao - to lead astray (figuratively); passively to stray (from truth): - err, seduce.

i. arneomai - to contradict, that is, disavow, reject, abnegate: - deny, refuse.

j. ameleo - to be careless of: - make light of, neglect, be negligent, not regard.

k. apotheomai, apothomai - (to shove); to push off, (fig.) to reject: - cast away, put away (from), thrust way (from)

l. hustereo - to be later, to be inferior; to fall short; be destitute, fall, lack, suffer need

m. hupostello - to withhold under, to cower or shrink, to draw back, shun, withdraw.

n. skleruno - to indurate, that is, (figuratively) render stubborn: - harden.

o. planao - to (properly cause to) roam (from safety, truth, or virtue): - go astray, deceive, err, seduce, wander, be out of the way.

p. empleko - to entwine, that is, (figuratively) involve with: - entangle (in, self with).

q. hettao - to make worse, that is, vanquish (literally or figuratively); be inferior, overcome.

r. hupostrepho - to turn under (behind), come again, return (again, back again), turn back (again).

s. skandalizo - to "scandalize"; from the word skandalon, which means to entrap, that is, trip up (figuratively stumble [transitively] or entice to sin, apostasy or displeasure): - (make to) offend.

t. kataleipo - to leave down, that is, behind; by implication to abandon, have remaining: - forsake, leave, reserve.

u. sunapagō - to take off together, that is, transport with (seduce, passively yield): - carry (lead) away with, condescend.  

v. ekpiptō - to drop away; specifically be driven out of one’s course; figuratively to lose, become inefficient: - be cast, fail, fall (away, off, from), to fall from, to fall to the ground, be fruitless, ineffectual, forfeit, take none effect, come to an end.

Putting it All Together
It’s clear from God’s Word that there is such a thing as abandoning one’s faith, drifting away, turning aside from the truth, forsaking the straight way, straying, wandering, and falling away from the Lord. It doesn't happen overnight. You don't go from being "on fire" for Jesus one day, and then wake up the next morning as an apostate. It happens gradually and almost imperceptibly, like a boat drifting out to sea. Knowing that this is in fact possible serves as a warning to every true believer.

When a brother or sister strays from the truth, they once again become a sinner.  Such a person's soul is in danger of death, and the only way to be saved is to turn back (i.e., convert) to Christ once again.

If you have fallen away from the Lord, or are beginning to do so, you need to hear the Lord's voice calling out to you tenderly, "Come on home." Then return to Him with all your heart. Just as the father ran to meet his prodigal son, our Heavenly Father will run to you as soon as you repent and set your heart to return to Him.

If you have not fallen away from the Lord, I’d like to admonish you from Scripture to stay close to the Lord Jesus. There are some safeguards you need to put in place in your life to ensure that you don’t fall away from the Lord. Be sure those are in place in your own life, and encourage others to do the same.

Whether your life comes to an end or the Lord returns, you’ve got to be prepared to meet Him. I pray the Lord will enable you to stand before Him in that day.

Attribution notice: Most Scripture quotations taken from the NASB copyright Lockman Foundation, all rights reserved, used by permission.

Author's note:  I realize this post is a very severe word. I am simply saying what Scripture says. In fact, the The Apostasy Parables also carry the same message.  Don't miss my other related articles:  If -- A Picture Paints a Thousand Words, Avoid Becoming a Corrupted Christian, No Turning Back, Eternal Security, and Holding Fast the Faithful Word. I also recommend The Origin of Sin, Satan, and Secular Music and The Rise and Fall of Lucifer the Musician. Let me encourage you to read my blogs about Election and Predestination and the Keeping Power of God. You can access the Main Directory for Seeking the Lord, or my complete blog directory at "Writing for the Master."

I also encourage you to read the articles I have written on the need for obedience:

Is Obedience Optional? The Law of Christ  Faith Works! The Law Fulfilled in Us The Law Established Through Faith The Cost of Discipleship The New Covenant Costly Grace Deleted Scriptures in the Bible? Did Jesus Nail the Law to the Cross?

The Obedience of Faith Striving to Enter the Kingdom of God Aim for Perfection Righteous Deeds and White Robes Doing What is Right Your Rewards Are Based on Your Practice Partaking of the Divine Nature Walking in the Perfect Will of God Pressing on Toward the Goal Obedience by the Spirit

Now I'd like to ask a very important question.

Do You Want to Know Him?
If you want to know Jesus personally, you can. It all begins when you repent and believe in Jesus.  Do you know what God's Word, the Bible says?

“Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of God, and saying, ‘The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.’” (Mar 1:14b-15).  He preached that we must repent and believe.

Please see my explanation of this in my post called "Do You Want to Know Jesus?"

_________________________________________________

Len Lacroix is the founder of Doulos Missions International.  He was based in Eastern Europe for four years, making disciples, as well as helping leaders to be more effective at making disciples who multiply, developing leaders who multiply, with the ultimate goal of planting churches that multiply. His ministry is now based in the United States with the same goal of helping fulfill the Great Commission. www.dmiworld.org.