Forgiveness of Sin Conditional.
By J. H. W.
Of the correctness of the position that forgiveness is conditional while we are yet on probation, there seems no room for doubt. The scriptures which show this are evident in their bearing on the point. Yet first impressions are sometimes so strong that it is hard to give full credit to full proof if it conflicts with established views. Some have even expressed to me the hope that if they were so unfortunate as to fall away, there would be some mitigation in their case because of their faith in Christ and engagement205in his service for a part of their lives. Such are, I think, under a great deception, and if they analyze their feelings, they will doubtless find some idea of merit connected with their profession of Christianity. The Scriptures do not justify the opinion they hold. None so well as the believer in Christ knows his Master's will; and, of course, none will be beaten with so “many stripes” if he fails to do it. Paul writes thus: “For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gifts, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost, and have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come, if they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance; seeing they have crucified to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put him to an open shame.” Heb. 6: 4–6. It would be singular indeed if a person could plead in his own behalf his former interest in Christ as an offset to such a change as this! That interest is the ground of the depth and infamy of his crime. All such are really in a worse condition than they who have never experienced their privileges. Peter speaks in even stronger terms than Paul: “For if, after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning. For it had been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, after they have known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered unto them.” 2 Peter 2: 20, 21. Let none be deceived by the enemy. The fate of the backslider is awful to contemplate. It is a terrible thought that our privileges and joys in the gospel will be, not a palliation, but an aggravation of our guilt if we turn from the Lord, and will all rise up against us to sink us to deeper woe and perdition. J. H. W.