3355.- Falling Away by J. D. T.

Pacific Press Publishing Association · Mountain View, California · Feb 21, 1911

3355.— Falling Away

By J. D. T.

Is it possible for a child of God, one born again, to fall away? Jesus says of His sheep, "I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of My hand." John 10:28. J. D. T.

When man is born the first time, it is entirely without his choice; but he must choose as to his second birth, and as to whether he shall maintain his life relationship with God. God does not do unnecessary things. His solemn warnings against backsliding and loss of eternal life are not idle words. They warn against real dangers. Read some of them: Matt. 24:12; John 15:5, 6; 1 Cor. 9:26, 27; 15:2; Heb. 3:14; Rev. 3:3, 5, 11. Of Saul it was said, by the prophet, that he should be "turned into another man," and "God gave him another heart." 1 Sam. 10:6, 9. Yet he became lifted up, followed his own way, and died for his sin. 1 Chron. 10:13, 14. Adam was once "the son of God." Luke 3:38. See Rom. 6:16. If the soul will cleave to Christ, not all the wickedness or power of demons or men can pluck him out of His hand; but God will not compel the soul to stay who desires to desert Him. "Under grace," or in the favor of God, is a condition which faith must choose, and in God work out an obedient heart. It means forgiveness of sin, and acceptance with God; but he who returns to his sin, and ignores the purpose of God's grace, is like the dog and the sow of which Peter speaks (2 Peter 2: 22), and by that very act places himself again "under law." "He that endureth to the end, the same shall be saved." Matt. 24: 13.