DOCTRINES

SALVATION—CAN IT BE LOST? Part-2

    We believe the Word of God presented in Pt 1, firmly establishes that salvation can be lost.

    We can only be saved by grace through faith in Jesus Christ, then we are to live according to the Spirit not according to the flesh. The Bible tells us, REPENT, AND BE BAPTIZED EVERYONE OF YOU-Acts 2:38. God imputes to us His righteousness by Jesus. Our sins are washed away by His blood shed on Calvary. Throughout the Scriptures, God reveals what His will for us is. We are warned, NOT EVERYONE THAT SAITH UNTO ME LORD, LORD, SHALL ENTER INTO THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN; BUT HE THAT DOETH THE WILL OF MY FATHER WHICH IS IN HEAVEN-Mt 7:21. Note: do THE WILL OF MY FATHER WHICH IS HEAVEN.

2-SATAN WILL TRY TO DRAW A PERSON AWAY FROM GOD

    Satan will do everything possible to cause you not to do the will of God. He will do this through persecutions, which may cause you to be embarrassed or ashamed. Satan also uses cares of this world, deceitfulness of riches, pleasures of this world, and the lusts of other things, to keep you from doing God’s will. Satan will try to throw you into confusion through false teachings and traditions of men. He will do this through false teachers (the blind), through people, friends, relatives, your loved ones, and even literature. Satan uses, THE LUSTS OF THE FLESH, THE LUST OF THE EYES, AND THE PRIDE OF LIFE to draw you away-1 Jn 2:16. He uses FIERY DARTS-(your thoughts, flesh, and feelings)-Eph 6:16. You may be IN HEAVINESS THROUGH MANIFOLD TEMPTATIONS-1 Pe 1:6. It is God’s will, THAT THE TRIAL OF YOUR FAITH...THOUGH IT BE TRIED WITH FIRE, MIGHT BE FOUND UNTO PRAISE-1 Pe 1:7. Therefore, beloved, THINK IT NOT STRANGE, CONCERNING THE FIERY TRIAL WHICH IS TO TRY YOU, AS THOUGH SOME STRANGE THING HAPPENED UNTO YOU-1 Pe 4:2.

    As we search the Scriptures, we see many writers of the Old Testament warned the people not to stray, not to fall, but to continue in God’s will. Again, Jesus warned the people (as did nearly every writer of the New Testament), not to return to their old ways once they were saved. A large amount of Paul’s writings, concentrate on warning those who had been set free, who had found liberty through Christ Jesus, to stand firm. They were warned not to cast away their faith and confidence. He encouraged them to remain steadfast in the Word, in their faith, and in God’s will. But the sad fact is, few do stand fast. For MANY ARE CALLED, BUT FEW ARE CHOSEN-Mt 22:14. Because STRAIGHT IS THE GATE, AND NARROW IS THE WAY, WHICH LEADETH UNTO LIFE, AND FEW THERE BE THAT FIND IT-Mt 7:14. Many believe on Jesus Christ, but only a few are willing to do God’s will, obey the Scriptures, and depart from all willful sin.

4-ALL THREE PARABLES OF THE SOWER COMBINED WITH SCRIPTURES ON FALLING

    It is written, BUT HE THAT RECEIVED THE SEED INTO STONY PLACES, THE SAME IS HE THAT HEARETH THE WORD, AND ANON WITH JOY RECEIVETH IT-Mt 13:20. RECEIVE IT WITH GLADNESS-Mk 4:16. RECEIVETH THE WORD WITH JOY-Lk 8:13. They are saved, born-again, renewed. So what happens to them? They, FOR A WHILE BELIEVE-Lk 8:13; ENDURE BUT FOR A TIME-Mk 4:17; DURETH (endure) FOR A WHILE-Mt 13:21. But then, WHEN TRIBULATION OR PERSECUTION ARISETH BECAUSE OF THE WORD-Mt 13:21; WHEN AFFLICTION OR PERSECUTION ARISETH FOR THE WORD’S SAKE-Mk 4:17; IN TIME OF TEMPTATION-Lk 8:13; BY AND BY (they become) OFFENDED-Mt 13:21. They FALL AWAY-Lk 8:13.

    God’s Word shows us another group which go forth. Fruit appears to be starting to grow; but Satan comes to choke them. It is written, AND THAT WHICH FELL AMONG THORNS ARE THEY, WHICH, WHEN THEY HAVE HEARD, (GO FORTH)-Lk 8:14. HE...RECEIVED SEED...HEARETH THE WORD (now, Satan stops them by using)…THE CARE OF THIS WORLD, AND THE DECEITFULNESS OF RICHES-Mt 13:22; THE LUSTS OF OTHER THINGS-Mk 4:19; AND PLEASURES OF THIS LIFE-Lk 8:14; ENTERING IN, CHOKE THE WORD-Mk 4:19; AND BRING NO FRUIT TO PERFECTION (this seems to indicate fruit begins to grow, but never ripens)-Lk 8:14. IT BECOMETH UNFRUITFUL-Mk 4:19; HE BECOMETH UNFRUITFUL-Mt 13:22.
   THE SALT (loses) HIS SALTNESS-Mk 9:50. They do not STAND FAST-Gal 5:1. They do not CONTINUE IN THE FAITH-Col 1:23. They do not retain THE STEADFASTNESS OF (their) FAITH IN CHRIST-Col 2:5. Paul said, FOR NOW WE LIVE, IF YE STAND FAST IN THE LORD-1 Thes 3:8. They do not CONTINUE IN THE GRACE OF GOD-Acts 13:43. They do not HOLD…their CONFIDENCE-Heb 3:14. They do not LET (the Word) ABIDE IN THEM…and REMAIN IN (them). They do not CONTINUE IN THE SON-1 Jn 2:24. These once born-again people, become unfruitful. They do not ENDURE UNTO THE END-Mt 24:13. They are TREES WHOSE FRUIT WITHERETH-Jude 12.
   These people are CALLED, BUT…(not) CHOSEN-Mt 22:14. They, TURNED BACK FROM HIM-Job 34:27. Their FAITH failed-Lk 22:32. They did not CONTINUE IN MY WORD-Jn 8:31. They have turned FROM THE FAITH-Acts 13:8. Their hearts have become DARKENED-Ro 11:21. They shall BE CUT OFF-Ro 11:22. They are a CASTAWAY-1 Cor 9:27. They did not KEEP IN MEMORY the Word. They HAVE BELIEVED IN VAIN-1 Cor 15:2. They RECEIVED…THE GRACE OF GOD IN VAIN-2 Cor 6:1. They are REMOVED FROM HIM-Gal 1:6. They HAVE KNOWN GOD…but have turned AGAIN TO BE IN BONDAGE-Gal 4:9. They are FALLEN FROM GRACE-Gal 5:4. BY SOME MEANS THE TEMPTER…TEMPTED them, and OUR LABOUR was IN VAIN-1 Thes 3:5. The SPIRIT was quenched-1 Thes 5:19. They departed FROM THE FAITH-1 Tim 4:1. They now have DAMNATION BECAUSE they have CAST OFF THEIR FIRST FAITH-1 Tim 5:12. They have ERRED FROM THE FAITH-1 Tim 6:10. They departed FROM THE LIVING GOD-Heb 3:12. They HAVE DONE DESPITE UNTO THE SPIRIT OF GRACE-Heb 10:29. They have drawn BACK…and God’s SOUL SHALL HAVE NO PLEASURE IN them-Heb 10:38,39. They WERE CLEANED ESCAPED FROM THEM WHO LIVE IN ERROR, but they became ENTANGLED AGAIN-2 Pe 2:18, 20. They were LED AWAY WITH THE ERROR OF THE WICKED-2 Pe 3:17. THOU ART FALLEN-Rev 2:5. Their name is taken away OUT OF THE BOOK OF LIFE-Rev 22:19. They are BLOTTED OUT OF THE BOOK OF THE LIVING-Ps 69:28. 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…BUT IT IS HAPPENED UNTO THEM ACCORDING TO THE TRUE PROVERB, THE DOG IS TURNED TO HIS OWN VOMIT AGAIN; AND THE SOW THAT WAS WASHED TO HER WALLOWING IN THE MIRE-2 Pe 2:21,22.

    We must get our eyes off people and get them on Jesus, the Author and Finisher of our faith. Therefore, BRETHREN, GIVE DILIGENCE TO MAKE YOUR CALLING AND ELECTION SURE-2 Pe 1:10. AND BESIDE THIS, GIVING ALL DILIGENCE, ADD TO YOUR FAITH VIRTUE; AND TO VIRTUE, KNOWLEDGE; AND TO KNOWLEDGE TEMPERANCE; AND TO TEMPERANCE PATIENCE; AND TO PATIENCE GODLINESS; AND TO GODLINESS BROTHERLY KINDNESS; AND TO BROTHERLY KINDNESS CHARITY (love). FOR IF THESE THINGS BE IN YOU, AND ABOUND, THEY MAKE YOU THAT YE SHALL NEITHER BE BARREN NOR UNFRUITFUL IN THE KNOWLEDGE OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST-2 Pe 1:5-8. FOR IF YE DO THESE THINGS, YE SHALL NEVER FALL-2 Pe 1:10. BE ESTABLISHED IN THE PRESENT TRUTH-2 Pe 1:12.

    Many are called, but only a few will be chosen. Jesus BECAME THE AUTHOR OF ETERNAL SALVATION UNTO ALL THEM THAT OBEY HIM-Heb 5:9. BUT HE THAT RECEIVED SEED (the Word) INTO THE GOOD GROUND-Mt 13:23; HEAR THE WORD, AND RECEIVE IT-Mk 4:20; IN AN HONEST AND GOOD HEART, HAVING HEARD THE WORD-Lk 8:15; UNDERSTANDETH IT-Mt 13:23; KEEP IT-Lk 8:15; ALSO BEARETH FRUIT-Mt 13:23; AND BRING FORTH FRUIT-Mk 4:20; WITH PATIENCE-Lk 8:15; AND BRINGETH FORTH, SOME AN HUNDREDFOLD, SOME SIXTY, SOME THIRTY-Mt 13:23.

    It is written, WHEN THE RIGHTEOUS TURNETH FROM HIS RIGHTEOUSNESS (Jesus), AND COMMITTETH INIQUITY, HE SHALL EVEN DIE THEREBY (hell).
   BUT IF THE WICKED TURN FROM HIS WICKEDNESS (repents), AND DO THAT WHICH IS LAWFUL AND RIGHT, HE SHALL LIVE THEREBY.
   YET YE SAY, THE WAY OF THE LORD IS NOT EQUAL. O YE HOUSE OF ISRAEL, I WILL JUDGE YOU EVERY ONE AFTER HIS WAYS. YET THE CHILDREN OF THY PEOPLE SAY, THE WAY OF THE LORD IS NOT EQUAL: BUT AS FOR THEM, THEIR WAY IS NOT EQUAL-Ezek 33:18-20,17.
   AGAIN, WHEN A RIGHTEOUS MAN DOTH TURN FROM HIS RIGHTEOUSNESS, AND COMMIT INIQUITY, AND I LAY A STUMBLINGBLOCK BEFORE HIM, HE SHALL DIE: BECAUSE THOU HAST NOT GIVEN HIM WARNING, HE SHALL DIE IN HIS SIN, AND HIS RIGHTEOUSNESS WHICH HE HATH DONE SHALL NOT BE REMEMBERED; BUT HIS BLOOD WILL I REQUIRE AT THINE HAND-Ezek 3:20.

    Indeed, Ezekiel has shown us, once we are saved, we can turn from our righteousness. When we do turn from Jesus and no longer stand by faith, all our righteousness which we have done shall not be remembered. When we receive Jesus as our Saviour, all our sins (or unrighteous deeds) are blotted out. When we return to our old ways, all our righteous deeds (works of faith prompted by the Holy Spirit, INCLUDING BAPTISM, which is to fulfill all righteousness) are forgotten. It is not remembered. God’s ways are equal. Thus, God can say to a person who was once saved, but fell, "I never knew you." He can also tell the repentant sinner that his sins are no longer remembered. God’s ways are equal. However, if we say that His ways are not equal; God, in turn says to us, that our ways are not equal.

    The traditions of men often cause the Word of God to become of none effect. We can see God’s anger with those who believe: once saved, always saved. He says, YET THE CHILDREN OF THY PEOPLE SAY, THE WAY OF THE LORD IS NOT EQUAL: BUT AS FOR THEM, THEIR WAY IS NOT EQUAL-Ezek 33:17. We can fall from our faith, and we can repent and return. God’s Word gives us several instances of people who were positive they were saved; yet at the judgment, they will be cast into the lake of fire.

    It is also written, BEHOLD...THE GOODNESS...OF GOD...IF THOU CONTINUE IN HIS GOODNESS: OTHERWISE THOU ALSO SHALT BE CUT OFF. AND THEY ALSO, IF THEY ABIDE NOT STILL IN UNBELIEF, SHALL BE GRAFFED IN: FOR GOD IS ABLE TO GRAFF THEM IN AGAIN-Ro 11:22,23.

    Note the words, cut off and unbelief. If we fall into unbelief, we are cut off. If we lose our faith, we are cut off, for we stand by faith. If we do not stand firm in our faith by standing on the ROCK (Jesus) (God's Word), then we are not standing. A person can be cut off, but he can also be grafted in AGAIN, if he believes once again. A person can fall, but by God’s mercy can also get back up by faith through belief of the truth.

    Here is one such group. It is written, MANY WILL SAY TO ME (Jesus) IN THAT DAY (the day of judgment), LORD, LORD (they had received Jesus as their Saviour), HAVE WE NOT PROPHESIED IN THY NAME. (they prophesied in the name of Jesus and probably spoke in tongues)? AND IN THY NAME (in the name of Jesus) HAVE CAST OUT DEVILS? AND IN THY NAME (in the name of Jesus) DONE MANY WONDERFUL WORKS? These people certainly sound as if they are saved. But Jesus replies, I NEVER KNEW YOU: DEPART FROM ME (the next part tells us why), YE THAT WORK INIQUITY-Mt 7:22,23. Also, verse 21 shows that they did not do the will of God in heaven. Were these people saved at one time, but returned to their old ways? thus, they did not continue in the grace of God? All these people (many) were so sure they were saved, they are found arguing with Jesus at the judgment. Note, they cast out devils. A person cannot cast out devils unless they are saved. This indicates they were saved, however, they later lost their salvation as they did not continue to do God's will or they did not depart from sin. How could Jesus say that He never knew them? Because when they forsook their righteousness (in Ezekiel 33), all their righteousness which they had done was forgotten, just as when a person comes to Jesus, all their sin is forgotten. Thus, because all their righteousness was forgotten, Jesus could say, "I NEVER KNEW YOU."

    We are saved by grace through faith, totally apart from any works or righteousness of our own. (We have no righteousness of our own.) It is a gift (imputed by God through the blood of Jesus Christ) through which our sins are washed away. Once called by God, we are to walk in His ways, obey the Gospel, and do the will of God. It is written, WE ARE HIS WORKMANSHIP, CREATED IN CHRIST JESUS UNTO GOOD WORKS, WHICH GOD HATH BEFORE ORDAINED THAT WE SHOULD WALK IN THEM-Eph 2:10. We can either obey or we can rebel against God’s will for us. We are to let Jesus reign over us. We are to allow Jesus to guide us. We are to submit to God’s will, which is revealed to us through the Bible, and by His Spirit. FOR AS MANY AS ARE LED BY THE SPIRIT OF GOD, THEY ARE THE SONS OF GOD-Ro 8:14. We have a picture of ten virgins (ten Christians) in Mt 25:1-10. All ten had their lamps burning in the beginning. All ten were providing light. But as time went on, we see these words: THE FOOLISH SAID UNTO THE WISE, GIVE US OF YOUR OIL; FOR OUR LAMPS ARE GONE OUT-Mt 25:8. They were once saved. Here are Christians whose lamps (flame, light) had gone out. This shows us the end result. The other virgins, saying, LORD, LORD, OPEN TO US. But Jesus’ reply is-I KNOW YOU NOT. These virgins WENT FORTH TO MEET THE BRIDEGROOM; but they did not hold fast in their faith. They accepted Jesus as their Saviour, but at the end, Jesus did not accept them-Mt 25:11,12,1.

    The Scripture speaks of those who HONORETH ME (Jesus) WITH THEIR LIPS, BUT THEIR HEART IS FAR FROM ME-Mk 7:6. AND WHY CALL YE ME, LORD, LORD, AND DO NOT THE THINGS WHICH I SAY?-Lk 6:46. Mark chapters 10 and 12 show us the ways of the Lord. He is faithful. We are engaged to Jesus, and soon the marriage supper of the Lamb will come. We are the wife. Jesus tells us, IF A WOMAN SHALL PUT AWAY HER HUSBAND, AND BE MARRIED TO ANOTHER, SHE COMMITTETH ADULTERY-Mk 10:12. Do not put away Jesus, and go back into your old ways. God’s Word warns us, HE STRIKETH THEM AS WICKED MEN...BECAUSE THEY TURNED BACK FROM HIM, AND WOULD NOT CONSIDER ANY OF HIS WAYS-Job 34:26,27. Once we commit ourselves to Jesus, we will bear fruit if our faith is genuine. However, most Christians never bear fruit, and the consequences of their disobedience is disaster. We see a picture of the Jewish nation, yet it also holds true for Christians also. He spake ALSO THIS PARABLE; A CERTAIN MAN HAD A FIG TREE PLANTED IN HIS VINEYARD; AND HE CAME AND SOUGHT FRUIT THEREON, AND FOUND NONE. THEN SAID HE UNTO THE DRESSER OF HIS VINEYARD, BEHOLD, THESE THREE YEARS I COME SEEKING FRUIT ON THIS FIG TREE, AND FIND NONE: CUT IT DOWN; WHY CUMBERETH IT THE GROUND? AND HE ANSWERING SAID UNTO HIM, LORD, LET IT ALONE THIS YEAR ALSO, TILL I SHALL DIG ABOUT IT, AND DUNG IT: AND IF IT BEAR FRUIT, WELL: AND IF NOT, THEN AFTER THAT THOU SHALT CUT IT DOWN-Lk 13:6-9.

    Jesus said to Peter, that Satan hath DESIRED TO HAVE YOU, THAT HE MAY SIFT YOU AS WHEAT: BUT I HAVE PRAYED FOR THEE, THAT THY FAITH FAIL NOT-Lk 22:31,32. Christian, realize that Satan desires to sift you as wheat, to make you a fallen Christian that bears no fruit. Jesus had told us about committing sin, yet some believe they can willfully sin and still go to heaven. God says to this, GOD FORBID-Ro 6:2. IF YE KEEP MY COMMANDMENTS, YE SHALL ABIDE IN MY LOVE-Jn 15:10. Note Jesus said IF. We see similar words, as Paul exhorted THEM TO CONTINUE IN THE FAITH, AND THAT WE MUST THROUGH MUCH TRIBULATION ENTER INTO THE KINGDOM OF GOD-Acts 14:22.

12-SATAN WILL TRY TO SEPARATE YOU FROM GOD'S WORD

    God’s Word shows us, we are saved by faith in Jesus Christ. Next, we see, FAITH COMETH BY HEARING, AND HEARING BY THE WORD OF GOD-Ro 10:17. Satan will do all he can to separate you from the Word of God, from Bible reading and study, and from any church which preaches the uncompromised Word. If Satan succeeds, your faith dwindles (shrinks), and finally, your faith can reach a point where it disappears. Doubt creeps in. You may still say you believe in Jesus, but your faith has dropped to a point where it no longer prompts you to serve the Lord, or you no longer have power to overcome sin. You become an unprofitable servant.

    For BY FAITH YE STAND-2 Cor 1:24. Thus, if you lose your faith, you no longer stand. You no longer remain steadfast in YOUR FAITH IN CHRIST. AS YE HAVE THEREFORE RECEIVED CHRIST JESUS THE LORD, SO WALK YE IN HIM: ROOTED AND BUILT UP IN HIM, AND STABLISHED IN THE FAITH, AS YE HAVE BEEN TAUGHT, ABOUNDING THEREIN WITH THANKSGIVING. Then, Paul gives a warning with the very next word: BEWARE. He cautions us to beware of PHILOSOPHY AND VAIN DECEIT…THE TRADITION OF MEN, and the RUDIMENTS OF THE WORLD-Col 2:5-8. For SOME HAVING PUT AWAY CONCERNING FAITH HAVE MADE SHIPWRECK-1 Tim 1:19.
   Friend, do not let Satan deceive you. He goes about as a roaring lion seeking whom he may devour. The end result of those, who fall and put away their faith, who become unprofitable servants, is HAVING DAMNATION, BECAUSE THEY HAVE CAST OFF THEIR FIRST FAITH-1 Tim 5:12. SOME ARE ALREADY TURNED ASIDE (turned from their faith in Christ Jesus) AFTER SATAN-1 Tim 5:15. The Scriptures warn us, how people (even preachers) will OVERTHROW THE FAITH OF SOME-2 Tim 2:18. Do not be one of those who has ERRED FROM THE FAITH-1 Tim 6:10. Beware, LEST BY SOME MEANS THE TEMPTER HAVE TEMPTED YOU, AND OUR LABOUR BE IN VAIN-1 Thes 3:5.

    The Bible tells us of people who knew God, but their hearts became darkened and they became fools. Beware you do not fall. As it is written, BECAUSE THAT WHEN THEY KNEW GOD, (or we may say they were saved) THEY GLORIFIED HIM NOT AS GOD, NEITHER WHERE THANKFUL; BUT BECAME VAIN IN THEIR IMAGINATIONS, AND THEIR FOOLISH HEART WAS DARKENED. PROFESSING THEMSELVES TO BE WISE, THEY BECAME FOOLS. WHEREFORE GOD ALSO GAVE THEM UP…WHO CHANGED THE TRUTH OF GOD INTO A LIE…FOR THIS CAUSE GOD GAVE THEM UP. THEY DID NOT LIKE TO RETAIN GOD IN THEIR KNOWLEDGE, GOD GAVE THEM OVER TO A REPROBATE MIND-Ro 1:21,22,24-26,28.

    THOU STANDEST BY FAITH BE NOT HIGH MINDED BUT FEAR: FOR IF GOD SPARED NOT THE NATURAL BRANCHES, TAKE HEED LEST HE ALSO SPARE NOT THEE-Ro 11:20,21.

    Paul tells us, BUT I KEEP UNDER MY BODY, AND BRING IT INTO SUBJECTION: LEST THAT BY ANY MEANS, WHEN I HAVE PREACHED TO OTHERS, I MYSELF SHOULD BE A CASTAWAY-1 Cor 9:27.

    Paul also cautions us, not to receive THE GRACE OF GOD IN VAIN-2 Cor 6:1. DO NOT FRUSTRATE THE GRACE OF GOD-Gal 2:21. ARE YOU SO FOOLISH? HAVING BEGUN IN THE SPIRIT (they were saved), ARE YE NOW MADE PERFECT BY THE FLESH? HAVE YE SUFFERED SO MANY THINGS IN VAIN? IF IT BE YET IN VAIN-Gal 3:3,4.

    I MARVEL THAT YE ARE SO SOON REMOVED FROM HIM THAT CALLED YOU INTO THE GRACE OF CHRIST UNTO ANOTHER GOSPEL-Gal 1:6.

19-BRETHREN DEPARTING FROM GOD THROUGH UNBELIEF

    It is written, TAKE HEED, BRETHREN (they were saved), LEST THERE BE IN ANY OF YOU AN EVIL HEART OF UNBELIEF, IN DEPARTING FROM THE LIVING GOD. BUT EXHORT ONE ANOTHER DAILY…LEST ANY OF YOU BE HARDENED THROUGH THE DECEITFULNESS OF SIN. (Verse continues in next heading.)

    FOR WE ARE MADE PARTAKERS OF CHRIST, IF WE HOLD THE BEGINNING OF OUR CONFIDENCE STEADFAST UNTO THE END (or die in faith)-Heb 3:12-14. Let us HOLD FAST THE PROFESSION OF OUR FAITH WITHOUT WAVERING. (Verse continues in next heading.)

    HE THAT DESPISED MOSES’ LAW DIED WITHOUT MERCY UNDER TWO OR THREE WITNESSES: OF HOW MUCH SORER PUNISHMENT, SUPPOSE YE, SHALL HE BE THOUGHT WORTHY, WHO HATH TRODDEN UNDER FOOT THE SON OF GOD, AND HATH COUNTED THE BLOOD OF THE COVENANT, WHEREWITH HE WAS SANCTIFIED, AN UNHOLY THING, AND HATH DONE DESPITE UNTO THE SPIRIT OF GRACE-Heb 10:23,28,29. Beware that you do not forget that you were purged from your OLD SINS-2 Pe 1:9. Do not forsake THE RIGHT WAY-2 Pe 2:15.

22-ESCAPED THE WORLD, BUT ENTANGLED AND OVERCOME

    Be careful of those who SPEAK GREAT SWELLING WORDS OF VANITY, THEY ALLURE THROUGH THE LUSTS OF THE FLESH, THROUGH MUCH WANTONNESS, THOSE THAT WERE CLEAN ESCAPED (those who were saved) FROM THEM WHO LIVE IN ERROR. WHILE THEY PROMISE THEM LIBERTY, THEY THEMSELVES ARE THE SERVANTS OF CORRUPTION…FOR IF AFTER THEY HAVE ESCAPED THE POLLUTIONS OF THE WORLD (or were saved) THROUGH THE KNOWLEDGE OF THE LORD AND SAVIOUR JESUS CHRIST, THEY ARE AGAIN ENTANGLED THEREIN (they turn from Jesus), AND OVERCOME, THE LATTER END IS WORSE WITH THEM THAN THE BEGINNING. (Verse continues in next heading.)

    FOR IT HAD BEEN BETTER FOR THEM NOT TO HAVE KNOWN THE WAY OF RIGHTEOUSNESS (better not to have known Jesus) (better not to have been saved), THAN, AFTER THEY HAVE KNOWN IT, TO TURN FROM THE HOLY COMMANDMENT DELIVERED UNTO THEM. (Verse continues in next heading.)

24-PIG THAT WAS WASHED RETURNED TO THE MUD

    BUT IT IS HAPPENED UNTO THEN ACCORDING TO THE TRUE PROVERB, THE DOG IS TURNED TO HIS OWN VOMIT AGAIN: AND THE SOW (pig) THAT WAS WASHED TO HER WALLOWING IN THE MIRE (mud)-2 Pe 2:18-22.

    Let us always be very careful with the knowledge and liberty God has bestowed upon us, not to put a stumblingblock before a brother whose faith is weak. As it is written, TAKE HEED LEST BY ANY MEANS THIS LIBERTY OF YOURS BECOME A STUMBLINGBLOCK TO THEM THAT ARE WEAK. AND THROUGH THY KNOWLEDGE SHALL THE WEAK BROTHER (a person that is saved) PERISH, FOR WHOM CHRIST DIED.
   BUT WHEN YE SIN SO AGAINST THE BRETHREN, AND WOUND THEIR WEAK CONSCIENCE, YE SIN AGAINST CHRIST-1 Cor 8:9,11,12.

26-DOCTRINE, CONTINUE IN THEM; IF WE HOLD THE CONFIDENCE TO THE END

    TAKE HEED UNTO THYSELF, AND UNTO THE DOCTRINE; CONTINUE IN THEM: FOR IN DOING THIS THOU SHALT BOTH SAVE THYSELF, AND THEM THAT HEAR THEE-1 Tim 4:16. BUT CHRIST AS A SON OVER HIS OWN HOUSE; WHOSE HOUSE ARE WE, IF WE HOLD FAST THE CONFIDENCE AND THE REJOICING OF THE HOPE FIRM UNTO THE END-Heb 3:6.

    The Bible tells us, IF THEY HAD BEEN MINDFUL OF THAT COUNTRY FROM WHENCE THEY CAME OUT, THEY MIGHT HAVE HAD OPPORTUNITY TO HAVE RETURNED-Heb 11:15. Do not be mindful of your life before Jesus called you. Do not look back. Those who look back are not fit for service in the kingdom of God. For now, we DESIRE A BETTER COUNTRY, THAT IS, AN HEAVENLY: WHEREFORE GOD IS NOT ASHAMED TO BE CALLED THEIR GOD: FOR HE HATH PREPARED FOR THEM A CITY-Heb 11:16. WHEREFORE…BRETHREN, GIVE DILIGENCE TO MAKE YOUR CALLING AND ELECTION SURE-2 Pe 1:10. GIVING ALL DILIGENCE,

   1. VIRTUE (or goodness) (or moral excellence); AND TO VIRTUE
   2. KNOWLEDGE (or understanding, information, and learning God's Word); AND TO KNOWLEDGE
   3. TEMPERANCE (self-control, moderation, self-discipline, total abstinence from intoxicating liquors); AND TO TEMPERANCE
   4. PATIENCE  (perseverance, bearing  trials  without  murmurings,  not  easily  angry,  calm  and  not  hasty, enduring  with  calmness,  quiet perseverance); AND TO PATIENCE
   5. GODLINESS (or righteousness, holiness); AND TO GODLINESS
   6. BROTHERLY KINDNESS (or brotherly affection, a sympathetic nature, considerate, obliging); AND TO BROTHERLY KINDNESS
   7. CHARITY (or love, a giving of oneself to help another even to the point of dying for that person to help them; an unwavering attachment to another person without compromise).
   FOR IF THESE THINGS BE IN YOU (or you possess these qualities-NIV), AND ABOUND (or in an increasing measure), THEY MAKE YOU THAT YE SHALL NEITHER BE (1) BARREN NOR (2) UNFRUITFUL IN THE KNOWLEDGE OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST.
   (They will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ-NIV.)
   We may say, if these things be in you and abound and increase, you will never fall.

    HE THAT LACKETH THESE THINGS (or does not have them-NIV) IS BLIND (or nearsighted and blind) (or it may be said his thoughts are centered on himself—or he may be nearsighted; in other words, today is more important to him than tomorrow) AND CANNOT SEE AFAR OFF, AND HATH FORGOTTEN THAT HE WAS PURGED (or cleansed) FROM HIS OLD SINS.

    This is why some people do not grow when Jesus comes into their hearts, but instead they ultimately fall. They do not add these things to their faith. These things are not in them. They are nearsighted. Their thoughts are centered on themselves, their hurts, their desires, their ambitions, and they cannot see afar off. They do not fully comprehend the tragedy of falling and being in the lake of fire, nor do they understand the great, overwhelming reward of inheritance that will come: being with Jesus for eternity.
   If these things are not in a person, they may ultimately choose to receive a dollar now and receive the lake of fire later, RATHER THAN receive persecutions and struggles now, and the reward of inheritance for eternity.
   Symbolically speaking, they choose to receive a dollar now (their own desires) rather than the trillion dollars later, because they are nearsighted and cannot see afar off.
   They choose selfishness now, but receive the lake of fire later. They cannot see far off. The deceit of their own heart has blinded them. "Self" has blinded them.

However
IF

    YE DO THESE THINGS, YE SHALL NEVER FALL: FOR SO AN ENTRANCE SHALL BE MINISTERED UNTO YOU ABUNDANTLY INTO THE EVERLASTING KINGDOM OF OUR LORD AND SAVIOUR JESUS CHRIST-2 Pe 1:5-11.

    1 Cor 13:2-8-AND THOUGH I HAVE THE GIFT OF PROPHECY, AND UNDERSTAND ALL MYSTERIES, AND ALL KNOWLEDGE; AND THOUGH I HAVE ALL FAITH, SO THAT I COULD REMOVE MOUNTAINS, AND HAVE NOT CHARITY (or love), I AM NOTHING.
   3-AND THOUGH I BESTOW ALL MY GOODS TO FEED THE POOR, AND THOUGH I GIVE MY BODY TO BE BURNED, AND HAVE NOT CHARITY (or love), IT PROFITETH ME NOTHING.
   4-CHARITY (or love) SUFFERETH LONG, AND IS KIND; CHARITY (or love) ENVIETH NOT; CHARITY VAUNTETH NOT ITSELF, IS NOT PUFFED UP,
   5-DOTH NOT BEHAVE ITSELF UNSEEMLY, SEEKETH NOT HER OWN, IS NOT EASILY PROVOKED, THINKETH NO EVIL;
   6-REJOICETH NOT IN INIQUITY, BUT REJOICETH IN THE TRUTH;
   7-BEARETH ALL THINGS, BELIEVETH ALL THINGS, HOPETH ALL THINGS, ENDURETH ALL THINGS.
   8-CHARITY (or love) NEVER FAILETH.

    Ps 15:1-5-LORD, WHO SHALL ABIDE IN THY TABERNACLE? WHO SHALL DWELL IN THY HOLY HILL?
   HE THAT WALKETH UPRIGHTLY,
   AND WORKETH RIGHTEOUSNESS,
   AND SPEAKETH THE TRUTH IN HIS HEART.
   HE THAT BACKBITETH NOT WITH HIS TONGUE,
   NOR DOETH EVIL TO HIS NEIGHBOUR,
   NOR TAKETH UP A REPROACH AGAINST HIS NEIGHBOUR-KJV.
   WHO DESPISES A VILE MAN
   BUT HONORS THOSE WHO FEAR THE LORD,
   WHO KEEPS HIS OATH EVEN WHEN IT HURTS-NIV
   AND CHANGETH NOT.
   HE THAT PUTTETH NOT OUT HIS MONEY TO USURY,
   NOR TAKETH REWARD AGAINST THE INNOCENT.
   HE THAT DOETH THESE THINGS SHALL NEVER BE MOVED.

    Finally, let us love and care for one another, because TWO ARE BETTER THEN ONE; BECAUSE THEY HAVE A GOOD REWARD FOR THEIR LABOR. FOR IF THEY FALL, THE ONE WILL LIFT UP HIS FELLOW: BUT WOE TO HIM THAT IS ALONE WHEN HE FALLETH; FOR HE HATH NOT ANOTHER TO HELP HIM UP.
   AND IF ONE PREVAIL AGAINST HIM, TWO SHALL WITHSTAND HIM; AND A THREEFOLD CORD IS NOT QUICKLY BROKEN-Ecc 4:9,10,12. HAVE THESE THINGS ALWAYS IN REMEMBRANCE-2 Pe 1:15. BE ESTABLISHED IN THE PRESENT TRUTH-2 Pe 1:12.