Topic: Eternal Security: An Illusion I [Open Heavens 1st July 2018, Sunday Daily Devotional]
Memorise: Notwithstanding I have a few things against thee, because thou sufferest that woman Jezebel, which calleth herself a prophetess, to teach and to seduce my servants to commit fornication, and to eat things sacrificed unto idols. – Revelation 2:20
Read: Revelation 2:18-23 (KJV)
18 And unto the angel of the church in Thyatira write; These things saith the Son of God, who hath his eyes like unto a flame of fire, and his feet are like fine brass;
19 I know thy works, and charity, and service, and faith, and thy patience, and thy works; and the last to be more than the first.
20 Notwithstanding I have a few things against thee, because thou sufferest that woman Jezebel, which calleth herself a prophetess, to teach and to seduce my servants to commit fornication, and to eat things sacrificed unto idols.
21 And I gave her space to repent of her fornication; and she repented not.
22 Behold, I will cast her into a bed, and them that commit adultery with her into great tribulation, except they repent of their deeds.
23 And I will kill her children with death; and all the churches shall know that I am he which searcheth the reins and hearts: and I will give unto every one of you according to your works.
Bible in One Year: 1 Chronicle 21-22, Acts 20:17-35
MESSAGE:
One deadly error in some quarters of the Christian faith is the doctrine of eternal security. Those advancing this doctrine use the scriptures to convince their followers that once you are saved, you are forever saved, irrespective of the type of the life you live after receiving salvation. It is therefore not surprising that in circles where this doctrine is taught, a loose lifestyle of sin is the norm. In order to appease the conscience of their followers, some modern day teachers of this doctrine have tried to repackage it by redefining what sin is. Some even teach that a Christian cannot sin. It is unfortunate that some people still fall for this old deception of the devil which resurges from time to time.
When you critically examine the life of those teaching this doctrine, you will observe that they themselves fell into the error of this falsehood because of secret sin in their lives which they could not overcome. Instead humbling submitting themselves to God in an environment of accountability for their character to be built up, they proudly developed another “gospel” to justify themselves and deaden their conscience. The unfortunate thing is that several innocent souls who genuinely want to serve God end up being destroyed by these teachers. Because they see such teachers exhibiting the gifts of God, they believe that whatever is coming from their mouths is sanctioned by God. These beguiled souls forget that Romans 11:29 says:
“For the gifts and calling of God are without repentance.”
Based on the principle established by this verse of scripture, a person who received the gifts of God’s spirit while teaching the truth of the gospel will continue to manifest these gifts after they fall into the error of another “gospel”, even if it’s for a while, it is for this very reason the Lord Jesus Christ in Matthew 7:22-23 clearly said:
“22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? 23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.”
From the words of the Master Himself, it is obvious to any serious student of the Bible that the working of miracles or manifestation of the gifts of the spirit is not a wholesale stamp of approval by God. Therefore, beware! Any teaching not founded in the totality of the truth in God’s word should not be accepted, irrespective of the charisma of the teacher. When it is all said and done, you will stand alone to give account of your life before God.
Action Point: Minister the truth of God’s word to those who have ensnared by the false doctrine of eternal security.
Hymn 12: Take My Life, And Let It Be
1.Take my life and let it be
Consecrated, Lord, to Thee.
Take my moments and my days,
Let them flow in endless praise,
Let them flow in endless praise.
2.Take my hands and let them move
At the impulse of Thy love.
Take my feet and let them be
Swift and beautiful for Thee,
Swift and beautiful for Thee.
3.Take my voice and let me sing,
Always, only for my King.
Take my lips and let them be
Filled with messages from Thee,
Filled with messages from Thee.
4. Take my silver and my gold,
Not a mite would I withhold.
Take my intellect and use
Every pow’r as Thou shalt choose,
Every pow’r as Thou shalt choose.
5. Take my will and make it Thine,
It shall be no longer mine.
Take my heart, it is Thine own,
It shall be Thy royal throne,
It shall be Thy royal throne.
6. Take my love, my Lord, I pour
At Thy feet its treasure store.
Take myself and I will be
Ever, only, all for Thee,
Ever, only, all for Thee.
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