The thought crossed my mind that there is something
to be said in Jimmy Swaggart's statement of, "That statement is straight
out of Hell." If we consider the concept and not the speaker nor the
Baptistiany of the phrase I think I might persuade you to also take a
swerve to the right to contemplate its validity.
When Baptists get together and the subject of
eternal salvation comes up, you will find no dissenters in the group. Nor
would they dare to question this most sacred and basic of all Baptist
understanding. Why, their head would roll faster than a speeding auto's
tires. It is understood that Baptists will always believe, once you have
come to Jesus, there is no one strong enough to pluck you out of His
hands. Not only is this true, it would be denying Scripture to declare
otherwise.
Then why this debate? What good does it do to have
a discussion on something we all agree on? Will it accomplish some good or
only waste time?
note this admonition
I promise you, I do not like wasting time (the Lord has only promised me a short
span here and I definitely want to use it to the good of my friends and
believers). What it will accomplish, I will leave to my Lord to use as
He sees fit. I pray it will fall on fertile ground and blossom well,
within at least one soul.
OK! So what's so great about crossing up the faith
we've always believed in. Nothing, if it is true that the
faith is founded
on fact, and not just accepted words without faith. If it is the latter
then I couldn't be more pleased than to shake you up and make you think
about just what you do believe in.
First, is Jesus Christ
first in ALL
your considerations? If not, you failed the primary
reason for this paper. Second, does mankind receive exactly the same
considerations you would give to your closest friend (yourself)? If not,
you failed your second test. Do you want Jesus to direct you in every
decision you make? And do you want to have your decision based on
Christian Ethics? Is this test getting too tough for you? I hope so,
because it is just as hard for me.
If Jesus is not in every
facet of your existence,
you are losing out on an intimate relation like none other. Jesus said, "I
have come that you might have life and have it more abundantly."
He also said,
"My sheep hear my voice and know
me." Are you one of His? Do you hear His voice? Do you know Him? Do you
have that abundant life?
Jesus said,
"I stand at the door and knock. If
any one hears and opens the door I will go in and sup with him."
Also,
"Those that my Father has given me I
will not lose. Nor will any man pluck them out of my hand."
The one and only reason that it is good and
reasonable to cross up the faith that everyone hangs onto so dearly is that
if you do not consider your condition in the light of God's Word, you
stand an excellent chance of going to hell instead of heaven. Simply
because you heard the sermons and were moved by the preacher to proceed
to the alter could cost you dearly. If the conviction and commitment to
Jesus was missing then the phrase, "Once saved, always saved," has
served to seal your doom. You don't want that to happen! I don't want
that to happen! Therefore let's shakeup your thinking and and make
the questions appear.
The big questions are: What did you do when you
went forward at the alter call? Did you join the church or take Jesus into
your heart and allow Him free reign in your life? Did you get off of the
center of your life and place Him in utter control? In accepting Jesus as
the Son of God, was it mere ascent or with a full blown knowledge
of who He is really?
Answering these and as many other questions as you
can come up with is the only way that you sincerely can know where you
stand when you hear the quote from the title of this paper. If you need
help with the answers see your pastor and take a copy of this with you so
he will be aware of your concern. Never let anyone say to you, "Just do
as the church tells you and you will be alright." You won't. Being
alright is not the condition to be in. You need to seek perfection
in your relationship with Jesus. Clear away from that person and seek
out one who will really try to assist you. If all else fails write me
and I will do my best, with Jesus as my strength, to guide you into the
answer you need.
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Saviour, like a Shepherd
Lead Us
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