SAVED BUT LATER DESTROYED

Let us not confuse the issue. Let us be clear in our minds the bone of contention. I believe we are saved by faith, like most believers (Ephesians 2:8-9). We are on the same turf on that matter. What I disagree is this—when someone tells me that there is eternal security for believers ie. once saved always saved (OSAS).

Just by considering Jude 1:5 and 1 Corinthians 10:1-11 (please see below), we can reject straightaway OSAS. If you subscribe to OSAS, you will have to take a pair of scissors and cut out Jude 1:5 and 1 Corinthians 10:1-11 from your Bible. And what is the consequence for tampering with God’s word (Rev 22:18,19)?

Paul states that the lessons from Israel’s history * is to warn us; it is for our admonition. It is not something irrelevant to us as we are apt to think—just because it happened during Old Testament times.

If the above references are not sufficient for us to reject OSAS, then we should also consider the following: 2 Peter 2:20-22; 2 Timothy 2: 11-13 and Matthew 24:9-13.

I believe that the above references are one of the biggest bugbears for those who believe in OSAS. They are like thorns in the side for them.

To be complacent and rest on our spiritual laurels—to believe in OSAS—is dangerous as we may reap grave eternal consequences.

*  Lessons from Israel’s history—saved but later destroyed

“I don’t want you to forget, dear brothers and sisters, about our ancestors in the wilderness long ago. All of them were guided by a cloud that moved ahead of them, and all of them walked through the sea on dry ground. In the cloud and in the sea, all of them were baptized as followers of Moses. All of them ate the same spiritual food, and all of them drank the same spiritual water. For they drank from the spiritual rock that traveled with them, and that rock was Christ. Yet God was not pleased with most of them, and their bodies were scattered in the wilderness.

These things happened as a warning to us, so that we would not crave evil things as they did, or worship idols as some of them did. As the Scriptures say, “The people celebrated with feasting and drinking, and they indulged in pagan revelry.” And we must not engage in sexual immorality as some of them did, causing 23,000 of them to die in one day.

Nor should we put Christ to the test, as some of them did and then died from snakebites. And don’t grumble as some of them did, and then were destroyed by the angel of death. These things happened to them as examples for us. They were written down to warn us who live at the end of the age” (1 Corinthians 10:1-11).

“Now I want to remind you, although you once fully knew it, that Jesus, who saved a people out of the land of Egypt, afterward destroyed those who did not believe” (Jude 1:5).

SAVED AND SECURE?

Is there eternal security for believers if they deny God or continue living in sin?

http://bit.ly/1mIQKvq

Eternal Security or
Conditional Security?

One of the best links to the perplexing issue of once saved, always saved (OSAS).http://www.evangelicaloutreach.org/eternal-security.htm

THE WISDOM TO BE PROACTIVE

Why it is wise to be proactive. #

A prudent person foresees danger and takes precautions. The simpleton goes blindly on and suffers the consequences.

                                                                      

Instinctively, we exhibit some proactive traits when we decide to travel abroad. We make sure that the following items are ready way ahead of the day of departure – a valid passport, cash, credit cards, medicine and toiletries.

Some of us proactively check our car for road worthiness before embarking on a long journey. Among other things, we ask ourselves whether the tyres and brakes are in good condition.

Being proactive means we act in advance of an anticipated event or difficulty in the future. We do not just react to something when it happens.

By being proactive, we avoid this negative tendency – being reactive to a situation when it crops up.

Though the word ‘proactive’ is not found in the Bible, there are many instances where this important principle of ‘being proactive’ is being alluded to.

“A prudent person foresees danger and takes precautions. The simpleton goes blindly on and suffers the consequences” (Proverbs 22:3, Proverbs 27:12).

Who would have been so “silly” to build a gigantic boat on dry land? But Noah was being proactive when he built an ark and so was saved from judgment. “By faith Noah when warned about things not yet seen, in holy fear built an ark to save his family. By his faith he condemned the world and became heir of the righteousness that comes by faith” (Hebrews 11:7).

Being warned by Pharaoh’s dream of the fat and lean cows, Joseph as the Prime Minister of Egypt instructed grain to be stored during times of plenty so that the Egyptians will not have to starve when famine struck. By being proactive, he also saved his own family during famine (Genesis 41: 25-36).

The ant forages for food during summer so that, when the ground is covered with snow in winter, it will not starve (Proverbs 6:6-8). Do we believe in financial planning for our retirement? Or do we believe that having faith means we do not need to plan? 

http://bit.ly/1bXnQD2

The wise virgins who carried extra oil for their lamps were ready when the bridegroom arrived whereas those who were ill-prepared were left out of the marriage feast (Matthew 25:1-13). Are we prepared for Christ’s second coming? http://bit.ly/1BUqF3G

The dishonest steward used his position to gain favour in the eyes of those who owed his boss money. He was being proactive; in the event he got retrenched in future, he could seek help from the debtors. Though Jesus did not condone his actions, Jesus used this parable to teach believers how to be wise in managing their money to achieve eternal goals (Luke 16:1-13). “If you have not been trustworthy in handling worldly wealth, who will trust you with true riches?” (Luke 16:11).

We should not think of venturing into a project without first counting the cost; otherwise we will face ridicule if we cannot complete the task due to underestimation of the cost. By the same token, before we decide to follow Christ, we must be aware of the cost involved (Luke 14:27-30). “No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God”(Luke 9:62).

We need to recognise the fact that, one day, we will have to give an account to God for the way we have lived our lives on earth. “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive what is due him for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad” (2 Corinthians 5:10). “Only one life, ’twill soon be past, only what’s done for Christ will last.” 

http://bit.ly/1iiRhQT

“BE PROACTIVE”  – the first habit in the best-selling book, “THE 7 HABITS OF HIGHLY EFFECTIVE PEOPLE” – is not only relevant in the field of management and personal effectiveness.

This all-important principle, “BE PROACTIVE”, is also relevant in the many other areas of life:

1. Financial planning.  *  

2. Stewardship of our gifts, talents and resources.

3. Setting our house in order before we leave this earth.  ** 

4. Counting the cost of discipleship.

5. Preparation for Christ’s second coming.

Like the word ‘Trinity’, the word ‘proactive’ is not found in the Bible. However, the concept – “BE PROACTIVE” – is being alluded to in many instances in the Bible. Let us take heed by meditating on – and practising – this all-important principle and, as a result, become wiser.

RELATED POSTS:

*   TALKING “RINGGIT AND SENSE” BEFORE YOU RETIRE 

Biblical insights on financial planning for retirement

http://limpohann.blogspot.com/2012/04/talking-ringgit-and-sensebefore-you.html

**   SETTING OUR HOUSE IN ORDER

How many of us prepare ourselves to meet our Maker?

http://limpohann.blogspot.com/2012/10/setting-our-house-in-order.html

 #   Note:  

Stephen Covey in his best-selling self-help book, “The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People”, lists the first habit as “BE PROACTIVE”. That means we have to take the initiative, be personally responsible for the decisions we make. We do not just react to circumstances.