DOCTRINES

FAITH—CAN IT BE LOST? Part-3

1-SALVATION IS THROUGH FAITH
2-FAITH CAN GROW OR DECREASE
3-EXHORTATION TO CONTINUE IN THE FAITH
4-BEWARE, AND TAKE HEED
5-A PERSON’S FAITH WILL BE TESTED TO SEE IF IT IS GENIUNE
6-HOW DOES A PERSON STAND IN THE LORD? IT IS BY FAITH
7-SATAN TRIES TO OVERTHROW YOUR FAITH
8-FALLEN FROM FAITH
9-THE CONCLUSION OF THE WHOLE MATTER
10-1 PETER 1:5

CAN A PERSON FALL FROM FAITH?
1-SALVATION IS THROUGH FAITH

    Salvation is through faith. Grace is a result of faith. Justification, righteousness, propitiation, and sanctification are through faith. Overcoming and quenching the fiery darts of the devil are done by faith.
   Eph 2:8-FOR BY GRACE ARE YE SAVED THROUGH FAITH; AND THAT NOT OF YOURSELVES: IT IS THE GIFT OF GOD.

    When a person receives Jesus, he comes with little faith. He is very worldly and carnal. He does not have much knowledge, even though he may have been in the church for many years.
   Now begins a process of learning God’s Word. With the process of learning, comes submitting and overcoming. As a person learns and submits to God’s Word, if the soil of his heart is right, he begins to grow in faith, wisdom, and knowledge of the Lord.
   It is written, 2 Thes 1:3-YOUR FAITH GROWETH EXCEEDINGLY.
   2 Cor 10:15-NOT BOASTING OF THINGS WITHOUT OUR MEASURE, THAT IS, OF OTHER MEN'S LABOURS; BUT HAVING HOPE, WHEN YOUR FAITH IS INCREASED.
   Faith should be active and growing; if it is not, a person could be in danger of the following:
   EVEN SO FAITH, IF IT HATH NOT WORKS, IS DEAD, BEING ALONE-Ja 2:17.
   We see, in Lk 8:12, that with some people after they have heard the Word, THEN COMETH THE DEVIL, AND TAKETH AWAY THE WORD OUT OF THEIR HEARTS, LEST THEY SHOULD BELIEVE AND BE SAVED-Lk 8:12.
   In Lk 8:13, we read there are those who RECEIVE THE WORD WITH JOY…WHICH FOR A WHILE BELIEVE, AND IN TIME OF TEMPTATION FALL AWAY.
   And others in Lk 8:14-WHICH…ARE CHOKED WITH CARES AND RICHES AND PLEASURES OF THIS LIFE, AND BRING NO FRUIT TO PERFECTION.
   God’s Word also warns about those who try to OVERTHROW THE FAITH OF SOME-2 Tim 2:18.

    A great amount of the Scripture in the New Testament is spent on exhorting the born-again Christian to continue in the faith; stand fast in the faith; hold fast to the faith; and many other verses that convey this same message.
   Col 1:23 CONTINUE IN THE FAITH GROUNDED AND SETTLED.
   Acts 14:22-CONFIRMING THE SOULS OF THE DISCIPLES, AND EXHORTING THEM TO CONTINUE IN THE FAITH, AND THAT WE MUST THROUGH MUCH TRIBULATION ENTER INTO THE KINGDOM OF GOD.
   1 Cor 16:13-WATCH YE, STAND FAST IN THE FAITH.
   Gal 5:1-STAND FAST THEREFORE IN THE LIBERTY WHEREWITH CHRIST HATH MADE US FREE, AND BE NOT ENTANGLED AGAIN WITH THE YOKE OF BONDAGE.
   Phili 4:1-STAND FAST IN THE LORD, MY DEARLY BELOVED.
   2 Thes 2:15-THEREFORE, BRETHREN, STAND FAST, AND HOLD THE TRADITIONS WHICH YE HAVE BEEN TAUGHT, WHETHER BY WORD, OR OUR EPISTLE.
   2 Tim 1:13-HOLD FAST THE FORM OF SOUND WORDS, WHICH THOU HAST HEARD OF ME.
   Heb 3:6-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 4:14-LET US HOLD FAST OUR PROFESSION.
   Heb 10:23-LET US HOLD FAST THE PROFESSION OF OUR FAITH WITHOUT WAVERING.
   Rev 2:25-HOLD FAST TILL I COME.
   Eph 4:14-BE NO MORE CHILDREN, TOSSED TO AND FRO, AND CARRIED ABOUT.
   Lk 22:32-BUT I HAVE PRAYED FOR THEE, THAT THY FAITH FAIL NOT: AND WHEN THOU ART CONVERTED, STRENGTHEN THY BRETHREN.
   Some may say that faith cannot be lost. Some may say that a person can never fall from his faith. Some may say it is not possible to turn from the faith.
   We might ask, "Why does the Bible over and over exhort us to continue in the faith, if it is not possible to leave the faith? Why do the Scriptures warn us about being entangled again with the yoke of bondage?"
   The answers are simple. Yes, we can turn from the faith. Yes, we can cease to stand fast in the faith. Yes, we can again be entangled with the yoke of bondage. Yes, we can cease to hold fast our confidence and hope. Yes, we can cease from our profession of faith. Yes, we can become tossed to and fro, as we were before we came to faith in Jesus. Yes, our faith can fail.
   That is exactly what Satan wishes to cause to happen to every converted Christian. That is why the Bible over and over exhorts us, to beware.

    2 Pe 3:17-BEWARE LEST YE ALSO, BEING LED AWAY WITH THE ERROR OF THE WICKED, FALL FROM YOUR OWN STEDFASTNESS.
   Mt 24:4-Jesus told them, TAKE HEED THAT NO MAN DECEIVE YOU.
   Mk 13:5-Jesus told them, TAKE HEED LEST ANY MAN DECEIVE YOU.
   Lk 21:8-AND HE SAID, TAKE HEED THAT YE BE NOT DECEIVED.
   1 Cor 10:12-WHEREFORE LET HIM THAT THINKETH HE STANDETH TAKE HEED LEST HE FALL.
   Ro 11:21-FOR IF GOD SPARED NOT THE NATURAL BRANCHES, TAKE HEED LEST HE ALSO SPARE NOT THEE.
   Mk 4:24-TAKE HEED WHAT YE HEAR. There are many deceivers that wish to feed a person with things that can deceive them. God is warning the person to take heed what they listen to.
   1 Tim 4:16-TAKE HEED UNTO THYSELF, AND UNTO THE DOCTRINE; CONTINUE IN THEM.
   Heb 3:12-TAKE HEED, BRETHREN, LEST THERE BE IN ANY OF YOU AN EVIL HEART OF UNBELIEF, IN DEPARTING FROM THE LIVING GOD.
   Why are these warnings coming forth? A person does not need to be warned about something that cannot happen.
   Yes, a person can fall from their steadfastness. Yes, a person can be deceived. Yes, a person can fall. Yes, a person can listen to wrong teaching and be deceived. Yes, a person can depart from the living God.
   These are things that the devil wishes to do to those who follow Jesus.

    When a person commits their life to Jesus, the trials and testings begin. All sorts of temptations and deceptions will come against the converted Christian. Through these, the Lord will know if the person’s faith is genuine or not. Through this, the Lord will know the person’s true commitment to God.
   Jesus Himself was tempted in all ways that the converted Christian will be, yet without sin.
   1 Pe 1:7-THAT THE TRIAL OF YOUR FAITH, BEING MUCH MORE PRECIOUS THAN OF GOLD THAT PERISHETH, THOUGH IT BE TRIED WITH FIRE, MIGHT BE FOUND UNTO PRAISE AND HONOUR AND GLORY AT THE APPEARING OF JESUS CHRIST.
   1 Pe 1:6,7 NIV-IN THIS YOU GREATLY REJOICE, THOUGH NOW FOR A LITTLE WHILE YOU MAY HAVE HAD TO SUFFER GRIEF IN ALL KINDS OF TRIALS.
   THESE HAVE COME SO THAT YOUR FAITH--OF GREATER WORTH THAN GOLD, WHICH PERISHES EVEN THOUGH REFINED BY FIRE--MAY BE PROVED GENUINE AND MAY RESULT IN PRAISE, GLORY AND HONOR WHEN JESUS CHRIST IS REVEALED. (The genuineness of your faith…may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ-NKJ.)
   Ja 1:3-KNOWING THIS, THAT THE TRYING (or testing) OF YOUR FAITH WORKETH PATIENCE.

6-HOW DOES A PERSON STAND IN THE LORD? IT IS BY FAITH

    When a person comes to Jesus, it is by faith. Salvation is through faith. How does a person stand? It is by faith.
   Ro 11:20-WELL; BECAUSE OF UNBELIEF THEY WERE BROKEN OFF, AND THOU STANDEST BY FAITH. BE NOT HIGHMINDED, BUT FEAR.
   1 Cor 16:13-WATCH YE, STAND FAST IN THE FAITH, QUIT YOU LIKE MEN, BE STRONG.
   2 Cor 1:24- FOR BY FAITH YE STAND.
   Eph 3:17-THAT CHRIST MAY DWELL IN YOUR HEARTS BY FAITH; THAT YE, BEING ROOTED AND GROUNDED IN LOVE.
   The question then needs to be asked. What if a person loses their faith? Will they then still be standing by faith?
   What if a person loses their faith? Will Christ still dwell in their hearts, when they have no faith?

    Can a person’s faith be overthrown? Can a person be turned away from their faith? The answer is clear. It is yes.
   Acts 13:8-BUT ELYMAS THE SORCERER (FOR SO IS HIS NAME BY INTERPRETATION) WITHSTOOD THEM, SEEKING TO TURN AWAY THE DEPUTY FROM THE FAITH.

    Regretfully, many that are saved, do not continue grounded and settled in the faith. Regretfully, many do move away from the hope of the Gospel.
   Col 1:22,23-HE HAS RECONCILED YOU…TO PRESENT YOU HOLY IN HIS SIGHT, WITHOUT BLEMISH AND FREE FROM ACCUSATION-NIV.
   IF YE CONTINUE IN THE FAITH GROUNDED AND SETTLED, AND BE NOT MOVED AWAY FROM THE HOPE OF THE GOSPEL, WHICH YE HAVE HEARD.

    Regretfully, many saved people do draw back from their faith in Jesus Christ. The soul of Jesus shall have no pleasure in them that do.
   Heb 10:38-NOW THE JUST SHALL LIVE BY FAITH: BUT IF ANY MAN DRAW BACK, MY SOUL SHALL HAVE NO PLEASURE IN HIM.

    Rev 14:12 is a verse dealing with the Tribulation. During that time, many people will come to faith in Jesus and be saved. However, when faced with their head being chopped off or worshipping the image, there are those who will give in and worship the image of the beast. Their faith will fail because of fear. Many others, however, will stand fast. Their faith will not fail. They will be killed, but then they will be with Jesus forever and ever.
   Rev 14:12-HERE IS THE PATIENCE OF THE SAINTS: HERE ARE THEY THAT KEEP THE COMMANDMENTS OF GOD, AND THE FAITH OF JESUS.

    Paul knew a person could lose their faith. He was worried that this had happened. He understood the schemes of the devil, and thought that the people had been tempted and that all his labor was for nothing. If the people were still standing, it was centered on one thing—their faith.
   1Thes 3:5-FOR THIS CAUSE, WHEN I COULD NO LONGER FORBEAR, I SENT TO KNOW YOUR FAITH, LEST BY SOME MEANS THE TEMPTER HAVE TEMPTED YOU, AND OUR LABOUR BE IN VAIN.

    Here, Paul makes the clear statement that some had put away their faith and as a result had become shipwreck. Faith can be put away. Faith can be lost.
   1 Tim 1:19-HOLDING FAITH, AND A GOOD CONSCIENCE; WHICH SOME HAVING PUT AWAY CONCERNING FAITH HAVE MADE SHIPWRECK.

    1 Tim 4:1-This verse is dealing with the latter times, which is the time period we are currently living in. Paul is telling us that during this age some people will leave the faith of Jesus Christ and turn to seducing spirits and doctrines of devils. A person cannot depart from something he does not have.
   1 Tim 4:1-NOW THE SPIRIT SPEAKETH EXPRESSLY, THAT IN THE LATTER TIMES SOME SHALL DEPART FROM THE FAITH, GIVING HEED TO SEDUCING SPIRITS, AND DOCTRINES OF DEVILS.

    One of the temptations that Satan uses is money. People from India, from Africa, from America, and all over the world have fallen for this temptation. Because of the love of money, some people have erred from the faith of Jesus Christ.
   1 Tim 6:10-FOR THE LOVE OF MONEY IS THE ROOT OF ALL EVIL: WHICH WHILE SOME COVETED AFTER, THEY HAVE ERRED FROM THE FAITH, AND PIERCED THEMSELVES THROUGH WITH MANY SORROWS.

    If it were true that a person could not lose their faith, then there would be no need to fight the good fight of faith. Unfortunately, some born-again people, even though their intentions are sincere, have deceived others by teaching them that their faith can never be lost. Then the unsuspecting Christian lets down their guard. Satan moves in and deceives them, and they no longer stand by faith.
   1 Tim 6:12-FIGHT THE GOOD FIGHT OF FAITH, LAY HOLD ON ETERNAL LIFE, WHEREUNTO THOU ART ALSO CALLED, AND HAST PROFESSED A GOOD PROFESSION BEFORE MANY WITNESSES.

    1 Tim 6:20 NIV-GODLESS CHATTER AND THE OPPOSING IDEAS OF WHAT IS FALSELY CALLED KNOWLEDGE (or science) have caused some people to go astray from the faith.
   1 Tim 6:21-WHICH SOME PROFESSING HAVE ERRED CONCERNING THE FAITH. GRACE BE WITH THEE. AMEN.

    There are also many false teachers that abound. They teach all sorts of deceptive doctrines. As a result of these, some converted Christians go astray. They err. These false teachers accomplish the following:
   2 Tim 2:18-They OVERTHROW THE FAITH OF SOME.

    The Scriptures are exceedingly clear. A person can repent. They can have faith in Jesus Christ. They can be baptized. They are definitely born-again.
   However, Satan does move in. All sorts of temptations will come against the converted Christian. All sorts of deceptions will come forth from people whom the devil sends.
   As a result, many do turn from their faith in Jesus Christ. Many do get deceived. Many do turn aside. Many do shrink back.
   There is absolutely no doubt that these statements are correct.
   Then the question arises. "Will the converted Christian still go to heaven but with very few rewards, or will they perish to hell?"
   Some will say, the power of God will still keep them, even though they lost their faith. They cannot perish. They cannot be damned, even though they lost their first faith.
   What does God’s Word say on this subject?
   Does God’s Word give a condition for God’s power keeping the converted Christian from falling?
   The answer is, YES.
   It is written:

    Note the words KEPT BY…GOD THROUGH FAITH.
   For God’s power to keep or shield a person that person must not forsake, or lose, or depart from his faith in Jesus Christ. It is because of a person’s faith that they are kept by the power of God.
   This is the reason that Satan attacks a person’s faith.
   This is the reason that Satan does everything he can to overthrow a person’s faith.
   For by FAITH YE STAND. If the person loses his faith or casts off his faith, he is no longer standing.
   As a result, they will have damnation. You may say, "Where in the Bible does it say that?" Here is the answer.
   1 Tim 5:12-HAVING DAMNATION, BECAUSE THEY HAVE CAST OFF THEIR FIRST FAITH.
   This verse is very clear. People do cast off their first faith. People do cast off their faith in Jesus Christ as their only hope. Those that do, shall have damnation. They had faith in Jesus Christ. They were saved. But now, they have damnation.
   Eph 3:17-THAT CHRIST MAY DWELL IN YOUR HEARTS BY FAITH. Christ does not dwell in our hearts, if we have cast off our faith.

    Paul said it clearly.
   2 Tim 4:7-I HAVE FOUGHT A GOOD FIGHT, I HAVE FINISHED MY COURSE, I HAVE KEPT THE FAITH.
   This is the way it is.