In "If They Shall Fall Away," Don Fortner addresses the doctrine of eternal security and the dangers of false assurance in the context of faith. He argues that genuine faith is characterized by permanence and perseverance, contrasting it with a delusion that may offer individuals a false sense of security. Fortner uses Hebrews 6:4-6 to emphasize that while some may appear enlightened and have a form of godliness, they can still fall away and face irreversible spiritual consequences. He further warns against the confidence of those who may possess religious knowledge but lack a true saving relationship with Christ. The practical significance of Fortner's argument lies in the call for self-examination to ensure that one's faith is authentic and rooted in the grace of God.
Key Quotes
“It is quite possible for men and women to have an undisturbed peace unshaken assurance and unquestioned security with regard to their eternal destiny and yet have no saving interest in Christ.”
“Many have gifts who have no grace.”
“There is nothing on this earth more fearful than the carnal security of religion without Christ.”
“Let us bring our faith to the Word of God and examine it.”
What does the Bible say about falling away from faith?
The Bible warns that those who fall away after experiencing God's grace cannot be renewed to repentance (Hebrews 6:4-6).
Hebrews 6:4-6
Why is perseverance of faith important for Christians?
Perseverance of faith is crucial as it ensures that true believers will not lose their salvation, reflecting the enduring nature of God's grace.
Romans 8:38-39, 2 Corinthians 13:5
How do we know that salvation is by grace alone?
Salvation is solely by God's grace, emphasized in scripture as the unmerited favor bestowed through faith in Christ (Ephesians 2:8-9).
Ephesians 2:8-9
And this will we do, if God permit. For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost, And have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come, If they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put him to an open shame. - Hebrews 6:3-6"If They Shall Fall Away…"
Salvation is by God's free and sovereign grace alone. The sinner’s only hope before God is the blood atonement and imputed righteousness of Christ. That salvation which God gives to and works in his people is eternal salvation. All true faith is permanent, persevering faith. However, there is a faith, which is a satanic delusion.
Carnal Security
Here is a terribly sobering fact plainly revealed in Holy Scripture. We will be wise to lay it to heart. -- It is quite possible for men and women to have an undisturbed peace, unshaken assurance, and unquestioned security with regard to their eternal destiny, and yet have no saving interest in Christ. If that fact is not alarming to you, it should be. The Lord God sounds this blaring warning by his prophet Obadiah: – “Woe unto them that are at ease in Zion!”
Satan is a crafty, subtle foe. He knows that the surest way to keep sinners from the saving knowledge of Christ is to give them some satisfying, conscience soothing substitute, some religious experience, or feelings, or gifts, or knowledge by which they may convince themselves that the grace of God is surely theirs.
Do not be deceived. Many have gifts who have no grace. Multitudes profess faith they do not possess. Countless thousands enjoy peace who do not have pardon. Hoards of men and women, orthodox to the core, are yet without life before God. There is a form of godliness possessed by men who deny the power of it. Many have a name that they live who are yet dead in trespasses and in sins. Hell is bulging with eternally damned souls who went to that place of torment assured that they were on the road to heaven, with a Bible in their hands, a song in their hearts, and a profession on their lips. At the time when Lot’s wife felt most secure, she went to hell! When all the other apostles were fearful, saying, “Lord, is it I?” Judas was perfectly confident.
Examine Yourself
There is nothing on this earth more fearful than the carnal security of religion without Christ. Let us bring our faith to the Word of God and examine it. May it please God to search our hearts and let us see if we have the faith of God’s elect (2 Cor. 13:5; 2 Pet. 1:10; Ps. 139:23-24). If our faith is the faith of God's elect, if it is sound, if it is a God given faith, examination will only strengthen it, and cause us to cling more firmly to Christ. If our faith is false, examination may expose it. If we have built for ourselves a refuge of lies, in which we are trying to hide from God, may he graciously destroy our false refuge and hide us in Christ by his almighty grace.
Comments
Your comment has been submitted and is awaiting moderation. Once approved, it will appear on this page.
Be the first to comment!