Another prominent Christian fell away from faith recently, and believers around the world have been saddened by his rejection of God’s Truth. But as tragic as his fall from faith is, we shouldn’t be surprised. Why? Because Scripture reminds us that these situations will occur, especially in the times in which we live:
Later, Jesus sat on the Mount of Olives. His disciples came to Him privately and said, “Tell us, when will all this happen? What sign will signal Your return and the end of the world?” Jesus told them, “Don’t let anyone mislead you, for many will come in My name, claiming, ‘I am the Messiah.’ They will deceive many … And many will turn away from Me and betray and hate each other.
(Matthew 24:3-5, 10)
Now the Holy Spirit tells us clearly that in the last times some will turn away from the true faith; they will follow deceptive spirits and teachings that come from demons.
(I Timothy 4:1)
The term “fell away from faith” is often used when someone chooses to turn away from the Lord, but we don’t really hear that someone “fell into faith.” The reason for this is simple. Faith in Jesus is a choice, not something we jump into or just happen upon. Instead, belief in the Lord is a deliberate decision an individual makes at some point in his or her life. Romans 10:9 explains it clearly: “If you openly declare that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.”
Jesus offers everyone the chance to know Him and accept Him as their Savior, but He will never force anyone into that decision. Actually, like a polite friend, He gently calls to each of us—the opening of our lives to Him is entirely up to us. The Lord Himself put it this way, “Look! I stand at the door and knock. If you hear My voice and open the door, I will come in, and we will share a meal together as friends” (Revelation 3:20).
A friend of ours made the choice to “declare Jesus as Lord” a few weeks ago. After years of searching, the message from John 3:16 finally rang true for him: “For this is how God loved the world: He gave His one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life.” Our friend didn’t fall into faith—he made a conscious decision to accept Jesus as his Lord and Savior.
This singular choice changes our eternal destiny, but our faith journeys don’t end there. Each day we are presented with choices, especially about how to know the Lord better and strive to live in a way that pleases Him. The following reminder from Scripture reveals some important steps we can choose to take in this faith journey, and it explains how these choices can help others stay faithful too:
Be careful then, dear brothers and sisters. Make sure that your own hearts are not evil and unbelieving, turning you away from the living God. You must warn each other every day, while it is still “today,” so that none of you will be deceived by sin and hardened against God. For if we are faithful to the end, trusting God just as firmly as when we first believed, we will share in all that belongs to Christ.
(Hebrews 3:12-14)
The author of Hebrews urges every member of God’s family to be careful, watching out for anything that might cause us to fall away from God. And we also need to help our brothers and sisters in the Lord to avoid bad choices or misleading teaching. That’s why being faithful must be a step by step, one good choice after another, kind of process.
Assisting you in your faith journey is what Sonkist Ministries is all about. We’re strengthened by God’s Word as we write these messages, and we pray you’ll be encouraged as you read them. We know many of you send these Sonkist messages on to other believers, and even to friends and family who are yet-to-be-saved. We especially pray for those searching for the Truth. Like our friend, may they believe in Jesus soon!
While there’s no falling into faith, each one of us can grow deeper in our faith this Fall. Let’s keep reading God’s Word and fellowshipping with one another. And may we continually uplift and encourage everyone around us during this beautiful season of Harvest.
Thought of the Month
And do not bring sorrow to God’s Holy Spirit by the way you live. Remember, He has identified you as His own, guaranteeing that you will be saved on the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.
Ephesians 4:30-32
