A Letter To Christians
Dear Christian Friend:
No one likes to be called a quitter! But what we should be concerned with is the attitude manifested by the God of heaven toward those in this category. In the tenth chapter of Hebrews, verse twenty-five, is the familiar prohibition against forsaking the assembling of ourselves together as some were apparently doing. Verse twenty-six and twenty-seven reads, "For if we sin willfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins. But a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries." The text continues with a comparison of the old law, under which the transgressors were put to death, and the ones who have been washed with the blood of Jesus Christ but have gone back into perdition: "Much sorer punishment" will be given those who are found in this respect. "It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God." (Verse 31) Verse thirty-eight says, "Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him."
This chapter is just a sample of the Scriptures teaching the danger of apostasy. We would do well to familiarize ourselves with such passages as Heb. 3: 12, 13; I Cor. 9:27; James 5:19, 20; and II Peter 2:1922. According to Peter, judgment must begin with the church of God. (I Pet. 4:17, 18) At the day of judgment Christ will send His holy angels to "gather out of the kingdom all things that offend, and them which do iniquity"; They shall be cast into the lake of fire where there "shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth." (Matt. 13:41,42)
In and around this area, I have become appalled at the number of baptized members of the church of Christ that have literally quit (forsaken) the work and worship of the church. Many of these I have talked with one or more times in the course of my work here. Sad, however, is the fact that most of these seem to be "hardened" by the deceitfulness of sin (Heb. 3:12,13), and have little desire to be associated with fellow Christians in the area. Is it possible that you are among this group? Will you not reconsider your present position before it becomes too late?
This letter is written in the deepest Christian love. I, as a preacher, as well as Christians in general, am deeply concerned with your spiritual welfare. Jude, in his letter, speaks of those who are "twice dead" (Jude 12). It is only by the eternal love and grace of God Almighty that a further chance for repentance is extended you. (II Peter 3:9) Let us haste to avoid the judgment of a vengeful God!
-In hope of the resurrection, Clint Springer 2734 Milam Street