Following the Way

In our churches are people in various stages of growth in their Christian walks of faith. There are also those who have yet to be saved. Some of these might think that they’re saved, but have yet to be born again. Others were saved once upon a time and need to return to their first love by doing the first works of repentance. (See Revelation 2:4-5.)

There are also those who, for various reasons, have stopped gathering together with other believers. Most of these find little, or no, benefit in the gatherings. Many of these are unsaved but think that they are, or they have fallen away from a close walk with the Lord (or perhaps never had one).

A lot of people think that since they have their “fire insurance,” what they prayed long ago will keep them out of hell, but as in all insurance policies, the grace period runs out. The “policy” needs to be renewed or a new one written.

There is a falling away that occurs in many people’s lives. In 2 Peter 1:10 we can see that it doesn’t have to happen - if we do the things written preceding the last portion of that verse. In Galatians 5:4, we see that some people fall from grace. These became estranged from Christ and attempted to be justified by the law. These people apparently became entangled again by a yoke of bondage rather than standing fast in the liberty by which Christ made them free. (See verse 1.)

Grace is defined as the divine influence on the heart and its reflection on the life, including gratitude (Strong’s Concordance #G 5485). God influences us within our innermost being and then everything we do outwardly is also influenced. Rather than basing our understanding on our own understanding, our hearts want His understanding instead. This yearning comes from the Holy Spirit within the born-again believer.

If you’re not sure whether you’re yet saved, and have crossed over from death to life and love the brethren (1 John 3:14), or if you prayed long ago for salvation but aren’t as close to Jesus as you once were, please pray this prayer out loud:

Jesus, I come humbly before You today. I made some mistakes in my life. I’ve sinned and I need Your help to overcome some things in my life.

I invite You to be the Lord of every area of my life. Change my heart and make me the person You want me to be. I will live for You all the days of my life. Thank you, Lord Jesus. Amen.

When we have fully surrendered all that we are to Him, there’s no going back. Our life is entirely His and we can then expect His guidance in our lives continually.

Ann Doupont
January 27, 2010

www.anndoupont.org

Article Source: http://christian-topics.info

Ann Doupont is the author of 4 books and 6 booklets. Please visit www.anndoupont.org for more information.

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