From the earliest days of my Christian walk, I saw something in the church that I had never seen elsewhere. These men and women possessed a strength of community that went beyond the best of friendships; they were a family of true believers.
These Christians were good people, and I was honoured to know them. They brought blessings of every kind to my life, but the one they wanted to share most was the one they held most dear—Eternal Life! They taught me that heaven would be mine on the last day if I walked by faith, and not by sight. And by God’s grace I am still walking.
It wasn’t long before I started to see brothers and sisters leave the faith. It was heart-breaking to see them return to sinful lifestyles or accept the false teachings of unscriptural churches. You would think that the warnings against abandoning the true faith would make them think twice before leaving, but many run headlong back into the arms of Satan and his workers.
I know that some would prefer that I didn’t mention these things. They feel that God’s grace will cover such people in their times of disobedience, and that I would be liked better if I keep my opinions to myself.
Believe it, or not, I pray that they are right, and that everyone gets a free pass into heaven. But it is hard to get around the sad irony that even these gracious souls have their limits as to who should be, and who should not be, let into heaven.
By faith we stand Fearless when we expect each other to “put on the full armour of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand” (Ephesians 6:13).
John Staiger