If indeed you continue in the faith, grounded and steadfast, and are not moved away from the hope of the gospel which you heard, which was preached to every creature under heaven, of which I, Paul, became a minister. (Col. 1:23)
During our last devotional session, we discussed the preceding verses, which focused on Jesus as the embodiment of God in human form and the perfect representation of God's completeness. We talked about how people who come to Christ in faith are, by nature, God's enemies and separated from the Father due to their sinful deeds. Despite this, we learned that Jesus took the initiative and paved the way for reconciliation and peace by offering himself as a sacrifice for our transgressions against God's laws.
Paul then describes the current state of those who have received the gift of salvation. He states that, in God's sight, they are blameless and beyond reproach. Why is this so? Because Jesus paid the penalty for our hostility towards God, making us objects of His love rather than His wrath.
However, Paul adds a caveat that we must continue in our faith to remain blameless and beyond reproach in God's sight. This condition implies that we have the potential to be swayed and abandon our faith. So, what does this mean for us, and how can we apply it in our lives?
Although there is an ongoing debate within the Christian community about whether a person can lose their state of redemption and blamelessness, we do not aim to provide an answer in the context of this discussion. Instead, we want to focus on understanding the text’s message as it was written.
Paul clearly sets a condition that we must continue in our faith. This statement suggests a risk of being dissuaded or failing to persevere in our faith. So, the application for us is to remain steadfast in our faith, trusting in Jesus as our Savior and continually seeking His guidance and strength to help us stay the course.
Can we Stray from the faith?
Numerous passages in the New Testament warn believers about the importance of persevering in their faith. For example, in Hebrews 3:14, the author writes, "For we have become partakers of Christ if we hold fast the beginning of our assurance firm until the end." Similarly, in 2 Timothy 4:7, Paul says, "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith." And in Galatians 6:9, he writes, "Let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we will reap if we do not grow weary."
Other passages in the New Testament stress the importance of continuing in faith and not turning away from the truth. For instance, in 1 Timothy 4:16, Paul urges Timothy to "pay close attention to yourself and to your teaching; persevere in these things, for as you do this you will ensure salvation both for yourself and for those who hear you." And in 2 Peter 3:17, Peter warns his readers to "be on your guard so that you are not carried away by the error of unprincipled men and fall from your own steadfastness."
Overall, the New Testament is clear that believers must stay the course, hold fast to the truth, and continue in faith without losing heart. These warnings emphasize the importance of perseverance in the Christian life and the need for believers to remain steadfast in their commitment to Jesus Christ.
New Testament examples of people who abandon the faith.
The New Testament provides examples of individuals who did not keep their faith and abandoned their beliefs.
Judas Iscariot - was selected as one of Jesus' 12 disciples and spent nearly three years accompanying him, witnessing his incredible miracles, healings, and teachings. Despite this close proximity to Jesus, Judas ultimately betrayed him in exchange for thirty pieces of silver. Jesus referred to Judas as the "son of perdition," emphasizing the gravity of his betrayal. In Matthew 26:24, Jesus laments, "Woe to the one by whom the Son of Man is betrayed! It would have been better for that person if he had not been born." This serves as a warning about the devastating consequences of betraying one's faith and turning away from Jesus.
Demas - In Colossians 4:14, Paul refers to Demas as a fellow worker. Similarly, in Philemon 1:24, Paul lists Demas among his fellow workers. However, in 2 Timothy 4:10, Paul writes that Demas had deserted him, having loved this present world. Demas serves as an example of how the love of the world can lead people away from God's calling and purpose for their lives.
Hymenaeus and Philetus - In 1 Timothy 1:20, Paul mentions Hymenaeus and Philetus as individuals he has handed to Satan so they may learn not to blaspheme. It is not entirely clear what they were teaching that was considered false or blasphemous.
In 2 Timothy 2:17-18, Paul refers to Hymenaeus and Philetus as individuals who have swerved from the truth, claiming that the resurrection has already occurred. Thus, they were overthrowing the faith of some.
Simon the Sorcerer - As mentioned in the book of Acts, initially believed and was baptized but later abandoned his faith. As a magician in Samaria, he had gained a following by practicing his magic and claiming to be someone great. However, when Philip the Evangelist preached the gospel in Samaria, many people were converted and baptized, including Simon.
Although Simon was initially amazed by the miracles he saw, he later offered to pay for the ability to lay hands on people to receive the Holy Spirit. Peter rebuked Simon, telling him he had no part in spiritual gifts because his heart was not right before God. From the apostles’ perspective, Simon departed from the faith by trying to purchase the power of the Holy Spirit.
According to Eusebius Ecclesiastical History, Simon continued to practice magic and claimed to be a divine power even after his encounter with Peter in Samaria. He travelled to Rome and gained a following, performing magic tricks, and claiming to be a god. He even managed to convert some people to his own brand of religion.
However, Simon eventually came into conflict with the apostle Peter, who was also in Rome then. According to Eusebius, Simon challenged Peter to a contest of magic, believing that he could prove himself to be more powerful. Peter accepted the challenge, and when Simon's magic failed to work, he confessed that he was not a god after all.
Simon then supposedly tried to fly away from the scene, but his magic failed him again, and he fell to the ground and was severely injured. He died soon afterward, either from his injuries or a subsequent illness.
Wrapping it up
Paul's words in Colossians 1:23 emphasize the importance of continuing in our faith, rooted and grounded in Christ, and not being moved away from the hope of the gospel. The New Testament warns about the importance of persevering in our faith and not turning away from the truth. We must stay the course, hold fast to the truth, and continue in faith without losing hearts. While examples of people who abandoned their faith warn about the devastating consequences of betraying one's faith and turning away from Jesus, we should remain steadfast in our commitment to Christ, seeking His guidance and strength to help us stay the course.
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