As If By Fire

“There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.” (Prov. 14:12) Think about this verse for a few moments with me, for the death that it speaks of is not the death of the flesh, but the second death, the eternal fire of torment. What could possibly make anyone believe that this would be the correct way to think, what would make people, who are generally at least cognizant of the knowledge that there is indeed “something” more after this life, believe that what they believe is the correct belief.

I think one of the principles they stand upon is that the people that they associate with, in general, also hold the same beliefs, and so those who hang around like-minded individuals could be one of the answers. I could be mistaken, but I am going to presume that every one that attends the church that you attend has pretty much the same basic beliefs, at least in respect to justification, sanctification, glorification, salvation, the Sovereign Lordship of Christ, if not, then you, or they, are in the wrong church, and would not be applicable to this verse, for the “way” would not seem right to you.

Many times individuals maintain their relationship to a church because that is where their parents went, or where most of their friends go, or simply because there are a lot of people there, and these things make it seem like the “right” place to them. But I actually met a man once, whom I truly believe was saved, who attended a certain church because his wife like the stained-glass windows. The teachings were nowhere near Scripturally correct, but, for at least that time in their lives, he simply wanted to keep peace in the family. He knew it was wrong, but she thought it was right.

There is of course only one reason why anyone would continue on a path that they thought was right, but indeed would lead to death, and that would be because they are unaware of, or unwilling to hear the truth. There is no excuse in this, for the Scriptures are clear, “For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse.” (Romans 1:20) But there could be a caveat, if you will, to this most grievous mistake, perhaps their foolish hearts have been darkened so much that the Lord has given them over to a reprobate mind, (Romans 1:28) perhaps He just stopped trying with them.

We are to have the mind of Christ, (1 Cor. 2:16) we can be filled with the knowledge of God, (Col. 1:9) and we also, at times, need to just let them go. “Give not that which is holy unto the dogs, neither cast ye your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn again and rend you.” (Matt. 7:6) Not an easy thing to do, especially if you have a deep concern, or even a love for that person, and I would suggest in these times great and fervent prayers for divine direction, but there are other instances where the decision can be a little easier. I will use myself as an example here.

I encounter many people online who respond to the videos, and not all are favorable, some are doing their level best to be as rude as possible, and if I took them personally my responses would be quite different than what they are. For each one, positive or negative, I have asked the Lord to have me type exactly what is applicable to that comment, every one of them, because whether they understand it or not, it is not me that they are attempting to dishonor, it is not my faith in Christ that they are trying to belittle, it is the Sovereign Lord, and no man in his right mind would ever do as much willingly if they understood the truth. But what they are attempting “seems right” to them, they have, in a sense, made themselves gods.

When you meet these people you need to make a decision, you must ask for Spiritual understanding, are you speaking to someone who is about to make an eternity changing decision, or to swine? Give them every opportunity, but do not forget the last part of that verse, do not allow them to trample you. Leave them to the Lord if that is what you are to do, leave them with this verse, or one similar to it. “It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.” (Heb. 10:31) But also let them know that until their final breath there is hope, but after the last exhale, if they will not repent, there is only eternal death waiting. “And others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh.” (Jude 1:23)