Over the years, I have known many who witness the workings and miracles of YHWH. Some speak in a heavenly language. Others have come to know and accept the Lord after a near death experience. But yet, I have seen these same people fall away from the Redeemer.
If the concept of “once saved always saved” applies to those who believe in their salvation experience, why would Paul give a stark warning to the Church of Corinth? This group believed they were “safe” from the danger of judgment because of their spiritual accomplishments. But yet Paul states, “If it happened to Israel, it can happen to you. Be on guard.”
To make it real, I’ve listed a few questions recalling Israels wilderness experience then relate them to us:
- Two Silver trumpets were used to summon the entire community of Israel for gatherings and assemblies. These trumpets were also used to signal the movement of the camps, indicating when to march or even go to war and were the sole responsibility of the anointed priesthood.
Question #1— What happens to us when we stop heeding the “blast” to gather? What happens when trumpet blasts are given by people that are not anointed by the Lord?
- Israel failed to keep their focus on YHWH, and they started giving themselves to idolatry (Ex. 32:1-6 & Num. 25:1-3) Some of the Corinthian Christians not only got too close in their association with idols; they also made an idol out of their own “knowledge” and their own “personal rights.”
Question #2—What happens to our us when we put our flesh (knowledge and personal rights) over the direction or leadings of the Messiah?
- The Corinthian Christians who insisted on eating meat sacrificed to idols, even though they led other Christians into sin, just couldn’t say “no.” They said, “the meat is so good” or “it is such a bargain” but they could not say “no” out of love for God and love for a brother.
Question #3—In what ways do our actions affect others? Can our convictions actually become a stumbling block for someone else and are we even responsible for it?
- While Israel was in the wilderness, we hear complaining from the masses and the leadership. The body complained about food and water. Moses complained about Israel. Aaron and Miriam complained about leadership qualifications.
Question #4 —How does murmuring and complaining affect a group of people? How does murmuring and complaining deny the authority of YHWH?
- It seems as if the Corinthians believed that their salvation was secured through the ordinances of the Gospel, such as baptism and the Lord’s Supper. Likewise, Israel partook in the ordinance of baptism by “passing through water,” when escaping bondage from Egypt.
Question #5—Can an experience or any form of ordinance save you from the judgment of God?
Looking forward to seeing you this Sabbath,
Rollyn