Sunday, February 18, 2007

The War on Error - False Conversion

Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. The one who sows to please his sinful nature, from that nature will reap destruction; the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. (Galatians 6:7-8)

How can we be sure that the one we have led to the Lord is truly saved? The truth is, we can't be absolutely sure. Good works don't always indicate a changed heart.

Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. (Matthew 7:21)

We can look for outward signs, evidence of fruit, and the like, but it is not our responsibility to judge another's heart. Just as we must not be quick to condemn, we must not take it upon ourselves to grant assurance of salvation.

We can point them to scripture, speak the Truth in love, and pray that the Holy Spirit will bring conviction or assurance. Beyond that, it's out of our hands.

Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. (Philippians 2:12)

9 comments:

Grafted Branch said...

Well, Brenda, you're sure to be the most pop-u-lar girl in the blogosphere with that one!

Lol! I'm laughin' but it is SO true. A good thing to remind us...may we never grow complacent -- or weary of doing good (and preaching the Gospel).

Thinking about you often lately...how are your girls?

Melanie @ This Ain't New York said...

The verse that comes to mind is Acts 2:47- "the Lord added to the church"

This verse keeps me in check. I don't add to the church. He does. I cannot know if they are truly saved. I can only share the Word in love, just as you said. The rest is up to Him.

I love your candor and your courage, Brenda! It's what keeps me coming back.

Robin said...

Nice post! Simple and to the point. A point well made. Thanks

Diane@Diane's Place said...

Absolutely the truth!

I have a sister from my church, a preacher's wife, who made a profession when she was a young girl. She was a pastor's wife for over 40 years. One night during a revival she realized she wasn't saved! You talkin' about some shoutin' and praisin' the Lord that night! Woo EEE!!

Just goes to show how Satan can make you falsely secure. We all need to examine our hearts and our relationships with God often.

Barb said...

Must you post these things that make the hinges in my brain squeak? LOL GB's comment cracks me up. And how ARE your girls? How about posting about that? You know. Something that doesn't send me running for the Excedrin.

Dawn said...

Very good deep thoughts that cause us to really think. Thank you.

Diane Viere said...

Brenda--You always know exactly how to get us thinking!

Diane

Paulette said...

Brenda,
This was a great post we talked about this very thing in Bible study Sunday morning. Makes you think. I too know a man who was a deacon in the church for 20 years and realized he had never been saved as well. Scarey yet neat huh?
Hope you are ok, still praying for you.

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