As I was reading through the book Matthew, specifically chapter 26 (too long to post in this writing, please read it on your own), about the betrayal of Jesus by Judas Iscariot, as well as Peter denying that he was a disciple of Jesus. I think we all feel disgust at Judas and disappointment in Peter. However, when we really stop to think about it, aren't we just as guilty?
Judas accepted a bribe of thirty pieces to betray Jesus to be arrested and crucified. What bribes have we taken to crucify Jesus all over again? Don't think that's what you are doing? Hebrews 6:4-6 states very clearly that when we have chosen to accept Jesus' free gift of salvation, then later backslide and throw that gift in the garbage, we are placing Jesus back on the cross.
(Hebrews 6:4-6, Amplified Version) For [it is impossible to restore to repentance] those who have once been enlightened [spiritually] and who have tasted and consciously experienced the heavenly gift and have shared in the Holy Spirit... and then have fallen away—it is impossible to bring them back again to repentance, since they again nail the Son of God on the cross [for as far as they are concerned, they are treating the death of Christ as if they were not saved by it], and are holding Him up again to public disgrace.
Makes me shudder just to think about it in those terms.
You may agree that backsliding is just as bad as the book of Hebrews says, but you may say you never backslid and are still a Christian. Every time we slip, we are not backsliding, of course. But habitual and rebellious sins we refuse to give up put our souls in danger. God will absolutely forgive each time we repent, but if you are on a perpetual loop of repeating the same sins then repent, repeating the same sins then repent, you are not truly sorry for your actions but using God's grace as an excuse to sin (see Romans 6:1-2). God knows your hearts and if your repentance is shallow, God will not forgive your cold arrogance toward sin.
Do you really know what the Bible says about the types of purposeful sins that can send you to Hell? Here is just one list. When you study the Bible on your own, you will be aware of all God hates.
(Galatians 5:19-21) Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.
When you choose any of these things over Jesus, such as ungodly entertainment, the occult/new ageism/witchcraft, mind altering substances (whether legal or illegal), sex outside of marriage, hating others, etc., you are taking a bribe to crucify Jesus again.
And just like Peter, I am sure we have given into peer pressure and have at least once denied we were Christians. What does the Bible say about being ashamed to publicly call yourself a Christian?
(Matthew 10:32-33) Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven. But whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my Father which is in heaven.
Pretty serious, don't you think? We are not called to be popular, but to please Jesus. Your buddies did not die for you, nor can they save your soul. Give your loyalty to Jesus only!
(Galatians 1:10) For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ.
If we ask, the Holy Spirit will give us victory over our sins and help us to conquer our old nature. Don't refuse to listen to His promptings to purge certain activities, practices, and even people out of your life. Pray that God will help you hate what He hates and love what He loves.
(Romans 3:22-23) Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference: For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.
Yes, we are all guilty of betraying Jesus for the pleasures of this world. But the good news is:
(1 John 1:9) If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
Jesus loves, heals, and forgives sincere repentance, so come back to Him today!
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