"Apostates"

 "If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them the fire, and they are burned." (John 15:6 KJV)

  "But these people scoff at things they do not understand. Like unthinking animals, they do whatever their instincts tell them, and so they bring about their own destruction. What sorrow awaits them! For they follow in the footsteps of Cain, who killed his own brother. Like Balaam, they deceive people for money. And like Korah, they perish in their rebellion. When these people eat with you in your fellowship meals commemorating the Lord's love, they are like dangerous reefs that can shipwreck you. They are like shameless shepherds who care only for themselves. They are like trees in autumn that are doubly dead, for they bear no fruit and have been pulled up by the roots. They are like wild waves of the sea, churning up the foam of their shameful deeds. They are like wandering stars, doomed forever to blackest darkness." (Jude 10-13 NLT)

 That sounds nothing like anyone I know; at least nobody I have any fellowship with or make to be anyone who I might listen to for advice. But they could be someone that among us! Which is why Jude takes the time to make this part of his letter. A letter that addresses and confirms that God the Father loves us and keeps us safe in the care of Jesus Christ! 

 Just so you know, there is a big difference between a Backslider and someone that is an Apostate. The Apostate is someone that renounces their belief voluntarily; the Backslider still holds to their belief, they are just not adhering to that which they believe. One has slipped back into the world, while the other has given their life back to the world. (Mostly due to the fact that they were never really sold out to Jesus Christ in the first place!) 

 Dr. Chuck had a saying, he would say from time to time: "If I can lose my salvation (and if I may presume to quote my impish old friend, Walter Martin), then I have a new name for God: "Butterfingers!"" That might sound a little harsh or bold; but, if you are working at staying as close as you can with the Lord, making it something that you depend upon, as if you cannot quit; then you have nothing to worry about, because you cannot lose something that you do not let go of! 

 And, even if you could, somehow lose it; Jesus isn't letting go of you; and even if He might somehow let you slip a little, the Father has an even tighter grip on you! If you have not known that by now, you need to take hold of it and never let that message go! 

 Basically, we are all responsible for the salvation we have, as to whether or not it is real and sincerely secure in Christ. That is something totally and completely between you and the Lord; as we should know for sure that our relationship with Him is based upon His love, and not based upon what we might expect Him to do for us. 

 There is the thing that really messes up a lot of people, the wrong reason to follow Christ! He does not promise that we have an easy life; but instead, that our life will be filled with challenges and trials. He doesn't promise us that we will be healthy and strong; but that we will suffer and become frail, like everyone else. He never promised that we would not sin; but He has assured us that we have been set free from sin, and that we should not sin anymore! 

 That said, I see the doubt in me is caused by the 'anymore' part of the agreement; which I have come to realize, was the covenant that God has made, sealed, and has delivered on, once and for all! I am not capable of being able to not sin, because this flesh is still hanging around and wants to be fed. But, I am capable of asking God to forgive me, whenever I do mess up! This much I know: He always forgives me! (1 John 1:9) 

 To be certain on what you believe, is true and cannot be lost: Christ is the source of you salvation, the sinless life was His, and His alone; there is nothing more you can do, to add to or take away from, what Christ Jesus has already done for you; and most importantly and eternal, He has promised: You will make it through this life, sinless; and you will be with Him, forever, on the other side...

 "But you, dear friends, must build each other up in your most holy faith, pray in the power of the Holy Spirit, and await the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ, who will bring you eternal life. In this way, you keep yourselves safe in God's love. And you must show mercy to those whose faith is wavering. Rescue others by snatching them from the flames of judgment. Show mercy to still others, but do so with great caution, hating the sins that contaminated their lives. Now all glory to God, who is able to keep you from falling away and will bring you with great joy into his glorious presence without a single fault." (Jude 20-24 NLT)