tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21212024.post8509571004666542393..comments2024-03-10T10:40:32.319-07:00Comments on Pyromaniacs: A Question That Must be Pressed HomePhil Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00649092052031518426noreply@blogger.comBlogger4125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21212024.post-13257736977402396342008-09-29T22:22:00.000-07:002008-09-29T22:22:00.000-07:00Every time I read Spurgeon, I am amazed anew at hi...Every time I read Spurgeon, I am amazed anew at his eloquence and profundity. His stating that an apostate deserves to be punished in the same manner as Haman was an unexpected comparison. <BR/><BR/>We <I>hate</I> Haman for his evil plotting against Mordecai. We delight over his shock when he realizes <I>Mordecai</I> will receive the king's honor. We are on the edge of our seats as we watch the drama unfold at Esther's banquets. We’re smug with the satisfaction of knowing that Haman, not Mordecai, will occupy the gallows. There is a reason for this. Our view of Haman is unobstructed. We see him through the eyes of the Holy Spirit and we have full understanding of his wickedness. Haman’s story is a done deal; God’s judgment is sure.<BR/><BR/>How dreadful to think that the apostate will one day be looked upon with the same righteous indignation we have against Haman. I echo Stefan’s prayer and would add Peter’s admonition (applying it to myself as well): “Therefore, brethren, be all the more diligent to make certain about His calling and choosing you…” 2 Peter 1:10Becky Schellhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17770865501944518003noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21212024.post-25802678968369086392008-09-29T10:19:00.000-07:002008-09-29T10:19:00.000-07:00In a recent conversation, I was trying to discuss ...In a recent conversation, I was trying to discuss "the preservation of the saints" but later realized the difficulty of explaining this was not in the idea of grace is a gift, but in the concept of "once saved, always saved" (a slightly different perspective). While I was arguing for the first, they were arguing against the second, which led to confusion. So - if they fall away, can they come back?<BR/><BR/>My thinking is that <I>if</I> they are/were saved - and they fall away, then this is part of the continuous sanctification process. As one person put it, "God loves a broken man". Therefore, <I>sometimes</I>, falling away is a step towards brokenness which leads to repentance, isn't it?<BR/><BR/>Of course, sometimes it's just false claims of belief by an unregenerate heart.archshrkhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05692804883679708643noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21212024.post-20062667423233922542008-09-28T23:04:00.000-07:002008-09-28T23:04:00.000-07:00In the course of our sermon today, our senior past...In the course of our sermon today, our senior pastor told the story of a pastor on his first day in hell. His congregation follows in behind him. He turns to see them and they say in a shocked and betrayed voice, "You deceived us!"<BR/><BR/>God, let us not follow down that same path. Should we ever stray into such depths of doubt and despair, hear our prayers, and remind us to seek the counsel of our fellow believers.Stefan Ewinghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05530690016594029847noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21212024.post-26186489285845471682008-09-28T19:36:00.000-07:002008-09-28T19:36:00.000-07:00Perfect fit with the posts on apostasy.Perfect fit with the posts on apostasy.Ebethhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02190002073330892056noreply@blogger.com