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Restoring the Erring (Galatians 6:1) Mike Johnson The book of Galatians can be divided into three sections. Chapters 1-2 are autobiographical as Paul defends his apostleship, which is a foundation for what follows. Chapters 3-4 are doctrinal. Here, Paul defends his message about salvation through Christ without the works of the old law. Finally, chapters […]
The Possibility of Apostasy (1) (Introduction) Mike Johnson Consider this question. Can one who has been born again, i.e., one who has entered into a proper relationship with God, conduct himself in such a way to be eternally lost? Many say one cannot. They hold a doctrine known by such names as “Once Saved, Always […]
Covering Sin (James 5:19-20) Mike Johnson James 5:19-20 says, “Brethren, if anyone among you wanders from the truth, and someone turns him back, let him know that he who turns a sinner from the error of his way will save a soul from death and cover a multitude of sins.” He is speaking of Christians […]
The Possibility of Apostasy (2) (Galatians 5:4) Mike Johnson Can a child of God fall from grace? Galatians 5:4 plainly says to those who are Christians that they can fall from grace. It seems some were teaching it was necessary to obey certain aspects of the old law to be saved, such as circumcision. Paul […]
The Possibility of Apostasy (3) (II Peter 2:20-22) Mike Johnson 2 Peter 2 describes particular false teachers. Not only did they teach false doctrine (v. 1), but they were very immoral. Please read the entire chapter for a full description of these ungodly people. Undoubtedly, they were in a lost state at the time of […]
The Possibility of Apostasy (4) (2 Peter 1:5-11) Mike Johnson Many passages in the Scriptures teach that a child of God can fall from grace. Advocates of the doctrine of the impossibility of apostasy often approach these passages in one of two ways. First, they say that a particular passage speaks about Christians, but it […]
The Possibility of Apostasy (5) (John 15:1-6) Mike Johnson John 15:1-6 records the Parable of the Vine and the Branches. It says: I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser. Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit He prunes, that […]
The Possibility of Apostasy (6) (Acts 8:5-25) Mike Johnson Many passages teach that a child of God can fall from grace. Among them is Acts 8:5-25, which describes the conversion of the people of Samaria and a sorcerer named Simon. Many responded to Philip’s preaching and became Christians. Verse 12 says they believed, and Philip […]
The Possibility of Apostasy (7) (I Corinthians 10:12) Mike Johnson Many teach that once people become Christians, they cannot possibly be lost. This doctrine is known as “Once Saved, Always Saved,” “The Impossibility of Apostasy,” and “The Perseverance of the Saints.” However, this teaching is contrary to many passages in God’s Word; among these is […]
The Possibility of Apostasy (8) (I Corinthians 9:27) Mike Johnson In this series, we have been looking at passages that show the possibility of apostasy. Many passages teach that a child of God can fall from grace. Among them is 1 Corinthians 9:27, which says, “But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, […]
The Possibility of Apostasy (9) (1 & 2 Timothy) Mike Johnson In 1 and 2 Timothy, Paul calls Timothy’s attention to many things that can happen to a person’s faith. Those who teach “once saved, always saved” usually teach that people are saved by “faith only.” It should be no trouble to see if people […]
The Possibility of Apostasy (10) (Hebrews 3:4-13) Mike Johnson The inspired writer wrote the book of Hebrews to the Hebrews (or Jews). Many of them had become Christians, and there was a tendency to return to the religion they formally practiced. They wanted to return to the Law of Moses and observe the various ceremonies […]
The Possibility of Apostasy (11) (Hebrews 6:4-6) Mike Johnson Many passages teach that a child of God can fall from grace. One such passage is in Hebrews 6:1-3. Here, the writer urges certain ones (who he had characterized earlier as “babes” in Christ- v. 13) to “go on unto perfection.” He wanted them to become mature; […]
The Possibility of Apostasy (12) (Hebrews 10:26-31) Mike Johnson We are continuing to examine passages that show the possibility of apostasy. Consider a very familiar context in the book of Hebrews. Hebrews 10:26 says, “For if we sin willfully after we have received the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for […]
The Possibility of Apostasy (13) (James 5:19-20) Mike Johnson James 5:19-20 says, “Brethren, if anyone among you wanders from the truth, and someone turns him back, let him know that he who turns a sinner from the error of his way will save a soul from death and cover a multitude of sins.” He is […]
Abide in Christ’s Doctrine (II John 9-11) Consider a warning found in II John 9-11. These verses say, “Whoever transgresses and does not abide in the doctrine of Christ does not have God. He who abides in the doctrine of Christ has both the Father and the Son. If anyone comes to you and does not […]
How to Not Have God (II John 9-11) Mike Johnson 2 John 9-11 says, “Whoever transgresses and does not abide in the doctrine of Christ does not have God. He who abides in the doctrine of Christ has both the Father and the Son. If anyone comes to you and does not bring this doctrine, […]
How Do You View Sin? Mike Johnson In our society today, there is often acceptance of sin. In the past, however, shame was often associated with sin. Today, it is common for people to openly engage in sinful practices, not even attempting to hide them. For example, although now prevalent, a couple living together was […]
The Possibility of Apostasy (14) Who Really Has Security? Mike Johnson People who believe in the doctrine of “once saved, always saved” usually take great comfort in their view, looking upon it as one of their most essential beliefs. They also tend to see any group that does not accept this position as inferior. They […]
Why Is Sin So Bad? (Psalm 51:4) Mike Johnson Psalm 51 is thought to have been written by David in connection with his sin with Bathsheba. You might recall that he had committed adultery with Bathsheba, and he had her husband (Uriah) killed to cover up his deed. In Psalm 51, David was expressing his […]
CONFUSION ABOUNDS! Mike Johnson FROM HUNTSVILLE: I agree with “West Coast.” Protestant worship services are mostly selling tickets to ball games, pictures, records, and signing petitions on political issues. There is very little spirituality. And the music is a disgrace. No hymns anymore, just modern junk. –Disgusted GREENWICH, CONN: That Protestant person is not alone with the […]
THE POSSIBILITY OF APOSTASY Mike Johnson Consider this question. Can one who has been born again, i.e., one who has entered into a proper relationship with God, conduct himself in such a way to be eternally lost? Many say a person cannot. They hold a doctrine known by such names as “Once Saved, Always Saved,” […]