Ask a Pastor

Q: I’m worried that one day I will lose my faith; how can I make sure that I don’t fall away?

A: There is an ongoing theological debate on how and if the warnings against falling away relate to a believer’s salvation. I am not going to go into that because I don’t think that’s the focus of this question. Regardless of the details and implications, the Bible does repeatedly warn believers of the danger of falling away. This is seen particularly in the book of Hebrews, which was written for this very purpose (see Hebrews 2:12; 10:39, etc.). And from the book of Hebrews we can draw principles on how to remain true.

The first is to keep our heart soft and obedient towards God (Hebrews 3:7-8). God is at work in our lives removing sin and leading us in righteousness. We are called to submit to this work even though it can be difficult and painful. If we reject God’s leading once it will be more difficult to hear his voice in the future (cf. I Thessalonians 5:19). This can cause us to fade away from the faith over time, but can be countered by repentance and rededication to Christ.

Another danger is failing to grow in our understanding of the Word. Christians are meant to progress from spiritual immaturity towards full knowledge of God and His Word (Hebrews 5:12-6:3). Failing to do so can lead to a lack of responsiveness to the Word (i.e. dullness of hearing; Hebrews 5:11) and a general spiritual ‘sluggishness’ (Hebrews 6:12). We are told plainly that this failure to grow in the word leads directly to falling away (Hebrews 6:4-6; but read v. 9 for reassurance!).

When our commitment to Christ is challenged by difficult circumstances, we will have need of endurance (Hebrews 10:36), We must understand that enduring difficult trials is part of being a Christian (II Timothy 2:3), and trust that God will not allow us to be overcome or destroyed (cf. I Corinthians 10:13). Once His refining work is completed the reward will be more than worth the cost (Hebrews 10:35; 11:6).

One more guideline we are given is to persist in Christian fellowship (Hebrews 10:24-25). Because the gospel is so important and the stakes of faithful living so high, we are exhorted to gather regularly with fellow believers so that we may encourage and exhort each other to keep the faith. Failing to meet regularly with like-minded, committed Christians will also lead to spiritual lethargy. We must not forsake the fellowship!

Falling away is presented as a legitimate danger in many places in the New Testament. However, if we are striving for faithfulness, following the Bible’s guidelines, confessing our sins, and remaining close to God, then we can trust Him to preserve us and keep us until He calls us home.

The questions and answers compiled over the last year are now available in hard-copy and digital format. To request a copy send an email to askapastor [email protected] or by mail to Formoso Church; P.O. Box 66; Formoso, Kan. 66942