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AVING spent five chapters looking at the perfection of Christ, it is apparently time to look in the mirror. The gospel of Jesus Christ is a simple proposition. In fact, the author of Hebrews calls the gospel doctrinal "milk" (Hebrews 5:12-14). However, once the gospel has been presented, understood, & accepted, there is an entree to be served as well. And, this dish is not for those who have no spiritual teeth, no spiritual habit of discipline, & a weak spiritual stomach. Essentially the question for a professing Christian (one claiming to be saved) is, "Did you mean it? Is it real? Were you (& are you) serious in your devotion to Jesus Christ? Are you a genuine saint, or are you just experimenting?" (2nd Corinthians 13:5).
Don't get me wrong, salvation is a straightforward proposition. However, according to Jude 1:4 and 1st John 2:19, there are individuals who are not believers yet they are gathering physically with the church. These people are not immediately detectable in our midst (Matthew 7:22). In fact, as you read through this chapter it becomes apparent that many unbelievers in the congregation do not even realize that they are unbelievers. Their true identity is revealed eventually, not immediately. Many of these people become apostates (unbelievers who have previously professed faith in Christ but who actually remained in unbelief, which becomes apparent when they forsake the gospel altogether). Thankfully, at some point, unbelievers in our midst may be convinced truly. Others pass in blindness from this life, thinking erroneously they are safe.
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