Torn Over Tares_A Bible Study I recently had a conversation with a friend where we were discussing what genuine salvation looks like. Salvation is a personal experience and I guess because we as human beings are by Gods design not a carbon copy of each other the effect of salvation in our lives can look differently. Sometimes you see an individual who claims to be a child of God yet their life shows no evidence of any change at least outwardly. Can we or should we assume that person is not genuinely saved? Does the Scriptures give us any guidance in such matters. What about individuals in other denominations? We will explore our Bibles on this one and do a little head scratching in the process and see if we cant come up with some Bible answers reflecting proper humility. Are all people who label themselves Christians headed for heaven. I believe the Bible answer on this while sad is quite clear. (Luk 13:23) Then said one unto him, Lord, are there few that be saved? And he said unto them, (Luk 13:24) Strive to enter in at the strait gate: for many, I say unto you, will seek to enter in, and shall not be able. (Luk 13:25) When once the master of the house is risen up, and hath shut to the door, and ye begin to stand without, and to knock at the door, saying, Lord, Lord, open unto us; and he shall answer and say unto you, I know you not whence ye are: (Luk 13:26) Then shall ye begin to say, We have eaten and drunk in thy presence, and thou hast taught in our streets. (Luk 13:27) But he shall say, I tell you, I know you not whence ye are; depart from me, all ye workers of iniquity. (Luk 13:28) There shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth, when ye shall see Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, and all the prophets, in the kingdom of God, and you yourselves thrust out. (Mat 7:15) Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheeps clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. (Mat 7:16) Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? (Mat 7:17) Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit. (Mat 7:18) A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. (Mat 7:19) Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. (Mat 7:20) Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them. (Mat 7:21) Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. (Mat 7:22) Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? (Mat 7:23) And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity. Clearly from the first reference people will want to enter into heaven believing they belong there only to be turned away. It sounds like they ate before the Lord and the picture in my mind is a family gathered around a table holding hands and saying the blessing over their food. These people also are familiar with the Lords words so there was probably a Bible on the coffee table in their home. Yet they find themselves turned away from heaven. Now we all can question the person who seems to be living a worldly life with no fruit of a spiritual nature in sight but the problem is even bigger. Here in these final Scriptures we find people who have to their credit preaching in the name of Jesus and “wonderful works”. It looks like good fruit but I suppose God has better sight and can see the worm holes in those apples. This is a bit shocking and sad to think that good Christian people might be headed for hell. People who say their prayers over food, hear about God at church, and have the outward appearance of good works. When you look closely at these final Scriptures you will find that not one of the people mention Jesus. It is Lord, Lord look at me. See all the good that I have done. This reminds me so much of Cain. He too could be pitied as Im sure he brought the best fruits and vegetables that he raised with his own two hands but in his stubbornness he clung to the works of his own hands and refused to bring an acceptable sacrifice. Without the shedding of blood there is no remission of sin. His degenerate heart shows his true colors as he bludgeons his brother to death in a fit of jealousy and hatred. God makes no mistakes. Those seemingly good Christians are not changed on the inside and are just as vile as Cain. My friend and I were talking about late life and death bed salvation experiences. I certainly dont recommend them. Today is the day of salvation and hardening ones heart when the Holy Spirit is dealing with you is very dangerous. It could cost you your eternal soul. Both of us had knowledge of individuals who were saved late in life. My friend knew a man who had lived a very wicked life who was saved in his nineties. He showed true remorse and asked the forgiveness of those whom he had offended. My grandmother was a very quarrelsome lady and a complainer for the vast majority of her life. As a child I really didnt enjoy going to grandmas house. You sat on her couch with your feet up so as to not dirty anything or wrinkle a throw rug and listened to her constantly complain. At age eighty my grandma accepted Jesus as her Savior and she became a different grandma. She was actually quite pleasant to be around. I have no doubt as to the genuineness of her salvation experience. The love of God shone through her and the difference in her personality was unmistakable. Some people cast doubt on death bed confessions and salvation experiences. We know from the Scriptures it can happen and be real. (Luk 23:33) And when they were come to the place, which is called Calvary, there they crucified him, and the malefactors, one on the right hand, and the other on the left. (Luk 23:34) Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted his raiment, and cast lots. (Luk 23:35) And the people stood beholding. And the rulers also with them derided him, saying, He saved others; let him save himself, if he be Christ, the chosen of God. (Luk 23:36) And the soldiers also mocked him, coming to him, and offering him vinegar, (Luk 23:37) And saying, If thou be the king of the Jews, save thyself. (Luk 23:38) And a superscription also was written over him in letters of Greek, and Latin, and Hebrew, THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS. (Luk 23:39) And one of the malefactors which were hanged railed on him, saying, If thou be Christ, save thyself and us. (Luk 23:40) But the other answering rebuked him, saying, Dost not thou fear God, seeing thou art in the same condemnation? (Luk 23:41) And we indeed justly; for we receive the due reward of our deeds: but this man hath done nothing amiss. (Luk 23:42) And he said unto Jesus, Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom. (Luk 23:43) And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with me in paradise. This is the ultimate death bed salvation experience. We know it was for real. This demonstrates the love of God and his amazing grace that reaches down to rescue even a thief who admitted he needed to be killed for the severity of his crimes. He felt the judgment was just. In the Baptist church people are told to “Just ask Jesus to come into your heart”. Please note that these are not magic words to be repeated. Not one person in the Bible ever said them. The thief on the cross simply said, “Remember me when you come into your kingdom”. It is a simple honest faith in Jesus after seeing ones need that saves. Im sure each denomination has its own rituals developed over the years but it all boils down to what do you think about Jesus. Those who see clearly that they are lost and in need of a Savior and who reach out by faith trusting his sacrifice on Calvary as all that is necessary to save them from their sins will be saved. The words they say are immaterial. Where they say them are immaterial. The name above the church door is immaterial. Salvation does not come as a result of the group with whom we align ourselves. Salvation is in our faith in one essential person, the Lord Jesus Christ and his work of redemption on the cross. Many years ago I had the privilege of leading a boy to the Lord. He was an amazing little fellow. I thought at the time if any of my children in all my classes were to become a preacher some day surely it would be him. He was so sharp intellectually and seemed so earnestly interested in the Word of God. In the short time I was his teacher I saw him grow so much in his knowledge of the Lord. Many years went by and I understand that when he went away to college he had a crisis of faith. He had been brainwashed into believing all the pseudo science that was taught at the university that challenged the Word of God. He quit coming to church and was not very receptive to those who tried to comfort him with the Word when he became terminally ill. Im sure that many believed that he was a lost man based on his attitude and the outward appearance of things in his life. I could not think that way because there was nothing fake nor forced in his salvation experience. I wrestled with this frankly because even though I had not been close to him for many years I still remembered the excitement he had for the Bible lessons when he was a child. There is a somewhat puzzling passage of Scripture that I believe applies to this situation. It is hard to analyze, but I think it fits this situation. (2Ti 2:13) If we believe not, yet he abideth faithful: he cannot deny himself. A few verses later the subject of people destroying the faith of others with their lies is addressed. (2Ti 2:17) And their word will eat as doth a canker: of whom is Hymenaeus and Philetus; (2Ti 2:18) Who concerning the truth have erred, saying that the resurrection is past already; and overthrow the faith of some. (2Ti 2:19) Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity. (2Ti 2:20) But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of earth; and some to honour, and some to dishonour. (2Ti 2:21) If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the masters use, and prepared unto every good work. Certainly the Lord has a great house and just as certain there will be some vessels in it to dishonor rather than honor. I take it from this passage of Scripture that some people will be in heaven by Gods grace in spite of their lack of service to their Lord. I think we need to tread lightly regarding the Lordship theory that you hear taught a lot today. There are valid points to it. We are saved to serve the Lord. By our fruits people will know us. Yet there is Bible references that shows some individuals when their works are put on the altar and tried by fire at the Judgment Seat of Christ their works are all rubbish and will be totally burned up. Not one gold nugget, not one silver ring, not one diamond or ruby or emerald to present to the Lord. They will still be saved yet so as by fire. In essence some people will waste the opportunity given to them to live a dedicated Christ honoring Christian life. They will choose to be totally self centered and will suffer loss as a result. Yet, the least in the Kingdom of Heaven will be greater than John the Baptist. (Mat 13:24) Another parable put he forth unto them, saying, The kingdom of heaven is likened unto a man which sowed good seed in his field: (Mat 13:25) But while men slept, his enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat, and went his way. (Mat 13:26) But when the blade was sprung up, and brought forth fruit, then appeared the tares also. (Mat 13:27) So the servants of the householder came and said unto him, Sir, didst not thou sow good seed in thy field? from whence then hath it tares? (Mat 13:28) He said unto them, An enemy hath done this. The servants said unto him, Wilt thou then that we go and gather them up? (Mat 13:29) But he said, Nay; lest while ye gather up the tares, ye root up also the wheat with them. (Mat 13:30) Let both grow together until the harvest: and in the time of harvest I will say to the reapers, Gather ye together first the tares, and bind them in bundles to burn them: but gather the wheat into my barn. There is a clear warning here that you cannot see into the heart of another person and judge for sure who is saved and who is lost. Some who appear to be holy and righteous are really self righteous and lost. Some who seem to be too worldly and self centered to be saved really are. One case is discussed by the Apostle Paul of a man so deep in immoral sin that he was turned over to Satan to kill him that he may stop grieving the Holy Spirit. When we try to root out the tares from our midst we risk tearing up what God has planned for a perfectly good fruit bearing plant that just needs to mature a little more. God knows who belongs to Him and that should be good enough for us. Teach the Word. Show others kindness in your life and make Jesus look good. When Peter was told of his future by the Lord he immediately wanted to know what God had planned for John. Jesus shut him up very quickly. In essence He said it wasnt any of Peters business what He had planned for John. May we each concentrate on serving the Lord to the best of our ability and just be there for others when they need us. Let God work his work in the lives of others using us as He sees fit.
Posted on: Mon, 06 Oct 2014 06:42:12 +0000
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