The Falling Away from the faith is an unnerving topic. In fact, its so disturbing that some espouse the doctrine of "once saved always saved." The problem with this doctrine is that it violates many Scriptures which clearly claim that a believer can lose their salvation. But how easy to lose is your salvation? Can it be lost if you say the Lord's name in vain? Can it be lost if you doubt God or think blasphemies? Can it be lost if you utter disbelieving words? Because the falling away is going to be major part of the End of Days, that I am I believe we are now living in. I shall answer these questions with Scripture.
Our Lord and Savior expressly states that there will be falling away. He says, "Then they will deliver you to tribulation, and will kill you, and you will be hated by all nations because of My name. At that time many will fall away and will betray one another and hate one another." (Matthew 24:10). These words are unnerving, especially when you explore Matthew 25's parables by Jesus which state repetitiously, "they will say, I did this in your name, but I will say I never knew you, away with you to the gnashing of teeth." (Matthew 25, Luke 13:27).
St. Paul offers the same conclusion, "But the Spirit explicitly says that in later times some will fall away from the faith, paying attention to deceitful spirits and doctrines of demons, by means of the hypocrisy of liars seared in their own conscience as with a branding iron.." (1 Timothy 4:1-2). It is clear that Christians can fall away from the faith, for Jesus and St. Paul both say that it will be so. Yes, but how does one not commit this apostasy or better yet avoid it! The answer is in Hebrews.
The author of Hebrews under the influence of the Holy Spirit says, "There is no use trying to bring you back to the Lord again if you have once understood the Good News and tasted for yourself the good things of heaven and shared in the Holy Spirit, and know how hood the Word of God is and felt the mighty powers of the world to come, and then have turned against God. You cannot bring yourself to repent again if you have nailed the Son of God to the cross again by rejecting him, holding up to mocking and to public shame." (Hebrews 6:4-6). Notice that turning away from Christ after knowing Him, the Holy Spirit, His Word, and His Power cannot be forgiven; but there is detail. The end says, "holding up to mocking and to public shame." It was universally agreed by the Early Church, that to apostate, to turn away and fall away, one must publicly declare it before an assembly of believers or unbelievers. It had to be spoken officially, like a decree, not just thought or muttered to one's self under demonic oppression.
Falling away is a serious matter and Hebrews indicates one cannot return who knowing Christ and the power of the Holy Spirit decided to leave. It is a chilling Scripture, but a necessary one. It reaffirms that one can fall away, but gives some clarity to what that looks like. Apostasy or falling away is not some doubt, expressing disbelief to a friend, or wrestling in your heart about your faith; it is a full rejection of the Truth (Jesus). Falling away is deciding to divorce God, to sign papers and have nothing to do with Him. Once you sign the papers its over. So take heed! Do not put yourself in place to be divorced!
Cling to Christ Jesus and believe! Do not even entertain espousing doubts or saying blasphemies out loud. For thoughts become words, and words become actions. Choose to stay joined to Jesus Christ! For there is promise if you do, "but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved." (Matthew 24:13). Stand firm and put your trust in Christ! It will not be easy, persecution, pernicious spirits, and powers of this earth will try to seduce you and make you curse; but do not! Hold fast to your faith in Jesus and, "fight the good fight, run the race, keep the faith." (2 Timothy 4:7).
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