The Great Falling Away… Is This You?

“The Spirit clearly says that in later times some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons.” 1 Timothy 4:1 NIV

The Bible prophesies about a great falling away that will take place in the earth before the return of Christ. And it is righteous men and women who will fall prey to this supernatural phenomenon. However, is this predestined occurrence avoidable? This question rose up in my spirit as I studied the book of Romans. I was revitalized and ignited with new power as I read in 8:30 that I was predestined, called, justified, and glorified by God. As a result, I belted praises to the roof top because of this awesome gift given to such an undeserving candidate. But, as I kept reading into chapter 9 the tough reality of the situation set in.

Just like God has predestined, called, justified, and glorified me, He has also created people to which He will show no mercy. Beginning at the 16th verse of the ninth chapter of Romans, Paul explains that this was the very reason for God’s creation of Pharaoh. “I, [God], raised you up for this very purpose, that I might display my power in you and that my name might be proclaimed in all the earth” (NIV; emphasis mine). Wow! So, just as God has predestined me to display His greatness, He also chose the “Pharaohs” of the world to display is wrathful and vengeful power in the earth. Why? Neither of us chose our destiny; but, why have mercy on one soul and wrath against the other?

Paul knew that we would ask such question which is why he posed his own set of questions in verse 9; “Shall what was formed say to Him who formed it, ‘Why did you make me this way?’” (20) Again, WOW! So, then where does that leave us as believers who have been chosen? This is the answer that the Holy Spirit spoke to my heart:

“It is imperative that as the chosen of God that we do not take the things of Him lightly. The things that He requires of us on this daily journey we must adhere to them with serious tenacity, and to the best of our God-given ability. For, if we take light the things of God we will most definitely fall prey to the subtle influences of the enemy which will cause us to be led astray by our own fleshly tendencies. Therefore, remain on guard, and be not deceived because your adversary is seeking to snatch you out of the running for your inheritance. So, study, read, meditate, recite the words of God, and pray without ceasing; for your very position in the kingdom is being threatened.”

Hence people of God, in order for us to remain in the running for the inheritance of God’s kingdom we must pursue God’s righteousness with extreme tenacity. We don’t want to look up one day and realize that we have become one of the fallen just, as prophesied about within scripture. Get on your post and remain there! It is here that you will find safety, longevity, predestining, calling, justification, and glorification.

Take Heed!

Nikki D