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What Must I Do To Be Saved?

  

FROM: 3/24/02 Radio Program

Question:

If you're upset with God for things that have happened in your life, and no longer pray or are in touch with God because of it, will you not be allowed in Heaven?

Answer:

While we can truly sympathize with your situation, and truly sad things happen in one's life, let us understand that this is the time that we need God the most, and not the time to run away from Him.

1) I Kings 19:1-4 records a time of great discouragement in the life of Elijah. Though he had won a great victory for God in chapter 18, Jezebel threatens his life in chapter 19. Elijah thought it better to die than to live, but this was not the answer. The Lord put him to work (v. 15-18). During time of crisis and hardship, one of the best ways to overcome this is to get to work in helping others.

2) David, during times of frustration and sadness turned to the Lord, not away from Him (Psalm 86:1-8). In Psalm 73, he looked at wicked people, thinking that they had somehow escaped problems and hardships because they were blessed in a physical way (v. 2-12). Yet, the truth was not seen until David "went into the sanctuary of God," where he "understood ... their end" (v. 17). David turned to God!

3) Remember in all things: "Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need." (Hebrews 4:14-16).

To answer the rest of this question, it is true that one who has become a Christian can fall from grace.

1) Paul said in no uncertain terms that some had "fallen from grace" (Galatians 5:1-4).

2) Further, it is written, "Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief , in departing from the living God" (Hebrews 3:12).

* Related Articles *

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Do My Sins Affect My Soul?

In The Book Of Revelation, What Is It Talking About When It Says A Name Can Be Blotted Out Of The Book Of Life?

What About Once In Grace, Always In Grace? Are There Scriptures That Support This Doctrine?

When You "Fall Away," Do You Have To Be Baptized Again?

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