Romans 11:21 For if God did not spare the natural branches, He may not spare you either.
The above Passage of Scripture is one seldom preached by the Pastors of “once saved, always saved” churches. I believe this doctrine is one of the most destructive teachings in the Kingdom of God as it leads people to believe they can live their lives any way they want and still be taken in the Rapture of the Church and make Heaven their eternal home.
We all know and believe that the Jews are God’s chosen people. We also know that most of the Jews have not accepted Jesus as the Messiah and therefore they have been broken off and are not saved. They may be born Jews but until they accept Jesus as their Savior and Lord, they are spiritually lost, dying, and headed for eternity in Hell.
As we discussed yesterday, the Apostle Paul explains this in the 11th Chapter of the Book of Romans. The Jews were God’s chosen people and He intends for them to be a part of His Kingdom on Earth. Paul describes this as an olive tree where Jesus is the Root and all believers are the branches.
Jews are born as branches of that tree. They are the natural branches, but if they do not believe in Jesus (the Root) they are broken off from the tree and cast into the fire. Because of unbelief they were broken off. (Romans 11:20)
The Tree needs branches and all born-again believers in the Lord Jesus Christ become a branch and are grafted in. You will say then, “Branches were broken off that I might be grafted in.” Well said. (Romans 11:19)
This is easily understood, but the real essence of the teaching comes in the next Verses. For if God did not spare the natural branches, He may not spare you either. (Romans 11:21) This clearly states that if God cut off the Jews who did not believe, He will also cut off anyone who loses their faith in Christ.
Many will say that these people were not really saved in the first place but let us continue to read the next Verse. Therefore consider the goodness and severity of God: on those who fell, severity; but toward you, goodness, if you continue in His goodness. Otherwise you also will be cut off. (Romans 11:22)
Paul is writing this to the Church (believers) in Rome. He clearly states that if they turn from their faith in Christ, they too will be cut off. This means they will no longer be a branch on the tree which means they will no longer be saved!
Can they come back? Is there hope for these people? Let’s keep reading. And they also, if they do not continue in unbelief, will be grafted in, for God is able to graft them in again. (Romans 11:23) The Word of God clearly teaches us through this Scripture that a person can be saved by faith in Jesus Christ and then turn from their faith and be cut off. However, they can return to their faith and be grafted in AGAIN! Read the story of the Prodigal Son in the 15th Chapter of Luke.
It’s all about remaining in faith; never losing faith in Christ and not renouncing our faith in Christ. I don’t believe it’s easy to lose your salvation, but it IS possible. Therefore, let us heed the Words of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me. (Luke 9:23) Daily means every day without fail. Never turn your back on Jesus or lose faith in His Finished Work on the Cross of Calvary because, in this faith, your Salvation is secure. Hallelujah!
He is coming back to……….turn the tide
Daily walking and serving Him, Doreen
www.bettsministries.org
