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Sins in the Balance (Part One)
CGG Weekly by David C. GrabbeWillful sin poses a grave danger, as warned in Hebrews, where it is stated that after such sin, the sacrifice of Jesus Christ no longer applies. This classification of sin stands among the major areas of peril that must be avoided, highlighting the severe consequence of losing the path to forgiveness. If we desire God to overlook our own transgressions and treat us as guiltless, He requires us to extend the same mercy to others, emphasizing the critical need to avoid willful sin and its dire implications.
Are Some Sins Worse Than Others?
'Ready Answer' by Martin G. CollinsSin, when committed willfully after receiving the knowledge of the truth, carries a grave consequence. Such willful sin leaves no further sacrifice for sins, but only a fearful expectation of judgment and fiery indignation that will devour the adversaries. Christ's sacrifice applies only once for each person, and if God's grace is rejected, it cannot be applied again. This willing apostasy is a terrible act, highlighting the severity of deliberately turning away from God's truth. In a more passive form, sin can also lead to eternal death through continued neglect. A sinner may know he should repent but, due to lethargy or apathy, never bothers to overcome it. This Laodicean attitude, if not repented of, can dangerously approach the unpardonable sin, setting it apart by rebellion and defiance.
A Sin Unto Death
'Ready Answer' by StaffThe concept of willful sin is central to understanding the spiritual state of those who have left God's church. A sin unto death occurs when a person has willfully turned away from God's way, as highlighted by the term "willfully" from Hebrews 10:26, meaning voluntarily or willingly. This willful violation of God's law is a solemn and terrifying warning for any who might consider abandoning God's church. It is often difficult for fellow human beings to discern who has crossed this line, and only God, who knows all hearts, can truly judge such matters. Regarding prayer for those who may have sinned willfully, there is no prohibition against intercessory prayer, even in seemingly hopeless cases, as long as certainty of their state is absent. It is better to err on the side of praying for errant brethren than to refrain, acknowledging that while such prayers may be futile, they are not deemed sinful.
What Do You Mean . . . the Unpardonable Sin?
Herbert W. Armstrong BookletCan a Christian commit a sin, and still be a Christian? Or would this be 'the unpardonable sin'? Or would it prove he never was a Christian?
Free Will or God's Sovereignty?
Sermon by David C. GrabbeIf God is sovereign and promises salvation to believers, why does it matter how believers live? How significant are our choices in the grand scheme of life?
Sin, Christians, and the Fear of God
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughScripture takes a very stern view of sin because it is failure to live up to God's standard and destroys relationships, especially our relationship with God.
Sin Defined and Overcome
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughSin creates estrangement from God, causing us to fail in everything we attempt. Sin always produces separation; it never heals, but causes death.
Do We Have 'Eternal Security'?
'Ready Answer' by Richard T. RitenbaughAre we 'once-saved, always-saved'? Once God grants us His grace, are we assured eternal life? The fallacies of the doctrine of 'eternal security' are exposed.
Ensuring Our Calling
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughBecause judgment is now on the house of God, we must be diligent, making sure of our calling because it is not yet a sure thing without effort on our part.
High Thoughts
Sermonette by David C. GrabbeJudging the state of other peoples' conversion is a fast track to committing the unpardonable sin. God's thoughts and plans are far higher than ours.
Each Other (Part One)
CGG Weekly by David C. GrabbeBecause of the confusion in the church of God, many have withdrawn from fellowship, implying they need fellowship only with the Head and not the Body.
A Feast Message From Hebrews
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe Bible shows a clear pattern of how people leave the faith: looking back, drawing back, looking elsewhere, and then going backward and refusing to hear.
What Is Blasphemy of the Holy Spirit?
'Ready Answer' by David C. GrabbeIn Matthew 12:31-32, Jesus warns the Pharisees about crossing a line that cannot be uncrossed, an act commonly called 'the unpardonable sin.'
God's Power: Our Shield Against Apostasy
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughGod is not only powerful, but He is the source of all power. We can tap into God's power to avoid slipping into apostasy.
Comparing Ourselves Among Ourselves
Article by Martin G. CollinsMost people think they are moral compared to their peers. Yet we will only begin to grow in character once we compare ourselves to the true standard.
Innocent Victims?
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughWe often hear of 'innocent victims' dying in some tragic way, but are they truly innocent? The Bible gives God's perspective of the human condition.
The Five Warnings of Hebrews
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe modern church stands in danger of allowing salvation to slip away. Hebrews gives warnings to help us turn our lives around so we do not fall short.
Grace, Mercy, and Favor (Part Two)
Sermonette by Mark SchindlerRather than considering God's calling a badge of righteousness, the child of God must consider it to be a call to action, motivating him to yield and glorify God.
Sovereignty and 'Once Saved Always Saved'
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThose who believe in the "once saved always saved" doctrine fail to see that God has a more extensive and creative plan for mankind than merely saving him.
God's Workmanship (Part 3)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughGod assumes the burden for our salvation, but we are obligated to yield to His workmanship—made manifest by good works, the effect of salvation.
Living by Faith: God's Grace (Part Two)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)God's grace supports and fulfills us, but it does not mean 'once saved,always saved.' It is possible to fall from grace, as Israel's experience demonstrates.
Elements of Judgment (Part Three)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)We must emulate the ways of God, demonstrating justice in our lives, thoughts, words, and deeds, preparing to judge in God's Kingdom. Not all sins are equal.
After Pentecost, Then What?
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughThe holy days typify the steps in God's plan. What happens between Pentecost and Trumpets, the long summer months?
Hebrews (Part Six)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughJesus experienced the same temptations and suffering we do, qualifying Him for the role of High Priest, the bridge-builder between man and God.
Forms vs. Spirituality (Part 2)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughSins committed presumptuously by people of high responsibility (leaders) are judged more rigorously than those sins committed by people in ignorance.
Hebrews (Part Twelve)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughHebrews 11 provides examples to bolster faith. The faith described is not blind, but is carefully developed from systematic analysis of available evidence.