Forsaking The Right Way
By H. E. Phillips
In every local church there are those who wait to see which way the popular
position will go on every debatable issue and, without principle or conviction,
they align
themselves with the majority side. They willingly switch sides when they find
that they unwittingly selected the unpopular position. There is nothing wrong
with changing when one learns he is wrong; in fact, it is the only honorable
and honest thing to do. But to forsake one’s principles just to be on
the popular side of a question is hardly the honorable thing to do.
The word of God speaks plainly on the matter of forsaking one’s place with
Christ to become aligned with Satan, the enemy of Christ, whatever the reason
may be. I am speaking of those in the church who turn from the Lord to serve
Satan. When Joshua was about ready to lead the people of Israel into the promised
land, he told them that they had to choose between serving Jehovah and the idols
around them. They answered: “God forbid that we should forsake the Lord,
to serve other gods” (Joshua 24:16). These people elected to serve the
Lord, but their recorded history proves beyond question that this was a promise
of the mouth and not a determination of the heart.
In addition, Joshua told the Israelites, “If ye forsake the Lord, and serve
strange gods, then he will turn and do you hurt, and consume you, after that
he hath done you good” (Joshua 24:20). Any among the Israelites who turned
to forsake the Lord would receive severe punishment from the Lord.
Peter writes of the false prophets and those that walk after the flesh in the
lust of uncleanness. “But chiefly them that walk after the flesh in the
lust of uncleanness, and despise government. Presumptuous are they, self-willed,
they are not afraid to speak evil of dignities... Having eyes full of adultery,
and that cannot cease from sin; beguiling unstable souls: an heart they have
exercised with covetous practices; cursed children: Which have forsaken the right
way, and are gone astray, following the way of Balaam the son of Bosor, who loved
the wages of unrighteousness” (2 Pet. 2:10,14,15). These had “forsaken
the right way,” which indicates that they once were in the right way.
They had changed their ways to oppose the truth. They had forsaken the principles
that motivated them to serve the Lord.
Paul spoke of one who once stood with him in the gospel, but who later forsook
him. “For Demas hath forsaken me, having loved this present world,
and is departed unto Thessalonica; Crescens to Galatia, Titus unto Dalmatia” (2
Tim. 4:10). When Paul wrote to Philemon, Demas was one of his “fellow-labourers” (verse
24). Demas had forsaken Paul because he had forsaken the way of truth which
Paul preached. He did this because he loved the present world instead of the
kingdom
of Christ.
James says, “know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with
God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God” (James
4:4). There is no question about where one stands when he loves this present
evil world. He is the enemy of God. Paul teaches that we are to walk by the same
rule and mind the same thing and to be “...followers together of me, and
mark them which walk so as ye have us for an ensample. (For many walk, of whom
I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies
of the cross of Christ...” (Phil 3:16-18).
All these passages point to three facts: 1) To turn from the Lord is to become
His enemy; 2) To forsake the Lord brings the “wages of unrighteousness”;
3) One forsakes the Lord by turning from the right way: “the way of truth,” and
becoming a servant of unrighteousness. Law is vital to please God!
- Preacher of the Word, May 12, 1996
The following is from some author unknown. It does not read as
if he thinks the Bible is a “dead letter.” His conception of that
great Book is right. Read what he says:
“
This Book contains the mind of God, the state of man, the way of salvation,
the doom of sinners, and the happiness of believers. Its doctrine is holy,
Its precepts are binding, its histories are true, and its decisions are immutable.
Read it to be wise, believe it to be safe, and practice it to be holy. It contains
light to direct you, food to support you, and comfort to cheer you. It is the
traveler’s map, the pilgrim’s staff, the pilot’s compass,
the soldier’s sword, and the Christian’s paradise. Here Paradise
is restored, heaven opened, and the gates of hell disclosed. Christ is its
great object, our good its design, and the glory of God is its end. It should
fill the memory, rule the heart, and guide the feet. Read it slowly, frequently,
and prayerfully. It is a mine of wealth, a paradise of glory, and a river of
pleasure. It is given you in life, and will be opened in judgment, and will
be remembered forever. It involves the highest responsibilities; it will reward
the greatest labor, and condemn all who trifle with sacred contents.”
- Gospel Advocate, August 9, 1928