“Therefore we ought to give the more earnest heed to the things that were heard, lest haply we drift away from them. For if the word spoken through angels proved stedfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just recompense of reward; how shall we escape, if we neglect so great a salvation?” (Heb 2:1-3a ASV)
In the swiftly changing currents of life, it is all too easy to drift away from the secure anchor of hope, “which we have as an anchor of the soul, a hope both sure and stedfast and entering into that which is within the veil” (Heb 6:19).
Let us explore five guiding principles from the book of Hebrews that can help us avoid spiritual drift and ensure our steadfastness in the faith.
DILIGENCE.
The first one is found in Hebrews 6:11, “And we desire that each one of you may show the same diligence unto the fulness of hope even to the end.”
Think of diligence as the steady hand guiding the helm of a ship through treacherous waters. It is not enough to start well; we must persist, with our eyes fixed on the horizon of God’s promises.
Hebrews 4:11 exhorts us, “Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief.” The necessity of constant effort to avoid spiritual shipwreck is a recurring theme (Hebrews 10:22; 12:1). Are we laboring earnestly, or merely drifting along?
READ & STUDY.
Reading and studying the Bible is the second way we will be able to remain on course, avoiding drift. The writer reminds us, “For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword” (Heb 4:12). To avoid drift we must become skilled in the word. Hebrews 5:12-6:8 reveals the peril of spiritual immaturity and the dire consequences of neglecting the deeper teachings of Christ. Is our Bible a well-worn map or an unused artifact?
IMITATE THE FAITHFUL.
Another aid in avoiding drift is imitation which calls us to follow the examples of those who have walked the path of faith before us. Hebrews 6:12 instructs us to be “followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises.” We should emulate the faithful who have demonstrated unwavering trust in God. Consider the heroes of faith outlined in Hebrews 11. Their lives serve as beacons, illuminating the way for us to follow. By imitating their faith and perseverance, we reinforce our commitment to Christ. Whose shipping lane are we following today? (1Cor 11:1; 3John 11)
FEAR GOD.
A healthy reverence for God is the fourth in our efforts to maintain our spiritual course. Hebrews 4:1 warns, “Let us therefore fear, lest, a promise being left us of entering into his rest, any of you should seem to come short of it.” Godly fear keeps us vigilant. It reminds us of the gravity of our salvation and the importance of living in a manner worthy of our calling. Does our reverence for God inspire vigilance or apathy?
TAKE HEED.
Finally, we ought to take heed. Taking heed requires self-awareness and caution. Hebrews 3:12 cautions, “Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God.” The vigilance of the watchman who stands in the crow’s nest of the ship is akin to the spiritual alertness we must maintain to remain on course. By taking heed, we guard against the drift caused by doubt and sin. Are we watchful or wandering?
Let us heed the wisdom of Hebrews and apply these principles diligently. Through our earnest efforts we anchor our souls firmly in Christ, avoiding the perilous drift that leads away from so great a salvation.
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”
The Greatest Being
The verse begins with “FOR GOD.” The verse begins with the greatest being in existence. In Genesis 1:1, we read, “In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.” God is the Creator, the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. John 1:1-3 tells us, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.” Job 38-41 presents a majestic depiction of God’s power and wisdom. Our faith rests upon the foundation of this greatest being, who is sovereign over all creation.
The Greatest Thing
Next, we see the greatest thing: “SO LOVED.” God is love. In 1Corinthians 13:13, we learn that “the greatest of these is love.” 1John 4:8 declares, “He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love.” God’s love is unparalleled and incomprehensible. It is a love that is willing to sacrifice, a love that seeks the well-being of others. It is the greatest thing because it defines the actions of the greatest being.
The Greatest Number
“THE WORLD.” This phrase encompasses the greatest number: the entire world. God’s love is not limited to a select few but extends to every person on this earth. 2Peter 3:9 states, “The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.” 1Timothy 2:4-6 reinforces this by saying, “Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.” 1John 2:2 confirms that “And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world.” The greatest number shows the expanse of God’s love. God is not a respecter of persons (Rom 2:11).
The Greatest Gift
“THAT HE GAVE HIS ONLY BEGOTTEN SON.” In this we see the greatest gift. Ephesians 2:8 reminds us that “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God.” Hebrews 2:9 tells us, “But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour; that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man.” 2Corinthians 9:15 exclaims, “Thanks be unto God for his indescribable gift!” The greatest gift (grace) is God’s own Son, given for the redemption of mankind.
The Greatest Faith
“THAT WHOSOEVER BELIEVETH IN HIM.” This phrase highlights the greatest faith. Jesus declares in John 8:24, “I said therefore unto you, that ye shall die in your sins: for if ye believe not that I am he, ye shall die in your sins.” Hebrews 3:18-19 warns of the consequences of unbelief as seen through disobedience, while Hebrews 11:6 teaches that “without faith it is impossible to please God.” The greatest faith is an active belief in Jesus Christ as the Son of God and the Savior of the world (James 2:14-26).
The Greatest Loss
“SHOULD NOT PERISH.” The greatest loss is the eternal separation from God. While any can be saved, the bible tells us that not all will obey the Gospel (Matt 7:24-29; 2Thess 1:8-9). Matthew 25:46 warns of “everlasting punishment,” and John 5:29 speaks of those who will “resurrection of damnation.” The story of the rich man and Lazarus in Luke 16:19-31 vividly portrays the torment of those who perish. 2Corinthians 5:10 reminds us that “we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ.” The greatest loss is the eternal consequence of rejecting God’s gift of salvation.
The Greatest Difference
“BUT.” While all may be saved, some won’t obey the gospel. “And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him” (Heb 5:9). Some will hear, but not do; “Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock: And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock. And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand: And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it.” (Matt 7:24-27). Many may confess Jesus as Lord and Savior, but not do what He says, “And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say” (Luke 6:46)?
The Greatest Blessing
“HAVE EVERLASTING LIFE.” Finally, we come to the greatest blessing. 1Thessalonians 4:13-18 describes the hope of the resurrection and the promise of eternal life with Christ. Everlasting life is the ultimate blessing, the fulfillment of God’s promise to those who believe.
John 3:16 is a verse that reveals to us the greatest being, the greatest thing, the greatest number, the greatest gift, the greatest faith, the greatest loss, and the greatest blessing. Let us hold fast to this truth, share it with others, and walk in the light of God’s incredible love and grace.
People often appeal to single passages on how to be saved, but ignore an entire book in the New Testament that shows people going from a lost condition to being saved. That book is called ACTS. It contains the founding of the church of Christ at Pentecost, and the conversion of the lost to salvation in Christ Jesus.
Cases of Conversion in the book of Acts.
1. The first of these conversions happened on the notable day of Pentecost when the church was established. The text (Acts 2:14) shows that they had the Gospel preached to them; they heard (vv. 36-37); they repented of their sins (v. 38); and they were baptized into Christ (v. 38). The result was that they had their sins washed away.
2. In Acts 8:4-5, Phillip preached to the people of Samaria; they heard (v. 6); they were baptized (v. 12).
3. Phillip also preached to Simon (Acts 8:4-5); he heard the Gospel (v. 6); he was baptized (v. 13).
4. Phillip preached to the Eunuch (Acts 8:35-39); he made the good confession (v. 37); he was baptized (v. 38) and rejoiced in the forgiveness of his sins (v. 39).
5. Ananias preached to Saul, later called Paul (Acts 9:17); he was baptized (Acts 22:16), and the rest of his life he taught others to do the same (I Cor. 12:13).
6. Peter preached to Cornelius (Acts 10:34-35); he and his family heard (v. 44); they repented of their sins (Acts 11:18); they were baptized (v. 48). They were saved (Acts 11:14).
7. Paul preached the saving message to Lydia on his second missionary journey (Acts 16:13); she heard (v. 14); she was baptized (v. 15).
8. Paul preached to the Jailor (Acts 16:32); he repented (v. 33); he was baptized (v. 33).
9. Paul preached to and converted souls at Corinth (Acts 18:5); they heard (v. 8); they were baptized (v. 8).
10. Paul preached to Crispus (Acts 18:5); though it is not recorded in the book of Acts that he was baptized, he was baptized according to Paul’s writing to the Corinthian church (1Cor. 1:14).
11. The Ephesians had the Gospel preached to them (Acts 19:8); they heard the message of salvation (Eph. 1:13). They were baptized (Acts 19:5) and were in this way saved by grace (Eph. 2:8-10).
agape,
spencer
Here is a link to another article on the conversions in Acts.
Joseph’s life and actions, as depicted in the Gospels, offer an example of virtue and obedience, qualities that emphasize his critical role in the life of Jesus.
Described in the Gospel of Matthew as a “just man” (Matthew 1:19), Joseph’s character is first revealed through his merciful reaction to Mary’s unexpected pregnancy. Engaged to Mary, he discovers she is pregnant before they have come together, and knowing the child is not his, he faces a societal and personal crossroad. He chooses a path of kindness, intending to spare Mary from possible humiliation or harm, which alone sets a significant tone for his character.
Later, He is visited by an angel in a dream, instructing him to not fear taking Mary as his wife because the child conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit (Matthew 1:20). His response to this divine intervention highlights another of his virtues: obedience. Matthew 1:24-25 tells us that Joseph did as the angel of the Lord commanded; he took Mary as his wife and named the child Jesus. This act of faith and submission to God’s will shows him as a man deeply committed to following God’s direction without hesitation.
Later, he and Mary bring Jesus to the temple to present Him to the Lord as prescribed in the Law of Moses (Luke 2:22-24), and they make the annual pilgrimage to Jerusalem for Passover, demonstrating his commitment to his faith and his role as a spiritual guide to his family (Luke 2:41-43).
Joseph’s profession as a carpenter, mentioned in Matthew 13:55, underscores his role as a provider who earns a living for his family. Moreover, the offering described in Luke 2:24, “a pair of doves or two young pigeons,” which was allowed for those who could not afford a lamb, indicates that Joseph’s means were limited, yet he did what was necessary within his resources to fulfill his service to God (cf. 1Tim 5:8).
When Herod seeks to kill the newborn Jesus in Matthew 2:13-23, Joseph again heeds an angelic warning in a dream, this time to flee to Egypt, and later, to return to Nazareth, safeguarding his family from harm. These episodes not only portray him as a decisive protector but also as a man of action who places the safety and well-being of Mary and Jesus above his own comfort and security.
Lastly, Joseph’s honorable acceptance to adopt Jesus as his own son seals his legacy as a man of immense faith and virtue. This act of adoption was not merely a legal formality but a wholehearted acceptance of Jesus into his life, treating Him as his own and providing for Him as any father would, so that all knew Jesus as the son of Joseph and Mary. “And they said, Is not this Joseph’s son” (Luke 4:22; cf; John 6:42)?
Joseph’s life, therefore, offers a remarkable model of justice, obedience, scriptural fidelity, diligent earning, protection, and honor. In the grand narrative of Christianity, Joseph might often be seen in the background, but his influence and guidance were surely foreground in the early life of Jesus, the Savior of mankind. Through Joseph’s exemplary character, we see the qualities that God values in those He chooses.
Matthew 16:26 says, “For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?”
The world often tells us that success is measured by our wealth, our status, our accomplishments. But Jesus flips this notion on its head. He asks us to consider the value of our soul. What good is it if we gain everything the world offers, but lose the most precious thing we have—our eternal soul?
We Give up our Soul
Our soul is so valuable that God gave His own Son that we have the opportunity to be saved. Jesus died on the cross not to make us rich or famous, but to save our souls. He paid the ultimate price so that we might have eternal life. This is the greatest treasure, far surpassing anything the world can offer. (Rom 5:8-10)
We gain the affection of the World
When we set our affections on worldly gains over our spiritual well-being, we risk losing our soul. We can become so consumed by the pursuit of success, wealth, and approval that we neglect what is pleasing to God. We might find temporary happiness, but it’s fleeting and shallow compared to the deep, abiding joy that comes from knowing Christ. Romans 12:2 tells us, “And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.” We are to live differently, to set our minds on things above, not on earthly things.
The Illusion of Worldly Gain
The world tells us to chase after material wealth, to seek power and fame. It tells us that the more we have, the happier we will be. But how often have we seen people who seem to have it all, yet are deeply unhappy, unfulfilled, and lost? They’ve gained the world but lost their soul’s true purpose and joy.
Jesus reminds us that our souls are eternal, while the things of this world are temporary. In 1 Timothy 6:7, we are reminded, “For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out.” No amount of money, fame, or power can accompany us beyond this life. What truly matters is the condition of our soul.
We gain nothing except what we deserve
So, what do we win if we win the world but lose our soul? We gain nothing of true value. But when we seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, all these things will be added unto us (Matthew 6:33). When we focus on serving God, we find true peace, joy, and fulfillment.
Revelation 3:21 promises, “To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne.” This is the ultimate reward—eternity with Jesus, reigning with Him in glory. This is worth far more than anything the world can offer.
Let’s not be deceived by the lure of worldly success. Let’s keep our eyes on Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith. Let’s treasure our relationship with Him above all else, knowing that our soul is of infinite worth. . “Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you” (John 15:14).
“Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts.” (James 4:3)
If one can pray AMISS, then it stands to reason that we can do other commands of God in a manner that He won’t accept. There are examples of people…
Preaching a different Gospel: “But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed.” (Gal 1:8)
Following a different Jesus: “For if he that cometh preacheth another Jesus, whom we have not preached, or if ye receive another spirit, which ye have not received, or another gospel, which ye have not accepted, ye might well bear with him.” (2Cor 11:4)
Obeying the Law of Moses: “And certain men which came down from Judaea taught the brethren, and said, Except ye be circumcised after the manner of Moses, ye cannot be saved.” (Acts 15:1)
“Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage. Behold, I Paul say unto you, that if ye be circumcised, Christ shall profit you nothing. For I testify again to every man that is circumcised, that he is a debtor to do the whole law. Christ is become of no effect unto you, whosoever of you are justified by the law; ye are fallen from grace.” (Gal 5:1-4)
Practicing vain worship: “Howbeit in vain do they worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.” (Mark 7:7)
From these few examples it’s clear that we can appear to be obeying God, but in reality, we’re disobedient. How can we know?
Can we be Baptized AMISS?
If you’ve been baptized to be ADDED to a denomination, then you’ve been baptized AMISS.
The Lord adds to the church, and never to a denomination. “Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.” (Acts 2:41).
Getting baptized solely as a requirement to join a specific denomination or church, rather than for the biblical purpose of remission of sins and entrance into the body of Christ (Galatians 3:27), misses the true purpose (cf. 1Cor 1:10-13).
Some might get baptized to gain favor in a political or social context, which is not a biblical reason. Some might seek baptism to gain prestige or authority within a religious community, which is not a biblical reason.
If you’ve been baptized as a MERITORIOUS work, then you’ve been baptized AMISS.
Some believe that baptism is a meritorious work that earns salvation, whereas the New Testament teaches that baptism is an act of faith and obedience (Ephesians 2:8-9; Colossians 2:12). It is not legalism to comply with the conditions of salvation given by God.
Any reason for baptism except to obey the gospel through faith in Jesus Christ for the remission of sins is no reason at all. It’s possible to outwardly comply with a command of God, but inwardly. “This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me. But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.” (Matt 15:8,9)
Believing that baptism will bring material or physical blessings, such as health, wealth, or prosperity, is not a biblical reason for baptism. Repentance is a prerequisite for baptism (Acts 2:38).
If you’ve been baptized as an INFANT or by any mode other than IMMERSION, then you’ve been baptized AMISS.
Infant baptism is contrary to the doctrine of Christ. “Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God. Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child, he shall not enter therein.” (Mark 10:14,15). To Cleanse from Original Sin is not a doctrine taught in the New Testament. The doctrine of original sin and its cleansing through infant baptism is not supported by the Bible, which teaches that baptism is for the remission of personal sins (Acts 2:38).
Baptism is a burial (immersion in water) for those that believe. “Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead.” (Col 2:12). Getting baptized without personal faith and understanding, possibly under coercion or pressure, is not scriptural. Baptism requires belief.
“And as they went on their way, they came unto a certain water: and the eunuch said, See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized? And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.” (Acts 8:36,37)
If you’ve been baptized after you think you were SAVED, then you’ve been baptized AMISS.
The bible teaches that a person is baptized to be saved. “The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ:” (1Peter 3:21).
Saul of Tarsus (later to become Paul the Apostle), was baptized to wash away his sins. How can one be saved then have their sins washed away? “And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord.” (Acts 22:16)
The idea that baptism is merely a symbolic public declaration of faith without any salvific purpose contradicts the biblical teaching that it is essential for the forgiveness of sins (Acts 2:38).
Viewing baptism as merely a religious tradition or ritual without understanding its significance in salvation contradicts the New Testament teaching (Romans 6:3-4).
If you’ve been baptized for SOCIAL acceptance, then you’ve been baptized AMISS.
There are some who are baptized for social acceptance among their Family or friends, or to fit in. Some have been baptized to make their parents happy. Some are baptized so they can make a future spouse happy. If we’re baptized to please a person and not for the remission of sins, then we’ve been baptized amiss. It’s a very nervous thing for parents who desire that their children obey the gospel, but they want it to be on the child’s own volition and not just to please their parents.
Jesus taught about counting the cost of discipleship (Luke 14:28-33). Baptism should not be entered into lightly or without understanding its lifelong commitment. The concept of being baptized because one has already been saved through a prior “decision” for Christ overlooks the New Testament’s connection of baptism with the forgiveness of sins and new birth (Acts 22:16; John 3:5).
I know of several young people who get baptized because their older peers had obeyed the gospel, rather than out of personal conviction and obedience to Christ. because they didn’t want to feel left out.
“He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.”
(Mark 16:16)
There are other reasons people give for baptism. The practice of baptism for the dead, as practiced in some religious groups, is not supported by New Testament teaching and is mentioned only ambiguously in 1 Corinthians 15:29 without endorsement.
The idea that baptism is an emergency ritual to be performed in dire circumstances, without the individual’s faith and understanding, does not align with the New Testament teaching.
Any reason for baptism that does not align with the biblical teaching that it is for the remission of sins, to receive the gift of the Holy Spirit, and to be added to the body of Christ (Acts 2:38; 1Corinthians 12:13) is not according to the Bible.
It is crucial to emphasize that baptism, according to the New Testament, is an act of faith and obedience, necessary for the forgiveness of sins, the gift of the Holy Spirit, and entrance into the body of Christ (Acts 2:38; Romans 6:3-4; Galatians 3:27).
“But Jesus said unto them, A prophet is not without honour, but in his own country, and among his own kin, and in his own house.” (Mark 6:4).
In Mark chapter six we see several scenes of varying levels of faith. Part of faith involves trust.
Jesus Rejected in Nazareth (Mark 6:1-6)
Sending Out the Twelve Apostles (Mark 6:7-13)
Herod’s Perplexity about Jesus (Mark 6:14-16)
John the Baptist Beheaded (Mark 6:17-29)
Feeding the Five Thousand (Mark 6:30-44)
Jesus Walks on Water (Mark 6:45-52)
Healing in Gennesaret (Mark 6:53-56)
Mark’s gospel may be the shortest of the four, but what it contains is of great help to us in our faith.
Let us take a glimpse at these scenes of trust.
In the first scene we find Jesus teaching in His own country and among His own people. Although many were astonished at His teaching, His wisdom, and His mighty works, they were offended at Him. His own people rejected Him. Now that’s astonishing!
“But Jesus said unto them, A prophet is not without honour, but in his own country, and among his own kin, and in his own house. And he could there do no mighty work, save that he laid his hands upon a few sick folk, and healed them. And he marvelled because of their unbelief. And he went round about the villages, teaching” (Mark 6:4-6).
The next 3 scenes show differing levels of faith during times of uncertainty. The 12 apostles being sent out to preach, “And commanded them that they should take nothing for their journey, save a staff only; no scrip, no bread, no money in their purse” (v8). Then we see Herod’s perplexity about the identity Jesus, (14-17). The third is in the events leading to the death of John the baptizer at the birthday banquet for Herod, (18-29). From these we see faith, uncertain faith, and great faith.
Following these we come to another kind of banquet called the feeding of the 5,000 (30-44). This began with banquet of spiritual food because of the compassion of Jesus. Faith involves knowledge. Then Jesus is urged to send them away to go find physical food. He tells the 12, “Give ye them to eat.” Here we see another side of their faith when they say, “Shall we go and buy two hundred pennyworth of bread, and give them to eat?” Remember, they had just returned excitedly from preaching without any provisions.
The last scenes of faith are times of trouble. One a storm, the last the sick of Gennesaret (45-56; cf Matt 14:27-33). In the storm, after Jesus had sent the 12 away in boats, He comes to them walking on the water. It’s here that Peter wants confirmation by being allowed to walk on the water also. Peter indeed is able to walk on the water, but places his eyes on the storm, starts to fear, and begins to sink. “O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?”
When they arrive at the shore we see an exact opposite response from the first of this chapter. “And when they were come out of the ship, straightway they knew him, And ran through that whole region round about, and began to carry about in beds those that were sick, where they heard he was. And whithersoever he entered, into villages, or cities, or country, they laid the sick in the streets, and besought him that they might touch if it were but the border of his garment: and as many as touched him were made whole.”
Agape,
Spencer
This is part 6 of a series called Preaching through Mark.
Borger church of Christ @ Franklin & Juniper 