On another occasion a Pentecostal woman married a man who did not believe in tongues, although he was a Christian. He liked to say "tongues are of the devil."

After several years of marriage, and he had had a chance to see that his wife was a solid Christian, he still was saying "tongues are of the devil."

Then the Lord spoke to him. The Lord said, "Never say that again."

The point is, the Lord does not jump on us when we go against some Bible truth. Jesus did say that anyone who spoke disparagingly of the Holy Spirit cannot be forgiven in this world or the world to come. The husband was clearly guilty. But the Lord did not spring the trap. He waited until the husband knew his repeated statement was not appropriate. Then the Lord spoke to him. As I heard the account he obeyed the Lord. I am certain if he had defied God he would never have been forgiven, just as the Lord said.

So the fact that God's Word says the Christian who turns away cannot be restored, the reference is to a seasoned Christian who willfully and knowingly leaves Christ and goes back into the world. He may cross the line into the place of no return. This is serious business!

Land that drinks in the rain often falling on it and that produces a crop useful to those for whom it is farmed receives the blessing of God. But land that produces thorns and thistles is worthless and is in danger of being cursed. In the end it will be burned. (Hebrews 6:7,8—NIV)

Again let me remind us of the saying of Jesus that the branch that does not bear fruit will be cut out of the Vine, out of Christ. If this is not a terrifying thought I do not know what is!

God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them. We want each of you to show this same diligence to the very end, in order to make your hope sure. (Hebrews 6:10,11—NIV)

Is the above verse saying we make our hope in Christ certain by helping God's people? Are we saved by works? Indeed we are, in this sense!

But notice: we do not work for our salvation but we must work out our salvation. Salvation is something that must be worked out. If we do not work it out then we do not arrive at the destination. We work out our salvation by doing all that Christ and His Apostles commanded. If we do not continue in these good works, which are the proof of our continuing faith and hope, then we are going to bear thorns and briars. The end of this is to be burned.

But will we be "saved"? I guess it depends on what one means by saved. If by saved we include being burned in the fire and not made a part of Christ, I suppose so. On the other hand, we may find ourselves in the outer darkness where people are weeping, and gnashing their teeth in terror and in anger against God.

To be continued.