"Salvation/Obedience"

LET US ARISE AND RESCUE THE PERISHING!

Jude in his one chapter epistle wrote: "And others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire..." (Jude 23). The American Standard 1901 translation of the Bible renders vs. 23 as follows: "And on some have mercy, who are in doubt; and some save, snatching them out of the fire..." In commenting on this vs., Burton Coffman said: "Snatch them from the fire..." is metaphorical, meaning "rescue them, as you would someone from a burning building." (Commentary on Jude, p. 547). Last month I presented two lessons on "Why They Go Back." As stated, there is no one reason why members of the church stop attending. Of course, we understand, that it is because of sin, but as to the exact reason or excuse given they would vary:

• Because of hard sayings (John 6:60-66).
• Because they did not count the cost of being a disciple of Christ (Luke 14:25-27).
• Because of worldliness (1 John 2:15-17).
• Because of evil associates (1 Cor. 15:33).
• Because they weren’t encouraged (Rom. 15:1-2).
• Because of their family (Mt. 10:37-38).
• Because of false teachers (1 John 4:1).
• Because of following men and not Christ (1 Cor. 1:12-13).
• Because of division (Prov. 6:16-19).
• Because of hard and hurt feelings (Mt. 18:15-17).
• Because of disbelief (Heb. 12:1-2).
• Because of hypocrites (Rom. 2:17-24).
• Because of not being converted (John 6:44-45).
• Because they don’t love the truth (2 Thess. 2:10-12).
• Because they don’t want to submit to the elders (Heb. 13:7, 17).
• Because they don’t like the preacher for whatever reason.
• Because of unscriptural marriage (Mt. 19:9).

No doubt, many other things could be added to this list. Nevertheless, the fact of the matter, according to the scriptures, is they need to be "snatched out of the fire?" A careful study of Galatians 6:1-2 and James 5:19-20 clearly sets forth:

• We must believe they are in sin.
• We must prepare ourselves to go to them.
• We must be gentle in our approach.
• We must look to our own lives.
• We must earnestly and fervently pray for them.
• We must consider this a matter of utmost urgency.

Fanny J. Crosby beautifully and eloquently set forth in the song, "Rescue The Perishing" what I have been trying to say. Please, read and re-read the song in your song books then determine in your heart, to do all you can to - Rescue The Perishing!