Suffer Shipwreck Concerning the Faith

Suffer Shipwreck Concerning the Faith

This can be the fate of believers. It was the fate of Hymenaeus and Alexander among others in the apostle Paul’s days, and there are many in our days who follow their example. How many new converts have suffered the same fate! It didn’t take long either, before they were sitting, shipwrecked, on one reef or another. Their hearts had been aflame when they were saved, and they had prayed to God, wanting to live wholly for Him. But as it says in a song, “On life’s sea are many dangers, hidden reefs and crashing waves,” so it was also in this instance, and the danger appeared in a manner that was least expected. For example, it came in the form of a preacher of the Word who said that sin was taken away through the baptism of the Spirit and that you shouldn’t strive to live wholly for God; it will come about naturally. Or, it came in the form of another preacher who said that sin was not taken away; we will have to drag it along all our life, but that we must not get away from grace but pray for forgiveness for our sins every day. Soon the person was registered as a church member, and everything looked fine, but then the person had also lost his enthusiasm. Praying to live wholly for God was replaced by “thank you Jesus, that You have done everything and we shall do nothing.” When they gave in to sin, they consoled themselves with the word that Jesus’ blood cleanses from all sin. The truth, the gospel of victory over sin for which God’s beloved Son had laid down His life, meant nothing to them. They suffered shipwreck of their faith in an overcoming life, just as they were about to start. The boat was new and light, so if someone came and proclaimed the way of faith, it was still possible to right it again with God’s help, and they could begin anew. This is how it has gone and how it still goes with many of them, but there are also many who were shipwrecked. What do these do then? They blaspheme. 1 Tim. 1:20.

It goes the same way with all those who do see and understand, but because of unbelief do not want to pay the price. Paul admonished the Corinthians to wake up and become serious and not sin. This is a proper admonition for our time. Disentangle yourself from all men who prevent you from continuing on the way of faith. Read your Bible and live by it. Listen to the voice of the Spirit, and do not think that you are permitted to commit unrighteousness. It was condemned in Christ and must be condemned in us who believe. That will give us fellowship with the Father and the Son and all the saints, and we will become truly free.