Bible Question:
Dear zach†, Greetings in the name of the Lord Jesus! Could you please supply me with a *practical* definition of 'forsake?' Is this an 'anti-faith?' An 'incantation?' An 'action' that is universal, or case-by-case? Are steps involved, or is there a 'one time and you are out' violation? Or is it a combination of two or more of the above? Is it possible to 'forsake' and 're-repent?' Is there something I have missed entirely? While I admit that there are abundant Scriptures that speak of the possibility, scarce are those that explain how and when grace is defeated. Blessings and peace to you in Christ Jesus, charis |
Bible Answer: charis; I apreciate you reply; Let me answer a few of your questions to me as best I can. To me "forsake" means to turn our backs to something. Forsaking in my understanding of it is something that happens over a long period of time. With the individual, it begins with "grieving or making sad the Holy Spirit through our sins. To continue sinning which is called "willfully sinning" Heb 10:26 results in several things taking place. First we begin on a path in which we are drifting from the faith. Secondly; our hearts are becoming hardened. Thirdly; If we continue in this path there comes a time when our consciences becomes seared, and then the final step in this process is departing from the faith which can also be called apostasy. And that time we have "Quenched the Holy Spirit" To "Quench" means to extinguish or put out the spark of spiritual life which we began with. How much time it actually takes for this full process to reach maturity, I cannot say. It is a process that takes time. But let me finish by saying: God is not the one who forsakes us, rather it is we who forsake Him. God is faithful, and keeps His covenants and promises, yet man has shown that he often can be unfaithful and a covenant breaker. We need to daily "abide" submit ourselves unto Him" and "yield" ourselves to His molding process, so we can be clean vessels for the Master's use. But this too is a daily process. In Christ; zach |