TUESDAY November 24, 2020
Avoid Division Makers
Now I urge you, brethren, note those who cause divisions and offenses, contrary to the doctrine which you learned, and avoid them. For those who are such do not serve our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly, and by smooth words and flattering speech deceive the hearts of the simple.
Romans 16:17-18
Paul gave a strong warning to believers––stay away from division makers. There are people who will come against sound doctrine taught in Christian churches. Be guarded against false doctrine taught by Mormons and Jehovah’s Witnesses. Those teaching Calvinism can destroy a person’s faith, as they teach that men have no free will to choose salvation. Yet the Bible is clear. God does not preordain some people for heaven and others for hell. He has given all of us a will to choose. God is not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance (2 Peter 3:9).
There are those who teach the five points of Calvinism using the word tulip–– total depravity, unconditional election, limited atonement, irresistible grace, and perseverance of the saints. We believe in abiding in Christ (John 15:1-6). We have faith in the grace of God, in His mercy, in His love, and in His atonement. All these are not just for the few. In God’s sovereignty, they are for anyone who will repent and come to Jesus Christ. God will save them and forgive them of all of their sins.
Yet those who cause division contrary to doctrine try to keep people away from the truth of God’s Word. They go after the simple––the new converts––those not grounded in God’s Word. They feed them with deception. They do not come to unite, they divide. The words avoid them means “keep on turning away from them.” I do not argue doctrine with those who believe in Calvinism. As long as a person abides in Christ and walks in obedience, they do not worry about losing their salvation.
I believe that I am eternally secure, as long as I abide in Jesus Christ. No power can wrest me from his hand. I have no doubts or qualms at all about my eternal security and my salvation.
~Chuck Smith~
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