Quote:
Originally Posted by Jo S
There are two types of sincere believer's in Christ; Apollos and Paul.
Paul knew the baptism of the Holy Spirit, Apollos only knew of John's baptism (Acts 18:25)
Jesus is calling those whom have not received the promise of the Holy Spirit in faith to overcome by faith. It's a daily battle for every believer in Christ.
God's children already born of His spirit cannot fall away as there is nothing that will snatch us out of His hand (Jn 10:28).
So yes, some can loose faith and fall away (2 Thess 2:3) into outer darkness and then there are those already sealed with the deposit of the spirit that guarantees eternal life. (Eph 1:13)
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Jo, I was just looking at 2 Thes. 2:3 Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition;
It seems like the 'that day' referred to here is the day the Lord comes back, from above in verse 1.
The 'falling away' seems to me to be referring to a type of veil or curtain....not referring to believers nor their faith, as the 'falling away' reveals the son of perdition. Then verse 4 talks about who this son of perdition is. It is the devil, yeah?
Vs 4. Who opposes and exalts himself above all that is called god, or that is worshipped; so that he as god sits in the temple of God, showing himself that he is god.
Isn't that one a false god, one who wishes he was God, but is not. That is Satan, isn't it? Paul goes on to speak further on this revealing, in 2 vs 8 And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of His mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of His coming.
Paul is not discussing a falling away of believers in this letter. He is lauding the Thesselonians for their faith was growing exceedingly, their love was abounding all to each other, their patience and faith was enduring through all their persecutions and tribulations. 1:1-4
Maybe 'that day' in 2:3 was the day of the Lord recompensing tribulation to them that troubled the Thessalonian believers in 1:6
I just don't see any reference to believers falling from faith here. He is encouraging the Thessalonians in their ways, their love, their endurance. Later in the letter he teaches them how to behave toward those brothers who would not work or support themselves. They were disorderly, Paul called them busybodies.
By the way, thank you for verse references for me to look into. It only encourages me to get into the word and I am thankful for open discussion. It is such a far cry from 'fellowship' LC style. I will take Pauls' blessing to the Thess. saints for us today....And the Lord direct OUR hearts into the love of God, and into the patient waiting for Christ.