Apr 1988 - Editorial

This month we consider Abraham the pilgrim, tent-dweller, man of faith and friend of God. Tribute was paid to his outstanding faith by the Lord Jesus when He told Zacchaeus that he had become a "son of Abraham" by faith (Luke 19:9). The faithful of the present dispensation also enjoy the privilege of this link with Abraham (Gal. 3:7).

The free gift of eternal life which such faith brings can never be lost, as our second main contributor shows. Some blessings can be forfeited by faithlessness, but not the free gift of God. Note well that many scriptures which give warning of loss for those who "fall away" (e.g. Heb. 3:12; 4:1-13; 10:26-31) are set in the context of the house of God which is itself conditional upon "holding fast". It is truly a "fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God". But these scriptures, properly understood, can carry no implication of any effect upon the believer's eternal security.

The grand doctrine of justification by faith first disclosed to Abraham was almost lost during Europe's Dark Ages. It was recovered by the Reformers of the 16th Century, but is again under increasing threat from the flourishing ecumenical movement. FOCUS compares this more subtle contemporary assault with the cruder methods of the Spanish Inquisition recalled by the celebration this year of the historic defeat of the Spanish Armada.

unknown | Apr 1988
Editorial