There are many who, at one time, claimed to love God, but left faith in God.
Why did (or do) some people stop serving the Living God?
Hebrews 3:12
Take heed,
brethren,
lest there be
in
any of you
an evil heart of unbelief,
in departing
from the living God.
This verse is not about people who leave denominations, or particular churches, or even churches altogether. This speaks of people who depart from the Living God.
Sometimes it is in the best spiritual interest for people to completely cut off from religious groups or from pseudo-religious individuals from their lives. Often, it is the only way for them to really grow emotionally as well as spiritually. This verse, however, is not talking about the need to separate oneself from unrighteousness (2 Cor. 6:14-18) which is so prevalent in the world, including within many churches. This verse answers the question of why people leave the Living God.
Many reasons, or excuses, are given for why people leave faith in God, but the underlying, the real, reason is none other than what Scripture says. It is an evil heart of unbelief.
When we really believe God is all Scripture says God is, we may have questions and concerns. We may have to distance ourselves from certain people or environments. We may even go through periods of weakened faith, but it is only if an "evil heart" forms and strengthens that unbelief takes over and drives a person to depart from the Living God.
Hebrews 3:12 warns against departing from the living God. "Take heed" is a warning phrase. It means, "watch out... be careful... be alert to possible danger..."
Many reasons, or excuses, are given for why people leave faith in God, but the underlying, the real, reason is none other than what Scripture says. It is an evil heart of unbelief.
When we really believe God is all Scripture says God is, we may have questions and concerns. We may have to distance ourselves from certain people or environments. We may even go through periods of weakened faith, but it is only if an "evil heart" forms and strengthens that unbelief takes over and drives a person to depart from the Living God.
Hebrews 3:12 warns against departing from the living God. "Take heed" is a warning phrase. It means, "watch out... be careful... be alert to possible danger..."
That "departing" could happen to a soul whether he or she is a regular church attendee or to one who does not attend any religious assembly. It could happen to new Believers as well as to those who have professed Christ for many years.
By continuous
surrender to God,
we do NOT depart.
We hold firmly, by faith,
as partakers of Christ
(Hebrews. 3:14).