It's that time of year again. Either you remembered to turn your clock back an hour last night, or you ended up being the first at the assembly this morning. If it happened to you, don't worry -- I won't tell anyone! A few years back we had forgotten to change our clock, and found ourselves alone at the meeting place for an hour. Let me say, better an hour early than an hour late!

However, on the occasion of this time change, I want us to note that the Bible warns against "falling back"; not our time pieces falling back an hour, but the setting aside of Christian conduct and speech, to the eternal danger of one's soul. There are many in the religious world who will reject the notion that a Christian could sin so as to lose his salvation. And yet the words of Scripture are strikingly clear. For the purpose of this study, we will simply focus on texts found in the book of Hebrews.

HEBREWS 2:1
Ever hear someone say that it doesn't matter if we do things exactly as the Bible says? Too busy to set aside time to study the Bible? The apostle Paul penned, "Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth." (2 Timothy 2:15) It is vitally important to our soul's eternity that we understand and act upon the will of God. The dreadful result of taking a lax attitude to the authority of the Scriptures, and to our responsibility to study diligently is that we will "drift away."

HEBREWS 3:12-13
The Hebrew writer considers the example of Israel, God's covenant people of old. Israel had tested and tried the Lord, and as a result received upon themselves His wrath (3:9-11). It must be noted that these were the Lord's people, those whom He had called out of Egypt. And yet, they hardened their hearts in rebellion. And so it was that they were not permitted to enter the land.

The writer's warning is vivid. We must watch ourselves, that we do not become hardened as they did, and thus rebel agains the Lord. As possible as it was for God's people of old to turn away from serving Him, we today can depart "...from the living God..." Thus, the wonderful command to "...exhort one another daily..." Certainly, we are responsible for our own soul, but the commandment of Scripture reveals that we are indeed our brother's keeper as well, that we both might enter the promised rest.

HEBREWS 4:1, 11
At the end of Hebrews 3, the writer comments about the disobedience and unbelief of those who came up from Egypt. He states plainly that on account of these things, they could not enter the Lord's rest. However, there remains a promise of rest for the children of God. Thus, having examined that generation of Israel, the writer cautions us, "...lest any of you seem to have come short..."

There's an old saying, "He who is ignorant of history is doomed to repeat it." Many times, the New Testament writers appeal to the conduct of people in the Old Testament, revealing in some an example for Christians to follow, exposing in others examples which lead to death. Let us not be ignorant of the history of the unfaithful. They will be no means enter His rest.

Continuing with the focus on Israel's poor example, the writer rallies diligence in the people of God to enter the Lord's rest. The possibility of falling back is bluntly acknowledged. If it were not possible that the people of God could fall from grace (Galatians 5:4), there would be no need for diligence, and no possibility that we would follow the "...example of disobedience."

HEBREWS 6:4-6
The writer speaks of an instance where "...it is impossible for those who were once enlightened..." to return to the Lord. It is not impossible because of a lack of mercy on God's part, but a lack of repentance on man's part. It is often the case (as we see in Israel) that those who fall away from serving the Lord set a wall of arrogance between themselves and the Lord (Malachi 1:2, 6-7, 12-13; 2:17; 3:8, 13). So long as this attitude remains, renewal to the Lord cannot occur, for in returning to and living in sin, we count the sacrifice of the Lord as common, and exclude ourselves from its reach (10:26-29).

HEBREWS 10:26-27
A child of God, turning from the way of the Lord to the path of sin forfeits the only sacrifice which will satisfy the requirements of God's justice. The willful transgression (John calls it a "...sin leading to death..." 1 John 5:16) brings with it surety of condemnation in the judgment. The sinner appears before the Judge without the Advocate, Jesus Christ. As the writer affirms, a "...fearful expectation of judgment, and fiery indignation..." is to be expected.

HEBREWS 12:15-16
Indeed, "...all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God..." (Romans 3:23), but the Lord provided redemption in Christ. Yet we must ever be alert, resolved to serve the Lord faithfully, so that we not fall short again. Paul warned, "...let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall." (1 Corinthians 10:12)

Notice, the "...root of bitterness springing up..." not only causes trouble for the one in whom it began, but "...by this many become defiled..." Our words and conduct have an impact on others, whether for good or for evil. We need to be mindful of our influence, and keep it pure. May we never sell out on the good things God has in store for us (both here and hereafter) to satisfy a temporary lust.

HEBREWS 12:25
As the first text we looked at from the book of Hebrews called for our adherence to the word of God, so does the last. If those who refused to hear the Lord, who spoke from "...the mountain...that burned with fire..." (12:18) did not escape (Israel of old), we certainly will not escape if we neglect the word that came in greater fashion and power. Friends, do not refuse Him, nor turn away from Him; but heed His every command, and thus stand and live before Him.

Let's be sure that only the clocks "fall back". It is possible to "fall back" from serving the Lord, but let us always examine ourselves and watch our fellow labourers in the kingdom. None need ever "fall back".

Click here for this week's Answering The Atheist
Can God be seen or not? Some Bible passages say yes (Exodus 24:9-10; 32:30; 33:11, 23, etc.) and some say no (John 1:18; Exodus 33:20; 1 Timothy 6:16).