One of the many reasons Calvinism is such a devilish doctrine is that it gives people a false sense of security.  It teaches that a child of God can’t lose his soul.  This doctrine is referred to as the “Impossibility of Apostasy” doctrine.  This doctrine, whether it is intended or not, gives people the idea that they can live any way they want, even sinfully, and not put their souls in jeopardy.  The Bible reveals this doctrine as being blatantly false.

Galatians 5:4 (KJV)
⁴ Christ is become of no effect unto you, whosoever of you are justified by the law; ye are fallen from grace.

Why would Paul warn the churches of Galatia about something impossible for them to do?  He warned the saints at Corinth about falling as well.

1 Corinthians 10:12 (ESV)
¹² Therefore let anyone who thinks that he stands take heed lest he fall.

It is clear that as Christians we must be on guard against apostasy.  How can we avert such a fate?  This week let us contemplate a few ways we can avoid apostasy.

A great way to remain faithful to the Lord overall is to be faithful in your attendance at the worship services of your local church.  The first thing we should realize is that not doing so is a sin.

Hebrews 10:25 (NKJV)
²⁵ Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching. 

We should not, however, only attend services because we realize it is sinful not to do so.  We should attend them because they glorify God through our obedience and worship of Him, and they build us up in the faith.  Attending worship services is our main source of edification.

When attending with the saints, we study God’s Word in detail.  Local churches are good at offering Bible studies that are enriching and edifying.  Entire books of the Bible are studied in detail.  Important topics such as the work of the church, God’s scheme of redemption, forgiveness, and more are studied regularly.

This is why those who attend services consistently are grounded in the faith and equipped to overcome the fiery darts of the devil.  Those who neglect the assembling of the saints are weak and spiritually feeble.  They often give in to the tests and temptations of the devil because they are not strong enough to withstand them.  Why not?  Their unfaithful attendance is one big reason why.  We not only study the Bible when we come together, which, by the way, is our greatest way of growing in faith (Romans 10:17), but we also sing and pray and do other things that strengthen us.  Just being together with other Christians who provoke us to love and good works is helpful (Hebrews 10:24).

Do you want to avoid apostasy?  While we can fall from grace, it is not something we have to do (1 Peter 1:3-5; 2 Peter 1:10; Jude 1:24).  We must, however, take purposeful steps to avoid it and one of the first ones is to make a habit of attending all the services your local church offers.

As you wind down for the night, think about these things.