Warning

<<alerting to danger>>

We have a responsibility to inform others of threats and harm that could befall them, besides taking remedial action ourselves as warnings must be followed to be of any value. We should not just hear the Word of God

God says ‘Don’t’ for my benefit. Do I listen?

without putting it’s teachings into practice otherwise it's message will just puff us up with knowledge without the practical outworking and we will be deceived resulting in devastating outcomes (Mt 7:24-27; 1 Cor 8:1,2; Jas 1:22,25). By following the concerns of others and observing the consequences of unwise choices that some have made, we can save ourselves lots of heartaches and lasting regrets. "The prudent see danger and take refugee, but the simple keep going and suffer for it" (Prov 27:12). In the Bible making wise decisions is likened to staying away from the path of wicked men and adulterous women (Prov 2:10-22). Pay attention and live out your faith so you will not drift away from Christ, as Satan is on the prowl to take captive those who are not alert (Eph 6:18; 2 Tim 2:26; Heb 2:1; 1 Pet 5:8).

The Bible gives clear warnings about various issues:

* Ensure you are a genuine believer (2 Cor 13:5; Heb 10:26). Many people claim to be Christians, having at one time repeated the sinner’s prayer but with little if any resulting change in their lifestyle. Theirs is a hollow confession and it is to such people that Jesus will speak the words of judgment (Mt 7:21-23). Without knowing Jesus Christ as Saviour (through repentance of sin and acceptance of His offer of salvation), each person is doomed to a lost eternity of pain and suffering. Do I know I am saved? (1 Jn 5:13).

* Believers are warned against continuing in the sins of the ‘pre-salvation’ lifestyle, referring to this definite action that should take place as “putting off” the old and “putting on” the new (Eph 4:22; 1 Thes 4:3-7; 1 Pet 2:1,11). While not affecting the eternal destination of true believers these warnings do relate to God’s work of sanctification within and their testimony on earth and eternal rewards. Believers are called to live in holiness. Having been set free from slavery to sin we are encouraged to stand firm in that freedom – not to indulge the sinful nature but to love Him as we should and ensure we don't drift away (Gal 5:1; Phil 2:12,13; Heb 2:1).

* Our reverent respect for God and His laws show us our duty and enables us to live uprightly before Him, warning us not to turn from His good way. Our responsibility is clear, so are the consequences for disobeying (Ps 19:7-11).

* As believers we must warn the lost “to flee from the wrath to come” for if they don’t repent of their sin and follow Jesus they will be doomed to a lost eternity (Mt 3:7; Gal 5:19-21; Rev 20:15, 21:27). In fact we will be held accountable if we neglect to share the gospel (Ezek 3:17-21, 33:1-6). Do I take this solemn responsibility seriously by being my ‘brother’s keeper’, doing for them as I would like them to do for me (Gen 4:9; Lk 6:31). While the final decision is with the individual, it is our responsibility to clearly present the facts so they can make an informed choice.

* We are warned against distorting the truths of Scripture and so the challenge is to correctly interpret, teach and follow through in genuine application of the whole Word of God not just the parts that fit 'our' theology (2 Tim 2:15, 3:16; Rev 22:18,19). Similar warnings had been given in the OT not to misrepresent the revealed Word (Deut 4:1,2; Prov 30:5,6).

* We are warned about false prophets and teachers who spread ‘another gospel’ to support their ungodly lifestyle or twisted beliefs (Mt 24:5,11,23,24,26; Eph 5:6; 2 Tim 4:3; Jas 3:1; 2 Pet 2:1-3, 3:3). The Bible says beware of such "wolves in sheep's clothing" who through deception they will devastate

The Bible is our standard

the church (Mt 7:15; Act 20:29-31). One aspect of the cheap gospel supports the mistaken belief God in love will overlook the sinful actions of those who claim to be His children yet continue to live contrary to His revealed will. It is our responsibility to discern and ensure what we allow to shape our lives is Biblically accurate (Act 17:11).

* While it is not clear when the rapture occurs, the Bible warns against taking the ‘Mark of the beast’. If we as believers are still here when this pressured requirement of giving definitive full allegiance to Satan becomes an issue as if taken it dooms people to a lost eternity (Rev 14:9-12, 20:4). Forfeit your earthly life if necessary to save your eternal life.