Can I Be Lost? Hebrews 10:38

Introduction:
A. Can a Christian be lost?
1. Can a Christian do anything in this life for which they will face condemnation in Hell for all eternity?
B. Depending on whom you might ask, the answer to, “Can I Be Lost?” will change dramatically.
1. You may hear “Yes”; you may hear “No”; you may hear everything in between.
C. This is one of those questions that is far too important to be left unanswered.
1. It is also far too important to be left to guessing or “I think so…” reasoning.
D. Let’s consider the same evidence that Paul shared in answer to this same question.
1. Paul introduces the fact that disqualification is possible in 1 Corinthians 9:24-27
2. From that context he continues to build his case by using the example of the Israelites and the Land (1 Corinthians 10:1-12)

I. The Israelites Were Accepted: (1 Corinthians 10:1-4)
A. We need to know that Israel was acceptable to God and they were in a relationship designed by God for them.
1. He was their God; they were His people:
a. When He sent Moses to free them (Exodus 3:7)
b. When He sent plagues on Egypt (Exodus 10:3)
c. When they came out of Egypt (Exodus 20:1-2)
2. God brought them into a relationship with Him through Moses.
a. As they passed through the sea with water on both sides and the cloud over them Paul says that they were baptized into Moses.
i. They were put into a relationship with God through Moses
ii. They we given an identity and a law (Exodus 20:1-17).
B. The Israelites were provided with equal opportunity to faithfully serve God.
1. God had a common care for all of them:
a. They ate the same spiritual food—manna (Exodus 16)
b. They drank the same spiritual drink—water supplied by God in the wilderness (Exodus 17:1-7)
i. God made no distinction was made between the faithful and the unfaithful as they wandered.

II. Many, However, Did Not Enter The Promised Land: (1 Corinthians 10:5-10).
A. The promise land was theirs to have, if they would do God’s will (Deuteronomy 6:1-3).
1. He would be their God and they would be acceptable to Him as long as they continued to do His will (Psalm 95:1-7)
2. But they did not continue to do God’s will (Psalm 95: 8-11).
a. They turned their hearts aside to desire evil; They broke God’s commands:
i. They went after idols
ii. They committed sexual immorality
iii. They murmured and complained.
B. Because of their actions many were not allowed to enter the land.
1. Ones from among those who were made acceptable to God were disqualified, became lost, and were not acceptable to God.

III. These Are To Be Lessons For Us Today (1 Corinthians 10:6, 11-12)
A. Did you notice some similarities as we traveled with the Israelites?
1. They were brought out of the bondage of Egypt; we have been brought out of the world and the bondage of sin (Romans 6:16-18)
2. They were baptized into Moses; we were baptized into Christ (Romans 6:3-4)
3. They were given God’s will to follow; we are also given His will for our lives (Hebrews 1:1-2; 2 Peter 1:3).
4. They were wandering, waiting for the time when they would enter the land of promise; we are also waiting for a time when we will enter or promised place (John 14:1-6)
5. They were expected to continue doing God’s will in order to enter; so are we (1 Corinthians 9:24-27).
6. Many did not enter the Land; that could happen to you and me
a. We must maintain our faithful service always (Hebrews 10:35-39; 1 Peter 1:6-9).
Conclusion:
A. If you are a Christian, have you entered a relationship that can lead you to eternal salvation—everlasting life in the glories of Heaven (Matthew 25:34)?
1. You responsibility in the matter is clear: You are expected to serve faithfully all the days of your life (Revelation 2:10).
B. You can be lost if you turn back to sin (Hebrews 10:38).
C. God has promised and provided, we need to pursue.
1. We need individual effort—and help—to reach our goal.
2. I will help you and you will help me.
D. If you are not a Christian, you need to be.
1. Yes, it is true, some who become Christians will not stay faithful and will not make it to Heaven.
2. However, only those who do become Christians will have an opportunity to be accepted (Matthew 7:21)
a. Will you join us, and help us today?