IF

That little word “if” is a conjunction which introduces a conditional clause. Let’s consider an important “if” in the New Testament.

Colossians 1:21-23 (NKJV)

And you, who once were alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now He has reconciled in the body of His flesh through death, to present you holy, and blameless, and above reproach in His sight— IF indeed you continue in the faith, grounded and steadfast, and are not moved away from the hope of the gospel which you heard, which was preached to every creature under heaven, of which I, Paul, became a minister.

You can be presented before God as holy, blameless, and above reproach through the sacrificial death of Jesus Christ **IF**

1. You continue in the faith

2. Remain grounded and steadfast

3. And you are not moved away from the hope of the gospel that was preached to you.

It’s important to note that Paul was speaking to born again Christians! Many will teach that a born again Christian can never be lost. Paul, an Apostle of Jesus Christ, certainly didn’t teach that.

Paul tells us to continue in the faith. This indicates that we can refuse to continue. He tells us to remain grounded and steadfast. This indicates that we can uproot ourselves and give up. He tells us not to “move away” from the hope of the gospel that he preached. No further clarification is necessary for that statement.

This is a loving reminder to compare what you might hear at church to the entire context of scripture. Keep looking for the “ifs” and IF you take them seriously, you might discover the truth!

Eric Bullock, Evangelist