Proverbs 14:14 The backslider in heart shall be filled with his own ways: and a good man shall be satisfied from himself.
Twenty-one examples of beings fallen from grace (continues): [17] Judas was once saved because: (1) He was a familiar friend of Christ (Ps. 41:9). Would Christ call any unsaved man or the devil (as some suppose Judas to be) “mine own familiar friend”? (2) Christ trusted Judas at one time, or He would not have said “in whom I trusted” (Ps. 41:9) [Hebrew: batach] means to confide in, as to be secure without fear. Used in this sense 107 times. Would He have confided in such a man if he had always been untrustworthy? (3) Judas ate Christ’s bread (Ps. 41:9). This always assures Eastern people of very personal and intimate friendship. (4) He had his name written in the Book of Life with the righteous (cp. Acts 1:20 with Ps. 69:25-28). (5) He was a bishop of the congregation Christ is building (Acts 1:20 with Ps. 109:8). (6) He had part of the apostolic ministry (Acts 1:17, 25). (7) Christ gave him power against unclean spirits to cast them out and to heal all manner of sickness and disease. This was true of the twelve, Judas included (Matt. 10:1-4). (8) He was sent forth as one of the twelve to represent Christ among Israel (Matt. 10:5-6). (9) He was called to teach the gospel (Matt. 10:7). (10) He was commanded to heal the sick, cleanse lepers, raise the dead, and cast out devils (Matt. 10:8; Mark 3:14-15; 6:7; Luke 9:1-2).
To be continued…
Living the Word 