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{Since the Heavenly Trade Is the Best Trade…
Exhortation to Those Who Began the Heavenly Trade But Have Backslidden}
This exhortation is a word to those who have begun this heavenly trade but have backslidden1266 from it. This is the case of some people, and it may be the case for more people than usual in this time of temptation and apostasy.1267 There are some who have begun in the Spirit, but are now ending in the flesh. They formerly made a fair show, seemed to be eminently spiritual, and, like a blazing comet, drew the attention of admirers, then fell down to earth. Some have left even the outward practice of Christianity; others have lost the power and life of godliness. Many have laid down their lamps, but more have exhausted their lamp oil and their lamps are almost out (Matthew 25:8).1268 Some have closed their stores completely, taken their leave of Christianity, and resolved to not return unless safety, reputation, and prosperity return with it. Others stay, keep their stores open, but have few goods, decay daily, and are near bankruptcy. Desolation is on their business, and they have lost their first love (Revelation 2:4),1269 decayed spiritually, and have quite lost faith, hope, love, zeal, delight in God, and liveliness for God; as has been demonstrated above in the chapter, Cause for Lamentation. The design of this chapter is only to offer some advice for recovery of decayed, bankrupt traders. As previously, I will keep to this metaphor in the text.
1266backslide: in this context, to fall away, especially to abandon gradually the faith and practice of a religion that has been previously professed.
1267Centuries later, here in America, this is becoming increasingly true. There is increasing pressure to accept and publicly condone wicked behavior and ideas, many of which are shameful even to discuss. “For it is shameful even to speak of the things that they do in secret” (Ephesians 5:12 ESV). This is deliberate persecution of Christians and the temptation to compromise must be firmly resisted.
1268“And the foolish said to the wise, ‘Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out’” (Matthew 25:8 ESV).
1269“Nevertheless I have this against you, that you have left your first love” (Revelation 2:4 NKJV).
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