To play out like a courtroom scene, immediately before a sermon that affirms you CAN be sure of your salvation.
This is one of four dramas for a "Putting Bad Theology on Trial" Sermon Series:
- You can’t be sure of your salvation
- God promises to guide and prosper us in all our daily living
- Reverence must mean silence
- God will never allow more trials than we can handle.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Judge: OK, our first case for the morning is a parents’ complaint against their child.
It looks like they are seeking to expel their child from the family home because last week they did not put their dirty socks in the washing basket before the washing machine was started.
Would the accuser please take to the stand and deliver their argument.
Accuser: You would not believe what this child has tried to get away with. There’s one simple rule: All washing must be put in the basket before washing day. And on this day, washing time came around and the mother could see the socks on the bedroom floor, but even after delaying for a minute of two, the socks were never put in the washing. The mother had to proceed to do the washing without the dirty articles of clothing being cleaned.
And the child knows full well that their washing MUST be in the washing basket at the time of the cleaning, or else they will be expelled from the house. Not exceptions. Clothing must be cleaned because if it isn’t – the house would end up with rats and cockroaches infesting it, due to filth left lying around. SO… it is plain to me that this child must be expelled from their house without delay.
Judge: Thank you. Would the defendant please take to the stand and deliver their argument.
Child: Your honour, I usually put my socks in the wash, and it is always my intention to. On this occasion, of which I really can’t remember, I must have simply forgotten to put my dirty laundry out for cleaning. I am sorry and will try my best not to forget again. I would like stress that I usually do follow this rule, and would very much like to stay living in my family’s home. I am truly sorry. Thank you.
Judge: So, you admit you didn’t have all your washing out in time for the cleansing of the clothing?
Child: I usually do, I just forgot this time as I was probably in a hurry or distracted.
Judge: Well, the rules are rules, and penalty for not adhering to the washing procedure is no longer be allowed to live in the family home. You must understand a house must be kept clean. However, I tell you what… I’ll wash them for you – you’re free to go.
[Child leaves – a little confused over what just happened]
Judge: OK, our next case is testing the accusation that one can never be sure of their salvation. Would the accuser please take to the stand and deliver their argument.
Accuser: It’s about time we settle this once and for all, and squash ANY thought that any of you jury can actually be sure of your ‘Salvation’. In Matthew 6:15 it clearly says: “But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.” Let me quote that again: “But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.”
This one text is all we need to prove, there is no way to know for sure if you will be saved when your death comes upon you.
I mean it’s quite possible that you may suddenly die in a car accident and at that moment you will NOT have yet forgiven EVERYONE who has wronged you.
For mere minutes earlier you could well have had an incident and not forgiven those involved yet – or maybe you’ve forgotten to forgive someone from long ago! In these simple examples, according to this single text – God will not save you. Salvation gone!
Anyone who thinks they are sure they are saved are fooling themselves and don’t know how fussy and strict the God they profess to follow is. I could go on but let’s note waste our time and just agree now so we can all go to lunch: God is watching, ALWAYS, and you’ll never know what he’s seen you do – be afraid!
Judge: Thank you. Would the defendant please take to the stand and deliver their argument.
Preacher: Thank you your honour. I would like to put it to the jury that you CAN be sure of your salvation
Judge: [interrupts early on] Is this going to take long? I have to go move my car, you can never be sure when the parking inspectors going to do his rounds.
[Leaves]
Performance: Castle Hill Seventh-day Adventist Church Oct 7, 2023