Some like to walk on the edge and make it appear fun and exciting rather than extremely hazardous. Likewise, many Christians attempt to walk on the edge of God’s Word and try to make their walk look appealing to those doing their best to walk on the safety of God’s firm foundation. (as if staying on the solid foundation means missing out on some of life’s enjoyment).

Why do those who walk the Edge of God’s Word want to bring others there, too? And why do so many accept their invitation and walk the edge behind them?

One simplified answer is a lack of understanding!

Scriptural understanding is needed for building strong faith. We can’t trust God and then distrust or discount God’s Word or the warnings of eternal peril associated with “edge walking”.

As written to the Church in Laodicea, we can’t be lukewarm and expect anything less than to be spewed out. (Revelation 3:15-20)

Some discount their actions with the phrase “God loves us,” as if that fact (and it is a fact) means God does not mean what he says in Scripture.

Their statement implies that because God loves us, He will not really allow anyone to spend forever in hell; however, is that what we find in Scripture? No.

Instead of “edge walking”, let’s strive to walk together with our brothers or sisters in Christ. First, let’s follow the pathway of strength and righteousness found in knowing and practicing God’s Word, and hold securely to Jesus’ extended hand so we may be secure in our footing. Then, being strong in our faith lets us extend our hand in Christian love for others to hold.

Instead of being influenced, let’s influence and encourage others who might be walking the edge to walk on the safety of the firm foundation of God’s Word.

For those in Christ, walking the path God lays out hand in hand with our Savior, there is no doubt of our salvation (Hebrews 3:14); yet when we walk on the edge, we find ourselves one misstep, one loose footing, one heavy wind from falling into the abyss of temptation, then living in willful sin that can take us towards eternal death if we do not repent.

“For if we go on sinning deliberately after receiving the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, but a fearful expectation of judgment, and a fury of fire that will consume the adversaries. Anyone who has set aside the law of Moses dies without mercy on the evidence of two or three witnesses. How much worse punishment, do you think, will be deserved by the one who has trampled underfoot the Son of God, and has profaned the blood of the covenant by which He was sanctified, and has outraged the Spirit of grace? For we know Him who said, “Vengeance is mine; I will repay.” And again, “The Lord will judge his people.” It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.” Hebrews 10:26-31

  • Matthew 7:13–14, 21–27; Matthew 18:6; Matthew 25:46; Revelation 3:15–20; Hebrews 3:12–14; 2 Peter 2:20–22; Colossians 2:2–8; Ezekiel 18:21–26; Acts 8:22; Acts 11:23; Acts 14:22; 1 Thessalonians 5:11; Jeremiah 50:6; Hosea 4:6; Proverbs 14:12; 1 Corinthians 10:12; James 1:22; Hebrews 2:1; Jude 22–23; 1 John 1:7–9; 1 John 5:13; Galatians 6:1; 2 Corinthians 13:5;Hebrews 6:4–8

God First!