Key Text: Genesis 19:17 KJV - And it came to pass when they had brought them forth abroad, that he said, Escape for thy life; look not behind thee, neither stay in the plain; escape to the mountain, lest thou be consumed.

As it was with the salvation of Lot and his household, the Lord expects every saved person to escape for their life to the mountain without looking back or staying in the plain. Although they were saved from the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah, God warned them of the danger of being consumed if they looked back or remained in the plain. Failing to heed the warning of the Lord, Lot's wife looked back and was consumed: she turned into a pillar of salt.

There is no scriptural basis for the doctrine of eternal security - once saved, always saved. Jesus said, no man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God - Luke 9:62. Looking back to the world or the sinful things you left behind usually leads to backsliding, which should be avoided. Another stern warning given by the Lord is: never remain in the plain - your spiritual growth is important. Move Forward.

The goal of every believer is to reach the mountain top of safety and security in heaven. Our mountain climbing exercise continues as long as we are on this side of eternity. Once you get born again, you must strive to grow in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. You must violently fight against anything that will hinder your spiritual growth. It takes strength and skill to climb a mountain and these can only be obtained through close fellowship with God.

Prayer: O Lord, give me strength to continue this escape journey until I reach my heavenly home, in Jesus name. Amen.

Reflection: Ye serpents, ye generation of vipers, how can ye escape the damnation of hell? - Matthew 23:33.