Burning Bridges

Burning One’s Bridges It is based on military strategy in which you burn bridges that you have crossed over to prevent the enemy from coming after you. The Roman army burned bridges behind them so they couldn’t retreat. They were challenged to conquer or be killed by the enemy. “To eliminate the possibility of return or retreat.” (The Free Dictionary) As Christians, we’re going to have to burn some bridges in our lives to be right with God.

Bridges You Must Burn The apostle Paul had to “burn bridges” to his past (Philippians 3:13-14) so that he would not retreat back to his former life. He had to “burn bridges” to his former religion of Judaism, his friends, his family, his spiritual mentors like Gamaliel, his pride in his heritage, and especially his sins of persecuting the church of Christ. (Philippians 3:1ff; Galatians 1:10, 13ff; Acts 22:3ff)

Bridges You Must Burn Thankfully, because of God’s mercy we can have the forgiveness of sins through Jesus Christ and have the opportunity to burn our bridges to the past so that we can build a bridge to the future and eternal life (Ephesians 2:1ff). We must “burn our bridges” to the false doctrines of man (Col. 2:8; Matt. 15:9; 1 Cor. 14:33). We must “burn our bridges” to our spiritual mentors in the past who teach error (2 John 1:9-11; 1 Timothy 6:3-5; Romans 16:17-18). Creeds of men, Church of choice, original sin, pope, rosary, hail mary’, confession to priest, Calvinism, faith only, baptism not essential, MDR

Bridges You Must Burn We must “burn our bridges” with old friends who would entice us back into sinful habits with memories of good times in the past. (1 Corinthians 15:33; 1 Peter 4:1-5) If we are married, we must “burn our bridges” with past boyfriends or girlfriends because of our vows before God and to our spouse. (Matthew 19:6; Hebrews 13:4) We may even have to “burn our bridges” with our family who demand that we love them more than our Lord (Mt. 10:34ff; Luke 14:26). Friends- profanity, partying, drugs, drinking, dancing, lusting, rioting. Family- must put Christ first or we’re not worthy of Him.

Bridges You Must Burn Jesus said, "No one, after putting his hand to the plow and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God" (Luke 9:62). We cannot retreat and surrender to our past sinful doctrines, associations, & lifestyle and still be pleasing to God (Ephesians 5:11). If we are entangled by the world and overcome again, we are in a worse condition spiritually. (2 Peter 2:20-22)

Conclusion Thankfully God doesn’t “burn any bridges” because of His longsuffering and mercy desiring that we repent so that we will not die in our sins (2 Peter 3:9; 1 Tim. 1:12ff). Because of our stubborn and rebellious heart we choose to “burn our bridges” to God and the consequences are we will burn in eternal torment (Romans 2:5ff; Revelation 21:8). Have you burned your bridges to past sins or sinful relationships? If not, consider your spiritual condition. Obey the gospel or be restored! (Acts 2:38; 22:16; 8:20-22)