For it is impossible, in the case of those who have once been enlightened, who have tasted the heavenly gift, and have shared in the Holy Spirit, and have tasted the goodness of the word of God and the powers of the age to come, and then have fallen away, to restore them again to repentance, since they are crucifying once again the Son of God to their own harm and holding him up to contempt. Hebrews 6:4-6
I continue my study of Hebrews, assisted by the commentary Christ Centered Exposition: Exalting Jesus in Hebrews. This morning, I maintain my focus on Hebrews 6:1-8, as I lean on my commentary and explore what the commentary describes as the second division "The Danger of Irreversible Apostasy," which looks at Hebrews 6:4-8. Here, the commentary addresses what it refers to as "some of the most difficult verses in the entire New Testament." Apostasy is often debated within the church and many worry whether they can lose their salvation. The commentary explores several available scholarly interpretations for this text and ultimately describes apostates as those who left the faith, but "showed they were not truly part of the faith in the first place." It goes on to offer that this text "is a caution for individuals who have tasted the things of Christ but have not become genuine Christians." Scripture references offered by the commentary that support how true believers cannot lose their salvation include John 5:24; Romans 8:39; 11:29; 1 Corinthians 1:6-8; Philippians 1:6; 2 Thessalonians 3:3. Matthew 13:24-30 and the Parable of the Weeds is offered as a clear connection to this story and how the second and third soil best represent those who never had genuine faith and fall away. The commentary wraps for this text by sharing an encouragement: "[h]appily, Hebrews does not end with this warning. The author assures believers that he had to write the warning for the unbelievers in the church needing to hear it. Pastorally, he is not seeking to put insecurity in the hearts of Christians. Believers who are faithfully following Christ’s commands can be confident in their salvation. If we seek assurance of our faith, we will find it by doing the things faithful Christians do. We will grow out of the elementary things and into maturity."
Comment and discuss this post.
My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me, keeps me, and who helps me stay on track with my faith and gives me Your Word, my church, my brothers and sisters in Christ, the Holy Spirit...all to stay on track and not fall away. Thank You Jesus! I am not deserving of such blessings. My sin is great and it continues...daily. Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You. Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me. Help me grow in my faith. Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength. Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo. Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior. Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin. Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.
