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Hebrews 12:14 - Pursue peace with all men, and the sanctification without which no one will see the Lord. (NASB). "Pursue peace with all men" is not talking about striving to earn salvation by works and only those who are experiencing ongoing sanctification are saved and will see the Lord.
Notice that verse 15 says - See to it that no one falls short of the grace of God.. (NIV)
See to it that no one comes short of the grace of God.. (NASB)
See to it that no one fails to obtain the grace of God.. (ESV)
Notice that verse 15 says - See to it that no one falls short of the grace of God.. (NIV)
See to it that no one comes short of the grace of God.. (NASB)
See to it that no one fails to obtain the grace of God.. (ESV)
Is there an example in scripture where someone under the New Covenant and saved, got unsaved? I mean God testifies to us of his punishment elsewhere in the scriptures, why not on this one? I mean it's a doozy right.
In the OT God was very specific about what happens if you obey the law and then what happens if you don't. Under the New Covenant he's very specific about what it takes for salvation, and what happens if you reject salvation. But no solid examples of some poor soul losing salvation. Why is that?
In the OT God was very specific about what happens if you obey the law and then what happens if you don't. Under the New Covenant he's very specific about what it takes for salvation, and what happens if you reject salvation. But no solid examples of some poor soul losing salvation. Why is that?
Heb 6:4-8,
For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost and have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come, If they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put him to an open shame. For the earth which drinketh in the rain that cometh oft upon it, and bringeth forth herbs meet for them by whom it is dressed, receiveth blessing from God:But that which beareth thorns and briers is rejected, and is nigh unto cursing; whose end is to be burned.
For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost and have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come, If they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put him to an open shame. For the earth which drinketh in the rain that cometh oft upon it, and bringeth forth herbs meet for them by whom it is dressed, receiveth blessing from God:But that which beareth thorns and briers is rejected, and is nigh unto cursing; whose end is to be burned.
Hi All,
Some interesting things to consider. An "unbeliever" is one that does not believe God's Word, neither come to the Word. This is the condemnation, that the Word is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than the Word, because their deeds were evil. For every one that does evil hates the Word, neither comes to the Word, lest his deeds should be reproved. But he that does truth cometh to the Word, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God. Jesus says why do ye also transgress the commandment of God by your tradition? You hypocrites, well did Esaias prophesy of you, saying, This people draws nigh unto me with their mouth, and honors me with their lips; but their heart is far from me. In vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men. We are not following God if we are holding on to the teachings and traditions of man in place of the Word of God. If any man hear my words, and believe not, I judge him not: for I came not to judge the world, but to save the world. He that rejects me, and receiveth not my words, hath one that judges him: the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day. Let God be true and every man a liar.
Psa 119:105
Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.
Isa 8:20
To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them.
2Th 2:11-12,
And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie: That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness.
1Jo 2:3-4,
And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments. He that saith, I know him, and keeps not his commandments, isa liar, and the truth is not in him.
God bless you
Some interesting things to consider. An "unbeliever" is one that does not believe God's Word, neither come to the Word. This is the condemnation, that the Word is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than the Word, because their deeds were evil. For every one that does evil hates the Word, neither comes to the Word, lest his deeds should be reproved. But he that does truth cometh to the Word, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God. Jesus says why do ye also transgress the commandment of God by your tradition? You hypocrites, well did Esaias prophesy of you, saying, This people draws nigh unto me with their mouth, and honors me with their lips; but their heart is far from me. In vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men. We are not following God if we are holding on to the teachings and traditions of man in place of the Word of God. If any man hear my words, and believe not, I judge him not: for I came not to judge the world, but to save the world. He that rejects me, and receiveth not my words, hath one that judges him: the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day. Let God be true and every man a liar.
Psa 119:105
Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.
Isa 8:20
To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them.
2Th 2:11-12,
And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie: That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness.
1Jo 2:3-4,
And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments. He that saith, I know him, and keeps not his commandments, isa liar, and the truth is not in him.
God bless you
This is addressing the truth that no one can receive Jesus Christ again. You cannot become unsaved. You cannot crucify Him again to save yourself because you cannot become unsaved. That was why it started with not doing the things you did when you first got saved... to do it again as if you need to be saved again after falling away or backsliding into sin.
Jesus Christ can never leave you. That is why we are warned not to grieve the Holy Spirit in us that we have been "sealed" by unto that day of redemption.
Ephesians 4:[SUP]30 [/SUP]And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.
So read that truth of Ephesians 4:30 as you read the verses below in understanding that this is about deferring believers into thinking that they need to receive Jesus Christ "again" when He still abides in them no matter what, but one can sow to the works of the flesh and defile the temple of God for which God would destroy that defiled body with physical death, unless they repent.
Hebrews 6:1 Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God,[SUP] 2 [/SUP]Of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment.[SUP] 3 [/SUP]And this will we do, if God permit.[SUP] 4 [/SUP]For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost,[SUP] 5 [/SUP]And have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come,[SUP] 6 [/SUP]If they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put him to an open shame.[SUP]7 [/SUP]For the earth which drinketh in the rain that cometh oft upon it, and bringeth forth herbs meet for them by whom it is dressed, receiveth blessing from God:[SUP] 8 [/SUP]But that which beareth thorns and briers is rejected, and is nigh unto cursing; whose end is to be burned.[SUP]9 [/SUP]But, beloved, we are persuaded better things of you, and things that accompany salvation, though we thus speak.
So if you read 1 Corinthians 3:10-17, you will see how God will judge every believer by what they have sown on that foundation which is why the call is given out to believers to look to Jesus Christ, trusting Him as their Good Shepherd to help them discern iniquity and depart from them so as to be abiding in Him and being willing to go when the Bridegroom comes or risk being found in iniquity and be left behind at the pre trib rapture event to be resurrected after the great tribulation to be received as vessels unto dishonor in His House.
1 Corinthians 3:[SUP]10 [/SUP]According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise masterbuilder, I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon. But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon.[SUP] 11 [/SUP]For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.[SUP] 12 [/SUP]Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble;[SUP]13 [/SUP]Every man's work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is.[SUP]14 [/SUP]If any man's work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward.[SUP] 15 [/SUP]If any man's work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire.[SUP]16 [/SUP]Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?[SUP]17 [/SUP]If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are.
The wood, stubble, and hay defiles the temple of God; also known as thorns & briers of Hebrews 6:8 that needs to be burned up which are the works of the flesh which is why believers & even former believers are constantly called to lean on Him to depart from iniquity so as to be received as vessels unto honor in His House to attend the Marriage Supper.
2 Timothy 2:[SUP]18 [/SUP]Who concerning the truth have erred, saying that the resurrection is past already; and overthrow the faith of some.[SUP] 19 [/SUP]Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity.[SUP] 20 [/SUP]But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of earth; and some to honour, and some to dishonour.[SUP]21 [/SUP]If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the master's use, and prepared unto every good work.
1 John 3:[SUP]3 [/SUP]And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure.....[SUP]8 [/SUP]He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil.
Galatians 6:[SUP]7 [/SUP]Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.[SUP]8 [/SUP]For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.
Galatians 5:[SUP]19 [/SUP]Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness,[SUP]20 [/SUP]Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies,[SUP]21 [/SUP]Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.[SUP]22 [/SUP]But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,[SUP]23 [/SUP]Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.[SUP]24 [/SUP]And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.[SUP]25 [/SUP]If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.[SUP]26 [/SUP]Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another.
Philippians 1:[SUP]6 [/SUP]Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:[SUP] 7 [/SUP]Even as it is meet for me to think this of you all, because I have you in my heart; inasmuch as both in my bonds, and in the defence and confirmation of the gospel, ye all are partakers of my grace.[SUP] 8 [/SUP]For God is my record, how greatly I long after you all in the bowels of Jesus Christ.[SUP] 9 [/SUP]And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and in all judgment;[SUP]10 [/SUP]That ye may approve things that are excellent; that ye may be sincere and without offence till the day of Christ.[SUP]11 [/SUP]Being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ, unto the glory and praise of God.
2 Timothy 4:[SUP]18 [/SUP]And the Lord shall deliver me from every evil work, and will preserve me unto his heavenly kingdom: to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.
Jude 1:[SUP]24 [/SUP]Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy,[SUP]25 [/SUP]To the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen.
So Hebrews 6 is addressing ALL believers that they need not go through all that stuff.....listed here....1 Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God,[SUP] 2 [/SUP]Of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment.[SUP] 3 [/SUP]And this will we do, if God permit...... to "renew" themselves or save themselves again and to know that Jesus Christ is in them for ever, BUT that they need to rely on Him as their Good Shepherd ALL the time to discern & depart from iniquity to get rid of the briers & thorns so as to go on to "perfection" and be ready to go when the Bridegroom comes at the pre trib rapture event when God shall judge His House first.
Does any one waste their time telling the backslidden christian the Good News when he or she already knows it? No, of course not. It is because they already know & believe in Him that they are saved is why they should be going before that throne of grace for help to repent from iniquity or risk being excommunicated or being admonished by you by withdrawing from his or her company until they go to Jesus Christ for help to repent and keep them from their sin so they can resume fellowship.
Jesus Christ can never leave you. That is why we are warned not to grieve the Holy Spirit in us that we have been "sealed" by unto that day of redemption.
Ephesians 4:[SUP]30 [/SUP]And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.
So read that truth of Ephesians 4:30 as you read the verses below in understanding that this is about deferring believers into thinking that they need to receive Jesus Christ "again" when He still abides in them no matter what, but one can sow to the works of the flesh and defile the temple of God for which God would destroy that defiled body with physical death, unless they repent.
Hebrews 6:1 Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God,[SUP] 2 [/SUP]Of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment.[SUP] 3 [/SUP]And this will we do, if God permit.[SUP] 4 [/SUP]For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost,[SUP] 5 [/SUP]And have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come,[SUP] 6 [/SUP]If they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put him to an open shame.[SUP]7 [/SUP]For the earth which drinketh in the rain that cometh oft upon it, and bringeth forth herbs meet for them by whom it is dressed, receiveth blessing from God:[SUP] 8 [/SUP]But that which beareth thorns and briers is rejected, and is nigh unto cursing; whose end is to be burned.[SUP]9 [/SUP]But, beloved, we are persuaded better things of you, and things that accompany salvation, though we thus speak.
So if you read 1 Corinthians 3:10-17, you will see how God will judge every believer by what they have sown on that foundation which is why the call is given out to believers to look to Jesus Christ, trusting Him as their Good Shepherd to help them discern iniquity and depart from them so as to be abiding in Him and being willing to go when the Bridegroom comes or risk being found in iniquity and be left behind at the pre trib rapture event to be resurrected after the great tribulation to be received as vessels unto dishonor in His House.
1 Corinthians 3:[SUP]10 [/SUP]According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise masterbuilder, I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon. But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon.[SUP] 11 [/SUP]For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.[SUP] 12 [/SUP]Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble;[SUP]13 [/SUP]Every man's work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is.[SUP]14 [/SUP]If any man's work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward.[SUP] 15 [/SUP]If any man's work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire.[SUP]16 [/SUP]Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?[SUP]17 [/SUP]If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are.
The wood, stubble, and hay defiles the temple of God; also known as thorns & briers of Hebrews 6:8 that needs to be burned up which are the works of the flesh which is why believers & even former believers are constantly called to lean on Him to depart from iniquity so as to be received as vessels unto honor in His House to attend the Marriage Supper.
2 Timothy 2:[SUP]18 [/SUP]Who concerning the truth have erred, saying that the resurrection is past already; and overthrow the faith of some.[SUP] 19 [/SUP]Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity.[SUP] 20 [/SUP]But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of earth; and some to honour, and some to dishonour.[SUP]21 [/SUP]If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the master's use, and prepared unto every good work.
1 John 3:[SUP]3 [/SUP]And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure.....[SUP]8 [/SUP]He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil.
Galatians 6:[SUP]7 [/SUP]Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.[SUP]8 [/SUP]For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.
Galatians 5:[SUP]19 [/SUP]Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness,[SUP]20 [/SUP]Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies,[SUP]21 [/SUP]Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.[SUP]22 [/SUP]But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,[SUP]23 [/SUP]Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.[SUP]24 [/SUP]And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.[SUP]25 [/SUP]If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.[SUP]26 [/SUP]Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another.
Philippians 1:[SUP]6 [/SUP]Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:[SUP] 7 [/SUP]Even as it is meet for me to think this of you all, because I have you in my heart; inasmuch as both in my bonds, and in the defence and confirmation of the gospel, ye all are partakers of my grace.[SUP] 8 [/SUP]For God is my record, how greatly I long after you all in the bowels of Jesus Christ.[SUP] 9 [/SUP]And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and in all judgment;[SUP]10 [/SUP]That ye may approve things that are excellent; that ye may be sincere and without offence till the day of Christ.[SUP]11 [/SUP]Being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ, unto the glory and praise of God.
2 Timothy 4:[SUP]18 [/SUP]And the Lord shall deliver me from every evil work, and will preserve me unto his heavenly kingdom: to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.
Jude 1:[SUP]24 [/SUP]Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy,[SUP]25 [/SUP]To the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen.
So Hebrews 6 is addressing ALL believers that they need not go through all that stuff.....listed here....1 Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God,[SUP] 2 [/SUP]Of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment.[SUP] 3 [/SUP]And this will we do, if God permit...... to "renew" themselves or save themselves again and to know that Jesus Christ is in them for ever, BUT that they need to rely on Him as their Good Shepherd ALL the time to discern & depart from iniquity to get rid of the briers & thorns so as to go on to "perfection" and be ready to go when the Bridegroom comes at the pre trib rapture event when God shall judge His House first.
Does any one waste their time telling the backslidden christian the Good News when he or she already knows it? No, of course not. It is because they already know & believe in Him that they are saved is why they should be going before that throne of grace for help to repent from iniquity or risk being excommunicated or being admonished by you by withdrawing from his or her company until they go to Jesus Christ for help to repent and keep them from their sin so they can resume fellowship.
Does any one waste their time telling the backslidden christian the Good News when he or she already knows it? No, of course not. It is because they already know & believe in Him that they are saved is why they should be going before that throne of grace for help to repent from iniquity or risk being excommunicated or being admonished by you by withdrawing from his or her company until they go to Jesus Christ for help to repent and to keep them from their sin so they can resume fellowship.
This is describing the experience of men in revival. They 'experience' the presence of God, but turn away. They were always 'land fit to be burned'. They did not receive the rain and produce fruit.
Like the disciples who went longer with Jesus (John6). Their hearts were not engaged.
Jesus said of those given to Him by the Father, 'I will lose nothing'.
Like the disciples who went longer with Jesus (John6). Their hearts were not engaged.
Jesus said of those given to Him by the Father, 'I will lose nothing'.
I did not ask you to defend your doctrine I asked you to define the truth found in this passage of Scripture.....
The passage stands in context, the truth Paul is conveying in Romans 6.22 is found in Romans 6.20-23, now define what it means....not how it fits your doctrine...
[SUP]20 [/SUP]For when you were slaves of sin, you were free in regard to righteousness. [SUP]21 [/SUP]Therefore what benefit were you then deriving from the things of which you are now ashamed? For the outcome of those things is death. [SUP]22 [/SUP]But now having been freed from sin and enslaved to God, you derive your benefit, resulting in sanctification, and the outcome, eternal life. [SUP]23 [/SUP]For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
The passage stands in context, the truth Paul is conveying in Romans 6.22 is found in Romans 6.20-23, now define what it means....not how it fits your doctrine...
[SUP]20 [/SUP]For when you were slaves of sin, you were free in regard to righteousness. [SUP]21 [/SUP]Therefore what benefit were you then deriving from the things of which you are now ashamed? For the outcome of those things is death. [SUP]22 [/SUP]But now having been freed from sin and enslaved to God, you derive your benefit, resulting in sanctification, and the outcome, eternal life. [SUP]23 [/SUP]For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
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Yes and in regards to enlightened, this light either leads to complete acceptance of Christ or produces condemnation in those who reject such light.
They had tasted of the heavenly gift and the good word of God in such a way as to give them a distinct impression of its character and quality, yet they still fell away. Inherent in the idea of tasting is the fact that one might or might not decide to accept the thing that is tasted. For example, the same Greek word (geuomai) is used in Matthew 27:34 to say that those crucifying Jesus "offered him wine to drink, mingled with gall; but when he tasted it, he would not drink it." Do we taste into one Spirit or drink into one Spirit? (1 Corinthians 12:13).
Partakers describes one who shares with someone else as an associate in an enterprise or undertaking. It's plausible to envision an individual becoming a partaker of the Holy Spirit (His pre-salvation ministry - convicting of sin, righteousness and judgment to come) by responding for a time to His drawing power intended to lead sinners to Christ. All believers shared in the convicting ministry of the Holy Spirit Who drew them to salvation, yet the writer of Hebrews does not state that these individuals were "indwelt by the Holy Spirit" or "sealed by the Holy Spirit" (guarantee) of future inheritance.
In regards to restoring them again unto repentance, the wording alone does not specify whether the previous repentance was merely outward or whether it was genuine repentance, that was accompanied by saving faith. It's generally stated by those who believe salvation can be lost also believe that you can get it back again. If the writer of Hebrews was truly teaching that a really "saved," person really "lost their salvation" then why didn't he simply say, "For it is impossible for those who were once "born again or saved," if they fall away, to renew them again "unto salvation?" Why is it that we never find the words "lost or lose your salvation" in the Bible? *That would certainly settle the issue for me.
In Hebrews 6:7-8, we read - For the earth which drinks in the rain that often comes upon it, and bears herbs useful for those by whom it is cultivated, receives blessing from God; but if it bears thorns and briars, it is rejected and near to being cursed, whose end is to be burned. In this agricultural metaphor, those who receive final judgment are compared to land that bears no vegetation or useful fruit, but rather bears thorns and thistles.
When we recall other metaphors in Scripture where good fruit is a sign of spiritual life and fruitfulness is a sign of false believers (for example - Matthew 3:8-10; 7:15-20; 12:33-35), we already have an indication that the author is speaking of people whose most trustworthy evidence of their spiritual condition (the fruit they bear) is negative, suggesting that the author is talking about people who are not genuine Christians.
*Verse 9 sums it up for me. The writer is speaking to those truly saved (calls them BELOVED). He says that even though he speaks like this concerning THOSE types of people, He is convinced of better things concerning YOU. Things that ACCOMPANY SALVATION. Thorns and briars and falling away do not accompany salvation.
They had tasted of the heavenly gift and the good word of God in such a way as to give them a distinct impression of its character and quality, yet they still fell away. Inherent in the idea of tasting is the fact that one might or might not decide to accept the thing that is tasted. For example, the same Greek word (geuomai) is used in Matthew 27:34 to say that those crucifying Jesus "offered him wine to drink, mingled with gall; but when he tasted it, he would not drink it." Do we taste into one Spirit or drink into one Spirit? (1 Corinthians 12:13).
Partakers describes one who shares with someone else as an associate in an enterprise or undertaking. It's plausible to envision an individual becoming a partaker of the Holy Spirit (His pre-salvation ministry - convicting of sin, righteousness and judgment to come) by responding for a time to His drawing power intended to lead sinners to Christ. All believers shared in the convicting ministry of the Holy Spirit Who drew them to salvation, yet the writer of Hebrews does not state that these individuals were "indwelt by the Holy Spirit" or "sealed by the Holy Spirit" (guarantee) of future inheritance.
In regards to restoring them again unto repentance, the wording alone does not specify whether the previous repentance was merely outward or whether it was genuine repentance, that was accompanied by saving faith. It's generally stated by those who believe salvation can be lost also believe that you can get it back again. If the writer of Hebrews was truly teaching that a really "saved," person really "lost their salvation" then why didn't he simply say, "For it is impossible for those who were once "born again or saved," if they fall away, to renew them again "unto salvation?" Why is it that we never find the words "lost or lose your salvation" in the Bible? *That would certainly settle the issue for me.
In Hebrews 6:7-8, we read - For the earth which drinks in the rain that often comes upon it, and bears herbs useful for those by whom it is cultivated, receives blessing from God; but if it bears thorns and briars, it is rejected and near to being cursed, whose end is to be burned. In this agricultural metaphor, those who receive final judgment are compared to land that bears no vegetation or useful fruit, but rather bears thorns and thistles.
When we recall other metaphors in Scripture where good fruit is a sign of spiritual life and fruitfulness is a sign of false believers (for example - Matthew 3:8-10; 7:15-20; 12:33-35), we already have an indication that the author is speaking of people whose most trustworthy evidence of their spiritual condition (the fruit they bear) is negative, suggesting that the author is talking about people who are not genuine Christians.
*Verse 9 sums it up for me. The writer is speaking to those truly saved (calls them BELOVED). He says that even though he speaks like this concerning THOSE types of people, He is convinced of better things concerning YOU. Things that ACCOMPANY SALVATION. Thorns and briars and falling away do not accompany salvation.
Heb 6:4-8,
For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost and have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come, If they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put him to an open shame. For the earth which drinketh in the rain that cometh oft upon it, and bringeth forth herbs meet for them by whom it is dressed, receiveth blessing from God: But that which beareth thorns and briers is rejected, and is nigh unto cursing; whose end is to be burned.
Key points:
* These people were "Believers" that tasted of the heavenly gift. v4
* They were "Believers" and received the Holy Ghost. v4 (God only gives the Holy Spirit to his Believers Acts 5:32)
* They were "Believers" and tasted the good Word of God. v5
* They had fallen away from God to become "Unbelievers" to follow a life of sin because they needed to repent again v6
* Through their sins they put Jesus to open shame because they knew God's Word and now reject it v5-6
* If they continue in their course of action and do not repent they will be lost and burned v8
The above scriptures are the Word of God. We should believe the Word of God if we do not it makes us an "Unbeliever" and in the same group as those described above if we are knowingly sinning against God.
God bless you
For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost and have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come, If they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put him to an open shame. For the earth which drinketh in the rain that cometh oft upon it, and bringeth forth herbs meet for them by whom it is dressed, receiveth blessing from God: But that which beareth thorns and briers is rejected, and is nigh unto cursing; whose end is to be burned.
Key points:
* These people were "Believers" that tasted of the heavenly gift. v4
* They were "Believers" and received the Holy Ghost. v4 (God only gives the Holy Spirit to his Believers Acts 5:32)
* They were "Believers" and tasted the good Word of God. v5
* They had fallen away from God to become "Unbelievers" to follow a life of sin because they needed to repent again v6
* Through their sins they put Jesus to open shame because they knew God's Word and now reject it v5-6
* If they continue in their course of action and do not repent they will be lost and burned v8
The above scriptures are the Word of God. We should believe the Word of God if we do not it makes us an "Unbeliever" and in the same group as those described above if we are knowingly sinning against God.
God bless you