Hello HeIsHere, I think that it is reasonable to believe that certain Jews (who perhaps had family members or friends who had already become Christians) would choose to attend church to see for themselves what all the fuss was about. I think that it is also reasonable to assume that many of these Jews, who were surely aware of the persecution that would follow IF they became Christians, took very seriously their accumulation of knowledge concerning Him and the Christian faith, but chose (in spite of what they'd learned) to reject Him anyway, and to return forthwith then to their former, cultural life, as the Jews that they always were.
I agree with all of the rest of what you said, but we do differ about the above.
God bless you!!
~Deuteronomy
The writer of Hebrews had believers in mind/view and I know people like to find ways around this but I think the text is clear.
You are making an assumption they were not saved based on your supposition of perseverance of the saints and to avoid dealing with the truth that believers can have a doctrinal defection but are still believers.
The entire book is about this reality, it is not about Jews who did not really believe.
First, the writer calls the audience “holy brethren” (
Heb 3:1).
Second, the writer describes himself and his readers (“we”) as ones who “have faith” (
Heb 10:39). This would be true only of believers.
Third, readers are referred to as “sons” who have a relationship with God the Father (
Heb 12:5,
7,
8).
And there is more throughout the text.
The recipient of the letters went through sufferings, reproaches, and tribulations for their faith (
Heb 10:32-33). They even “accepted joyfully the seizure of [their] property” (10:34 NASB).
It is highly unlikely that unbelievers would be willing to go through these things for a nonexistent faith.
Having received the knowledge of truth" is not a reference to a creedal believer that is once again a "reformed" modern day lens.
The temptation to draw back and cast away their confidence was heightened by the great fight of
afflictions and reproaches endured due to their trust in the offering of Jesus
Christ. Hence the admonishment to hold fast the profession of their faith.
These passages are in no way implying that a believer can lose their salvation if they sin willfully after having received eternal life. Again, this passage is pertaining to Hebrew believers being tempted to what? Draw back unto an inferior, insufficient, and unnecessary animal sacrifice.
The Lord is warning his children of severe divine chastisement, not the loss of salvation.
