Hi there, Timmy! Help me out here, please! We have had questions in Sunday School about a passage in Hebrews 6. Now you know me well enough to know that I am a FIRM believer in eternal salvation, but I just wonder what you think about my take on this scripture and what your take is, please. Here is the scripture. By the way, I LOVE your KJV online! So nice to be able to cut and paste!!! Incidentally, Timmy, this particular scripture was VERY troubling to me in college and seminary, and I had a seminary prof who used this scripture to try to prove that one could be saved and lost again and never be saved again.
What say you? Am I hitting the nail on the head here? Is there anything else I can share with the lady who asked this question: by the way, in our Bible studies on Tuesdays, David does a GREAT job of teaching (We’re in Ephesians, and were looking at Ephesians 2: 8-10 yesterday), but he allows for some good discussion, too, and we have some really sharp Christians in the group!
{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, {6:2} Of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment. {6:3} And this will we do, if God permit. {6:4} 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, {6:5} And have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come, {6:6} 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.
David did an excellent job of sharing LOTS of eternal security scriptures in the Tuesday morning Bible study yesterday, but asked to study a bit this week before really responding to this particular passage:
I noted that we need to remember about whom and TO whom this scripture is written: the HEBREWS, Jews (although I also noted that many others find themselves in the same position). I said that they had indeed had the Messiah right in front of their faces and knew exactly what it would take to receive eternal life. They come SO close to salvation and even think they want it, but then back away, to the point that even though they may have a form or repentance (being sorry that they have sinned, but not enough to change directions, which is what true repentance is!). They were close enough to salvation to “taste” it, but refused to really “eat” (i.e., accept it).
What say you, Brother?
Thanks for helping us out here!
Love always,
David and Dwan
The big question here is “if they should fall away”, acting if they had never been saved Dwan. If you will note in verse 4, Paul said: “It Is Impossible”. In other words, he’s saying “it is impossible, but if it were possible for them to fall away”… Hebrews 6:4 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, 6:5 And have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come, 6:6 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. Paul was giving an example of what if, so to speak. He’s defiantly not saying it’s possible to fall away.
Your dear husband was doing well when he taught on the scripture covering eternal security. When we read the scriptures, we need to understand that the Bible is always specific about whatever subject it covers, and we need to take full context of that particular subject. As you well know this is rightly dividing the word of truth. 2nd Timothy 2:14 Of these things put them in remembrance, charging them before the Lord that they strive not about words to no profit, but to the subverting of the hearers. 2:15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. 2:16 But shun profane and vain babblings: for they will increase unto more ungodliness.