There is nothing in those three verses that describe a saved person losing their salvation. First of all, an enlightened person does not mean that that person is saved. John 1:9 tells us that every person coming into this world is enlightened to the truth. But everyone does not have the same response to the enlightenment. Some receive Christ, and some don't. Hebrews 6:4-6 is talking about those who were participating with believers, they were being enlightened to the truth, but they walked away from it. It doesn't say anything about them ever surrendering their lives to Christ.
We have people in our churches today, who look, and act, and talk, and believe just like a normal believer. They learn the language and learn the doctrines, and learn the lingo and say "praise the Lord," and they can learn how to put Jesus bumper stickers on their car correctly, and then one day they just disappear.
Did they lose their salvation? No, they were never saved at all and that is why they left. 1 John 2:19 says, "They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would no doubt have continued with us: but they went out, that they might be made manifest that they were not all of us."
John says the reason why they left us is because they really were not one of us, because if they were one of us they would have remained with us. This would fit in with Hebrews 6:4-6. Also, if we understand the Parable of the Sower, it helps us to see who the the writer of Hebrews is talking about. They are not saved individuals who lost their salvation. They were there being enlightened to the truth just like everyone else. It's how they responded to that enlightenment. They either received Christ and were saved, or they walked away from that enlightenment, never being saved. And Hebrews 6:4-6 says the fell away. That was their response to the enlightenment. They never got saved.
The verses do not mean you can lose Salvation. The doctrines teaching that Christians lose Salvation is Lordship Salvation from Calvinism and very contrary to true Christianity. The meaning of Hebrews 6:4-6: There were Christians that were known in this time who had heard the true word of Salvation and it's thought some even made a false profession to accepting Christ as their Savior. Deep down, although they follow Christians and went through the motions...they were not saved and their works (fruits of their Salvation) were shown as reprobate. Thus, this is why they were marked as fallen away. This is no different than Judas Iscariot who'd followed Jesus, walked with the other disciples, professed Christ but deep down had never accepted Him.
The great Bible teacher, Dr. Ray Stanford (1916-2012) said, "The moment you are saved, you become a member of the body of Christ. If you could ever become unsaved, part of Christ's own body would go to hell"
Think about that.
Also consider this, the Gift of Salvation is given of God to man through Christ Jesus. We didn't die for sin and set anyone free. Anything man builds or gives can be taken away. But, not the things of God. God will never and has never "removed" His free gift of Salvation when it's genuine. That's a Calvinistic lie.
The assertation that one can lose Salvation is the belief that one was saved by works and not by Grace.
If I cannot do good works to get saved, then how can I do bad works to lose salvation? Neither would have been saved in the first place and they would be those in Hebrews 6:4-6.
John 5:24 states: "Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life."
Jesus said in John 10:28, "And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand."
I would encourage anyone reading the Bible to do a study on perfection in a believer. We have all sinned and come short of the glory of God, but after we have been cleansed from sin (not just covered) we are to go on to perfection. Hebrews 6:1. Luke 6:40 states "The disciple is not above his master: but every one that is perfect shall be as his master". We are called to be like Christ.
Matt. 7:23. Jesus says "I never knew you," not "I once knew you before you fell away."
Hebrews 6:4-9. Tasting and not drinking in this passage is described as demonstrating that those professing Christians do not possess those things that accompany genuine salvation.
James 2. If we assume this passage speaks of Christians who get saved but then lose it again for violating the whole law of God then we must assume nobody will ever be saved in the end except those Christians who die immediately after receiving Christ.
1 Peter 1:13. If we assume salvation depends on us buckling up and holding on tight to the side of the ark after we are saved to be saved until the end then we must also assume that Jesus did not die for all our sins, just those sins in our past. If Jesus did not die for the sins that were in our future when we got saved, then who will ever be saved in the end? What kind of sin will cause a believer to end up in hell after he was once saved?
Peter did not blaspheme the Holy Ghost in the courtyard. That is not what blasphemy against the Holy Spirit is. If Peter did blaspheme in the courtyard so what? Jesus said all sins and blasphemies will be forgiven sinners, both saved and lost, except for the sin of blaspheming the Holy Spirit as a result of rejecting the message of the Holy Spirit pointing sinners to Jesus for salvation. Once a sinner receives the message of the Holy Spirit and gets saves he can no longer blaspheme the Holy Spirit leading him to be saved because the Holy Spirit will never again lead him to be saved after he is already saved.
Mark 3:28-29
King James Version
28 Verily I say unto you, All sins shall be forgiven unto the sons of men, and blasphemies wherewith soever they shall blaspheme:
29 But he that shall blaspheme against the Holy Ghost hath never forgiveness, but is in danger of eternal damnation.
Judas Iscariot was a Christ follower, literally and figuratively. Mark 3:14-19. He was one of Jesus's chosen disciples and was given power to cast out demons.
Judas Iscariot betrayed Jesus, died a horrible death, and will probably go to hell. So, this example only supports the scriptures that already say you still have freewill to turn from Jesus if you are a Christian. What better proof do we need by scripture saying it, examples of it happening to people, real examples of people doing it today (including Christian pastors). I don't buy the argument that some say "they were never Christians to begin with" as that position contradicts itself, because those who say that can't define what a Christian is or how they know they are one. If one Googles prominent pastors who have lost their faith, denounced Christianity and denounced Jesus of course there are many. There's also a Reddit forum called ex-Christian. It's easy to talk to them and find out if they are real or not. Obviously they are. So, someone claiming that they aren't real is denying reality that they are, and if they say they were never Christian, talk to them yourselves- of course they were. They were just like you. This is why the Bible says to keep the armor of God on, all the parable warnings, etc.
Hebrews 10:26 "For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins,"
Matthew 7:21-23
Hebrews 6:4-6
James 2:14-26
James 2:19
1 Peter 1:13
Romans 11
Simon Peter denied Jesus 3 times and I think that would normally be considered blasphemy of the holy spirit the unforgiveable sin. But I believe Jesus restored him in a special circumstance in John 21:11-25 as you notice he first reconfirmed if Peter believed He was Lord, then asked him 3 times if He loved Him (using different Love meanings) and then in 19 said to Follow me. This appears to be a rededication to restore Peter as a follower and Christian.
God called out a Gentile and made a unconditional covenant with him and confirmed it with a Son. The Child of promise. And we're children of the same promise.
It has nothing to do with Israel or any other people inability to keep the law. So why would God void his Promises to Israel and give those promises to another gathered people who cannot keep the law.
See Galatians 3:17-18.
And this I say, that the covenant, that was confirmed before of God in Christ, the law, which was four hundred and thirty years after, cannot disannul, that it should make the promise of none effect.
For if the inheritance be of the law, it is no more of promise: but God gave it to Abraham by promise.
Here is what's being challenged.
Hebrews 6:13-19. Touching this unconditional covenant I believe you see it performed in a unconditional manner in Genesis 15. when God put Abraham to sleep and performed it by himself.
We are joint heirs in that promise.
" Galatians 4:28."
Some lay it on Israel to initiate Gods promise or it will be taken away is in the same group that says you can loose your salvation.
So the Church has not taken over the promises to Israel,
The Church also is not spiritual Israel. And the Church is not the Israel of God.
God fulfilled his promises of the first coming of Christ and he will fulfill the many promises of Christ second coming and set up His literal Millennium kingdom here on Earth.
Beware of anyone giving you answers that aren't in the Bible. For example if someone says yes to your question and if the Bible doesn't say that, then that sounds more like one person's opinion rather than anything from God. But we are trying to learn God's position on this not mans, right? The Bible doesn't specifically address this question, but it does say that even people who expect and feel entitled to get to heaven won't get in. Matthew 7:21. So, many people will be horrified to learn that they put their hope and trust in the wrong thing, or that they weren't even real followers of Jesus to begin with. They should have been following Jesus and His teachings and taking it to heart, not the teachings of the world (satan). So, given that most people will not make it to heaven, is it likely that someone who commits such a defiant sin against God will be warmly welcomed with great rewards? So, someone wants to intentionally destroy God's creation right in front of His face then the next moment beg for mercy and forgiveness from the intentional act of defiance? I don't see these two things as being congruent. My answer is "not yes" to your question and someone considering this act should deeply search what his or her priorities are. God likely has greater plans and purposes for the person they are not even remotely aware of. For someone to blatantly sin, disobey and defy God and His Will is evil. Grace is not an excuse to commit intentional sin. Hebrews 10:26-31, Hebrews 6:4-6, James 2:14-26, John 14:15, Romans 6:1-2. God bless.
The inscription added to this letter in the 2nd century was "The Letter to the Hebrews." This letter was written to Hebrew Christians. We know this because of the emphasis on the Levitical priesthood and sacrifices, and an absence of any reference to Gentiles.
The purpose of the letter was to warn against apostasy during persecution. It's when believers suffer that believers consider stop following Christ, or consider compromising in their walk with the Lord when things get tough. The Hebrew people would suffer severe persecution for identifying with Christ as the Messiah. Instead of surrendering their lives to Christ, many of them were turning away and going back into Judaism because life was so much easier for them that way. Nothing in the book of Hebrews speaks about losing salvation.
In order to understand the various passages and the various sections of Hebrews, we have to understand that there are three separate groups to whom it was written:
1) To Hebrew believers.
2) To Hebrews who have an intellectual understanding of Christ but have not been saved, and they are considering going back to the religious system of Judaism because of the persecution for identifying with Hebrew believers. ( Hebrews 6:4-6). So these are Hebrews who understand what's being taught, and they intellectually agree with it, but they have never received Christ. ( Hebrews 10:26).
3) There were also Hebrew unbelievers. These were those who were at these meetings, those who were in the crowd that just did not believe.
So by understanding these three groups, we can better understand some of the scriptures that are being presented, and why some of these Hebrew people were turning away and going back into Judaism. There are sections of scriptures to each one of these three groups in the book of Hebrews.
I agree with Chris on Hebrews 6:4-9. Those in view here who turn away from Christ are those unregenerate who ultimately reject the word of God after having been enlightened by the Holy Spirit. These types of rebels are mentioned in Romans 1:18-20.
18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness;
19 Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them.
20 For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:
a reprobate mind; v.28 = The term "mind", as a noun, refers to one's human knowledge and intelligence stored within the brain, and the faculty of mentally processing that knowledge and intelligence motivated by emotion, intent, purpose, and the desired result.
The mind's mental processes provide the ability to make decisions based on comprehension and differentiation. The mind formulates one's discernment, opinions, viewpoints, morals, convictions, and beliefs. (cp. Eph. 2:3).
Contextually, depravity and rejection of all things Holy and GODly motivates this mind into the state of "reprobation" leaving GOD to "give them over" to their own sinful will to multiply sin upon sin. Sexual sins are commonly the lowest type of sins of which the sinner sinks into a state of "reprobate".
The adjective "reprobate" means they fail GOD's spiritual test thoroughly in every point and in every way. Thus, GOD rejects them as unfit, spurious, and unusable and "gives them up" ( Rom. 1:24, 26, & 28) to their own carnal devices which they often blend into their religious beliefs and practices (cp. Tit. 1:16). Such become a "castaway", a word which translates from the same Greek adjective, and a condition of which Paul greatly feared ( 1Cor. 9:27).
Sadly, these reprobates do not lightly come to this condition, for many put great efforts into achieving this reprobation as Paul declared in Romans Chapter One.
Of note, the same Greek adjective root translated here into "reprobate" and into "castaway" ( 1Cor. 9:27) also translates into "rejected" in Hebrews 6:8.
Just recently GOD revealed somethings even deeper about that moment. I'm glad you're discussing so I can share it. In Leviticus 12, Leviticus 15:19-33, Leviticus 21:3, I think it's amazing Jesus called her "daughter" making her faith the (close kinship) also: Luke 8:43-48, Matthew 9:20-22, Galatians 3:26,
Also understanding that her touching him could have had the uncleanness, if He were not the High Priest that makes atonement. Hebrews 2:17, Hebrews 4:14,15,
Hebrews 5:5-10, Hebrews 6:20, Hebrews 7:11, even though; Luke 1, shows His family was of that bloodline, Luke 1:5-37,
Also notable Jesus garment was without seams as the Priestly garment: John 19:23,24, Exodus 28:32, Exodus 29:23, 1Samuel 2:18,19,
It should have for believers, but with all things involving people change was difficult and many Jews had difficulty leaving it behind. Social pressures, rejection by families and being put out of the synagogues brought challenges and the temptation to go along to get along. That is why the book of Hebrews was written. The author was trying to prevent Jewish believers from turning back to the sacrificial system and showing them Jesus was superior in every way to that system.
Here is my attempt to summarize Hebrews:
Jesus superior to the prophets: Hebrews 1:1-3
Jesus superior to angels: Hebrews 1:4-14, Hebrews 2:1-8
Jesus able to represent humanity: Hebrews 2:9-18
Jesus superior to Moses: Hebrews 3:1-6
Warnings about hardening our hearts to God's calling: 3:7-19
Warnings about missing God's rest provided by faith in Jesus: 4:1-13
Jesus provides bold access as our high priest: 4:14-16, Jesus meets high priest requirements: Hebrews 5:1-10
Warning about being dull of hearing and unprepared for a deeper teaching: Hebrews 5:11-14, 6:1-8
Encouragement to believe that they are ready for deeper teaching: Hebrews 6:9-12
Teaching about the importance of God giving His oath to Christ He would be a priest forever: Hebrews 6:13-20
Teaching the superiority of the order of Melchisedek that Christ belongs to over the Levitical priesthood order: Hebrews 7:1-28
Christ's priesthood serves the heavenly reality that the law only was an earthly copy of: Hebrews 8:1-5
The superiority of the New Covenant over the Old: Hebrews 8:6-13,
The superiority of Christ's complete sevice over the incomplete Levitical service: Hebrews 9:1-28
The superiority of Christ's sacrifice: Hebrews 10:1-22
Warnings about drawing back: Hebrews 10:23-39
Importance of and examples of faith: Hebrews 11:1-40
Exhortation to submit to chastisement: Hebrews 12:1-29
Exhortation to practically live out their Christian faith and benediction: Hebrews 13:1-25
I agree. The key is that these are "religious individuals," not saved believers because like you say, a saved believer is someone who Jesus knows. Jesus knows all those who belong to Him (Saved individuals). And you are correct in that He will never say to us "Depart from me, I never knew you."
People today still take those verses in Hebrews, mainly Hebrews 6:4-6, and Hebrews 10:26 to show that salvation can be lost. But that cannot be because Jesus cannot say He knows us now and then later on say depart, I never knew you. Those verses in Hebrews are talking about religious Jews who were turning back to Judaism because of what it would cost them to surrender their life to Christ as their Messiah, not saved people losing their salvation.
Thank you. I needed to hear encouragement to pray for the Holy Spirit to guide me into all truth , to listen to wait and rest, as I find myself getting caught up in needing answers 'now'. Thank you for the scripture references and encouragement to pray for others, and the reminder that God will protect his word.
The desire for Jesus is in you already. The Bible is the Word of God. Like these following scriptures show us: with your own spoken words, ask the Holy Spirit to make His home within your heart, To be your Teacher. Thats his ministry to you. You will know He is teaching you. Open your mouth and speak: "Holy Spirit, come alongside and teach me what this passage means?"
Begin in the Gospels and stay in there until you know who Jesus is to you; what he likes; doesn't like; listen to his replies to people he met on his journeys.
John 14:26
But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said to you.
Luke 12:12
For the Holy Ghost shall TEACH you in the same hour what ye ought to say.
2 Timothy 2:24
And the servant of the Lord must NOT strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, gentle
1 Timothy 6:3-4
If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness;
He is proud, knowing nothing, but doting about questions and strifes of words, whereof cometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings,
THE FRUIT OF THE HOLY SPIRT
Galatians 5: 22-23
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.
NOW we see through a glass, DARKLY, but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I AM KNOWN. And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is Love.
God watches over His Word. We're going to meet people who oppose themselves. Sometimes more is accomplished by praying for them. Heartfelt prayer is always right. Jesus is interceding for US. King David was a man after Gods own heart. His prayers and Psalms will help you.
Till we all come. These offices are given in order that all may come to a goal that is named just below. They must be continued in some form until that goal is reached. In the unity of the faith. This is one of the great objects to be attained through these offices. Paul, as an apostle and a prophet, exhorts to the same end in Eph 4:2. As an apostle and prophets, he so exhorts still. Every evangelist and pastor who is under God's spirit should labor to the same end. Not only "unity of the faith", but unity of the knowledge of the Son of God is aimed at. Full unity of the faith will be found when all alike know Christ. Unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ. "Unto a fullgrown man" (Revised Version). The second end to be attained is a noble manhood, fully developed, after the modes of life furnished in Christ Jesus. This must be the aim of all teaching, and of all living. If we cannot attain fully to it in the flesh, we certainly can aim at it and grow more and more into Christ's likeness.
People's Bible Notes Commentary
Hebrews 6:19
Which [hope] we have as an anchor of the soul. As an anchor holds the ship when the storms are raging, so this hope holds the soul steadfast. And which we enter into that within the veil. The veil was before the Holy of Holies in the tabernacle, but it was a type of heaven. Hence this means that the hope reaches to heaven. It is a heavenly hope.
I'm sure some others will come in later and give more light on your questions.
Apologies for not responding earlier. Thank you for your response! I consider myself to be one who has been on 'milk' for way too long. I am now attending a local church and am in a woman's Bible study who is studying Hebrews.
I am also in dialogue with the pastor about salvation. He believes that man has his own will to 'walk away' from God and that God will not fight the will of man. Thankfully he is very open to questions and thus far from his sermons, is not one that preaches condemnation-works salvation.
From a very simple viewpoint, I think about ones who live in a rural area that have only one church available to them. This is likely not true now but in the past is a possibility. I say all this because won't there be many in that church community that are 'saved' but may have differing interpretations? Eph 4:13 came up in my study today, not sure I am taking it out of context, but could it support my simple viewpoint? Thank you again.
I am sorry for the way I posted the question in my post. It should not have been posed as an accusatory "If you" question, as though my intent was to accuse you or the asker of the original question specifically. I should have at least said it as an "If I" or "if anyone" question instead. I agree with James that not many of us should be teachers and that I stumble in many ways in what I say. That is why I separated my opinion of the text given in my previous post from the original post I wrote that tries to lay out what the Bible actually says and how it is generally understood with what I hope was minimal commentary of my own.
In any event, I should have tried to make it even clearer that it is the author of the Book of Hebrews I would really be questioning for laying out such an extensive doctrine that largely appears to rest on Melchisedek having all of the characteristics he described, if in fact he knew or believed Melchisedek in reality was a man that was no different from the levitical priests who had none of Christ's preincarnate characteristics. If that was what he actually did, many if not most of his conclusions can be rejected as being based on a faulty premise or even worse an intentionally deceptive premise.
Ultimately I conclude the doctrine laid out by the author of Hebrews is actually based on his firm belief that Melchisedek is a preincarnate appearance of Christ, and the characteristics he attributes to Melchisedek as a result are actually true. The conclusions he reaches based on those characteristics are founded on a true premise in that event. Taking that as my view, I can have full confidence in his doctrine.
God Bless you, If anyone ask any question it deosnt mean that they asked wicked manner , if i or someone asking some clarification means they want to know the truth with bible reference. Anyhow God bless you abudantly.
You asked me to give my opinion, but before I did that I wanted to lay out what an opinion on this topic should be based on. Regardless of what conclusion I reach, you cannot base your opinion on that. You have to be convinced based on scripture more than anything I or anyone else says.
Now my opinion is that Melchisedek is a preincarnate appearance of Christ and that what the author of Hebrew attributes to Melchisedek are derived from Christ's actual preincarnate attributes. The appearance of Melchisedek is nonetheless presented convincingly as a man in the original account, as we should be convinced Christ's preincarnate appearances would not preclude Him from His incarnate appearance which makes Him our sympathetic High Priest.
The alternative interpretation that the author of Hebrews is taking advantage of an absence of information about Melchisedek to build an entire theology of Christ's High Priesthood around undermines his entire case. If you can falsely attribute Christ's attributes to a mere man that meets none of those qualifications to establish that Christ's High Priesthood and the nature of it predates the Levitical Priesthood and the inadequate nature of it, how have you proven anything other than that you may be a liar?
If Melchisedek was in reality just like the Levites that were born, lived and died and his nature in no way actually differed from theirs other than the point in time he arrived, the case made in the Book of Hebrews falls. Without the resurrection, had Christ merely become incarnate at a point in time and died on a cross, the entire Gospel falls.
Many think Melchisedec is a pre-incarnate appearance of Jesus Christ. The passage in Genesis about Melchisadec taken just by itself does not give a clear indication of this:
Genesis 14:18-20 - 18 And Melchizedek king of Salem brought forth bread and wine: and he was the priest of the most high God. 19 And he blessed him, and said, Blessed be Abram of the most high God, possessor of heaven and earth: 20 And blessed be the most high God, which hath delivered thine enemies into thy hand. And he gave him tithes of all.
The primary basis for thinking Melchizedek is Christ is a result of the way the author of the Book of Hebrews interprets this passage to show the superiority and primacy of Christ's High Priesthood over the Levitical High Priesthood in connection with the Messianic Psalm of David, Psalm 110, particularly Psalm 110:4
4 The LORD hath sworn, and will not repent, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchizedek.
The primary passages in Hebrews dealing with Christ's High Priesthood are:
Hebrews 7:1-3 is the most important passage to consider:
1 For this Melchisedec, king of Salem, priest of the most high God, who met Abraham returning from the slaughter of the kings, and blessed him; 2 To whom also Abraham gave a tenth part of all; first being by interpretation King of righteousness, and after that also King of Salem, which is, King of peace; 3 Without father, without mother, without descent, having neither beginning of days, nor end of life; but made like unto the Son of God; abideth a priest continually.
One view of vs 3 is that Melchisedek is a man who lived and died, but the author of Hebrews is using the mystery/absence of this info to liken him to Christ in His preincarnate state. The other is that this actually is Christ in His preincarnate state, but He appeared as a man like He ultimately did to reveal Himself as Son of God for us in order to become our High Priest.
is Melchisedic is Jesus christ in Old testment . When we see in Bible Melchisedic doent have of Preshood Geneologly. can you please give us your opinion
Blessed Assurance Jesus is Mine - In Reply - 2 years ago
Deuteronomy 28:66
And thy life shall hang in doubt before thee; and thou shalt fear day and night, and shalt have none assurance of thy life:
Isaiah 32:17
And the work of righteousness shall be peace; and the effect of righteousness quietness and assurance for ever.
Acts 17:31
Because he hath appointed a day, in the which he will judge the world in righteousness by that man whom he hath ordained; whereof he hath given assurance unto all men, in that he hath raised him from the dead.
Colossians 2:2
That their hearts might be comforted, being knit together in love, and unto all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the acknowledgement of the mystery of God, and of the Father, and of Christ;
1 Thessalonians 1:5
For our gospel came not unto you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Ghost, and in much assurance; as ye know what manner of men we were among you for your sake.
Hebrews 6:11
And we desire that every one of you do shew the same diligence to the full assurance of hope unto the end:
Hebrews 10:22
Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water.
By consenting to become a born again Christian ( John 3)
To let go and receive the salvation of Jesus Christ;
To be filled with the Spirit of Jesus, the Holy Spirit.
An exchange is made in Heaven as your name is recorded in the BOOK OF LIFE. Jesus takes your sins (past, present, future) upon Himself. He becomes your Lord; but it takes some Bible reading to discover that.
You have assurance that FAITHFUL IS HE THAT PROMISED. All your sin is washed away with his blood. Isaiah 1:18. (Past, Present, Future)
If we have failures (we all do) then mark in your Bible,
1 John 1:8-10. Pray and confess. Jesus throws it as far as East is to west (infinity).
This is why we sing Blessed Assurance at Church. :)
There is nothing in those three verses that describe a saved person losing their salvation. First of all, an enlightened person does not mean that that person is saved. John 1:9 tells us that every person coming into this world is enlightened to the truth. But everyone does not have the same response to the enlightenment. Some receive Christ, and some don't. Hebrews 6:4-6 is talking about those who were participating with believers, they were being enlightened to the truth, but they walked away from it. It doesn't say anything about them ever surrendering their lives to Christ.
We have people in our churches today, who look, and act, and talk, and believe just like a normal believer. They learn the language and learn the doctrines, and learn the lingo and say "praise the Lord," and they can learn how to put Jesus bumper stickers on their car correctly, and then one day they just disappear.
Did they lose their salvation? No, they were never saved at all and that is why they left. 1 John 2:19 says, "They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would no doubt have continued with us: but they went out, that they might be made manifest that they were not all of us."
John says the reason why they left us is because they really were not one of us, because if they were one of us they would have remained with us. This would fit in with Hebrews 6:4-6. Also, if we understand the Parable of the Sower, it helps us to see who the the writer of Hebrews is talking about. They are not saved individuals who lost their salvation. They were there being enlightened to the truth just like everyone else. It's how they responded to that enlightenment. They either received Christ and were saved, or they walked away from that enlightenment, never being saved. And Hebrews 6:4-6 says the fell away. That was their response to the enlightenment. They never got saved.
The verses do not mean you can lose Salvation. The doctrines teaching that Christians lose Salvation is Lordship Salvation from Calvinism and very contrary to true Christianity. The meaning of Hebrews 6:4-6: There were Christians that were known in this time who had heard the true word of Salvation and it's thought some even made a false profession to accepting Christ as their Savior. Deep down, although they follow Christians and went through the motions...they were not saved and their works (fruits of their Salvation) were shown as reprobate. Thus, this is why they were marked as fallen away. This is no different than Judas Iscariot who'd followed Jesus, walked with the other disciples, professed Christ but deep down had never accepted Him.
The great Bible teacher, Dr. Ray Stanford (1916-2012) said, "The moment you are saved, you become a member of the body of Christ. If you could ever become unsaved, part of Christ's own body would go to hell"
Think about that.
Also consider this, the Gift of Salvation is given of God to man through Christ Jesus. We didn't die for sin and set anyone free. Anything man builds or gives can be taken away. But, not the things of God. God will never and has never "removed" His free gift of Salvation when it's genuine. That's a Calvinistic lie.
The assertation that one can lose Salvation is the belief that one was saved by works and not by Grace.
If I cannot do good works to get saved, then how can I do bad works to lose salvation? Neither would have been saved in the first place and they would be those in Hebrews 6:4-6.
John 5:24 states: "Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life."
Jesus said in John 10:28, "And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand."
Matt. 7:23. Jesus says "I never knew you," not "I once knew you before you fell away."
Hebrews 6:4-9. Tasting and not drinking in this passage is described as demonstrating that those professing Christians do not possess those things that accompany genuine salvation.
James 2. If we assume this passage speaks of Christians who get saved but then lose it again for violating the whole law of God then we must assume nobody will ever be saved in the end except those Christians who die immediately after receiving Christ.
1 Peter 1:13. If we assume salvation depends on us buckling up and holding on tight to the side of the ark after we are saved to be saved until the end then we must also assume that Jesus did not die for all our sins, just those sins in our past. If Jesus did not die for the sins that were in our future when we got saved, then who will ever be saved in the end? What kind of sin will cause a believer to end up in hell after he was once saved?
Peter did not blaspheme the Holy Ghost in the courtyard. That is not what blasphemy against the Holy Spirit is. If Peter did blaspheme in the courtyard so what? Jesus said all sins and blasphemies will be forgiven sinners, both saved and lost, except for the sin of blaspheming the Holy Spirit as a result of rejecting the message of the Holy Spirit pointing sinners to Jesus for salvation. Once a sinner receives the message of the Holy Spirit and gets saves he can no longer blaspheme the Holy Spirit leading him to be saved because the Holy Spirit will never again lead him to be saved after he is already saved.
Mark 3:28-29
King James Version
28 Verily I say unto you, All sins shall be forgiven unto the sons of men, and blasphemies wherewith soever they shall blaspheme:
29 But he that shall blaspheme against the Holy Ghost hath never forgiveness, but is in danger of eternal damnation.
Judas Iscariot betrayed Jesus, died a horrible death, and will probably go to hell. So, this example only supports the scriptures that already say you still have freewill to turn from Jesus if you are a Christian. What better proof do we need by scripture saying it, examples of it happening to people, real examples of people doing it today (including Christian pastors). I don't buy the argument that some say "they were never Christians to begin with" as that position contradicts itself, because those who say that can't define what a Christian is or how they know they are one. If one Googles prominent pastors who have lost their faith, denounced Christianity and denounced Jesus of course there are many. There's also a Reddit forum called ex-Christian. It's easy to talk to them and find out if they are real or not. Obviously they are. So, someone claiming that they aren't real is denying reality that they are, and if they say they were never Christian, talk to them yourselves- of course they were. They were just like you. This is why the Bible says to keep the armor of God on, all the parable warnings, etc.
Hebrews 10:26 "For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins,"
Matthew 7:21-23
Hebrews 6:4-6
James 2:14-26
James 2:19
1 Peter 1:13
Romans 11
Simon Peter denied Jesus 3 times and I think that would normally be considered blasphemy of the holy spirit the unforgiveable sin. But I believe Jesus restored him in a special circumstance in John 21:11-25 as you notice he first reconfirmed if Peter believed He was Lord, then asked him 3 times if He loved Him (using different Love meanings) and then in 19 said to Follow me. This appears to be a rededication to restore Peter as a follower and Christian.
God bless
God called out a Gentile and made a unconditional covenant with him and confirmed it with a Son. The Child of promise. And we're children of the same promise.
It has nothing to do with Israel or any other people inability to keep the law. So why would God void his Promises to Israel and give those promises to another gathered people who cannot keep the law.
See Galatians 3:17-18.
And this I say, that the covenant, that was confirmed before of God in Christ, the law, which was four hundred and thirty years after, cannot disannul, that it should make the promise of none effect.
For if the inheritance be of the law, it is no more of promise: but God gave it to Abraham by promise.
Here is what's being challenged.
Hebrews 6:13-19. Touching this unconditional covenant I believe you see it performed in a unconditional manner in Genesis 15. when God put Abraham to sleep and performed it by himself.
We are joint heirs in that promise.
" Galatians 4:28."
Some lay it on Israel to initiate Gods promise or it will be taken away is in the same group that says you can loose your salvation.
So the Church has not taken over the promises to Israel,
The Church also is not spiritual Israel. And the Church is not the Israel of God.
God fulfilled his promises of the first coming of Christ and he will fulfill the many promises of Christ second coming and set up His literal Millennium kingdom here on Earth.
Thank you and God bless.
Matthew 24:3-51, Mark 13:5-37, 1Corinthians 15:41-58, 1Thessalonians 4:13-18, Psalms 97:2, Psalms 104:3, Joel 2:1-15, Zephaniah 1:14-18, Matthew 26:62-68, Mark 14:60-65, Revelation 1:7, 2Thessalonians 1:4-12, 2Thessalonians 2:1-17, Revelation 6:9-17, Revelation 7, Revelation 8, note Revelation 8:6 continues on through Revelation 9, & Revelation 10, Revelation 10:6-7, Revelation 14, note Revelation 14:12-20,
Matthew 25:31-46, Revelation 20:5, Revelation 20:12-15, Revelation 20, in context &
Revelation 1:5, Colossians 1:18,
Hebrews 6:1-3, Hebrews 11, Revelation 11:15-19, Acts 24:15, Mark 12:26-27, Luke 16:19-31
Hope these are helpful
The inscription added to this letter in the 2nd century was "The Letter to the Hebrews." This letter was written to Hebrew Christians. We know this because of the emphasis on the Levitical priesthood and sacrifices, and an absence of any reference to Gentiles.
The purpose of the letter was to warn against apostasy during persecution. It's when believers suffer that believers consider stop following Christ, or consider compromising in their walk with the Lord when things get tough. The Hebrew people would suffer severe persecution for identifying with Christ as the Messiah. Instead of surrendering their lives to Christ, many of them were turning away and going back into Judaism because life was so much easier for them that way. Nothing in the book of Hebrews speaks about losing salvation.
In order to understand the various passages and the various sections of Hebrews, we have to understand that there are three separate groups to whom it was written:
1) To Hebrew believers.
2) To Hebrews who have an intellectual understanding of Christ but have not been saved, and they are considering going back to the religious system of Judaism because of the persecution for identifying with Hebrew believers. ( Hebrews 6:4-6). So these are Hebrews who understand what's being taught, and they intellectually agree with it, but they have never received Christ. ( Hebrews 10:26).
3) There were also Hebrew unbelievers. These were those who were at these meetings, those who were in the crowd that just did not believe.
So by understanding these three groups, we can better understand some of the scriptures that are being presented, and why some of these Hebrew people were turning away and going back into Judaism. There are sections of scriptures to each one of these three groups in the book of Hebrews.
18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness;
19 Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them.
20 For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:
The mind's mental processes provide the ability to make decisions based on comprehension and differentiation. The mind formulates one's discernment, opinions, viewpoints, morals, convictions, and beliefs. (cp. Eph. 2:3).
Contextually, depravity and rejection of all things Holy and GODly motivates this mind into the state of "reprobation" leaving GOD to "give them over" to their own sinful will to multiply sin upon sin. Sexual sins are commonly the lowest type of sins of which the sinner sinks into a state of "reprobate".
The adjective "reprobate" means they fail GOD's spiritual test thoroughly in every point and in every way. Thus, GOD rejects them as unfit, spurious, and unusable and "gives them up" ( Rom. 1:24, 26, & 28) to their own carnal devices which they often blend into their religious beliefs and practices (cp. Tit. 1:16). Such become a "castaway", a word which translates from the same Greek adjective, and a condition of which Paul greatly feared ( 1Cor. 9:27).
Sadly, these reprobates do not lightly come to this condition, for many put great efforts into achieving this reprobation as Paul declared in Romans Chapter One.
Of note, the same Greek adjective root translated here into "reprobate" and into "castaway" ( 1Cor. 9:27) also translates into "rejected" in Hebrews 6:8.
Mark 5:25-34,
Just recently GOD revealed somethings even deeper about that moment. I'm glad you're discussing so I can share it. In Leviticus 12, Leviticus 15:19-33, Leviticus 21:3, I think it's amazing Jesus called her "daughter" making her faith the (close kinship) also: Luke 8:43-48, Matthew 9:20-22, Galatians 3:26,
Also understanding that her touching him could have had the uncleanness, if He were not the High Priest that makes atonement. Hebrews 2:17, Hebrews 4:14,15,
Hebrews 5:5-10, Hebrews 6:20, Hebrews 7:11, even though; Luke 1, shows His family was of that bloodline, Luke 1:5-37,
Also notable Jesus garment was without seams as the Priestly garment: John 19:23,24, Exodus 28:32, Exodus 29:23, 1Samuel 2:18,19,
Here is my attempt to summarize Hebrews:
Jesus superior to the prophets: Hebrews 1:1-3
Jesus superior to angels: Hebrews 1:4-14, Hebrews 2:1-8
Jesus able to represent humanity: Hebrews 2:9-18
Jesus superior to Moses: Hebrews 3:1-6
Warnings about hardening our hearts to God's calling: 3:7-19
Warnings about missing God's rest provided by faith in Jesus: 4:1-13
Jesus provides bold access as our high priest: 4:14-16, Jesus meets high priest requirements: Hebrews 5:1-10
Warning about being dull of hearing and unprepared for a deeper teaching: Hebrews 5:11-14, 6:1-8
Encouragement to believe that they are ready for deeper teaching: Hebrews 6:9-12
Teaching about the importance of God giving His oath to Christ He would be a priest forever: Hebrews 6:13-20
Teaching the superiority of the order of Melchisedek that Christ belongs to over the Levitical priesthood order: Hebrews 7:1-28
Christ's priesthood serves the heavenly reality that the law only was an earthly copy of: Hebrews 8:1-5
The superiority of the New Covenant over the Old: Hebrews 8:6-13,
The superiority of Christ's complete sevice over the incomplete Levitical service: Hebrews 9:1-28
The superiority of Christ's sacrifice: Hebrews 10:1-22
Warnings about drawing back: Hebrews 10:23-39
Importance of and examples of faith: Hebrews 11:1-40
Exhortation to submit to chastisement: Hebrews 12:1-29
Exhortation to practically live out their Christian faith and benediction: Hebrews 13:1-25
Jesus superior to
I agree. The key is that these are "religious individuals," not saved believers because like you say, a saved believer is someone who Jesus knows. Jesus knows all those who belong to Him (Saved individuals). And you are correct in that He will never say to us "Depart from me, I never knew you."
People today still take those verses in Hebrews, mainly Hebrews 6:4-6, and Hebrews 10:26 to show that salvation can be lost. But that cannot be because Jesus cannot say He knows us now and then later on say depart, I never knew you. Those verses in Hebrews are talking about religious Jews who were turning back to Judaism because of what it would cost them to surrender their life to Christ as their Messiah, not saved people losing their salvation.
You make a great point. Thanks for sharing!
God bless you
The desire for Jesus is in you already. The Bible is the Word of God. Like these following scriptures show us: with your own spoken words, ask the Holy Spirit to make His home within your heart, To be your Teacher. Thats his ministry to you. You will know He is teaching you. Open your mouth and speak: "Holy Spirit, come alongside and teach me what this passage means?"
Begin in the Gospels and stay in there until you know who Jesus is to you; what he likes; doesn't like; listen to his replies to people he met on his journeys.
John 14:26
But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said to you.
Luke 12:12
For the Holy Ghost shall TEACH you in the same hour what ye ought to say.
2 Timothy 2:24
And the servant of the Lord must NOT strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, gentle
1 Timothy 6:3-4
If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness;
He is proud, knowing nothing, but doting about questions and strifes of words, whereof cometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings,
THE FRUIT OF THE HOLY SPIRT
Galatians 5: 22-23
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.
NOW we see through a glass, DARKLY, but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I AM KNOWN. And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is Love.
God watches over His Word. We're going to meet people who oppose themselves. Sometimes more is accomplished by praying for them. Heartfelt prayer is always right. Jesus is interceding for US. King David was a man after Gods own heart. His prayers and Psalms will help you.
Mishael
Till we all come. These offices are given in order that all may come to a goal that is named just below. They must be continued in some form until that goal is reached. In the unity of the faith. This is one of the great objects to be attained through these offices. Paul, as an apostle and a prophet, exhorts to the same end in Eph 4:2. As an apostle and prophets, he so exhorts still. Every evangelist and pastor who is under God's spirit should labor to the same end. Not only "unity of the faith", but unity of the knowledge of the Son of God is aimed at. Full unity of the faith will be found when all alike know Christ. Unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ. "Unto a fullgrown man" (Revised Version). The second end to be attained is a noble manhood, fully developed, after the modes of life furnished in Christ Jesus. This must be the aim of all teaching, and of all living. If we cannot attain fully to it in the flesh, we certainly can aim at it and grow more and more into Christ's likeness.
People's Bible Notes Commentary
Hebrews 6:19
Which [hope] we have as an anchor of the soul. As an anchor holds the ship when the storms are raging, so this hope holds the soul steadfast. And which we enter into that within the veil. The veil was before the Holy of Holies in the tabernacle, but it was a type of heaven. Hence this means that the hope reaches to heaven. It is a heavenly hope.
I'm sure some others will come in later and give more light on your questions.
Apologies for not responding earlier. Thank you for your response! I consider myself to be one who has been on 'milk' for way too long. I am now attending a local church and am in a woman's Bible study who is studying Hebrews.
I am also in dialogue with the pastor about salvation. He believes that man has his own will to 'walk away' from God and that God will not fight the will of man. Thankfully he is very open to questions and thus far from his sermons, is not one that preaches condemnation-works salvation.
From a very simple viewpoint, I think about ones who live in a rural area that have only one church available to them. This is likely not true now but in the past is a possibility. I say all this because won't there be many in that church community that are 'saved' but may have differing interpretations? Eph 4:13 came up in my study today, not sure I am taking it out of context, but could it support my simple viewpoint? Thank you again.
God bless you
In any event, I should have tried to make it even clearer that it is the author of the Book of Hebrews I would really be questioning for laying out such an extensive doctrine that largely appears to rest on Melchisedek having all of the characteristics he described, if in fact he knew or believed Melchisedek in reality was a man that was no different from the levitical priests who had none of Christ's preincarnate characteristics. If that was what he actually did, many if not most of his conclusions can be rejected as being based on a faulty premise or even worse an intentionally deceptive premise.
Ultimately I conclude the doctrine laid out by the author of Hebrews is actually based on his firm belief that Melchisedek is a preincarnate appearance of Christ, and the characteristics he attributes to Melchisedek as a result are actually true. The conclusions he reaches based on those characteristics are founded on a true premise in that event. Taking that as my view, I can have full confidence in his doctrine.
Regards,
Prasanth Konde
Now my opinion is that Melchisedek is a preincarnate appearance of Christ and that what the author of Hebrew attributes to Melchisedek are derived from Christ's actual preincarnate attributes. The appearance of Melchisedek is nonetheless presented convincingly as a man in the original account, as we should be convinced Christ's preincarnate appearances would not preclude Him from His incarnate appearance which makes Him our sympathetic High Priest.
The alternative interpretation that the author of Hebrews is taking advantage of an absence of information about Melchisedek to build an entire theology of Christ's High Priesthood around undermines his entire case. If you can falsely attribute Christ's attributes to a mere man that meets none of those qualifications to establish that Christ's High Priesthood and the nature of it predates the Levitical Priesthood and the inadequate nature of it, how have you proven anything other than that you may be a liar?
If Melchisedek was in reality just like the Levites that were born, lived and died and his nature in no way actually differed from theirs other than the point in time he arrived, the case made in the Book of Hebrews falls. Without the resurrection, had Christ merely become incarnate at a point in time and died on a cross, the entire Gospel falls.
Anyway that is my view.
Genesis 14:18-20 - 18 And Melchizedek king of Salem brought forth bread and wine: and he was the priest of the most high God. 19 And he blessed him, and said, Blessed be Abram of the most high God, possessor of heaven and earth: 20 And blessed be the most high God, which hath delivered thine enemies into thy hand. And he gave him tithes of all.
The primary basis for thinking Melchizedek is Christ is a result of the way the author of the Book of Hebrews interprets this passage to show the superiority and primacy of Christ's High Priesthood over the Levitical High Priesthood in connection with the Messianic Psalm of David, Psalm 110, particularly Psalm 110:4
4 The LORD hath sworn, and will not repent, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchizedek.
The primary passages in Hebrews dealing with Christ's High Priesthood are:
Hebrew 3:1-10, Hebrews 4:14-16, Hebrews 5, Hebrews 6:20, Hebrews 7.
Hebrews 7:1-3 is the most important passage to consider:
1 For this Melchisedec, king of Salem, priest of the most high God, who met Abraham returning from the slaughter of the kings, and blessed him; 2 To whom also Abraham gave a tenth part of all; first being by interpretation King of righteousness, and after that also King of Salem, which is, King of peace; 3 Without father, without mother, without descent, having neither beginning of days, nor end of life; but made like unto the Son of God; abideth a priest continually.
One view of vs 3 is that Melchisedek is a man who lived and died, but the author of Hebrews is using the mystery/absence of this info to liken him to Christ in His preincarnate state. The other is that this actually is Christ in His preincarnate state, but He appeared as a man like He ultimately did to reveal Himself as Son of God for us in order to become our High Priest.
And thy life shall hang in doubt before thee; and thou shalt fear day and night, and shalt have none assurance of thy life:
Isaiah 32:17
And the work of righteousness shall be peace; and the effect of righteousness quietness and assurance for ever.
Acts 17:31
Because he hath appointed a day, in the which he will judge the world in righteousness by that man whom he hath ordained; whereof he hath given assurance unto all men, in that he hath raised him from the dead.
Colossians 2:2
That their hearts might be comforted, being knit together in love, and unto all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the acknowledgement of the mystery of God, and of the Father, and of Christ;
1 Thessalonians 1:5
For our gospel came not unto you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Ghost, and in much assurance; as ye know what manner of men we were among you for your sake.
Hebrews 6:11
And we desire that every one of you do shew the same diligence to the full assurance of hope unto the end:
Hebrews 10:22
Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water.
By consenting to become a born again Christian ( John 3)
To let go and receive the salvation of Jesus Christ;
To be filled with the Spirit of Jesus, the Holy Spirit.
An exchange is made in Heaven as your name is recorded in the BOOK OF LIFE. Jesus takes your sins (past, present, future) upon Himself. He becomes your Lord; but it takes some Bible reading to discover that.
You have assurance that FAITHFUL IS HE THAT PROMISED. All your sin is washed away with his blood. Isaiah 1:18. (Past, Present, Future)
If we have failures (we all do) then mark in your Bible,
1 John 1:8-10. Pray and confess. Jesus throws it as far as East is to west (infinity).
This is why we sing Blessed Assurance at Church. :)
Build Christian friendships.
Well stated.
God bless.