Hebrews
King James Version (KJV)
Discuss Hebrews 6 Page 5
Viewing page: 5 of 12
< Previous Discussion Page Next Discussion Page >
Do you have a Bible comment or question?
Posting comments is currently unavailable due to high demand on the server.
Please check back in an hour or more. Thank you for your patience!
I agree, one could read this portion in various ways, but I read it like this: the writer is sharing an 'impossibility' with his readers. Why does he do this? Well, there were different types of people reading this epistle, chiefly those out of Judaism (as the Letter title suggests). Some had grown weak in faith (hence a 'word' of exhortation: 13:22). Some were in danger of being distracted by the old Judaistic beliefs which tend to minimize or reject the Person of Christ (mostly the whole letter given to this important point). Others were facing persecution (though not to the point of martyrdom: 12:3,4). And others, giving the appearance of being Christian, sharing with other believers in the blessings of God & illumination from His Word.
So what's the 'impossibility'? IF a true believer could fall away from salvation (i.e. lose his salvation by totally rejecting Christ), then he would have to make mockery of Christ's death by ever coming back to the Cross for salvation. The writer says that this is an impossibility - it cannot happen, He cannot be mocked. That is why he was persuaded (confident) that the true believers amongst them would never be like this sad example - rather, they would be bearing fruits from their salvation (v9). And so they were being encouraged to press on in their walk & not grow weary or lose heart. But the imposter 'believer' who ultimately turns his back to Christ, maybe with slanderous words against the One Who came for him, and after receiving every opportunity & blessing from the Word & Holy Spirit, has no further chance of returning back or gaining salvation. See also Hebrews 10:26-29: for a similar warning to those who grievously sin by rejecting Christ to return to Judaism.
Not sure you will see this but one question, it says they will be partakers of the Holy Spirit. Does this mean they have received the Holy Spirit? My assumption is yes. So they were believers? Thank you
Hebrews 6:4For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost,
5And have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come,
6If 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.
"My people perish for lack of knowledge"
Not everyone knows that, upon Salvation; they are given the gift of the Holy Spirit, by Jesus. Indwelling within their spirit. Book of John teaches it.
That's why we need people to lead the lambs to the good SHEPHERD; of the Bible.
Jesus calls. We follow. He appoints. We follow.
We preach the GOSPEL__which is Jesus Christ:
Birth, life, death, resurrection. He made disciples__we make disciples. It's a five fold ministry: open your hand. The thumb is the apostle, the forefinger is the prophet; the middle is the teacher, ring finger the Pastor that carries Jesus's lambs, the little finger-the evangelist. The thumb touches upon all 4 fingers (Jesus).
Apostles are those who saw the risen Christ with their eyes. They were Sent to plant churches. Quite possibly they are missionaries that Go Ye all around the Globe_planting churches; building schools.
Don't disparage on what other Disciples are doing. Most of us are doing what The Holy Spirit shows us to be doing. Our work: good, bad, or whatever, is unto the Lord Jesus. There will be the Bema Seat Judgment to sort out the wood, hay or stubble_later. Jesus knows what's in our hearts, all along the way.
I've been an evangelist for 30+ years, over 4 states. I've moved 22 times. I'm not ashamed of the gospel of Christ for it is the POWER OF GOD unto Salvation. I love my life and it wakes me up happy, every day. I fix things I can, and give those I can't; to Jesus.
I am a story teller, not a scholar. I'm nothing without the Holy Spirit. I worship Jesus with my life; but the Spirit of Christ is the Holy Spirit and my beloved friend. We sing together sometimes. He doesn't even mind if I sing like a frog. I keep hoping for a miracle :D for other peoples sakes.
I'm 70 and I've witnessed the final generation:
The Terminal generation of the Fig Tree.
Thanks for responding. Recently, family and related issues have been keeping my attention. Although, I try to check in here periodically, and read many posts, but regrettably, I don't always have the time to give response.
Glad to see you are a regular here, love your posts, and glad that you are sharing God's Words!
God Bless.
It seems that the topic of baptism comes up on this forum every 3 or 4 weeks in the past few months. It usually gets a fair amount of exchange among posters. I do think that is a good thing because someone new has asked a question concerning this topic and the site does not keep prior posts about this and other topics very long.
Thank you for your stand on this. I agree with you. I just cannot brush away the commands of Jesus on this as I have not found a place in the NT that explicitly says that baptism as these apostles knew it at the time Jesus gave His command (water baptism) was ever rescinded or replaced with the "baptism of the Holy Spirit". But many on here will present their rebuttal on this like in the past. It is important to speak to this. So thank you.
Jesus was baptized, and so were all of the original apostles, and they were submerged in water. If, for whatever reason one can't be submerged in water, for medical issues or other true concerns, I believe God will know this, and understand. But, to just say - no I'm not doing it, is not following God's commands. Like saying the thief on the cross was not baptized and was saved, so I will do the same, does not honor God's command that we be baptized, and it is a mockery.
Jesus instructed his apostles to go out into the world and baptize:
Matthew 28:19 Context
Then the eleven disciples went away into Galilee, into a mountain where Jesus had appointed them. And when they saw him, they worshipped him: but some doubted. And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.
If we believe in what Jesus states in this scripture, and much other scripture, yes we must be baptized.
Read and believe.
After being born again by praying to receive Jesus; He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.
Go to the link on the red page: Become A Believer, and work through the Bible teaching on how to become a follower of Jesus.
The Holy Spirit is your Comforter, your Helper, and Your Teacher. As you read scripture, every day, ask Him to help you to understand how it applies to you now. Start in the Gospels and head towards Revelation. Every time we read Revelation, we receive a blessing from the Lord. (Chapter 1) The book of Isaiah has many prophesies about Jesus. Before He came to earth to save His people (us). He promised_ he fulfilled each and everyone prophesy. We can have confidence that He will fulfill what has been set down and recorded.
He will draw close to YOU, if you will draw close to Him. If you sin (we all fail sometimes), read 1 John chapter 1, chapter 2:1-2, all of it truly.
1 John 3:11. We can't fellowship with sin anymore. It takes effort to cling to Jesus for our guidance. Find a BIBLE teaching Church; even if it's on the FM radio.
Coming by here is a way of fellowship. Everyone loves to share. Just always compare what you hear, with scripture.
Learn how to use the SEARCH ENGINE on this website. Explore everything :D
We pray for everyone that asks for prayer. So put this site on your Google desktop. Drop in anytime! Some of us are nightowls lol
Ephesians 6 tells us who the real enemies are, to our walk with God. We all get opposed by the devils. Say what Jesus said, in the Gospels.
May the Lord bless you and keep you close to his vest, and keep you encouraged as you walk with Him.
Hopefully these are helpful
So Peter reaffirms that it is Jesus Who is this Living Stone, not only a foundation stone & a tried stone on which His Church is built, but One Who is alive forevermore. This Stone, men had rejected (they crucified Him, and do so today in their hearts in their hatred of Him), but He is the Chosen One of God & so precious as God's Son & the Forerunner of our faith (having entered the veil of death on our behalf at the Cross, making those who believe, acceptable to God, & He ever lives as our Great High Priest to intercede for us: Hebrews 6:19,20).
after death,: Matthew 17:1-3, Luke 7:12-16, Luke 8:49-56, John 11:21-45, Matthew 27:50-54, Luke 16:22-31, John 21:14, Acts 3:15, Acts 4:10, Mark 12:25,26,27, Luke 24:46, John 5:12, John 5:25, 1 Peter 1:3, 1 Peter 2:24, 1 Peter 4:5, Revelation 1:5, Revelation 1:18, Revelation 14:9-20, 1 Corinthians 15:20,21, 2 Timothy 4:1, 1 Thessalonians 4:16, 1 Thessalonians 1:10, Matthew 25:31-46, Romans 14:9, Matthew 22:32, Isaiah 26:19,
Hebrews 11:35, Revelation 20, 2 Esdras 2:16, Hebrews 6:2, Hebrews 9:14, Hebrews 11:4, Hebrews 13:20, Revelation 11:18,
Hopefully these are helpful.
I have a comment regarding baptism- I don't see it as murdering Jesus. To me baptism is more a celebration of what Jesus has already done and publicly obeying and embracing Him through the symbolic act. It's a very positive thing, not a negative thing.
The Bible says nothing bad about being baptized more than once. Is it possible this idea originated from this verse about falling away from Jesus? Hebrews 6:4-6
Some who were baptized as kids who doubted there sincerity later in life should not hesitate to be baptized, especially if they feel led to do so. I was and I am so grateful I was. Only good can result from obeying Jesus, not bad. God bless.
1. He will not leave us or forsake us:
Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the LORD thy God, he it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee. - Deuteronomy 31:6
2. He is with us to the end of the age:
".. and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." Matthew 28:20
3. God's peace will guard our hearts and minds:
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7
*He comforts us in our grief and sorrow*
Psalm 73:26 "My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever."
Revelation 21:4 "And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away."
Psalm 34:18 "The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit."
Psalm 73:26 "My flesh and my heart faileth: but God is the strength of my heart, and my portion forever."
I pray that God's Spirit of peace and comfort surround you, encourage you that you are not alone and put people in your path to help you through this tough trial you are going through. Our ladies group will hold you up in prayer. God bless and keep you in Jesus' name!
The scriptures that you quoted are certainly true. We are saved by faith not by obeying the law. He shed His blood for us. However, disregard of the law of God was what brought down Lucifer and Adam and Eve. There was no sin till then.We, in our flesh, also do not obey nor can obey the law of God. The 10 Commandments have not been abolished. Jesus said in Matthew 5 vs 18: 'till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law till all be fulfilled.'
What does being saved mean? To verbally accept Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour without complete commitment is worthless.What does He say about being lukewarm? We can lose our salvation as evidenced by scriptures such as Matthew24:13 'but he that shall endure to the end, the same shall be saved', Rev 3:11 'hold fast..so that no one may seize your crown', also eg. Mark 13:13, Hebrews 6:4-65, Heb 3:6
"SIN IS THE TRANSGRESSION OF THE LAW" 1John 3:4. If we sin, we have forgiveness by repenting to our advocate with the Father. 1 John 2:1. With His Spirit within us, we grow in our characters to become more like Jesus, who obeyed His Father.
He did not sin and became our substitute. We are saved from our sins not to keep on sinning. Deception in the churches on this point abounds. We are warned not to be deceived-eg. Matt24;4, 2 Thess 2-3, 1 Cor 6:9-10
To see what the faithful church will look like at the return of Jesus, examine Rev 14vs12- THEY KEEP THE COMMANDMENTS OF GOD AND THE FAITH OF JESUS. In contrast to this, 'the love of many shall wax cold.' Matt 24:12
Note further Rev 22vs 14:
' BLESSED ARE THEY THAT DO HIS COMMANDMENTS, THAT THEY MAY HAVE RIGHT TO THE TREE OF LIFE AND MAY ENTER IN THROUGH THE GATES INTO THE CITY.'
Jesus does not separate Himself from His law. He said of Himself 'I am the Way, the Truth and the Life.'
The Bible also tells us in Psalm 119vs 142 'Thy Law is Truth.'
1 John 2:4 says we are liars if we say we love Him and do not keep His commandments.
A conditional covenant is an agreement between two or more parties that requires certain terms to be met. If the terms are met, there will be one kind of result (favorable). If the terms are not met, there will be a different result (unfavorable).
The case we have here is Abraham had no participation in the oath being made therefore he was not bound to an oath.
It was the Lord given the promise and it was "HE" who confirmed it with an oath.
Hebrews 6:13-14.
Hebrews 6:17.
It didn't take obedience of the Law to form the Covenant.
Galatians 3:17-18.
However I didn't Leave out obedience.
Here's why and how we obey.
AND OPERATION OF THE HOLYSPIRIT IN THE NEW COVENANT.
THE TRUE VINE!
John 151:17.
Ps. You are not expected to bare fruit until AFTER you are connected to the vine.
Notice verse 4.
John 15:4.
The branch cannot bear fruit of itself!!
Nor does it produce the fruit!!
Again. ( YOU CANNOT PRODUCE THE FRUIT ) YOU BEAR IT.!!
( 2 Corinthians 3:5. )
Hebrews 10:16
Romans 6:6
Romans 8:10-11.
God bless.
This is what is getting covered up by spritualizing certain text.
And How it relates to us.
Hebrews 6:13-19 (KJV) For when God made promise to Abraham, because he could swear by no greater, he sware by himself,
Saying, SURELY BLESSING I WILL BLESS THEE, and MULTIPLYING I WILL MULTIPLY THEE.
And so, after he had patiently endured, he obtained the promise.
For men verily swear by the greater: and an oath for confirmation is to them an end of all strife.
Wherein God, willing more abundantly to shew unto the heirs of promise the IMMUTABILITY of his counsel, CONFIRMED IT BY AN OATH:
That by TWO IMMUTABLE THINGS, in which it was impossible for God to lie, we might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us:
Which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, BOTH SURE AND STEADFAST, AND WHICH ENTERED INTO THAT "WITHIN THE VEIL;"
Galatians 4:28. Now we, brethren, as Isaac was, are the children of promise.
Here's the covenant and Promise between God and Abraham.
TAKE NOTICE OF WHO IS THE LONE PARTICIPANT IN PERFORMING THE COVENANT.
Here's Isaac being Promised.
Genesis 15:4-5.
Abraham's participation.
Genesis 15:6.
Here's the covenant performed.
Genesis 15:8-11.
NOTICE WHAT GOD DOES TO ABRAHAM.
Genesis 15:12.
This covenant being instituted by God only suggests its faithfulness depended on Gods PROMISE NOT ABRAHAM'S FAITHFULNESS!!
Abraham faith was in God's PROMISE!!
That's Mercy, Grace, and Faith apart from works. And Eternal Security all in view here.
Galatians 4:28. !!
Galatians 3:8-9.
Galatians 3:13-15.
THE PROMISE OF A SAVIOR GIVEN BEFORE THE INSTITUTION OF THE MINISTRATION OF DEATH!!
Galatians 3:16-17.
2 Corinthians 3.
Galatians 3:18.
THE TRUE VINE!
AND OPERATION OF THE HOLYSPIRIT IN THE NEW COVENANT.
Hebrews 10:16.
Romans 6:6.
Romans 8:10-11.
( 2 Corinthians 3:5. )
This is what's being attacked by those crept in from unawares.
God bless.
Sorry for the late reply. I was away and just saw the questions you sent. I'll respond to the 2 verses you sent. First of all, Hebrews 10:26. This is one of the verses that is used by those who believe salvation can be lost. But I do not see anything there that tells me salvation can be lost. In all the verses in Hebrews chapter 10, beginning from verse 1, the writer, whoever that might be, is speaking to Hebrew people. He is showing them the superiority of the sacrifice of Jesus Christ over the sacrificial system of Judaism.
After the writer has presented his case that the sacrifice of Jesus Christ is far superior than their Jewish way of sacrificing, In Hebrews 10:26, the writer is telling these Hebrew people that if they turn away and go back to into Judaism, they are not going to find any sacrifice there that is going to take care of their sin problem if they reject Christ and His sacrifice. (There is no other sacrifice for sin).
A person who has "received the knowledge of the truth" does not mean that person is saved. Hebrews 6:4 also speaks about an "enlightened" person. People also use this verse to prove you can lose your salvation. But again, an enlightened person does not mean a saved person. A person can be enlightened to the truth, they can receive the knowledge of the truth, but if that person does not surrender their life to Jesus Christ, that knowledge and enlightenment means nothing.
These people were being enlightened to the truth about Christ. They received the knowledge. But instead of surrendering to Christ, they were turning away and going back into Judaism. It was much easier for them to do that than to surrender their life to Christ. Surrendering to Christ meant severe persecution, so they were turning away. No salvation there to be lost because they turned away without surrendering to Christ.
I'm running out of space. I'll respond to the other verse you mention ( Philippians 2:12) and your other questions in a second post.
Matthew 12:32 "...but whosoever speaketh against the Holy Ghost, it shall not be forgiven him, neither in this world, neither in the world to come."
Matthew 7:21-23
"Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven."
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,"
Hebrews 6:4-6
James 2:14-26 "...faith, if it hath not works, is dead..."
James 2:19 "Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble."
1 Peter 1:13 "...hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ;"
Romans 11
John 14:15 "If ye love me, keep my commandments."
Matthew 12:31-32
Romans 14:12
1 Peter 1:5 - "...salvation ready to be revealed in the last time."
1 Cor 9:24-27 "run the race", not the 'race was already won.'
2 Peter 3:17
Luke 8:5-18
1 Timothy 4:1
2 Peter 2:20-22
If you're referring to something you thought or did before you came to know the Lord, then I personally don't believe you are guilty of this. I think it's closer to the opposite of what the other commenter said. I think it's especially for Christians who already 'know better' and already know the truth, then reject it to the point of calling good evil and evil good and claiming evil motives- perhaps like an ultimate betrayal, and it might also involve denying the holy spirit within you. I hesitate to even write this as an example. A clear example of this blaspheming is Matthew 12:24 by the Pharisees. Jesus logically refuted it, but it's unclear whether He was saying the Pharisees then had no chance to go to heaven, because I don't believe they had true knowledge of the truth yet. I think it's possible Judas committed this as well. It's possible Peter committed this, but was forgiven in a special circumstance, possibly.
My Biblical support for this is Hebrews 10:26 and 2 Peter 2:20-22 and 1 Timothy 1:13 and Hebrews 6:4-6 and Luke 23:34. Maybe more here: Link
This is my personal opinion. Romans 1:20 could be used to suggest otherwise, but it's my opinion that it is only concerning knowing there's a God, not necessarily having the full truth of Jesus Christ and the holy spirit and then denying. I also don't believe falling away qualifies. I think we're talking about a full on rejection and I hate even the thought while writing this, but if it couldn't happen Jesus would not have warned us about it. God bless.
Here's verses about it:
Link
Here's a previous discussion I found via advanced search and selecting discussions.
Link
More verses:
Matthew 12:32 "...but whosoever speaketh against the Holy Ghost, it shall not be forgiven him, neither in this world, neither in the world to come."
OSAS believers: "Ok, but a Christian would never do that"
"Christians no longer have freewill to sin? Is that true?"
Joshua 24:15 "choose you this day whom ye will serve"
Matthew 7:21-23
"Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven."
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,"
Hebrews 6:4-6
James 2:14-26 "...faith, if it hath not works, is dead..."
James 2:19 "Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble."
1 Peter 1:13 "...hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ;"
Romans 11
John 14:15 "If ye love me, keep my commandments."
Matthew 12:31-32
Romans 14:12
1 Peter 1:5 - "...salvation ready to be revealed in the last time."
1 Cor 9:24-27 "run the race", not the 'race was already won.'
2 Peter 3:17
Luke 8:5-18
1 Timothy 4:1
2 Peter 2:20-22
Hebrews 3:12
Galatians 5:4
1 Corinthians 15:2-8
2 Peter 2:20-21
Just one verse in the Bible is all it takes to refute the OSAS theory:
Matthew 12:32 "...but whosoever speaketh against the Holy Ghost, it shall not be forgiven him, neither in this world, neither in the world to come."
But there's so many more verses too. Paul is the one who said we can have assurance of salvation, but what people often do is the remove the contingent part- this requires us to "follow Jesus!" A Christian is an active Jesus follower. It's a pursuit that involves effort and transforming oneself. Not being slave to sin, but to righteousness. People want their cake and to eat it too, by not following Jesus, enjoying unlimited sin, but also demanding salvation like a spoiled, self-entitled brat. Some Christians even deny this reality. But Jesus already addressed that:
Matthew 7:21-23
"Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven."
Believe it or not, there are even people who don't want to do good. They claim that it's 'bad' to do good works. One should ask, did Jesus say that? If not, does that idea come from God or satan?
John 14:15 "If ye love me, keep my commandments."
I think people would slander Jesus today for doing good works, just like they did back then.
Here are more verses (too many to even paste here):
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,"
Hebrews 6:4-6
James 2:14-26 "...faith, if it hath not works, is dead..."
James 2:19 "Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble."
1 Peter 1:13 "...hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ;"
Romans 11
Matthew 12:31-32
Romans 14:12
1 Peter 1:5 - "...salvation ready to be revealed in the last time."
1 Cor 9:24-27 "run the race", not 'party' or sit on sofa.
Pray to God to know the truth.
Here's some parallel verses. Part 1.
Galatians 3:16-29. Now to Abraham and his seed were the promises made. He saith not, And to seeds, as of many; but as of one, And to thy seed, which is Christ.
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.
Wherefore then serveth the law? It was added because of transgressions, till the seed should come to whom the promise was made; and it was ordained by angels in the hand of a mediator.
Now a mediator is not a mediator of one, but God is one.
Is the law then against the promises of God? God forbid: for if there had been a law given which could have given life, verily righteousness should have been by the law.
But the scripture hath concluded all under sin, that the promise by faith of Jesus Christ might be given to them that believe.
But before faith came, we were kept under the law, shut up unto the faith which should afterwards be revealed.
Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith.
But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster.
For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus.
For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ.
There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.
And if ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise.
Hebrews 6:13-19.
Genesis 15:5-12.
( Genesis 15:6. )
Galatians 3:26-29.
I would like to add to the truth of what Sacha has shared and take it from verse 10.
Isaiah 55:10-13. For as the rain cometh down, and the snow from heaven, and returneth not thither, but watereth the earth, and maketh it bring forth and bud, that ( it may give SEED to the sower, and BREAD TO THE EATER:)
SO SHALL MY WORD BE THAT GOETH FORTH OUT OF MY MOUTH: IT SHALL NOT RETURN UNTO ME VOID, BUT IT SHALL ACCOMPLISH THAT WHICH I PLEASE, AND IT SHALL PROSPER IN THE THING WHERETO I SENT IT.
For ye shall go out with joy, and be led forth with peace: the mountains and the hills shall break forth before you into singing, and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands.
INSTEAD OF THE THORN SHALL COME UP THE FIR TREE, and INSTEAD OF THE BRIER SHALL COME UP THE MYRTLE TREE: and it shall be to the LORD for a name,( FOR AN EVERLASTING SIGN THAT SHALL NOT BE CUT OFF. )
Here you have an prominence on the word of God, Salvation is a revelation of God and the word of God is like rain that comes down from heaven, We should bud in response to the word and the Holyspirit in the same way the Earth responds to rain.
God's WORD WILL PROSPER AND ACCOMPLISH THAT WHICH HE PLEASE!
Providing his word TRULY abides in us.
Remember the parable of the sower?
We also see the concept here in
1 Corinthians 3:6. I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase.
The bread reminds me of Jesus saying I am that bread which came down from heaven.
John 6:33. For the bread of God is he which cometh down from heaven, and giveth life unto the world.
These passages is also why I believe Romans 6 references fruit barring rather than lost Salvation.
Hebrews 6:7-8 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.
Wonderful passage.
God bless.
Hebrews 6:10
But, beloved, we are persuaded better things of you, and things that accompany salvation, though we this speak.
For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labor of love, which ye have shewed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister.
And we desire that every one of you do shew the same diligence to the full assurance of hope unto the end:
That ye be not slothful, but followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises.
Esther 6:9
And let this apparel and horse be delivered to the hand of one of the king's most noble princes, that they may array the man withal whom the king delighteth to honour, and bring him on horseback through the streets of the city, and proclaim before him, Thus shall it be done to the man whom the king delighteth to honour.
Esther 6:10a
Then the king said to Haman, Make haste...
"If you are afraid you have fallen away because you had thoughts of unbelief and doubt, is it possible that you have not apostatized because you are worried about it? As in if you questioned your faith and felt faithless will God forgive that or are you doomed because you were not faithful when trying to research and prove to yourself that Christianity is true and felt discouraged and confused. Since then have been praying for forgiveness and understanding but according to Hebrews 6:4-6, it looks really bad. Now I am sitting at home just worried that I have unwittingly forfeited my salvation because I was scared and confused and weak in faith. This is incredibly stressful."
Now I realize that I was arrogant to question God and asking questions isn't wrong but not seeking help from a mature Christian first was dumb
Some of them (Hebrew people) were considering going back into the old religious system of the Old Testament.
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 if I understand these three groups, I can better understand some of the scriptures that are being presented. There are sections of scriptures to each one of these three groups in the book of Hebrews.
Now, all that to say this:
Hebrews 6:4-6 does not worry me at all. My relationship with Jesus Christ can never be broken. My fellowship with Him can be broken but never my relationship. A true believer, a person who is born of God's Spirit, cannot commit apostasy.
What I see in those three verses is the writer talking to those in group 1 and explaining to them the outcome of those in group 2 if they should walk away.
Now those in the 3rd group were non-believers who were following along but were never going to believe. They were probably there to watch and accuse those in group 2 who decided to identify with those in group 1 which would in turn cause them to be persecuted.
So what I see in Hebrews 6:4-6 is a group of people (Hebrew people) who were faced with a decision. Do I leave Judaism and receive Christ as my Savior. Or, do I walk away and go back into Judaism because of what it would cost me to surrender my life to Christ. For a Jewish person, this was a very difficult decision.
What the writer is saying is that after they have come to a full understanding of salvation through Christ, if they do not take the next step in turning from Judaism and surrendering their life to Him, but instead walk away because of what it would cost them, it is impossible for them to find salvation any other way.
If we were to put ourselves in the same position that these Jews were faced with, which of these three groups would we identify ourselves with?