Dear Dr. Belanger,

Personally I believe  Hebrews. 6:4-6 is perhaps the most difficult passage in all the New Testament to interpret. Not impossible, but difficult. Could you please give me a brief explanation on this passage as to whether or not a believer can actually lose their salvation?

I'd appreciate your view, Bro. B., Rochester, NY

Answer:

There are many who feel that this passage (Hebrews 6:4,6) teaches that a believer could lose their salvation.  While it is true that many sincere believers would suggest that it does teach the loss of salvation and yet, there are many who believe otherwise.   The proper application of biblical interpretation must be applied in order to appreciate this passage of scripture.

To better appreciate this passage... it is wise to keep it in context.

Beginning with verses 1 through 3, we find admonishment to grow unto maturity by putting off the elementary aspects of Christianity and carnality which leave believers vulnerable to a pervading sense of insecurity.

This takes us into verses 4 through 6 where the author feeds into the results of ignoring the practicality of verses 1 through 3. He articulates the folly that his readers had in that some might have in imagining that they can lean towards Judaism without experiencing the loss of confidence in the relevance of the cross (vs.6)

Obviously, the Hebrew writer is not implying the loss of salvation...but the loss of exclusive satisfaction with the gospel and further enslaving themselves to a false process of sanctification which does not originate with God's blessing of salvation (6a).

In Summary, the Hebrew writer is directing their attention to the grace of God and to reject the bewitching of Judaism which is contrary to the gospel of Jesus Christ (vs.7,11).

Judaism breeds a sense of insufficiency in the cross of Christ, thus, leaving the believer expressing a sense of insecurity with the Gospel which suggest that Christ is not All we need (vs.6).  This is what is at the heart of Hebrews 6:4,6.

Thank God, salvation is by Grace through Faith in Jesus Christ.

Obedience is not the Cause For salvation... it is Because of Salvation.  A pattern of disobedience will cause and cultivate a loss of assurance of salvation. I hope this gives you something to research this matter even further by comparing scripture with scripture. 

Sincerely, Dr. Arthur Belanger
 

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