Hebrews 6:4,6 -
Could This Happen To Me?
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 (Heb
rews
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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