I am continuing to enjoy the study of Hebrews 6:4-6 this week as I was unable to reach the end of all that I have to say about the passage last Sunday. I was told this past week that I left everyone hanging but interested in what the passage means. That is an exciting place for a pastor to be for sure.
The question that we all want to answer in this passage is, who are the "those" in Hebrews 6:4? Are they Christians, non-Christians, tasters, testers or the real deal?
We know one thing for sure, these people, whoever they might be are unable to be brought to repentance. How is this possible? Is this the sin that Jesus refers to in the Gospel of Luke about blaspheme against the Holy Spirit? Is this the unforgivable sin? Are these Christians who have fallen away for good and have lost their salvation?
My approach this Sunday will be different than many of the traditional views on this text. I have studied it long and hard and believe I have arrived at some sound conclusions. My last post may give some hints to where I am going but I do not believe it fully reveals what I believe is the truth in this passage.
If you want to get ready for this Lord's Day I would encourage you to read Hebrews 5:11-6:12. Particularly study the words carefully in verse 4-6. These people who are unable to repent are in the midst of something. It is not about what they have done but what they are currently doing and continue to do. This passage is not about the unforgivable sin...this particular sin is forgivable...
Tuesday, June 5, 2007
The Point of No Return?
Posted by Pastor Dan at 9:55 AM
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5 comments:
Awesome stuff brother, I’m interested in your conclusion. For if you are going to say that these men ARE believers, then why it the end result that they are compared to a field that will be burned? Again why it is said to be “impossible” for them to “renewed” to repentance? Not hard or difficult like some other Pastors might try to interpret it but Impossible. I looked at the previous chapter as you suggested and It would seem to be pointing to a people who for some reason cant move on past the basic gospel (they don’t get it = not saved?). Anyway, I have sooo much more to say on this and I know you do as well, because as I type this your preaching on it right now. I have to go get ready for the 11:00 service…
~Michael Shannon
Dan, awesome topic. Does it seem that Paul is making a rhetorical argurment in Heb6:4-6? Namely,could Paul be stating that IF a person becomes a believer and could somehow leave his status of 'saved', IT would be impossible to restore them because it causes Christ's words on the cross, 'It is finished', to be false (ie.,Heb6:6). Similar to what seems to be a rhetorical argument in 2Tim2:10-13 NASB.
Yo Pauli,
Thanks for the comment. One note, no one is really sure who wrote Hebrews. Paul has been at the source of many debates but the literary style and content, and his ministry to the Gentiles seem to contradict. Whoever wrote Hebrews left a great legacy by the ministry of the Holy Spirit.
I have read some scholars work on the "hypothetical" or the rhetorical approach to these verses and have found them unconvincing. One could compare these verses to the Scriptures that speak of the elect being deceived--if that were possible (don't remember the reference right now).
I am addresing these last couple of verses this week. The question is, "what is impossible for these people?" I believe the answer is found in the original language which many of our translations fail to recognize. When looking at the tenses of the verbs in these words the answer is clear. The Scriptures literally say, that it is impossible to repent WHILE they are putting Christ to open shame. All Christians should agree with this. The passage is about repentance.
Biblical repentance is about turning from sin and turning toward Christ. How can one turn from sin and toward Christ WHILE they are in the midst of putting Christ to shame by their sinful behavior? It is impossible!
As a side note but related, the main distraction in the "once saved always saved" argument is the case of those who do really "fall away" and never return. They have truly rejected Christ. But they never could have been saved in the first place. They didn't persevere because they were never preserved by God. Ah, what a great subject....God's great saving grace.
More on this soon...
This is an unrelated question. I think I stumbled upon your blog through the GRPC website. I attended there many years ago before I moved away. Anyway...can you recommend a good commentary or book on Revelation? I would prefer one that covers a variety of viewpoints so I can make my own decision. Any advice or suggestions you may have would be helpful. Thank you!
Thanks for reading. I thought there was an authoritative book already published on this? Something like, "Left Below" or "Behind"? They even made a movie? Forgive the sarcasm.
There are several commentaries that I use on a weekly basis. You must always sift through them in order to come to a point of truth for sure. I would highly recommend, Kistemakar, John MacArthur, Matthew Henry's Commentary on the Whole Bible, Lenski to name a few.
However, I would suggest a deeper approach to end times theology (eschatology). Take a "whole-Bible approach". Revelation is quite obscure. It must be interpreted in light of the obvious in Scripture. While you are stuyding Revelation keep in mind that the book uses a literary style known as "recapitulation"--basically--recap. There are also sections that repeat in order to build upon detail. You may want to read some books about eschatology that include a "whole-Bible approach" so that Scripture is interpreted within Scripture. There is a book called "Last Days Madness" which you may want to pick up and read through.
What a blessed journey you are taking. Pray that the Lord returns quickly!
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