On Sunday, I preached one of the most difficult messages that I have ever delivered. The text is Hebrews 6:1-12. Here is the really pointed bit, 6:4-6:
For it is impossible, in the case of those who have once been enlightened, who have tasted the heavenly gift, and have shared in the Holy Spirit, and have tasted the goodness of the word of God and the powers of the age to come, and then have fallen away, to restore them again to repentance, since they are crucifying once again the Son of God to their own harm and holding him up to contempt.
I do not believe that these verses describe a Christian losing their salvation, but this warning should cause all of us to tremble.
I have posted the message on our church website. I couldn't get it to upload - every once in a while I run into this problem - but I did an end-run around that by splitting it into two parts (part 1, part 2). We're working on a solution to uploading big files -- that is, long sermons.
I welcome your feedback on this controversial message. I've heard from a few people locally already! I'm still not convinced of my handling of all the details, but in the big picture, I'm satisfied that I understand the warning and its application.
3 comments:
Hey Pastor,
Without hearing your message, I have done a large amount of research into this scripture, seeing how it is used often to argue against perseverance of the saints. We must always read scripture as a complete and coherent message, and that scripture does not contradict itself. Hebrews 6 appears to do that with John 10:28-29, Romans 8:28-30. So what do we do? Which is more clear? How can we make these scriptures align? My understanding of Hebrews 6 is that those that are being described are the church-goers who have heard the word, partaken of the sacraments, had fellowship with the saints, yet never knew Christ. This would line up with 1 John 1:6.
I'm very happy to hear that the church in Edson is getting the FULL gospel, even the tough ones! God Bless you!
Chris Cousine
Just so, Chris
The key is fruitfulness. If God regenerates, there will be real, lasting fruit - the sign of life.
Once a sinner receives this life from God, it cannot be lost, stolen or given away.
The key IS fruitfulness. I was listening to a lecture from RC Sproul the other day, and he commented on scripture that scares him from time to time, and the idea that we can fool ourselves into thinking that we are saved is sobering. We must work out our salvation with fear and trembling, and we can see this by our fruits. However, there are many lost in our churches that do good works, go to church (another work), and partake of the sacraments, yet know not our Lord. When teaching our college and career students, I often challenge them to give a reason for their salvation. It should start with Christ, and end with obedience.
Chris
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