Illness can sometimes be delicious, because it
gives one a chance to do some extra studying
in the Bible. This weekend was one of those
times.
Along with other Scriptures, I got into Hebrews
6:1 - 8, breaking it down some, in order to disect
it for a better understanding. Concentrating upon
verses 4 - 6, but including the context, what
would you say it means and why?
Hebrews 6:1 - 8 (with references back to 5:11 - 14 and forward to 6:9 - 12)
Discussion in 'Free-For-All Archives' started by Abiyah, Nov 24, 2003.
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Okay. Maybe people want to read it here. Please
do not penalize me for not having a KJV handy.
Please?! And I don't mind who answers --
Calvinist or Arminian. I had simply been taught
that it meant one thing, but it seems to mean some-
thing different.
Hebrews 6:4 - 6, in the NASB, is as follows:
was written to Jews regarding their continued
access to our God. I believe that this section is
teaching that our Messiah is better than Aaron,
because He is a perfect High Priest. In the verses
just previous to the ones I am calling out, the ones
being addressed are called "dull of hearing," and
told that they are immature as believers because
they have refused to mature. The writer is calling
for them to leave the playpen of added laws and
customs and of worrying about resurrection and
judgment.
Then comes verses 4 - 6 (above), followed by a
caution not to be nit-picky and cantankerous,
because they have potential for better things,
shown by their ability to work, to love, and to
serve.
Am I correct, then, in believing that the writer, by
what is written in verse 4, is saying that the
receivers of this writing were brought to the Truth
(enlightened) but have merely tasted the "heavenly
gift," not received it?
Re verse 6, these who have merely tasted but have
fallen away cannot be brought back to repentance,
because in refusing the Truth, the recrucify our
Messiah in their hearts?
This remains a bit confusing to me. -
Blessings -
I think that there has been no interest in this thread because the verses argue against OSAS. -
Bro. Curtis <img src =/curtis.gif>Site Supporter
Couldn't resist....
If you believe these verses mean you can lose your salvation, then you HAVE to believe that salvation will never again be granted. Once lost is lost forever. -
4. For in the case of those who have once
been enlightened and have tasted of the
heavenly gift and have been made par-
takers of the Holy Spirit,
5. and have tasted the good word of God
and the powers of the age to come,
6. and have fallen away, it is impossible
to renew them again to repentance, since
they again crucify to themselves the Son
of God and put Him to open shame. -
Hey guys, loss of salvation is an Armenian belief, you know, us tongue-talkers...
Look at this, Sorry I feel a bit mischievous right now.
As a Cessasionist they refuse to even consider, much less taste the powers of the age to come. :eek: :eek: :eek: :D
Sorry, couldn't resist this one.
Seriously, though, If you entertain the idea that someone can walk away from God after 'tasting and seeing that the Lord is good' then you also have to take a look at the difficulty of arriving at that situation.
You just about have to be a Faith-Healer Miracle Working Super-Faith Guy to qualify for not being re-instated.
Even though I am Armenian in basic belief I do not believe that I can casually lose my salvation because my God is a jealous God and He fights for me.
Should I fall, underneath are the everlasting arms to catch me.
I'd have to be pretty determined to crawl out of His Hands if after falling any distance and being caught by God's Hands if I then made the effort to crawl out of them.
So, I guess you'd say I believe a determined Armenian *could* walk away. But, for the life of me I can't think of a sane reason why they would.
And, I am not sure insanity or an emotional upset would count against re-reinstatement either.
God's Grace is sufficient. His Mercy without end. -
Hmmm... -
Did you read my whole post. I think I handled your objection. It says "it is impossible
to renew them again to repentance, since
they again crucify to themselves the Son
of God and put Him to open shame.". It is impossible for us just as it is much easier for a rich man to pass through the eye of a needle than to enter the kingdom of heaven, yet Joseph of Arimethia was wealthy and likely went. Solomon and Abraham were very wealthy and are in heaven I am quite sure. The verse is talking about Apostacy and the man who has fallen away is not open to our words. Yet I hold out the hope that what is impossible for us is possible for God. That by his choice the man might be moved back to faith. The virtrol with which former Catholic anti-catholics attack the Church fits this verse very well. Rarely are they ever able to grant us a point no matter how plain the truth may be. I pray for God's grace on them.
Blessings on your hiatus. -
SpiritualMadMan,
Take a look at Romans 8:38 and guard yourself. There is a whole list of things that cannot separate us from the love of God. There is one thing not mentioned. Sin. Throughout the New Testament there are warnings against sin and the snares that await us. Be not too causual against the wickednes and snares of the devil. You may feel you could never reject Christ now but many a pastor has run away with the wife of one of his flock. Sin starts out as just a little thing. Next thing you know your in over your head and enslaved by it once more.
Blessings -
Thess...
Agreed, though, I have always thought of the missing item as 'Self'.
As in Me, Myself, and I.
As is we have met the enemy and it are us. :D -
"tongue-talkers," or was that purely in jest? :-D
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So I guess there are no answers for my questions? -
Abiyah,
You mean there are non-Pentecostals who are Armenian???
My!? Wow?! I guess I've been sequestered too much.
I honestly didn't think there was any such things as a non-Pentecostal Armenian. Sorry, if I've offended anyone.
(Actually, except for the mischievousness, I thought I had a pretty good answer?) -
Yes, Pentecostal Arminians are just a portion of
Arminianism. I came from a sector I call holiness-
Arminian. Nazarenes (my husband's church) are
Arminians. Some Baptsts are Arminian. Some
Methodists are Arminian. And there are many
others who are Arminian in belief, including Roman
Catholics.
But it is Arminian, no E :). People who are
Armenian are from Armenia; those who are
Arminian follow the teachings of Arminius. But I
am a far-from-perfect speller, too.
You were not offensive, though.
Re your answer: you know how it is -- it was just
not the answer I was looking for -- not exactly on
the aspect I intended. But even if it had been, I
was thrown off so much by the Arminianism =
"tongue-talkers" that I would not have noticed!! :-D