Hebrews 6:1-8

<body topmargin=0 leftmargin=0 marginheight=0 marginwidth=0> <table cellpadding=0 cellspacing=0 border=0><tr> <td valign="top" colspan=2 height=50 BGCOLOR="#333366" TEXT="#080000"> <div> <B>Hebrews 6:1-8</B></div> <div> </div> </td> </tr><tr> <td valign="top" width=165 BGCOLOR="#CCCC99" TEXT="#080000"> <div> <B> <TABLE BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="2" CELLSPACING="1" WIDTH="132" BORDERCOLORLIGHT="#C0C0C0" BORDERCOLORDARK="#808080" FRAME="VOID" RULES="NONE" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" > <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 35 ><NOBR><div> <A HREF="id192.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Destination of the Galatians Letter"><U><B><IMG SRC="007151d0.gif" border=0 width="21" height="29" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></B></U></A></div> </NOBR></tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP><NOBR><div> <A HREF="id168.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Revelation: A Summary"><U><B><IMG SRC="008151d0.gif" border=0 width="21" height="29" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></B></U></A></div> </NOBR></tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="20"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="35" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="20" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP><NOBR><div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="29" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" WIDTH="13"></div> </NOBR></tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP><NOBR><div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="29" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" WIDTH="27"></div> </NOBR></tD> </tR> </TABLE></B></div> <div> Previous/Next Article</div> <bR> <div> <A HREF="index.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="www.stanbaker.org"><U><B>Home</B></U></A></div> <bR> <div> <A HREF="id2.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Biblical and Theological Studies"><U>Biblical and Theological Studies</U></A></div> <bR> <div> <A HREF="id3.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Church Ministry"><U><B>Ministry Studies</B></U></A></div> <bR> <div> <A HREF="id15.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Sermon Notes"><U><B>Sermon Notes</B></U></A></div> <bR> <div> <A HREF="id4.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Links"><U><B>Links</B></U></A></div> <bR> <div> <A HREF="id5.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Personal"><U><B>Personal</B></U></A></div> <bR> <div> www.stanbaker.org</div> <div> <A HREF="mailto:stan@stanbaker.org" TARGET="_top" TITLE="mailto:stan@stanbaker.org"><U>stan@stanbaker.org</U></A></div> </td> <td valign="top" height=430 BGCOLOR="#FFFFFF" TEXT="#080000"> <div> <B>THE MEANING AND IMPLICATIONS OF HEBREWS 6:1-8</B></div> <bR> <div> <B>Introduction</B></div> <div>      Hebrews 6.1-8 is filled with difficult questions as to its meaning. This brief paper will examine the context in which Hebrews 6.1-8 is placed, and it will discuss the basic meaning of the paragraph, focusing on the issue of who the author has in mind, a true believer or merely a professing believer. The material here is not intended to be exhaustive, but is intended to provide a broad look at the passage as groundwork for future study. This paper will also discuss the implications of this text for believers in every generation. </div> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <B>Contextual Issues</B></div> <div> The Recipients of the Book of Hebrews</div> <div>      While we do not know who penned the epistle to the Hebrews, we can get a good sense of who the recipients were and what characterized them.<FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" ><A HREF="#1" TITLE="Hebrews 6:18"><U>1</U></A></FONT></div> <div>  It is clear from the outset of the book that the author is writing to people such as himself who embrace faith in Jesus Christ. He uses very inclusive language: “God spoke to <I>our</I> forefathers” (1.1); “he has spoken to <I>us</I>” (1.2); “<I>we</I> must pay more careful attention, therefore, to what <I>we</I> have heard” (2.1). The author calls his readers “holy brothers” in Hebrews 3.1 (cf., 10.19). This tone of connection with his readers in spiritual matters continues throughout the book, and indicates that the author is writing to believers. The author has a common faith with his readers, and he thus does not need to call his readers to salvation. Instead, he calls them to maturity, to greater spiritual growth and faithfulness as believers. For example, in Hebrew 2.1, the author challenges the readers to pay more attention to what they have heard so that they would stay faithful rather than drifting away  (cf., 3.1, 4.1, 6.1, 10.19-25, 12.1-3).</div> <div>      The context surrounding Hebrews 6.1-8 also indicates that he is addressing believers even in that passage. In Hebrews 5.12, the author suggests that the readers should already be teachers of God’s truth. In Hebrews 6.9, he calls them “friends” and he speaks of a confidence in the spiritual fruitfulness of his readers, and calls this “things that accompany salvation.”</div> <div>      That the recipients of the letter were believers seems clear enough, but their spiritual state is open to discussion, because various perceptions are given of them and their level of maturity. A series of warnings and exhortations is given to them (2.1, 3.1, 4.1, 6.1, 10.19-25, 12.1-3), suggesting that there was at least a perceived danger of their falling short of the the proper level of commitment to Jesus Christ. The past and potentially future suffering of these believers is mentioned in the book (10.32-34, 12.5-13).<FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" ><A HREF="#2" TITLE="Hebrews 6:18"><U>2</U></A></FONT> This may have precipitated a temptation to return to Judaism, thus abandoning Christ.<FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" ><A HREF="#3" TITLE="Hebrews 6:18"><U>3</U></A></FONT> While the writer expresses confidence in them that they will persevere in the faith despite the dangers (6.9, 10.30), yet they are vigorously warned as though they were on the very verge of falling into apostasy, as in our the passage under study, Hebrews 6.1-8.</div> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> The Context of the Book of Hebrews</div> <div>      Hebrews begins by expressing in several ways the superiority of Jesus Christ to all else, including angels (chs. 1-2) and Moses (chs. 3-4.) He is regarded as the Great High Priest who is the ultimate source of salvation to all who trust in him (4.14-5.10). Hebrews goes on the discuss this priesthood of Christ (chs. 7-10.18), comparing it to that of Melchizedek (ch. 7). Jesus is also regarded as the priest who is the mediator of the New Covenant, superior to the Old Covenant of Moses (ch. 8). Jesus is further set forth as the final sacrifice made for sins (chs. 9-10.13).</div> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> The Immediate Context</div> <div> <FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >     In putting Hebrews 6.1-8 into focus, the author calls his readers “slow to learn” (5.11-14). He says they are only ready for “milk,” even though they should be far beyond that by now. In fact, they should be teaching others the basic truths, but they need to relearn those truths themselves (vs. 12). But interestly, he then expresses confidence in them in Hebrews 6.9-12, not only in their future, but also in their present condition (vs. 10, their work in ministering to others; vs. 11, the same diligence as they have already showed). How do these two views related and co-exist with one another? Lane suggests that the author is using the rhetorical strategy of irony in 5.11-14, in order to shame them for any digression they may have experienced.</FONT><A HREF="#4__lane_135_" TITLE="Hebrews 6:18"><U>4</U></A> <FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >Long calls the author’s rhetorical strategy here hyperbole. The author exaggerates the spiritual condition of his readers to motivate them to press forward with the author into areas of deep truth (the priesthood of Jesus Christ, chs. 7-10).</FONT><A HREF="#5__thomas_g__long_hebrews" TITLE="Hebrews 6:18"><U>5</U></A></div> <div>      There is the distinct possibility that the author is addressing only a small portion of his understood audience - maybe he knows that some are shrinking back, even though most are growing as they should. Any audience is multi-faceted! Specific applications may be made that only apply to some in an audience, though all can be rightly challenged by the application, even if it is not directed right to them. </div> <div>      In Hebrews 6.9-12, the author desires that each of them grow further. He is confident that the right actions and attitudes will accompany their salvation (vs. 9). He wants them to continue in the diligence and faithfulness which they have already shown (vs. 10-11). He certainly does not want any of them to become lazy, but instead to diligently follow in the footsteps of those faithful ones who have preceded them in the life of faith (vs. 12). His warning must be seen in the light of what he desires for them, their continued faithfulness.</div> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <B>The Basic Meaning of the Hebrews 6.1-8</B></div> <div>      The first three verses of chapter 6 constitute a call from the author to the hearer to leave behind the basic initial curriculum of the Christian life, and instead to push on toward greater spiritual growth. The author describes the elementary teachings in six phrases, which he calls “the foundation” (vs. 1). That he leads his reader in leaving behind these basic teachings after he has told them they are in need of milk and not solid food (5.12) is strange.<FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" ><A HREF="#6__f_f__bruce_the_epistle_to_the" TITLE="Hebrews 6:18"><U>6</U></A></FONT> To this end, he expresses confidence in God, that God would grant them the ability to move beyond the basic teachings into areas of deeper growth (vs. 3).</div> <div>      The foundation consists first of “repentance from dead works” (vs. 1). This phrase is also used in Hebrews 9.14, seeming to have specific reference there to sinful acts. On the other hand, it could refer to ritualistic or religious works that lead to death, in that they have no power to save.<FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" ><A HREF="#7__guthrie_138_" TITLE="Hebrews 6:18"><U>7</U></A></FONT> Because of the Jewish character of much of the material in this letter, such a reference to works would not be at all surprising. “Faith in God” is the next element of the basic teachings, the trust in God that leads to salvation and the life of walking in faith. Third and fourth are “instructions about baptisms” and “the laying on of hands” (vs. 2). These seem to have reference to part of the rituals involved early in the life of faith.<FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" ><A HREF="#8__it_is_disputed_whether__baptisms_" TITLE="Hebrews 6:18"><U>8</U></A></FONT> Fifth and sixth in the list of elemental teachings are “the resurrection of the dead” and “eternal judgment” (vs. 2). These again are crucial elements that one encounters when he first trusts in Christ. Given the culture of persecution that was prominent in the early church, these subjects would no doubt have had great significance. It should be pointed out that this list of elemental teachings is neither distinctive to Christianity nor to Judaism.<FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" ><A HREF="#9__paul_ellingworth_the_epistle_to_the" TITLE="Hebrews 6:18"><U>9</U></A></FONT></div> <div>      The next section, verses 4 through 6, reveals what seems to be harsh teaching. In summary, it is impossible for the described group of people to be restored to repentance if they should fall away. That is, for those who fall away, it is impossible for them to come back to where they were spiritually.</div> <div>      Hodges lists four various views on how these verses have been understood.<FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" ><A HREF="#10__zane_c__hodges__hebrews__bible" TITLE="Hebrews 6:18"><U>10</U></A></FONT> First, some suggest that these verses teach that a believer can lose his salvation if he fails to mature.<FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" ><A HREF="#11__i_fully_agree_with_hodges_that_the" TITLE="Hebrews 6:18"><U>11</U></A></FONT> Second, it could refer to someone who professes to be a believer, but then returns to a life of rebellion against God, and thus no longer will have opportunity to turn back to God. Third, it is suggested that the author refers to the hypothetical possibility of a Christian losing his salvation without hope of regaining it. Fourth, some view this as a believer who does not lose his salvation for persistent immaturity, but instead loses the blessings and benefits of maturity, forfeiting the hope of ever moving on toward maturity through a changed mind and life.</div> <div>      The crucial question is, who exactly is being referred to here? Several descriptive phrases are used. They are ones who have “been enlightened,” “tasted of the heavenly gift,” “shared in the Holy Spirit,” and “tasted of the goodness of the Word of God and the powers [miracles<FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" ><A HREF="#12__ray_c__stedman_hebrews_the_ivp" TITLE="Hebrews 6:18"><U>12</U></A></FONT>] of the coming age.” The crucial question is whether this person is a believer or unbeliever.<FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" ><A HREF="#13__it_seems_to_be_signficant_that_the" TITLE="Hebrews 6:18"><U>13</U></A></FONT> It would seem that such descriptive language can only be used of one who has trusted Christ for salvation. But this does not have to be the case.<FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" ><A HREF="#14__both_the_description_of_the_person" TITLE="Hebrews 6:18"><U>14</U></A></FONT> These things could describe a person who has become a part of the congregation of saints without actually becoming a saint himself.<FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" ><A HREF="#15__bruce_writes__in_these_verses_he" TITLE="Hebrews 6:18"><U>15</U></A></FONT> He has come to the edge of faith, to the very edge of experiencing all that Christ has to offer, yet has never truly trusted in Christ for salvation. No doubt any Christian congregation in any age faces the probability of people in their midst who are not true believers, yet no one knows it except that one.</div> <div>      Hodges sees this person as a true believer, suggesting that these descriptive terms are standard terms for the salvation experience.<FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" ><A HREF="#16__hodges_bible_knowledge_commentary__" TITLE="Hebrews 6:18"><U>16</U></A></FONT> It is difficult to disagree with him on this point, except that he seems to make far too light of the descriptive phrases to describe the condition this one finds himself in in verse 6. Such phrases tell us that he has fallen away into apostasy; he no longer has the chance for repentance; he is continually crucifying Christ and disgracing him publicly. Can this so easily describe a true believer? Lane writes, “What is visualized by the expressions in v 6 is every form of departure from the faith in the crucified Son of God.”<FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" ><A HREF="#17__hebrews_1_8_p__142__regarding_the" TITLE="Hebrews 6:18"><U>17</U></A></FONT> While the word “repentance,” a change in mind and behavior, is occasionally used of a believer turning from sin (e.g., 2 Cor 7.9), it is far more often used to refer to the repentance of salvation (e.g., Heb 6.1, 2 Peter 3.9).</div> <div>      If this person in view in verses 4-6 is not a true believer at all, then the threat to him is that he will be lost forever if he should reject the gospel after he has been exposed to it for some time. If as in Hodges view the text refers to a true believer who fails to mature and go on in the faith, the threat is that he will at some point lose all hope of going on to maturity, and will thus miss out on the blessings which spiritual maturity offers, and instead will bring shame and reproach to Christ.</div> <div>      The author follows this challenge with a word picture (vss. 7-8). He uses farmland that is fruitful in contrast to farmland that is worthless to describe the absolute necessity that a believer be fruitful, and thus useful to the Master. This is a result of God’s blessing (vs. 7), and it avoids a situation in which God has to curse (vs. 8). Such language of cursing and burning more appropriately describes the fate of an unbeliever rather than a believer. </div> <div>      How can the author of Hebrews be writing to believers and yet address unbelievers in his letter? He is writing to a congregation, and he either knows or assumes that some are not conducting themselves in a proper manner as believers. He recognizes the possibility that some who are a part of the <I>congregation</I> are not truly a part of the <I>faith</I>. He expresses confidence in the people as a whole, that they produce better things than apostasy and unfruitness. These “better things” he says “accompany salvation” (vs. 9). It seems that in this phrase he is suggesting that there are certain actions and attitudes that go along with the reality of salvation in one’s life. The perceived absence of some of these “better things” may have motivated him to challenge his hearers to examine themselves, considering that there is the practical danger of falling away permanently if one can be so close to salvation, and yet not truly and actually trust in Christ for salvation.<FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" ><A HREF="#18__stedman_writes__after_being" TITLE="Hebrews 6:18"><U>18</U></A></FONT></div> <div>      Exegetically, it seems most natural to understand the author to be challenging those in the congregation whose salvation is indeed questionable because of their lack of faithfulness. His challenge to them is to trust Jesus and to live consistently in light of their faith. This view takes into account the full implications of what it means to fall away, to be beyond repentance, and to be continually, deliberately crucifying again the Lord Christ, while doing justice the fact that the descriptive terms of verses 4-5 seem to be referring to believers, more preferrably to people who are a part of the congregation. It is difficult to be dogmatic on this issue. While verses 4-6 seem to be talking about someone who is an unbeliever, it is placed in a context where the author is seeking to motivate his believing readers to persist in their commitment to spiritual growth. Thus the passage was intended to have implications for believers.</div> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <B>The Implications of Hebrews 6.1-8 for Believers</B></div> <div>      Hebrews 6.1-8 has timeless theological implications for believers. Believers must recognize that their lifestyle gives testimony either for or against their profession of faith in Jesus Christ. Someone who dabbles in the things of God, but does not genuinely know him, will be lacking the endurance that is necessary to grow to maturity in Christ. Ultimately, their lack of salvation will be evident. This passage ought to serve as a warning to all professing believers to regularly examine their spiritual life. They do not want to grow cold to the things of God, and risk reaching the point where they realize they do not have faith at all, and even worse, do not want it.</div> <div>      True believers are expected to go forward in spiritual maturity. The author challenges every hearer of this text to examine his own level of willingness to grow spiritually. This is clear from the context (5.12, 6.12), and the teaching of Hebrews 6.4-6 would serve to shock a true believer into diligently pursuing spiritual growth rather than persisting in spiritual and doctrinal lethargy. There is a tremendous need for believers to have accountability with other believers, so that they can motivate one another to continue growing in the faith (that is the point of Hebrews10.23-25).</div> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <B>Conclusion</B></div> <div>      This paper has touched the surface on some key issues in the interpretation of the difficult text of Hebrews 6.1-8, laying the groundwork for this writer’s further study. The context has been examined, especially as to who the first readers were. The meaning of the paragraph itself has been investigated at a broad level, and basic implications have been discovered as to how this paragraph relates to believers in any generation.</div> <div>      People who become a part of Christian congregations, yet fail to exhibit spiritual growth and vitality, must examine themselves to see if they are truly in the faith. True believers who are in the faith need to continually examine their own commitment to spiritual growth.</div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <div>  <A NAME="1"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A>1. The issue of whether Hebrews was written to Jewish or Gentile believers is not very clear (Donald Guthrie, <I>Hebrews</I>, Tyndale New Testament Commentary Series, ed. Leon Morris (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans Publishing Company, 1983) 22-25), and is less relevant for the purposes of this short paper. The larger issue is that the readers were believers.</div> <bR> <div>  <A NAME="2"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A>2. William Lane, <I>Hebrews 1-8</I>, Word Biblical Commentary, gen. eds. David A. Hubbard, Glenn W. Barker, NT ed., Ralph P. Martin (Dallas: Word Books, 1991) 142.</div> <bR> <div>  <A NAME="3"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A>3. Buist Fanning, “A Theology of Hebrews,” <I>Biblical Theology of the New Testament</I>, ed. Roy B. Zuck, consulting ed. Darrell L. Bock [CD-ROM, Logos Library System] (Chicago: Moody Press, 1994).</div> <bR> <div>  <A NAME="4__lane_135_"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A>4. Lane, 135.</div> <bR> <div>  <A NAME="5__thomas_g__long_hebrews"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A>5. Thomas G. Long, <I>Hebrews</I>, Interpretation: A Biblical Commentary for Preaching and Teaching, gen. ed. James Luther May, NT ed., Paul J. Achtemeier (Louisville: John Knox Press, 1997) 71.</div> <bR> <div>  <A NAME="6__f_f__bruce_the_epistle_to_the"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A>6. F.F. Bruce,<I> The Epistle to the Hebrews</I>, rev., The New International Commentary of the New Testament (Grand Rapids: Eerdman’s Publishing Company, 1990) 138. Note again the confidence which the author displays in 6.9-12.</div> <bR> <div>  <A NAME="7__guthrie_138_"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A>7. Guthrie, 138.</div> <bR> <div>  <A NAME="8__it_is_disputed_whether__baptisms_"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A>8. It is disputed whether “baptisms” actually refers to Christian baptism (Bruce, 141f.), but the Christian baptism that we are familiar with is certainly part of the early teachings of the faith. Such a discussion is beyond the scope of this paper.</div> <bR> <div>  <A NAME="9__paul_ellingworth_the_epistle_to_the"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A>9. Paul Ellingworth, <I>The Epistle to the Hebrews</I>, The New International Greek Testament Commentary, eds. I. Howard Marshall and W. Ward Gasque (Grand Rapids: Eerdman’s Publishing Company, 1993) 313.</div> <bR> <div>  <A NAME="10__zane_c__hodges__hebrews__bible"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A>10. Zane C. Hodges, “Hebrews,” <I>Bible Knowlege Commentary</I>, eds. John F. Walvoord and Roy B. Zuck<I> </I>[CD-ROM, Logos Library System] (Wheaton, Illinois: Scripture Press Publications, Inc.) 1983, 1985.</div> <bR> <div>  <A NAME="11__i_fully_agree_with_hodges_that_the"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A>11. I fully agree with Hodges that the multitude of biblical evidence does not permit us to consider option one as a valid option. That salvation is by grace alone apart from works suggests a strong security in salvation (Eph 2.8-9). If salvation were dependent upon our own works, we could lose our salvation by failing in our works. But salvation is dependent upon the finished and secure work of Christ.</div> <bR> <div>  <A NAME="12__ray_c__stedman_hebrews_the_ivp"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A>12. Ray C. Stedman, <I>Hebrews</I>, The IVP New Testament Commentary Series, ed. Grant R. Osborne, consulting eds., D. Stuart Briscoe and Haddon Robinson (Downers Grove, Ill: Intervarsity Press, 1992) 74.</div> <bR> <div>  <A NAME="13__it_seems_to_be_signficant_that_the"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A>13. It seems to be signficant that the author changes his tense from “we” and “us” in 5.11-6.3 to “those” in 6.4-6. He is not explicitly identifying his immediate readers as the ones whom he is talking about (Ellingworth, 318).</div> <bR> <div>  <A NAME="14__both_the_description_of_the_person"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A>14. Both the description of the person and the description of the end result are sufficiently ambiguous to allow for much flexibility in interpretation. You have to soften the language at one end or the other to avoid the intolerable position that a Christian can lose his salvation. Verses 4-5 seem to be speaking about a Christian, and verse 6 seems to be talking about losing salvation or at least the ability to be saved. But the text does not come right out and explicitly say either one of those things. Instead, it merely hints, though quite strongly.</div> <bR> <div>  <A NAME="15__bruce_writes__in_these_verses_he"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A>15. Bruce writes, “In these verses he is not questioning the perseverance of the saints; we might say rather that he is insisting that those who persevere are true saints,” 144.</div> <bR> <div>  <A NAME="16__hodges_bible_knowledge_commentary__"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A>16. Hodges, Bible Knowledge Commentary. </div> <bR> <div>  <A NAME="17__hebrews_1_8_p__142__regarding_the"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A>17. Hebrews 1-8, p. 142. Regarding the word “fall away,” W. Bauder writes, “This is certainly not meant in the sense of a single lapse but rather expresses their whole position, as one of the abandonment of the Christian truth” (<FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Bwgrkl" >paravptwma</FONT>, <I>New International Dictionary of New Testament Theology and Exegesis</I>, ed. Colin Brown [CD-ROM, Zondervan Reference Software] (Grand Rapids: Zondervan Publishing Company, 1999).</div> <bR> <div>  <A NAME="18__stedman_writes__after_being"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A>18. Stedman writes, “After being brought by the Spirit-given blessings of verses 4-5 to the very edge of repentance, those who fall back into unbelief cannot be brought back to that same place again, since nothing more could be added to that which proved insufficient before” (75).</div> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> copyright, 2000, Stanley Baker</div> <div> www.stanbaker.org</div> </td> </tr></table></body>