Take Two: Hebrews 6, Proverbs 17

Hebrews 6 is one of those chapters that causes theologians to get fired up. The subject is "falling away" or "apostasy," and the writer says to those who do it...there is no hope of ever coming back (Heb 6:6). Depending on your theological bent...you may read into the chapter different than someone else.

If you come from a position that hold to a very hight view of God's Sovereignty (i.e. Calvinism, Reformed tradition, etc.) you likely say that the writer means that those who "seem" to fall away...were never really part of God's family. If you hold a position which holds a higher view of "man's freewill" (i.e. Arminianism, Methodist, freewill ____, sone Pentecostal) you likely say that the writer means that those who were Christians can "fall away" from their Salvation...and for those who do (and don't turn back before they get all the way away)...you can never be restored.

There are a number of other stripes along the way...variations of these two extremes. I personally hold to a balanced view of these two which affirms both: God is Sovereign (in absolute control of everything) and man is responsible (must choose to act in light of God's Sovereignty). My view doesn't fit "neatly" into either of these two systems...but it is the correct position so everyone else needs to change (Grin). Seriously though...the position I hold sees a divine tension between God's control and man's responsibility. It may not fit into someone's idea of "logic," but as my Systematic Theology Professor said in Seminary..."my theology is somewhat like the furniture in my house. It may not all match, but it suits me just fine."

Back to the issue. Depending on your theological presuppositions, you may have interpreted this concept in the chapter differently. There are 5 or 6 dominant explanations as to what is meant by the passage. My favorite comes from Dr. Thomas Schreiner, professor at Southern Seminary. He sees the passage as a divine warning. The writer warns the audience...that being saved...and walking away...makes it impossible for them to come back. Why? Because to do so would be to (in essence) declare that Jesus was insufficient...because to come back is like needing to re-crucify Him (Heb 6:4-6). The writer is expecting that the reader will say: "Absolutely not! I cannot crucify my Lord again!" This would be the desired outcome of the warning.

It does not appear that the idea in the mind of the writer is ever that these folks were in danger of losing their salvation. he is preaching to them to stand firm and never turn back. Heb 6:9 says that the writer is CONVINCED of better things for them (than falling away). He is also convinced that the nature of Salvation is not one of "losing it."

God made a promise to Abraham and kept it. Abraham believed God and persevered. Abraham received from God what was promised (Heb 6:14-15). The writer points to this example as an encouragement and challenge to the reader...that God made them a promise (salvation) and if they will persevere, they too will receive it.

Unfortunately...passages like this have become, through the years, "hobby horses" for guys to ride while making their theological cases. What is at issue is not some obscure point. The writer wants the readers to stand firm. His point is not academic...it is pastoral.

One final thing: the writer is encouraging the audience to consider this (and other) difficult concepts as a means of strengthening their faith and understanding of God (Heb 6:1-3). Sometimes...we meet Christians who are discouraged or who live outside of the abundant life God provides (John 10:10). In many ways, the reason for this is because they have never moved on to consider the weightier matters of God's character. They have never left the elementary principles of God...so they have only an elementary level of trust and confidence. But (as the writer says here), I am convinced of better things concerning you...

Proverbs 17:14 is the takeaway today. Disunity...strife...struggle...contention...Once the train starts down the track, it is dificult to stop. How does one avoid strife? Abandon it early. Otherwise, it is like letting out water (yes this is humanly speaking for the process of ridding the body of fluids)...once it starts, it is difficult to stop. Once a quarrel begins...it is nearly impossible to just abandon it. So...abandon the quarrel before it starts.

Grace,