We have been studying one of the most challenging texts of scripture in the entire Bible. Serious Christians from various theological views have strongly disagreed on the interpretation of Hebrews 6:4-6. We have been doing our best to take an honest look at what the text is actually saying. Last Sunday we focused upon the security of the believer. There is great security for everyone who hears Christ’s voice and follows Him.
My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish. No one can snatch them away from me, for my Father has given them to me, and he is more powerful than anyone else. No one can snatch them from the Father’s hand.” (John 10:27–29, NLT)
This week we will look at the much darker topic of the demise of the apostate. An apostate is one who defects from the faith. Anyone who rejects faith in Christ is in a hopeless state. The scriptures offer no hope or assurance for the person who renounces or denies Jesus Christ, even if that person once confessed Christ as Savior and Lord. Today we will look at several texts that warn the reader of the severe consequences of rejecting God’s promised Messiah Jesus Christ.
For it is impossible to bring back to repentance those who were once enlightened—those who have experienced the good things of heaven and shared in the Holy Spirit, who have tasted the goodness of the word of God and the power of the age to come—and who then turn away from God. It is impossible to bring such people back to repentance; by rejecting the Son of God, they themselves are nailing him to the cross once again and holding him up to public shame.” (Hebrews 6:4–6, NLT)
Beware, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief in departing from the living God; but exhort one another daily, while it is called “Today,” lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin. For we have become partakers of Christ if we hold the beginning of our confidence steadfast to the end,” (Hebrews 3:12–14, NKJV)
May we hold to God’s word and believe and heed both His promises and His warnings.
Pastor Mike