Hebrews
6:1
Therefore, leaving the discussion of the elementary principles of Christ, let
us go on to perfection, not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead
works and of faith toward God, 2 of the doctrine of baptisms, of
laying on of hands, of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment. 3 And this we will do
if God permits. 4 For it is
impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted the heavenly
gift, and have become partakers of the Holy Spirit, 5 and have tasted the good word of God
and the powers of the age to come, 6 if they fall away, to renew them again to
repentance, since they crucify again for themselves the Son of God, and put Him
to an open shame. 7 For the
earth which drinks in the rain that often comes upon it, and bears herbs useful
for those by whom it is cultivated, receives blessing from God; 8 but if it bears thorns and briars, it
is rejected and near to being cursed, whose end is to be burned. 9 But, beloved, we are confident of
better things concerning you, yes, things that accompany salvation, though we
speak in this manner. 10
For God is not unjust to forget your work and labor of love
which you have shown toward His name, in that you have ministered to the
saints, and do minister. 11
And we desire that each one of you show the same diligence to the full
assurance of hope until the end, 12
that you do not become sluggish, but imitate those who through faith and
patience inherit the promises.
A promise is a promise.
All promises, however, are worthless unless the one making the
promise has direct control over the outcome of the events in question.
Therefore, the only worthwhile promises are those made by God.
God’s Word is filled with promises. In essence, ALL of God’s Word IS a promise. From beginning to end, God
promises to redeem all those who will be. On the other hand, His implicit
promise is also not to redeem those who won’t be. He promises to let you be the
one to determine your eternal destiny. You will be condemned unless you choose
not to be, because you are born in a condemned state. Unless you make a
determination to be redeemed by God in Christ, you remain in that condition.
You remain ‘lost’ unless you choose to be ‘found.’ God lovingly woos all to be
found. He gave His only Son as prime evidence of His love…for you.
The most curious case involves those who by every appearance
receive Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord – and then choose to repent of their
repentance. Were they never saved? Or – were they saved - and then chose to
walk away from salvation? This is one of the most controversial questions of
Biblical Christianity.
But a greater question should be: Where are you right now? Is your life bearing good fruit, and
continuing to bear good fruit – or is your life bearing briars and thorns?
Unfortunately, when these questions are posed, those affected most
deeply are often the ones who need not be. Those who seem unconcerned over
their eternal condition in spite of their life conduct evidence because they
made a prayer to “receive Christ,” at a point in time often are those least
concerned by these thoughts. There is much to be learned. Can the author of
Hebrews arrest your attention?
- Pastor Bill
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