Perseverance: Objections Part 7c

Continuing our look at Hebrews 4:6-9
 
Have shared in the Holy Spirit. Does this mean they were indwelt by the Holy Spirit?  I do not believe so.  The word shared (or partakers in the NASB) "has a range of meaning and may imply very close participation and attachment, or may only imply a loose association with the other person or persons named" (Grudem, 797).  The context must determine how the word is to be understood (cf. Hebrews 3:14 where it is used as a close association and Luke 5:7 where it is used of a loose association).  In this case, if the context is describing people who appeared to be believers but who really were not, then the word carries the idea of a loose association with the Spirit.  It could be taken to mean that these people saw the Spirit of God at work influencing them (maybe convicting them of sin) but that they were not regenerated and indwelt by the Spirit in a saving way.  We see the Spirit work in and even through people who were not truly Christ's (see Matt. 7:21-23 where Christ tells people that cast out demons and did other mighty works that he never knew them).

Perseverance: Objections Part 7b

In these next few posts we will be examining Hebrews 6:4-9 in more detail.  You can read the introduction to this section here.  Each time we will look at one or two phrases.   

Once been enlightened. The Greek word for enlighten "refers to learning in general, not necessarily a learning that results in salvation" (Grudem, p. 796, cf. its usage in John 1:9 and 1 Cor. 4:5).  Therefore, this phrase can simply mean that these individuals came to understand the the truths of the gospel and does not need to mean that they responded with genuine faith to those facts. 

Tasted of the heavenly gift...the good word of God and the powers of the age to come. When you taste something, you may still choose to spit it out (cf. Matt. 27:34 where the same word is used).  In a figurative sense, the word can be used to mean that you get a small taste of what something would be like without actually possessing it.  For example, people who are living under an oppressive government might get a "taste of freedom" without truly possessing freedom (cf. BAGD, Greek English Lexicon, p. 157).  It can also be used in a figurative sense to mean that a person has come to know what something is like without fully experiencing it.  For example, a person may get a taste of some form of philosophy without embracing it (Grudem, 797 fn. 14).  So, it is perfectly legitimate to take our passage to mean that these people have seen and been around the work of the Holy Spirit (heavenly gift), learned about the word of God, and the powers to come without embracing it with saving faith.  These people were deeply involved with the church, saw the Spirit at work, but they only tasted of it without believing it. 

Perseverance: Objections Part 7a

So, it has been a long time since I posted for the series on the Perseverance of the Saints...hopefully it was worth the wait.  Today I will begin discussing Hebrews 6:4-9 (remember we are look at objections to the doctrine and specifically passages that seem to indicate a person who is saved can lose his or her salvation).

d. Hebrews 6:4-9
Now we have come to what is one of the most difficult passages in relation to the doctrine of the perseverance of the saints.  We come to the passage that started my quest to lay out this doctrine for you.  The book of Hebrews has several "warning passages" and this one is surely the most difficult to interpret.  If any passage in Scripture taught that a Christian could lose his salvation, this would be it.  So, let's dive in and see what we learn.  

⁴For it is impossible, in the case of those who have once been enlightened, who have tasted the heavenly gift, and have shared in the Holy Spirit, ⁵and have tasted the goodness of the word of God and the powers of the age to come, ⁶and then have fallen away, to restore them again to repentance, since they are crucifying once again the Son of God to their own harm and holding him up to contempt. ⁷For land that has drunk the rain that often falls on it, and produces a crop useful to those for whose sake it is cultivated, receives a blessing from God. ⁸But if it bears thorns and thistles, it is worthless and near to being cursed, and its end is to be burned. ⁹Though we speak in this way, yet in your case, beloved, we feel sure of better things—things that belong to salvation.

Let me start out by saying, I believe this passage shows us that some people who have fallen away may give many external signs of conversion without being truly converted.  The reason I say they are not truly believers is most clearly seen in verses 7-8.  Here, the author gives a metaphor to support what he has just said in verses 4-6.  In the metaphor, we see a two contrasting "lands."  The first land receives rain and produces a crop that is "useful" and that "receives a blessing from God."  The second land receives water too, but it bears "thorns and thistles" and is "worthless" and "its end is to be burned."  Scripture uses this metaphor in other places where we are taught that good fruit is a sign of true spiritual life and fruitlessness is a sign of false believers (see Matt 3:8-10, 7:15-20, 12:33-35).  Therefore, I believe we have a clear indication that the author is speaking of people that have received the "rain" of God's word, been around the fellowship of God's people, seen wondrous things, but were not truly converted.  This lack of true salvation is eventually made evident in the fruitlessness of their lives. 

Some object and say that the description of these people in verses 4-6 makes it seem as if they were truly saved and lost that salvation.  Over the next several days, we will examine some of the terms that are used.



Note: I will rely heavily on Wayne Grudem's Systematic Theology in this section.

Mardi Gras

As some of you know I have a good amount of family in Louisiana, and spent almost a month of every summer from elementary school to high school there.  I enjoyed reading this article by Russel Moore as he reflects on Mardi Gras and Christianity.

Reflecting on the Sermon: 2/27/11

Rod spoke on Romans...wait...no he didn't.  He is taking a short break to preach on issues related to Biblical Church Leadership.  The sermon this week focused on why we exist as a church.  He is preaching on the biblical reasons our church exists: exalt God, edify believers, and evangelize the lost (our mission statement). 

This time he focused on exalting God.  One practical challenge I took from the message was when he was focusing on God's glory and the fact that God is worthy of all our worship.  He said, "You don't come to church to get something out of it, you come to give God glory in worship.  It is only as we focus our attention on God and ascribe glory to him that we find peace and joy."  A good reminder to come each Sunday ready to exalt God (and to exalt him everyday).

ESV Study Bible on Sale for $24.99

If you were looking for study Bible that is full of great study notes, articles, charts, and diagrams, you may want to check out the deal at Christianbook.com today.  You can buy the hardback version of the ESV Study Bible for 50% off the retail price. This is a wealth of information to help you as you study the Bible and all for only $24.99.  If you don't own a good study Bible this is a good investment.  This deal is available now until Monday at 11:59pm.

Making the Most of a Spring Break Car Trip

I don't have tell you that Spring Break starts this coming week.  So, I wanted to suggest a few items for your edification.  Below are a few free things that you could download to your MP3 player and listen to as you travel.  This is a good way to use your time and grow spiritually while you drive.

Sermon's/ Conference Audio
The Give Me an Answer Collegiate Conference held at Southern Seminary in 2010 and 2011 is available online. 

• 2010 "Does God Still Speak"
• 2011 "Recalibrate" (not sure what that means in this context, but I'm sure it is good)
• I listened to a talk by Dr. Russel Moore on James from the 2010 conference and found it encouraging.

Book on "Tape" (Guess it is a "book on hard drive" now-a-days)

• "The Holiness of God" by RC Sproul.  I just began reading this book yesterday.  It is a classic book that will enlarge our view of our Holy God.  You can download an audio version for FREE during this month at Christian Audio by clicking the link.

I hope you enjoy your travels and grow in your knowledge and love Jesus during the break.