Bible Question: Hebrews 6 is very clear, this is true. However, my friend, when can WE say that someone is lost forever? This judgement is made by the Lord. I have heard of a lot of presently bad guys who at one time proclaimed to be Christians, and met my fair share, too! But can I know they are now excluded from grace by their actions? Any more than I can look at a nice, religious man and be sure he will be in Heaven? I don't recall the Lord giving us the power to discern such things. (Though, believe me, the temptation is there! :-) It seems to me that Harper went a step too far. But, maybe my eyesight is not as good as some ;-) In Christ Jesus. |
Bible Answer: I get so many questions and comments about things I did NOT say and questions I did NOT ask. I don't recall saying that WE can say that someone else is lost forever? Determing whether another is saved is outside the scope and focus of my remarks about Heb. 6;4. "Harper went a step too far." In what way? How? In what area? All I quoted from the Harper study Bible is: that if salvation were to be lost, it would be impossible for that person to be born again again. Hebrews 6:4,6 (NKJV) "For it is impossible for those who . . . fally away, to renew them again to repentance." As far as I can tell the Harper is only restating, in different words, that which had already been stated in these verses in Hebrews 6. For the life of me I cannot see what fault you find with Harper's note. On the other hand, I can see where the "fall from grace and lose your salvation" people would be stumped when it's pointed out to them that the very passage they use to prove one can fall from grace also shows that getting saved again is impossible. Along with the belief in falling from grace and losing your salvation usually comes the belief that the fallen one can still be saved again. But that cannot happen, according to Heb. 6:4-6. If you say that I am attaching my own meaning to the passage, I honestly don't believe that I am. All I've done is quote it, then repeat it in my own words to emphasize the plain meaning of it. Thank you for a stimulating response, Charis. |