Bible Question:
Dear JVH0212, I very much agree with you that Hebrews 6:4 seems to say that one cannot be 'born again again.' My question was not disputing this at all, nor was I trying to put words in your mouth. The following: "This much is clear: whoever openly and consciously rejects Jesus Christ is unregenerate even if he seemed to have been saved earlier." (note at Heb. 6:4ff, NRSV Harper Study Bible) was also written in your statement, "Once lost, always lost." This is clearly a statement to us, because of the word 'seemed.' God knows, there is no 'seemed' to Him. Unless I misread this quote from Harper's note, it implies that men with limited knowledge, relying on their senses and instincts, which sometimes fail, are to discern when someone is fallen, by observing if the said person 'openly and conciously rejects Jesus.' My question simply asked if WE have this kind of righteousness? Ideally, the church is made of saints of integrity and Holy Spirit revelation to discern such evil people. But to 'proclaim' them as 'unregenerate' and condemn the possibility of salvation in them seems to be out of our area of authority. When we begin to label people in this manner, we usurp God's vantage, and COULD do a great disservice to someone God MAY forgive. There are several examples in the Old Testament that would back this up (David certainly comes to mind), and I cannot imagine that the New Testament expounds a more severe judgement than the Old Testament. To sum up, I believe that your comments regarding Hebrews 6 are true, but we on earth do not have the authority to act upon this judgement. In Christ Jesus. |
Bible Answer: Thank you for a good, thoughtful answer. But I think somehow there is a failure to communicate on this point. You keep referring to judging someone else as to their salvation or lack of it. I myself do not proclaim as unregenerate any other person. I believe the Scripture is speaking of examing ourselves to be sure whether we are in the faith, and has not one thing to do about judging others. I just don't get that from Heb 6:4 or the Harper Study Bible. Please go back and carefully re-read previous submissions. Neither Heb 6:4 nor the Harper Study Bible nor I have said ONE WORD about judging or appraising another's salvation. The subject just doesn't come up. Not until you bring it up. That's really the only major problem I have with your reply. It is a matter of personal concern whether we ourselves are saved. And as far as what you said, I AGREE with you: we have no license to determine whether other people are saved. Again, the Scriptures, the reference Bible and my comments never even dealt with that issue. No sarcasm intended, but if you think Heb 6:4 and following are teaching something you don't agree with, then you would need to take that up with the Author and point out His errors in that passage. I only comment on what it SAYS. Thanks for your time and your input. In Christ, JVH0212 |