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NASB | Mark 4:16 "In a similar way these are the ones on whom seed was sown on the rocky places, who, when they hear the word, immediately receive it with joy; |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | Mark 4:16 "In a similar way these [in the second group] are the ones on whom seed was sown on rocky ground, who, when they hear the word, immediately receive it with joy [but accept it only superficially]; |
Bible Question:
Zach: A couple of questions to help me understand your position a little better: 1. Once we place our trust in Christ, precisely what do we have to do in order to deserve remaining in grace? 2. How bad do we have to sin to fall out of grace? 3. Since Hebrews 6:4-6 indicates that it is impossible for those who have fallen away to be brought back to repentance, I would assume that you would subscribe to a doctrine of "once fallen away, always fallen away." If that is not the case, please explain these verses in light of your theology. Thanks! --Joe! |
Bible Answer: Hey Reformer Joe- In reference to your question, I would like to say that "fallen away" (Mark 4:16) which Zach writes about in his question or note (I'm really unclear which it was) is not the same as Hebrew 6:4-6. In Mark 4:16, Jesus says that the Word is "fallen away" from those who have received the Word with joy and gladness, but in times of difficulty do not abide by the Word. He is not saying that they are fallen away because of sin; he is saying that because they have no faith, they do not trust in and abide by the Word in difficulty just as a seed sown on hard ground will "fall away" when a hard wind or rain comes along. Compare the ground or soil to the heart, the Word to a seed, and adversity to anything which would hinder a growing seedling and you may be able to get a clearer idea of what the whole parable (and any other comparison or parable dealing with seeds, plants, etc.) is conveying as far as a person receiving the teachings of Christ. As far as Hebrews 6:4-6 goes, note that the passage states that a person who has become enlightened (not just saved) and such can not fall away and come back by repentence. Here we have a different situation from Mark 4:16. Hebrews speaks on some one who has followed the path and gained gifts, fruits, and powers inherent on attaining certain "distance" on the path but who then "falls away" in the sense of turning away from the path or denouncing/renouncing the path not in the sense of a saved person sinning. However, to one who has attained that level of enlightenment and such, sinning would be an act of denouncing the path. In this instance there is no repentence because that person would be mocking God. To answer the first two parts of your question, all we must do to stay in grace is have lasting trust and faith in the Word. This implies doing the will of God and repenting if we transgress. Unless we reach the level of faith on which Hebrews 6:4-6 speaks, we will never fall out of grace if we repent. However, this touches on Rev 3:14-19 on being lukewarm which is an abomination to the Lord. If you do not know already, to God, one sin is just as bad as another. There is no scale of relativity in that matter. |