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NASB | Hebrews 6:4 For in the case of those who have once been enlightened and have tasted of the heavenly gift and have been made partakers of the Holy Spirit, |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | Hebrews 6:4 For [it is impossible to restore to repentance] those who have once been enlightened [spiritually] and who have tasted and consciously experienced the heavenly gift and have shared in the Holy Spirit, |
Bible Question:
This question regards Heb 6:4-6. My question is this: could somebody who believes that you can not loose your salvation tell me how you understand this verse? In an attempt to save waisted time let me say a few things. First, I believe in the eternal security of the believer therefore there is no need to convince me of that doctrine. I'm looking how this verse is compatable with that doctrine. Second, I do not find the arguement that I have heard some people say, that this verse is talking about hypothetically "if we could loose our salvation." That explination does not fit within the context at all in my opinion. So if you do think that really is the explination, you need to argue it in good detail and show exactly how this is Paul's line of reasoning. Third, I do feel I might have my own answer, but it relies on stating that the translators of the NASB have not chosen the best translation of a particular participle within this passage. Not in definition but in terms of syntax. However, I'm not entirely comfortable with that answer so I am seeking what other answer there "might" be. Thank you in advance for your thoughts. |
Bible Answer: I would like to discuss this with you but first allow me to make some preliminary questions and comments: 1. You state you believe in “eternal security” (as defined by the Calvinist theolgical system, I assume). Are you attempting to fit the text in question to fit the doctrine of “eternal security” or are you seeking to find what the actual intended meaning of the text irrespective of whether or not it supports the aforementioned doctrine? 2. As you seem to be in disagreement with the “hypothetical” theory given the text in question, are you under the opinion that the writer of Hebrews considers the possibility of “falling away” (i.e. apostasy) a real danger, something that can actually occur to the readers of his letter? 3. Unfortunately, I am not experienced with NT Greek so I must rely on scholarly opinion. In any case, since you disagree with the NASB, what version(s) do you feel better translates the text in question and, briefly, why? Looking forward to a healthy discussion. |