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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:
I have read many of the responses to the question of Hebrews 6:4-6. It seems to be a difficult, and frightening idea that a believer can fall from grace to the point of never being able to come back to salvation. But consider this: When Peter denied Christ 3 times, didn't he fall under the Hebrews 6:4-6 passage? If not, then would you say that the 3 deliberate denials were just simply 3 sins and not a falling away? Or how about when Peter (Matt 18:21-22) asked Christ, "Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? Up to seven times?" Jesus said to him, "I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven" So, what is exactly being said in Hebrews 6:4? Is it my own wishful thinking that says I can still be saved? You see, I truly beleived I was saved at one point, but slowly I drifted away from the Lord. My prayers became farther and farther between, and I eventually stopped reading the bible, and I fell back into my old sins. But several years later, I feel the honest need and desire to be close to the Lord again. I pray that I will never fall away again. But does this mean that I can never come back to the Lord again as stated in Hebrews 6:4-6? I do keep in mind what the Lord said, (Mark 3:28) Assuredly, I say to you, all sins will be forgiven the sons of men, and whatever blasphemies they may utter..." But I am still frightened. To be honest, I feel sick every time I read the book of Hebrews. No matter how much assurance I get from other passages in the bible, I am scared. It is good to be afraid of God, but not like this. I want to be happy that I have salvation, but the idea of being damned for eternity is to much to handle. What should I think? |
Bible Answer: Dear JohnK, I very much understand some of the thoughts and feelings that you are experiencing. In fact, I have been in a place similar to where you are. I shared my experience previously on this forum, and hope that it might be helpful for you. Just type "lost found testimony" into the search box in the top right to find it. Let me know if you have any further questions. |