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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, |
Subject: can you lose it? |
Bible Note: God’s promise to Abraham to give him the promised land was not conditional. God simply gave it to him. My understanding of scripture is that it teaches very plainly that when we come to Christ, He makes us into something new, that we were not before, that is separate from the carnal creature we were, something not subject to the laws of sin and death, something that lives with Him, and continues to live with Him forever. I John 3:9 says that those who are born of God (a past tense action) cannot sin (poieo – commit a single sinful act). There are many scriptures that make similarly plain statements as well, and if there were in fact verses that disagree with these verses, we might as well hang it up. The fact is, any perceived lack of harmony in the scriptures is our own lack of understanding. The teachings of the Bible are in complete harmony if we just understand what it is actually saying. There are many scriptures that make very plain statements assuring those that have been reborn that they will be with God forever. There are a great many scriptures that make statements that have been misinterpreted to say we can be lost after being reborn. I believe many many people who claim Christianity have never actually submitted to the absolute lordship of Jesus Christ, but instead have had an emotional or intellectual experience, and have no idea what they are missing. It was when I understood how completely saved I was that I actually able to begin to enter into that rest that is promised to His children. I have also learned that the only person whom I can actually know whether they are saved or not is me. My duty before God is to teach the whole truth of His Word, and not to shy away from difficult subjects, but to seek His teaching until I understand it. The nature of God’s relationship with His children is one of the more important subjects in His word. This is obviously a subject too involved to discuss on this forum, and as others have pointed out, has been discussed endlessly in the past. I invite any who are interested to email me (see profile) and I will send you the results of my personal study on this matter. I believe that there is only one truth, and that God means for us to know it. Love in Christ, Mark |