Subject: You can fall away, can you come back? |
Bible Note: Greetings Lewis! This subject has many on the Forum leary, so I don't really want to get into the Arminian/Calvanism debate. However, I would like to address the question of whether or not the description in Heb. 6 can apply to a believer. Consider the following: 1) The first term in Heb. 6:4 desribes the person as being enlightened. The word is 'photizo'. This word is used again in Heb. 10:32 where it says, " Remember those earlier days after you had received the light, when you stood your ground in a great contest in the face of suffering." These people are also described in Heb. 10:39 as, " But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed, but of those who believe and are saved." So, I think this could definitely be a term describing true salvation and not just intellectual assent to the Gospel. 2) The person described in 6:4 is also said to have tasted of the Heavenly Gift. It can be debated what the Heavenly Gift is, but the word tasted means to participate in fully. For instance, this word is used in Heb. 2:9, "But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels, now crowned with glory and honor because he suffered death, so that by the grace of God he might taste death for everyone." Whatever the Heavenly Gift is, the person described took part fully. 3) The person in Heb. 6:4 is described as one who as "shared in the Holy Spirit." Can an unbeliever be described as someone who has shared in the Holy Spirit, especially in light of 2 Cor. 6:14, where 'metochos' (the same word translated as shared in Heb. 6:4) is used to describe the lack of a relationship between righteousness and unrighteousness? Futher, this word is used several other times in Hebrews. Heb. 3:1 talks about "sharing in the Heavenly calling." Heb. 3:14 talks about "sharing in Christ." I really don't see how these terms could describe a non-Christian! You some questions at the end of your post about the consequences of "a falling away theology." As an Arminian, my response would be that Heb. 6:4-6 doesn't describe someone who has simply slipped up. It describes a person (in my opinion) who has willingly rejected Christ in light of their full participation. Someone who slips should be restored, as you pointed out. But, the person in Heb. 6:6 has completly turned his back upon Christ. Just some thoughts! Your Brother in Christ, Tim Moran |