Bible Question:
Okay. I can't find the verse in the New Testament where the writer says, basically, "If someone gives up being a christian, they are not worthy of the kingdom of heaven and its really hard for them to go back now that they've quit." Can you help me? |
Bible Answer: Hello 2Tim, Your probably thinking about this passage: "Heb 6:4-6 4 It is impossible for those who have once been enlightened, who have tasted the heavenly gift, who have shared in the Holy Spirit, 5 who have tasted the goodness of the word of God and the powers of the coming age, 6 if they fall away, to be brought back to repentance, because to their loss they are crucifying the Son of God all over again and subjecting him to public disgrace." NIV But in your question you say the person is a christian. A ture Christian is someone who is saved by grace through faith in Jesus Christ. Such a person, I believe, could never turn away. The grace of God and the promise He makes in His word, sealed with the Holy Spirit is sufficient to ensure this. You might think of Judas Iscariot. He was certainly enlighted having walked with Christ. He "tasted the heavenly gift.." and "shared in the Holy Spirit" and "tasted the goodness of the word of God and the powers of the coming age.." Remember. Judas walked with Christ, heard Him teach and was even sent out, apparently, as one of the twelve sent out to preach and they cast out demons and healed the sick (Mark 6:7). The Scriptures are clear that Judas wasn't saved, however, so he was not a Christian. He must have believed on some level and even had a degree of faith; but he never accepted and surrendered to Christ. His faith was not a saving faith. Hope this helps, Jeff |