Bible Question:
You know, one of the biggest struggles I have with an otherwise rock-solid doctrine of the perseverance of the saints (sorry, eternal security carries too much "pray a prayer and no matter what you do, you must be saved" baggage these days) is the one word "again" in Hebrews 6. Renewal again to repentance would assume that they had been in a state of repentance in the first place. How does our "once saved, always saved" group here (of which I consider myself a member) deal with the word "again"? --Joe! |
Bible Answer: Greetings Joe! After the various postings of mine on the subject of eternal security, I would classify myself as also being in the "once saved, always saved" group, even though I have formerly described myself as an "Arminian".. :-) Excellent question.. Hebrews 6:6 is the verse with the word "again", and I interpret this verse (and this word) to mean: these people who have 'fallen away' have already came "under the influence" of God's covenant blessings by professing Christ and professing to turn from their sin. However, their sin has been brought to light, and they are in danger of a public and final rejection of Christ, missing their chance forever for repentance (again), which proves that they had never been regenerated in the first place. And this "danger" is the evidence of their "thorns and thistles", which is 'close to being cursed' (v. 8), based upon their final rejection of Christ. So there they are! They have partaken of the heavenly gift by professing a belief in Christ. However, their sin is exposed. If they decide to accept Christ and turn from their sin, then they will be saved. However, if they decide rather to continue to indulge in sin and reject Christ, then it will be a permanent decision, with no hope of a future genuine salvation. So in other words, the lost are completely lost and the saved are completely saved. Blessings to you, Nolan |