Expert: Rev C.Brian Ross - 12/23/2011

Question
Hello Rev C.Brian Ross,

It is the same Tressa from before. I hope you don't mind my quick return!

Before I launch into my question, let me give a little background. First of all I answered an altar call when I was four years old. Then for several years after that I drifted away from the Lord until He got a hold of me and drew me close to Himself once more. Since that time I have not drifted away.

However then I read Hebrews 6:4-8 "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 and who have fallen[a] away, to be brought back to repentance. To their loss they are crucifying the Son of God all over again and subjecting him to public disgrace. 7 Land that drinks in the rain often falling on it and that produces a crop useful to those for whom it is farmed receives the blessing of God. 8 But land that produces thorns and thistles is worthless and is in danger of being cursed. In the end it will be burned."

Is this talking about a Christian who has falls away? Or is it talking about an unbeliever who has received a knowledge of the saving truth and walked away? Does it mean that if a Christian should walk away and yet return to God a few years later that God will not accept that person back?

Thanks,
Tressa

Answer
Hi Tressa!

No problem at all about your "quick return"!  Indeed, I am pleased that you feel able to come back to me. :-)

Believe it, or not, this is the second time that I have been asked the same question this month (a unique experience for me!).  It does, of course, make my answering you a little easier, although your circumstances, and those of the previous questioner, are not identical (but pretty close!).

As always, when reading and seeking to interpret the Word of God, it is necessary to read in context.  The context in this passage has to do with spiritual maturity (v.1).  The word that is translated 'apostasy' in v.6 is not the Greek word 'apostasia', but the word 'parapipto' which means 'fall by the way'.  This would suggest that he is really referring to believers (and, of course, this will only apply to true believers - those who have, previously, committed themselves to the Lord Jesus in repentance and faith) who have not matured in the faith.  He is saying, in effect, "Let's suppose that you do not go on to maturity.  Does this mean that you lose your salvation?  Of course not! If that were <b>possible<b>, then you would not be able to get that salvation back."  However, when, as seems to have happened in your own situation, God the Holy Spirit works, and brings fresh conviction, a person may be restored.  Don't stop at v.8 - be sure to go on to v.9!

Regarding your final point, I would teach that it is a wee bit like the "unpardonable sin" (Matt 12:32 <i>et al<i>).  In that case, I would say that if anyone is concerned that they might have committed it, then it is almost certain that they haven't!  Likewise, the person who has 'walked away' from God, and then turns back, is going to be accepted - simply because the grace of God always responds to those who turn back.  The parable of the Prodigal Son (better named, the parable of the Loving Father!) is surely teaching that wonderful lesson above all else!

If you go to   http://en.allexperts.com/q/Bible-Studies-1654/2011/12/apostasy-5.htm   you should (but I am no IT expert!!) find the previous question, and my answer.  Additional Sriptures were used then, and you might find that to be helpful!

I trust that I have been able to allay any concerns, and that you will have a blessèd CHRISTmas, and a wonderful 2012, as you grow ever closer to our gracious, and loving, and forgiving, God.

Yours, because His,

C.Brian Ross (Rev)