DEALING WITH OUR SINS

As the year closes, I wanted share some thoughts with you regarding our sins. Although never a popular topic we want to discuss, we must if we’re to identify the sin in our lives and conquer it.

How do you view your sins; a moral lapse in judgment? Perhaps just a simple mistake, “No big deal, we all get “caught up.” Or, you don’t confess your sins at all because you’re a “good person” and God knows your heart. That’s very true, God does know your heart. All the more the reason to confess your sins unto God right?

A simple definition of sin is the transgression of God’s holy law. When one reads God’s word, understand it and violate his commands, we’ve sinned against the Lord. This should grieve us to the core; especially those of us who are Christians. If one doesn’t feel bad when they’ve committed sin, there’s a couple of things going on:

1. Lack of knowledge of their sins and it’s consequences (Romans 6:23)

2. The sinners loves their sins and refuses to repent of them (John 3;19,20; 8:44)

We should be so broken over our sin that we should be like the man in Luke 18:13 who beat his breast while not even looking up to heaven and said, “God be merciful to me a sinner.” This is the humble attitude God is looking for. This is the type of person God will save.

Remember, sin is an affront to God’s holy character. He hates it and must punish it. The problem with sinful man is he believes God is unjust when he punishes them for his sins. Exactly the opposite is true. Man’s sin means he has committed crimes against God. Would we disagree a pedophile or rapist deserves to be punished for their crimes in a court of law and be condemned? Of course we would not disagree. We despise lawbreakers. How much more should God Almighty punish his enemies for their sins?

Sin tragically produces death unless one confesses and repents from them.

The big question is how? The answer is God’s word. David said in Psalm 119:11, “Your word have I hid in my heart that I might not sin against you.” The word contains power to transform us within so that we can live a holy lifestyle without. The apostle Paul said in Romans 1:16, “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God unto salvation for everyone who believes (emphasis added).

That word power in the Greek is Dumamis. This is where we get the english word dynamite.

When taught effectively the power of the word will explode in the heart of the sinner so that he’ll beat his breast in humility and conviction and cry out to the savior for mercy on his soul that he can be saved.

Jesus Christ has provided the way for mankind’s salvation (John 14:6). He paid for our sins with his substitutionary blood sacrifice.

Jesus also provided us with the knowledge of that great salvation through holy scripture.

Do not be foolish in saying you have no sin. You make God out to be a liar (which is impossible), and the truth is not in you. The sinner is actually the liar (I John 1:8-10).

No one should be so audacious that they would refuse to confess their sins unto God so they can receive the gift of all gifts; salvation–that is life eternal.

The impudence of man and his love for sin is what condemns him to a Christ-less eternity, but why go that route?

If one would simply turn to Jesus Christ today and believe in him their sins will be forgiven forever. Do not despise the sacrifice of Christ, it’s the ultimate blasphemy. You can’t receive salvation by any other name (Acts 4:12).

WHY MIRACLES?

What are miracles in the Bible? What was their purpose and who performed them? Do miracles exist today? Should we seek miracles from God? First, let’s define the term.

Miracles is the Hebrew word ôt; The Greek word is aēmion.

A simple definition of a miracle is supernatural event that goes contrary to natural laws in which God arrests the attention of those to whom the wonder/sign is to affect.

Contrary to popular belief, miracles were not frequent in the bible. There were only five times in history were miracles, signs and wonders were prevalent in scripture:

The time of Moses – Exodus 3; Exodus 7:10, 20; 8:6, 17, 24; 9:6, 10; 10:13, 22; 12:29, et al.

The time of Elijah the prophet

1. I Kings 17:1 – At the word of Elijah there was no rain. Heaven was shut up for three and half years
2. I Kings 17:16 – Provision of the bin of flour and the jar of oil for the Sidonian woman and her son.
3. I King 17:22 – The Sidonian’s son brought back to life by Elijah
4. I Kings 18:38 – Fire from Heaven consumed Elijah’s sacrifice when competing with the false prophets of Baal.
5. I Kings 18:46 – Elijah miraculously out runs Ahab’s chariot
6. II Kings 1:10 – Elijah commands fire to come down from heaven and consumes fifty men
7. II Kings 1:12 – Elijah commands fire to come down from heaven and consumes fifty men a second time.
8. II Kings 2:8 –Elijah struck the waters of the Jordan River with his mantle causing the waters to part, allowing him and Elisha to walk on dry ground.

The time of Elisha the prophet; Elijah’s successor. He literally received a double portion of Elijah’s power. Elijah performs (8) miracles, Elisha performs (16). These were the only miracle working prophets in the Old Testament. The rest were writing prophets: Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, Daniel, et al.

1. II Kings 2:14 – Elisha struck the waters of the Jordan River causing them to part allowing him to walk on dry land. Notice the last miracle Elijah performed was the first miracle Elisha performed thus confirming for him no doubt that he was now officially God’s prophet.

2. II Kings 2:21 – The Lord through Elisha heals the waters of Jericho.

3. II Kings 2:24 – Elisha pronounces a curse on some youths who mocked him; they were killed by two female bears.

4. II Kings 3:20 – Waters came down from Edom like a flash flood. This place was a barren desert. It allowed the Israelite army and their cattle to drink as they prepared for battle against the King of Moab.

5. II Kings 3:22 - Water appears as blood to the Moabites. This illusion deceived them into thinking their enemies (i.e. the armies of Israel/Samaria, Judah & Edom) had fought and killed each other. They proceeded to take spoil, but was defeated by the armies they thought were dead.

6. II Kings 4:3-7 – At the word of Elisha, the widow’s oil doesn’t run out until she’s able to pay her debt to her creditors so she won’t have to sell her sons into slavery.

7. II Kings 4:35-37 – Elisha raises a boy from the dead.

8. II Kings 4:38-41 – Elisha purifies the pot of stew using flour for the sons of the prophets. Something toxic was thrown into the stew that could have killed them.

9. II Kings 4:42-44 – Elisha feeds one hundred men with twenty loaves of barley bread and newly ripened grain. This was initially just for Elisha to eat so it naturally wouldn’t have been enough for one hundred men.

10. II Kings 5:14 – Naaman the Syrian is cleansed of Leprosy by dipping in the Jordan River seven times according to the word of Elisha.

11. II Kings 5:26 – Elisha knew his servant Gehazi lied about where he was although he wasn’t physically with him.

12. II Kings 6:6-7 – Elisha causes an ax head to float on water.

13. II Kings 6:9-12 – Elisha by special revelation knew what the plans of the king of Syria were so he could warn the king of Israel and avoid an attack from his enemy.

14. II Kings 6:17 – Elisha prayed and his servant supernaturally saw the chariots of fire and horses around Elisha. This represented the armies of heaven.

15. II Kings 6:18 – Elisha prayed and the Syrians were struck with blindness.

16. II Kings 6:20 – Elisha prayed again and the Syrian’s eyes were opened.

The time of our Lord Jesus Christ: Matthew 8:3, 13, 15, 26; 9:6,25; Mark 4:39; 5:13,29,42;6:42-43; Luke 9:11-17; John 6:1-14; John 11:43,44, et al.

The Acts of the Apostles and close associates: Acts 2:43; 3:6-9; 5:12-16; 6:8; 9;34-35, 40; 14:11, et al.

God used miracles to authenticate the messenger and their message. Jesus himself said, “Except you see signs and wonders, you will not believe.” (John 4:48). Jesus also said, ”Believe me that I am in the Father and the Father in me, or else believe me the very works’ sake.” (John 14:11).

Remember, during this time of the prophets, Jesus and the apostles, the word of God was not complete; it was a direct revelation from God, so to confirm the speaker’s office, God would perform supernatural signs and wonders through these men to separate them from all others; false prophets especially. Once their office was complete and the word of God was recorded on the pages of scripture, the frequency of these miracles were no longer needed. The Lord did not display his power for mere entertainment. He had a specific purpose in mind. In the Old Testament it was so that all would know the true God dwelt in Israel so that God’s people would worship him and stop worshipping idols.

In the time of Jesus and the apostles, miraculous signs and wonders accompanied these holy men to authenticate the gospel message; this new, radical message of how one could be forgiven of their sins through repentance and receive the gift of salvation.

No doubt God still performs miracles today if he wants to. Through prayer and through God’s sovereignty, he can/does heal the sick, can the raise the dead, heal the blind, and cast out demons. The writer has never eye witnessed these accounts (i.e. raising of dead, healing of blind, casting of demons), but that does not mean these miracles do not occur. I believe though to a lesser degree. Although there are plenty of false prophets running around claiming to have healing powers, they do not. When Jesus and the apostles healed someone, it was instantaneous and verifiable; no smoke and mirrors, or cheap parlor tricks like we see today. The aforementioned periods of history were concentrated points were miracles occurred more frequently for the reasons I mentioned. Great signs and wonders will also occur in the future also during the finals day of God’s wrath (Revelation chapters 4-22).

BY HIS STRIPES WE ARE HEALED

This phrase is used frequently when one is praying for someone to be healed of sickness and disease. But, are we using this phrase in it’s proper context? Let’s explore the scriptures to find out.

In Isaiah 53:4-5 it reads: Surely he has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows; yet we esteemed Him stricken, smitten of God and afflicted. But he was wounded for our transgressions. He was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement of our peace was upon him, and by His stripes (or wounds) we are healed.

The prophet Isaiah is talking about the suffering of our Lord Jesus Christ. In his day this event was about seven hundred years in the future. The Holy Spirit supernaturally revealed this to the prophet so that he could relay the message to the children of Israel. Notice the prophet uses the terms transgressions, iniquities, chastisement. What the prophet is describing here is the suffering and punishment the Savior would undergo because of the sins of his people. God the Father must punish someone for sin for his Holiness sake. Jesus was the only one qualified to be a substitutionary sacrifice for man and satisfy God’s just wrath against sin. Jesus fully paid the price for the sins of the world with the shedding of his blood (John 1:29). The healing described here is the deliverance from our sins. Jesus went to the cross to suffer for our sins and pay sins debt so that we would not have to. This is a spiritual healing and deliverance; not a physical one. Jesus died to heal us from sins’ disease which is eternal damnation, not physical disease.

The Apostle Peter echoes the Prophet Isaiah in I Peter 2:24: who himself bore our sins in His own body on the tree that we being dead to sins, might live for righteousness by whose stripes we are healed.

So once again, Jesus came to heal and deliver us from our sins (emphasis added), not sickness although he’s capable of both. It’s important that we make the distinction. Isaiah 53:4 actually deals with physical healing. This verse was fulfilled in Matthew 8:17, He himself took our infirmities and bore our sicknesses.

It’s important for us understand scripture in it’s proper context so that when we pray, we’re not asking amiss (James 4:3), and therefore not receiving what we’re praying for. No matter how well intentioned, praying Isaiah 53:5 for someone’s physical healing is not biblical.

A PERSONAL NOTE

Good evening,

To those of you who read this blog I hope it's been a source of reliability, challenge, inspiration and blessing regarding the Holy Scriptures. It's our soul food and we can't live without it! If you can relate to what I'm writing, by all means pass this along to someone who can use it. I want to admonish you to be like the noble Bereans in Acts 17:11 where it reads, "These (meaning the Bereans) were more noble than those in Thessalonica where they received the word with all readiness of mind to see whether those things were so."

The Bereans checked Paul and Silas out and that's what you should do with me; to see if what I'm stating is true. I'm fallible and prone to error although everything I've written I can promise you has been prayed over and carefully studied with the utmost diligence. God is my witness. I take God's word more seriously than I ever have and will defend it with everything I have. I feel God is overflowing my cup right now and I want/need to pour in some one else's cup. I'm constantly growing and want to lovingly challenge the readers of this blog to do the same.

Remember the words of the Apostle Peter, "But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ (II Peter 3:18). That's a loving command to all of us to move higher in the things of God. I'm striving to do just that. I pray that you are also.

Finally, if there be any praise, any virtue of these articles, the glory belongs to the Lord, and the mistakes are mine.

Even so come Lord Jesus (Revelation 22:20)!

God bless you.

Can Salvation be lost

Are there verses that support that eternal salvation can be lost? The phrase itself is an oxymoron when you carefully consider it. Let’s take a look and carefully breakdown one of these verses of scripture.

II PETER 2:1-2 SUPPORTS THOSE THAT JESUS BOUGHT WITH HIS BLOOD CAN SUBSEQUENTLY BE DAMNED RIGHT?

Now that’s a controversial question, but it’s worth exploring. Here are the verses in question: 1 But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction. 2 And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of.

2 Peter 2:1-2 (KJV)

The most troubling phrase of this verse is “denying the Lord that bought them”. Who’s “them” in this verse? Is it the false teachers or is “them” making reference to someone else? When you look at the verse at face value, it appears that the Apostle is making reference to Jesus paying the price for the sins of these false teachers, but they still are doomed to destruction; meaning that at one point they were saved, but they denied the Lord that bought them (i.e. the false teachers) and are doomed to hell. Simply put, they were once heaven bound, and now they’re hell bound due to persistent, habitual sin in their lives. That is a fair and popular assessment of this verse. That is what a lot of people believe. We must remember, we can’t build a theology on one verse without reading the context that preceded this thought. Now, let’s define some terms.

Bought in the Greek language is the word agorazo. It means initially to buy in the market place. To purchase. Spiritually it means those whom Jesus came to redeem by shedding his blood to save them from their sins. The same word bought is used in I Corinthians 6:20, For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's. Also I Corinthians 7:23 says we’re bought with a price; be not servants of men. In Revelation 5:9 it says, And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation. The word redeemed is the same Greek word as bought agorazo. And one more scripture, and they sung as it were a new song before the throne, and before the four beasts, and the elders: and no man could learn that song but the hundred and forty and four thousand, which were redeemed from the earth.

Rev 14:3 (KJV)

The word Lord in II Peter 2:1 is the word despotes where we get the English word despot; which means a master, a ruler of slaves. Speaks of ownership and servitude primarily. In the N.T., this is used of the Father God.  The Greek word used for the Lord Jesus Christ is kurios which means one having supreme power and also one that has concern for those entrusted in his care. This describes Jesus perfectly. Both terms for Lord are used in Jude 1:4, For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God (Depostes), and our Lord (Kurios) Jesus Christ.

I’ve read several articles on what the phrase may mean, “denying the Lord that bought them”, and some have been compelling. I’ll share with you some of what I read:

There is a view that teaches that when the term bought is used in II Peter 2:1, it’s analogous to Old Testament Israel being bought by God when he delivered them from Egyptian bondage; and not Jesus redeeming or saving these false teachers. We’ll take a look at the following verses of scripture:

16 Fear and dread shall fall upon them; by the greatness of thine arm they shall be as still as a stone; till thy people pass over, O Lord, till the people pass over, which thou hast purchased

Ex 15:16 (KJV)

6 Do ye thus requite the Lord, O foolish people and unwise? is not he thy father that hath bought thee? hath he not made thee, and established thee?

Deut 32:6 (KJV)

The point of those that hold this view is saying although Israel as a nation was purchased and delivered by God the Father, not all of them were saved individually. Which is true; they were indeed purchased out of the slave market by God nationally but not all in the nation were saved or justified by faith. Why? Because of their unbelief. Unbelief is denial of the Lord.You can read this in Numbers 13-14;Psalm 78;Psalm 95.

Going back to II Peter 2:1, those that were bought are like those that were bought in Israel, but not unto salvation because of their denial of the Lord. These false teachers were bought by the Lord (Depostes) in the since that they owed their Master (not they’re Savior) obedience and denied him. They were definitely to be blamed because they dwelt amongst the faithful, true Saints God and knew his word. Let’s get the whole flow of Peter’s thought by going to the end of the first chapter of second Peter: We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts:  Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation.  For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost. But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you who will secretly bring in destructive/damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction.

2 Peter 1:19-21- 2:1 (KJV)

So we see that Peter is making a contrast between holy men of God and the end of chapter one and false teachers at the beginning of chapter two. That’s the import of chapter two, false teachers not the loss of salvation. Also if you notice in verse one of chapter two the writer never says specifically why they were bought as the writers clearly indicated in I Corinthians 6:20; I Corinthians 7:23; Revelation 5:9; Revelation 14:3. These verses indicate they (the redeemed) were bought with a price; the purchasing agent being Christ’s on blood. This reference isn’t made to the false teachers in II Peter 2:1 now is it?

Another view is that the “them” in II Peter 2:1-2 is making reference to the believers and not the false teachers at all. So one could read it like this: But there were false prophets also among the people (Old Testament Israel), even as there shall be false teachers among you (Christians) who privily (covertly, unnoticed, secretly) shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them (Christians), and bring upon themselves swift destruction. And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of.

This view is “Calvinistic is scope because it upholds the doctrine of limited atonement and perseverance of the saints. It supposes that these false teachers are not the “bought”, only the redeemed that some will be lead away with damnable heresies – Greek is hairesis. Literally means destructive choices. These false teachers will choose to spread lies about the truth and many will follow them. This is how false doctrines and cults are established; by destructive lies! The result is that they’ll be bring upon themselves swift destruction.

Another view I’ll present is the “Arminian” view which argues the false teachers were indeed saved, or “bought” but fell from a state of saving grace based on denying the Lord that bought them (i.e. the false teachers). I reject this view due to the fact that these false teachers were never born again. This is the unlimited atonement theory that suggest that Jesus Christ died for every person that has or will ever live. This has disturbing implications. I’ll do my best to explain why a little later.

The last view I’ll present is the logical view. Since scripture clearly teaches that salvation is eternal, it’s only logical to believe that these false teachers are not saved and that this word bought in II Peter 2 can’t mean these people are born again if they’re obviously ungodly men. When you read further down in the chapter it says this:  And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you: whose judgment now of a long time lingereth not, and their damnation slumbereth not.  For if God spared not the angels that sinned, but cast them down to hell, and delivered them into chains of darkness, to be reserved unto judgment;  And spared not the old world, but saved Noah the eighth person, a preacher of righteousness, bringing in the flood upon the world of the ungodly;  And turning the cities of Sodom and Gomorrha into ashes condemned them with an overthrow, making them an ensample unto those that after should live ungodly;

2 Peter 2:3-6 (KJV)

And further more:  These are wells without water, clouds that are carried with a tempest; to whom the mist of darkness is reserved for ever.  For when they speak great swelling words of vanity, they allure through the lusts of the flesh, through much wantonness, those that were clean escaped from them who live in error.  While they promise them liberty, they themselves are the servants of corruption: for of whom a man is overcome, of the same is he brought in bondage.  For if after they have escaped the polutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning.  For it had been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, after they have known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered unto them. 22 But it is happened unto them according to the true proverb, The dog is turned to his own vomit again; and the sow that was washed to her wallowing in the mire.

2 Peter 2:17-22 (KJV)

So you see, these are men who claim to be righteous but Peter warns his readers against and be on the lookout for them because they teach falsehood and will be doomed. Similar language is in the book of Jude:  For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ.  I will therefore put you in remembrance, though ye once knew this, how that the Lord, having saved the people out of the land of Egypt, afterward destroyed them that believed not.  And the angels which kept not their first estate, but left their own habitation, he hath reserved in everlasting chains under darkness unto the judgment of the great day.  Even as Sodom and Gomorrha, and the cities about them in like manner, giving themselves over to fornication, and going after strange flesh, are set forth for an example, suffering the vengeance of eternal fire.  Likewise also these filthy dreamers defile the flesh, despise dominion, and speak evil of dignities.  Yet Michael the archangel, when contending with the devil he disputed about the body of Moses, durst not bring against him a railing accusation, but said, The Lord rebuke thee.  But these speak evil of those things which they know not: but what they know naturally, as brute beasts, in those things they corrupt themselves.  Woe unto them! for they have gone in the way of Cain, and ran greedily after the error of Balaam for reward, and perished in the gainsaying of Core.  These are spots in your feasts of charity, when they feast with you, feeding themselves without fear: clouds they are without water, carried about of winds; trees whose fruit withereth, without fruit, twice dead, plucked up by the roots;  Raging waves of the sea, foaming out their own shame; wandering stars, to whom is reserved the blackness of darkness for ever.  And Enoch also, the seventh from Adam, prophesied of these, saying, Behold, the Lord cometh with ten thousands of his saints,  To execute judgment upon all, and to convince all that are ungodly among them of all their ungodly deeds which they have ungodly committed, and of all their hard speeches which ungodly sinners have spoken against him.  These are murmurers, complainers, walking after their own lusts; and their mouth speaketh great swelling words, having men's persons in admiration because of advantage.  But, beloved, remember ye the words which were spoken before of the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ; how that they told you there should be mockers in the last time, who should walk after their own ungodly lusts.  These be they who separate themselves, sensual, having not the Spirit.

Jude 1:4-19 (KJV)

The logical view is someone who does not have the Spirit of God dwelling on the inside does not belong to the Lord. It’s the Holy Spirit that seals and places a pledge or earnest on the believer (Romans 8:9; Ephesians 1:13).

                                                         Who did Christ die for

Now back to the idea of Jesus dying for all men without exception; meaning Jesus died for every man that will ever live. That’s what most Christians believe right? That is called unlimited atonement. If one holds to the unlimited atonement view or universal salvation, then you believe that Jesus Christ died for people he knew would never believe in him and go to hell. The verses they’ll sight are John 1:29; John 3:16; 1 John 2:2. Now I know what someone will say, “Of course Jesus died for every man, the one that believes in him are saved, and the ones who do not believe are lost.” “Why wouldn’t Jesus die for all men without exception? Everyone needs to be saved right?” Yes, that much is true. But as I stated in my previous article, to espouse that Jesus died on the cross just to make men savable is not why he came; he came to actually save men (the elect) from every tribe, tongue and nation. This is what he accomplished on Calvary’s cross and that is what the bible teaches.

The unlimited atonement view has Jesus dying for all men, but saving no one. Why? Because it’s incumbent upon the sinner to activate the salvation that’s been made available. That’s only a potential atonement and not an actual one. That view is unbiblical. Limited atonement or particular redemption as some call it argues that Jesus died only for the elect, those chosen before the foundation of the world, those whom the Father gave to the Son to come and save (See John 6:37; John 10:27-30; John 17). Jesus gave his life for his sheep. These elect are the ones that were appointed to eternal life, and they’re the ones that will believe (Acts 13:48). Unlike the Pharisees in John 10. He specifically told them, “But you believe me not because you are not of my sheep as I said unto you.” (John 10:26). Those that are unbelieving and die in that unbelief will never be saved; not in this life or in the life to come.

Another problem I see with unlimited atonement is the fact there were countless millions of people already in hell being justly punished for their sins before Jesus was even born! So are the proponents of unlimited atonement (Arminianism) going to say that Jesus died and shed his blood for the sins of those that were already in hell being punished for their own sins when they have no hope of redemption? That’s absurd! Even Arminians can’t believe some nonsense like that! The only way that were possible is that Jesus after dying on the cross would have had to go to hell and preach the gospel to the wicked dead which is nowhere in scripture. Once again that line of reasoning is called reductio ad absurdum.

Everyone believes in a limited atonement; whether you’re an Arminian or a Calvinist. You either believe Jesus died for all men without exception but secured the salvation of no one because you have men dying and going to hell for whom Christ died, or you believe he secured the salvation of the elect from every tribe, tongue and nation (I John 2:2). This is what it means when the apostle John said he died for the sins of the whole world. The atonement is limited in that it effects the elect of God, but it’s unlimited in it’s power to save those for whom it was intended for.

Finally, I do not believe for one minute that Jesus spilled his blood for those who would never believe. Logically, it does not make any sense. What good is an atonement that can save no one? That’s why God in his foreknowledge decided to choose those he wanted to save, but in order to make his plan work, he didn’t leave it up to the sinner to choose Jesus first and God would then choose the sinner before time began; that would mean the faith of man dictates election and not election dictating faith. That wasn’t the plan of God. Man is depraved and can and will not choose God on his own because he’s dead in his trespasses and sins (Romans 3:11;Romans 8:7; Ephesians 2:1). Salvation is all of God. God is the one that has to draw men to Christ. God is the one that grants the repentance and the faith (Acts 11:18;Ephesians 2:8,9) to believe and offers the salvation which the elect of God chosen before the foundation of the world will receive at the precise time God appoints, not against our will, but according to his will (John 1:12-13). When a chosen sinner believes, God gives him a heart of flesh so that he recognizes his depravity and desires forgiveness of his sins. It will be sole pursuit and desire of his very heart and life. As I stated before, God knows who will be saved, he chooses who will be saved, and we have to believe on the Lord Jesus Christ to be saved. The human finite mind can not fully comprehend this blessed reality, but that’s how it all works.

The Eternality of Salvation

I will start my analysis with the most common objection to the security of the believer which is found in Hebrews 6;4-6. These are the most difficult passages dealing with many who believe is the Apostasy of the believer; the result being is lost of salvation.

To believe this has huge and very disturbing ramifications to those who espouse the eternal security of the believer. Isolating these verses in light of their complexity from the rest of scripture will definitely bring about a vulgar meaning. These must be interpreted in light of relatable passages.

First strategy is when dealing with unclear passages we must compare them in light of clear meaning passages. This helps define the unclear.

The second strategy we need to remember is scripture interprets scripture. The New Testament is the Old Testament revealed. In other words, the N.T illuminates the O.T. They’re intertwined and interdependent. Why? Because there is one ultimate author, the Holy Spirit.

We know that scripture teaches us that salvation is eternal so Hebrews 6:4-6 can not be referencing Christians losing salvation. There are a host of scriptures that affirm this truth (Luke 23:43;John 3:16,36; John 10:27-30; Ephesians 1:1-11;Romans 6:23; Titus 3:5; I Peter 1;4-5).

With that being said, let’s break down Hebrews 6:4-6.

For is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost, And have tasted the good word of God and the powers of the world to come, If they shall fall away, to renew them again to repentance, seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh and put him to an open shame.

Now, we have to explore the five participles that are in this text:

1. Enlightened – Greek word is photizo. Means in relation to the text spiritual light, the light of the gospel. God gives all men light; saved and unsaved alike (John 1:9).
2. Tasted – Greek word is geuo. Means having tasted. This is in relation the heavenly gift. It would be assumed that’s Jesus Christ. The text doesn’t specifically tell us.
3. Partakers – Greek word is metochos. Means sharing in, partaking of; in this text the Holy Ghost. This would assume this means that this is in reference to believers for only believers can partake or benefits from God’s Holy Spirit when they’re born again. Not true. Judas, the betrayer of Jesus shared in the benefits of the Holy Ghost by performing miracles yet he was a devil (Matthew 10:1)
4. Fall away – Greek word is parapipto. Means to fall away from adherence to the realities and facts of the faith. This is apostasy.
5. To renew – Greek word is anakainizio. Dealing with the impossibility of renewing those to repentance who abandon the gospel and return to the dead works of Judaism proving they’re not born again.

To get better understand of why Hebrews 6:4-6 came about we need to read the text prior. Let’s begin at Hebrews 5:11, Of whom we have many things to say, and hard of interpretation, seeing ye are become dull of hearing .

12 For when by reason of the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need again that some one teach you the rudiments of the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of solid food. 13 For every one that partaketh of milk is without experience of the word of righteousness; for he is a babe. 14 But solid food is for full grown men, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern good and evil. 1 Wherefore leaving the doctrine of the first principles of Christ, let us press on unto perfection; not laying again a foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God, 2 of the teaching of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment. 3 And this will we do, if God permit .

Heb 5:12-14 (ASV).

Heb 6:1-3 (ASV)

The end of chapter 5 and Chapter 6 flow together. That’s why it’s so important to not isolate Hebrews 6:4-6 on an island by themselves and build a theology without the preceding facts.

The writer of Hebrews is rebuking them for their immaturity in the things of God. They should be further along in their knowledge of spiritual things. The writer is also warning them against their apathy lest they revert to the dead works of the law. Keep in mind this church was most likely primarily Jewish so being justified in the Spirit as supposed to trying to earn their salvation through dead works (i.e. the law) was something foreign to them. For those who fell away, they apostatized not from salvation for they never obtained it, but from the truth they were exposed to so they never exercised saving faith to obtain salvation. So in essence they were crucifying Jesus again by their unbelief and their return to their old traditions which can never save them. It would have been better for them to not have heard the truth than to hear the truth, embrace it on some intellectual level and turn from God’s command (II Peter 2:21).

But notice how the writer switches his audience and commends and encourages the true believers in the same Hebrew church. He says:

9 But, beloved, we are persuaded better things of you, and things that accompany salvation, though we thus speak: 10 for God is not unrighteous to forget your work and the love which ye showed toward his name, in that ye ministered unto the saints, and still do minister. 11 And we desire that each one of you may show the same diligence unto the fullness of hope even to the end: 12 that ye be not sluggish, but imitators of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises. 13 For when God made promise to Abraham, since he could swear by none greater, he sware by himself, 14 saying, Surely blessing I will bless thee, and multiplying I will multiply thee. 15 And thus, having patiently endured, he obtained the promise. 16

Heb 6:9-16 (ASV)

You’ll notice a key word in the two scenarios, in Hebrews 5:11 and in chapter 6:12; that word is dull and sluggish. The same Greek word accompanies both terms. That word is nothros. The writer rebukes the chapter 5:11 camp for being dull of hearing and encourages the chapter 6:12 camp to not become sluggish but to imitate the saints of old like Abraham. That’s true faith. There you see the difference between the apostate and the true believer. The believer has a faith that saves. The non believer has a “demon” faith that condemns (James 2:19). The reader is encouraged to read the parable of the soils in Matthew 13.

The objection to this reasoning is, “how can one commit apostasy if they were never saved? Don’t you have to be saved in order to depart from the faith?” The answer is no. Unbelievers and believers can and are exposed to the same revelation and power of God in their lives. Those that are saved are those who believe. Those that are condemned already are those who refuse to believe the gospel.

I believe an even more vivid description of Hebrews 6:4-6 is found through the lens of O.T. Israel; particularly the 10 plagues, deliverance from Egypt, the wilderness wanderings (Numbers 13-14) and the provocation in the wilderness. If one studies these accounts carefully, you’ll discover the blessings that are mentioned in Hebrews 6:4-6 were prevalent to some extent with the old testament covenant people. Enlightenment, tasted heavenly gift (could make reference to the manna that fell from heaven), partakers of the Holy Spirit (Numbers 11:17), the good word of God (Exodus 20), and the powers of the world to come.

Unfortunately, the results were that the children of Israel did not believe the Lord could get them to the land of promise so they died in the wilderness due to unbelief in God’s word; they were apostates, they had fallen away from the faith they knew. Scripture bears this out. Although they were a chosen nation, and God demonstrated his miracles, provision and power before them, not all them were saved or justified by faith. For more information on Israel’s history and demise, read:

(Nehemiah 9, Psalm 78, Psalm 95:7-8;11). Hebrews 6:4-6 is the N.T. parallel to their ancestral counterparts. They had all the benefits of the Lord at their grasp but was willing to reject it with full knowledge. They stand at the narrow gate they’re commanded to enter into but never go in. True believers will not fall away finally. Why? Let’s explore some texts to prove this point.

36 He that believeth on the Son hath eternal life; but he that obeyeth not the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God abideth on him

John 3:36 (ASV)

27 My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: 28 and I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, and no one shall snatch them out of my hand. 29 My Father, who hath given them unto me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father's hand. 30 I and the Father are one.

John 10:27-30 (ASV)

42 And he said, Jesus, remember me when thou comest in thy kingdom. 43 And he said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, To-day shalt thou be with me in Paradise.

Luke 23:42-43 (ASV)

1 Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus through the will of God, to the saints that are at Ephesus, and the faithful in Christ Jesus: 2 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ: 4 even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blemish before him in love: 5 having foreordained us unto adoption as sons through Jesus Christ unto himself, according to the good pleasure of his will, 6 to the praise of the glory of his grace, which he freely bestowed on us in the Beloved: 7 in whom we have our redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace, 8 which he made to abound toward us in all wisdom and prudence, 9 making known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he purposed in him 10 unto a dispensation of the fulness of the times, to sum up all things in Christ, the things in the heavens, and the things upon the earth; in him, I say, 11 in whom also we were made a heritage, having been foreordained according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his will; 12 to the end that we should be unto the praise of his glory, we who had before hoped in Christ: 13 in whom ye also, having heard the word of the truth, the gospel of your salvation,-- in whom, having also believed, ye were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise, 14 which is an earnest of our inheritance, unto the redemption of God's own possession, unto the praise of his glory.

Eph 1:1-14 (ASV)

1 Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, to the elect who are sojourners of the Dispersion in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, 2 according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, in sanctification of the Spirit, unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ: Grace to you and peace be multiplied.
3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to his great mercy begat us again unto a living hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 unto an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you, 5 who by the power of God are guarded through faith unto a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.

1 Peter 1:1-5 (ASV)

Summarizing, our salvation is secure because of the Lord not us. He sovereignly chose us before the foundation of the world because it pleased him to do so (Ephesians 1:4-5). God chose us outside of time and effectually called and saved us in real time at the precise moment he wanted us to believe unto salvation. God gave to the Son a love gift. That gift was a redeemed humanity from every tongue, tribe and nation. Jesus came to seek and save that which was lost (Luke 19:10). The inheritance we have according to I Peter 1 is incorruptible and undefiled which doesn’t fade away, and if those things weren’t enough it’s reserved in the safest place in all the universe, heaven.

Our salvation is secure because it’s not predicated on us to keep it. God keeps it. Our job is to develop or work out our salvation so that we mature (Philippians 2:12). We’re to conform to the image of Jesus Christ on a daily basis. We’re to develop the virtues; that is the fruits of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23). Bearing fruit or good works is a natural byproduct of the true child of God. This is how one proves his faith is genuine (James 3). Failure to have a living active faith filled life may be because there is disobedience in one’s life. Confess your sins according to I John 1:9. Will we fall away ultimately? No because we’re protected, sealed by the Holy Spirit. Yes we’ll sin. Sometimes terribly due to our sinful unredeemed flesh where no good thing dwells. Remember, we’re saved within, but still corrupt without until we’re glorified bodily (I Thessalonians 4:16; I Corinthians 15:51). However the true child of God can not practice sin because God’s seed is in him/Greek is sperma (I John 3:9). Because we’re preserved by God, we’ll persevere until the end. He that began a good work in you will complete until the day of Jesus Christ (Philippians 1:6).

Contrary to popular belief, the phrase “Once saved stay saved” doctrine is a man centered salvation because the onus of the maintenance to keep one saved is squarely on the sinner. This is not living by faith and will surely lead to doubt in salvation which is sin. God knew that he would have to save man and keep us saved in order for us to live this life in confidence and burden free. Paul in Galatians said it perfectly, “I am crucified with Christ. Nevertheless I live, yet not I but Christ lives in me. And the life I now in the flesh, I live by the faith of the Son of God who loved me and gave himself for me” (Galatians 2:20). Living the Christian life is a life of faith which pleases God (Habakkuk 2:4;Romans 1:17;Galatians 3:11; Hebrews 10:38;Hebrews 11:6). But don’t think for a moment you can or have to do it alone; I’m glad to say we can’t! We must rely on the Holy Spirit’s guidance. Foolishly doing it on your own is blasphemous because it glorifies the creature rather than the creator.

The true believer does not want to frustrate the grace of God given to him since he knows he’s fashioned for heaven. Rather out of love and obedience, he endeavors to live this life with joy knowing he already has the victory in Jesus Christ (I Corinthians 15:57).

The child of God because he’s secure should not want to continue in sin (Romans 6:1) because he’s no longer a slave to it. He’s now free to serve God.

Although the phrase “Once saved always saved” is true, it’s used by those who cheapen the grace of God to promote a careless, non committed life to Christ. Their lack of understanding of the demands of this glorious life is foreign to them and therefore their conversion may be illegitimate. Examine yourself to see if you’re really in the faith (II Corinthians 13). Salvation is a glorious and mysterious dynamic. God chooses before the foundation of the world those who will be saved and at the same time, we have a human responsibility to respond to the effectual call of salvation which we will do by faith (John 15:16). Trust me, I don’t completely understand it all, but that’s what the Bible teaches.

In closing, Woven in the fabric of Salvation is eternality. Jesus didn’t die to make men savable, he died and shed his blood to save men from their sins which he successfully accomplished. To advocate that Jesus died for you, and you believe unto salvation and can somehow lose that salvation is double jeopardy. In order to restore salvation, Jesus would have to be crucified again which is lunacy. He died once for sin, that’s it! It also makes the Word of God untrue. Jesus died for your sins so you wouldn’t have to be punished for them. But if you can lose salvation and still die in your sins after Jesus already was put to death for them, He died in vain and his death was not an effectual atonement. None of us would have any hope. This type of reasoning is reductio ad absurdum. Basically a statement based on a false premise that’s drawn out to it’s illogical conclusion.

My friend, if you’re truly born again, rejoice and walk in the newness of life God has given you in Jesus Christ. He’s with you and promised to keep you until the end (Matthew 28:20; Hebrews 13:5).