Jesus:The Anchor of my Soul - The Possibility of Apostasy

Christology in the book of Hebrews  •  Sermon  •  Submitted
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Introduction/Controversy:

The College Press NIV Commentary: Hebrews 3. Those Who Fall Away (6:4–8)

These are troublesome verses in at least two senses. First, the apparent suggestion that some who fall away from Christ are so beyond repentance that their recovery is impossible may seem to us harsh, pessimistic and unfeeling. Second, they have been the occasion for centuries of theological controversy—is it possible for one who has been truly converted to lose his or her salvation? How we read these verses in relation to the first concern is likely to influence our understanding of God’s compassion and/or our judgments regarding others. How we read them in relation to the second affects our view of the essential nature of the New Covenant which our writer is soon to describe. It is of the utmost importance, then, that in considering these verses we restrict our observations to what is clearly and expressly stated in the text and refrain from ungrounded speculation. Taken as a whole, four significant truths are expressed in these verses.

The College Press NIV Commentary: Hebrews 3. Those Who Fall Away (6:4–8)

These are troublesome verses in at least two senses. First, the apparent suggestion that some who fall away from Christ are so beyond repentance that their recovery is impossible may seem to us harsh, pessimistic and unfeeling. Second, they have been the occasion for centuries of theological controversy—is it possible for one who has been truly converted to lose his or her salvation? How we read these verses in relation to the first concern is likely to influence our understanding of God’s compassion and/or our judgments regarding others. How we read them in relation to the second affects our view of the essential nature of the New Covenant which our writer is soon to describe. It is of the utmost importance, then, that in considering these verses we restrict our observations to what is clearly and expressly stated in the text and refrain from ungrounded speculation. Taken as a whole, four significant truths are expressed in these verses.

The College Press NIV Commentary: Hebrews 3. Those Who Fall Away (6:4–8)

These are troublesome verses in at least two senses. First, the apparent suggestion that some who fall away from Christ are so beyond repentance that their recovery is impossible may seem to us harsh, pessimistic and unfeeling. Second, they have been the occasion for centuries of theological controversy—is it possible for one who has been truly converted to lose his or her salvation? How we read these verses in relation to the first concern is likely to influence our understanding of God’s compassion and/or our judgments regarding others. How we read them in relation to the second affects our view of the essential nature of the New Covenant which our writer is soon to describe. It is of the utmost importance, then, that in considering these verses we restrict our observations to what is clearly and expressly stated in the text and refrain from ungrounded speculation. Taken as a whole, four significant truths are expressed in these verses.

I. THE APPEAL FOR SPIRITUAL MATURITY (6:1–12)
I. THE APPEAL FOR SPIRITUAL MATURITY (6:1–12)
A. The author’s challenge (6:1–3): The writer of Hebrews issues a twofold challenge to his readers.
1. Don’t go backward (6:1–2): He urges them to stop going over the same old ground again and again.
a. In the importance of turning from sin and toward God (6:1)
b. In the importance of baptism, the laying on of hands, the resurrection, and judgment (6:2)
2. Do go forward (6:3): Push on to maturity in Christ.
B. The author’s concern (6:4–8): He warns in regard to a dreadful situation.
1. The impossibility in this situation (6:4–6)
a. The who (6:4b–5): Those who have tasted the heavenly gift, who have shared in the Holy Spirit and have tasted of God’s Word.
b. The what (6:6a): After experiencing this, they turn from God.
c. The why (6:4a, 6b): These people cannot be brought back to repentance, for they crucify the Son of God all over again.
2. The illustration for this situation (6:7–8): The author refers to a piece of land to illustrate his point.
a. When the land is fruitful, it is blessed (6:7).
b. When the land is fruitless, it is cursed (6:8).
C. The author’s confidence (6:9–12): He is confident his warning does not apply to his readers.
II. THE ANCHOR FOR SPIRITUAL MATURITY (6:13–20): This desired maturity is assured.
A. Because of the Father’s promise (6:13–18)
1. God promised to bless Abraham, and he did (6:13–15).
2. God promised to bless us, and he will (6:16–18).
B. Because of the Savior’s priesthood (6:19–20)
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