Scripture:
Hebrews 6:4-6 NKJV
[4] For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted the heavenly gift and have become partakers of the Holy Spirit, [5] and have tasted the good word of God and the powers of the age to come, [6] if they fall away, to renew them again to repentance, since they crucify again for themselves the Son of God, and put Him to an open shame.
Observation:
No one is really sure who wrote the Book of Hebrews, and honestly, I’m not sure it matters. As they were putting together the bible, they saw that it was inspired by the Holy Spirit and therefore made the cut and became part of what we know as the bible. It’s an amazing book, and in my mind, it has great instructions for life and guidance on faith. After all, without faith, it’s impossible to please GOD. Here in chapter 6, we see something else that is impossible. Verse 4 tells us that it is impossible for those who have been enlightened and tasted the heavenly gifts, not to mention any part of what the Holy Spirit does and offers. To fall away. What I see being said here is if you have put GOD’S word into practice and seen the power that it holds for not only now but the age to come, you will be drawn back to it time and time again. Now verse 6 can make that a little confusing, and understanding it may make you think if you make a mistake that there is no hope for you. But let’s look at what’s being said and break it down to be simple. Jesus Christ died once… HE does not have to die again…and again…and again…and again. Every time someone makes a mistake. Now that being said, this does not give us an open door… at least not in my mind. Jesus died once and for all. That’s it. It is finished. Done the sacrifice has been made.
Application:
There are some arguments in the church world about the eternal security of those who believe in Jesus Christ as their LORD and SAVIOR, and I can see why. There are parts of the bible that can be a little confusing. This one is one of them. But remember, we have to look at the whole counsel of GOD. I’m thinking about the prodigal son as an example. He went to his father and asked for what was his as an inheritance sold it and ran away to live a wild life. When he came to his right mind and came home, the father never said to him ok work as a slave…no he was restored to the very same position he had before he left. The grace and mercy of his father covered his sinful lifestyle. As you read this story, if you are paying attention, you can see how, at just the right moment, the Holy Spirit drew him back and honestly I can’t help but think that’s how GOD’S heart is for us as well. Part of this is because I was saved 14 years ago… and started out well. A lot of things dropped out of my life addiction, and wilde living were a few of those things. But somewhere in the middle of my walk, I made some decisions that led me down a dark path, and I ended up homeless and strung out on meth. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not saying that it’s a good idea to do that. But what I am saying is that at just the right time, the Holy Spirit drew me back. GOD never left me. I may not have been walking with HIM. I may have been hiding behind the guilt and shame of my sin. But that didn’t make GOD say I wasn’t HIS son. I believe that once you are saved, if you make a mistake and fall back into sin, GOD does not leave you. Once you are HIS, once you make that confession of faith, you are sealed with the Holy Spirit, and that Holy Spirit will bring you back to the Father again and again and again.
Prayer:
Father, thank you for your grace and mercy. You make a way when there is no way and you never give up. You will always draw us back to you. Your love never ends, and nothing can separate us from it. You will always love us no matter what. That’s what makes me want to live a life that brings you glory. I know that in everything I do. I will never be good enough to earn a spot, that’s why you have done all the work. But I want others to see the life that is possible by full surrender and submission to your will. My deepest heart desires are to please you. Could you help me do exactly that today? It’s in the mighty name of Jesus I pray amen.