Hebrews – Chapter 6

For it is impossible, in the case of those who have once been enlightened, who have tasted the heavenly gift, and have shared in the Holy Spirit, ⁵and have tasted the goodness of the word of God and the powers of the age to come, ⁶and then have fallen away, to restore them again to repentance, since they are crucifying once again the Son of God to their own harm and holding him up to contempt. Hebrews 6:4-6 – Upfront let’s establish that this verse is likely one of the most debated passages within the New Testament on what is it meaning. Essentially the two sides of the debate are this: one, that believers can lose their salvation or two, that we can have unbelievers who draw very close to placing their faith in Christ but refuse and in that refusing all hope is lost for them. From my understanding of the passage and my understanding of other texts in scripture surrounding this passage, I believe this passage is not telling believers they can lose their salvation. What we are seeing described here is an individual who by all worldly standpoints appears as a believer. They’ve heard the truth of God’s word, they’ve seen for themselves the working of the Holy Spirit around them and even felt the effects of His work. They’ve heard the truth and goodness of God’s word and learned the truth of the power of Jesus. They have everything they need to become a believer, yet they turn away and choose not to believe in it. In that turning away, there is then no hope for them. They aren’t going to find salvation in any other name other than the name of Jesus, who they just rejected. What then are we to do with all this? First, don’t be in fear of losing your salvation if you truly are a believer in Jesus. Jesus’ sacrifice is good enough to keep you. Let us then be praying for those “on the fence” about Jesus. Outside of Him there is no hope in this world. Pray and encourage them to make the choice to follow Jesus. I love you, but Jesus loves you more – Mac – Daily DEVO 3190

For it is impossible, in the case of those who have once been enlightened, who have tasted the heavenly gift, and have shared in the Holy Spirit, and have tasted the goodness of the word of God and the powers of the age to come, and then have fallen away, to restore them again to repentance, since they are crucifying once again the Son of God to their own harm and holding him up to contempt. Hebrews 6:4-6 – As disappointing as it is, there will be people in our life that hear the message of God’s love, seem like they are all in to this Christian life, yet still turn away and not accept it. If you’re anything like me, it’s too easy to get overwhelmed with discouragement when that happens. You spoke life to them and shared your life with them, but they still chose not to accept God’s love for them. My encouragement to you is know you did all you could. You shared God’s love to them, shared your life and story with them, you planted the seed. You though can’t bring life to that seed, only God can. As we continue this journey of sharing God’s love, just know ahead of you will be people who just don’t want to accept it. That’s not on you, but on them. Continue to pray for them, but don’t let that example stop you from sharing God’s love with the next person you meet in your story. I love you, but Jesus loves you more – Mac

Therefore let us leave the elementary doctrine of Christ and go on to maturity, not laying again a foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God, and of instruction about washings, the laying on of hands, the resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment. Hebrews 6:1-2 – Let’s move deeper. That’s what these verses are sharing with us today. Let’s move past the repeated learning of the basic things about our faith where we need our preachers teaching us the same things over and over because we aren’t living them out enough to really have them sink in. You know Jesus saves, you know about eternal life, you know the mission you have been given to share His love. Go deeper now in your faith by living it out rather than just hearing it over and over again. So today, do something with this message you have heard. Take a step deeper in this life you have with God and do something with this life of faith you claim to have. I love you, but Jesus loves you more – Mac – Daily DEVO 569

We have this as a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul, a hope that enters into the inner place behind the curtain, where Jesus has gone as a forerunner on our behalf, having become a high priest forever after the order of Melchizedek. Hebrews 6:19-20 – Jesus has gone before us. He stepped into the role as our mediator and Savior long before we even knew we needed Him to. We therefore have this truth as a steadfast anchor to hold our life to. That no matter how intense the storms of life get and how battered we may find ourselves by the rain we can stay securely in place because of what Jesus has done for us. Today know you are secure. If you’ve placed your faith in Jesus you are secure and safe. From all this, through all things, for all time. That’s how powerful Jesus is and how good His salvation is. Know today if you haven’t yet placed your faith in Him you for sure still can. Reach out and I’d be happy to chat with you all about it! I love you, but Jesus loves you more – Mac – Daily DEVO 1602