Eternal Security, vs. Falling from Grace.
"Eternal Security, vs. Falling from Grace."
I understand the question concerning eternal security has been and will continue to be discussed a great deal. There are many opinions concerning this question. But what doe's the Bible have to say about it?
If a person once professing the Christian faith, then willfully decides to reject the doctrine of Christ, (if this is possible) can they ever be restored to the faith? Let's examine the following verse closely. Heb.
Heb.6:4-5-6, "For it 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 unto repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put him to an open shame."
Let us examine the following Greek words and phrases in the above verses. They will shed a great deal of light upon this subject. If Heb.6, is correct, then it may cast doubt upon the teaching of, "once saved always saved."
1. "Once:" Greek is, hapax. Adverb of time, once, as, Trop. or Metaphor, meaning once for all, already, formerly,
a. Heb.6:4-6, "For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, --- ver.6, if they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance.
b. Heb.10:2, "worshippers once purged (cleansed) should have had no more conscience (consciousness) of sins."
c. Jude 3, "Ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once (once for all) delivered unto the saints."
d. Jude 5, "I will therefore put you in remembrance, though ye once knew this."
e. Sept. for Heb. Ps.62:11, "God hath spoken once." Ps.89:35, "Once have I sworn by my holiness."
2. "Enlightened" Synonyms and similarities are, Light, Lighten: Lightened: Lighteth: Greek is photizo. To light, to lighten. When a person is said to be, "once enlightened?"
That person is said to be thoroughly instructed in the nature and design of the Gospel of Christ. That person having received the knowledge of the truth. Compare the following verses.
A. As a metaphors, common form. Acc. or accommodation in theology, is the application of a passage to something not originally intended by it, on the ground of resemblance or analogy. Of persons, to light, to enlighten, to impart moral and spiritual light to any one, to enlighten the mind of mental eyes of any one.
John 1:9, "That the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world."
B. Passive expressing action, or the effect of an action of some agent.
B-1. Eph.1:18, "The eyes of your understanding being enlightened."
B-2. Heb.6:4, "For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened -- if they should fall away, to renew them again to repentance."
B-3. Heb.10:32, "Call to remembrance the former days, in which, after ye were illuminated (enlightened) ye endured a great fight of affliction."
B-4. Ps.119:130, "The entrance of thy words giveth light."
B-5. To teach, to instruct, Eph.3:9, "To make all men see (be enlightened) what is the fellowship of the mystery."
3. "Tasted of the heavenly gift." The Greek word,
"tasted." Used here as a metaphor, to experience, to prove, to partake of; Seq. accus.
a. Heb.6:5, "And have tasted the good word of God."
b. Seq. generally. To taste of death, as in to die, Matt.16:28, "There be some standing here, which shall not taste of death."
c. Mark 9:1. Luke 9:27.
d. Heb.2:9, That He (Jesus) by the grace of God should taste death for every man."
e. John 8:52, "If a man keep my sayings, he shall never taste of death."
So Heb.6:4, "having tasted of the heavenly gifts." Seq. or present participle of sequel, to follow, "that," 1 Pet.2:3,
"If so be ye have tasted that the Lord is gracious." Sept. for Heb. Ps.34:8, "O taste and see that the LORD is good."
3. "Make partakers of the Holy Ghost" The Greek word,
"partakers,"
"Partakers." Greek is, metochos. Adj. partaking, subst. meaning a part of speech which expresses something that exists. A partaker,
a. Heb.3:1, "partakers of the heavenly calling," with ver.14, "for we are made partakers of Christ."
b. Heb.6:4, 12:8, "if ye be without chastisement, where of all are partakers."
Partakers the sense of partner, companion, fellow,
c. Luke 5:7, "they beckoned unto their partners."
d. Heb.1:9, "God hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows," quoted from Ps.45:8, where Sept. for Heb. "fellows" (companions.)"
4. "To renew them again" Greek word, Renew: 340. Greek is, anakainizo. Future, "doubtless," To renew to restore to its former state, trans. pp. Sept. "renewest," Ps. 104:30. In N.T. metaph. to renew, spoken of those who have fallen from the true faith, to bring back to repentance and their former faith, Heb.6:6. Sept. Trop. for, "renewed," Ps. 103:5.
5. "If they shall fall away."
"If," Greek is, "ean." Conjunct. (for Greek, "ei," meaning, if perhaps, forasmuch, that, and Greek "an," meaning, what where whence.) It differs from "ei," int that "ei," expresses a condition which is merely hypothetical, as a subjective possibility; while "ean," implies a condition which experiences must determine, as an objective possibility, and refers therefore always to something future. Compare, "ei," with, "ean," in, 1 Cor.
7:36, "but if any man think." Rev.2:5. "Eav," "except thou repent," is usually construed with the Subjective, meaning these internal states or thought or feelings. So, Subjective truths or reality is that which is verified by consciousness.
More support verses.
Heb.10:32, "But call to remembrance the former days, in which, after ye were illuminated (enlightened,) ye endured a great fight of afflictions."
The words illuminated, and enlightened, are the same Greek word.= (phitizo) The idea of being enlightened infers, to enlighten, to impart moral and spiritual light to any one, to enlighten the mind, or mental eyes of any one. That is, to have been thoroughly instructed, and to understand the knowledge of the word of truth.
Heb.10:26, "For if we sin willfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins,"
This would have to be a deliberate denial of the Gospel message after having understanding its message, and having a conviction for the truth. For this person, there remains no more sacrifice for sin. Heb.10:26, answers to both, Heb.6:4, and, 10:32.
What is meant when it is said that a person has, "tasted of the heavenly gift?" Or when a person has tasted for themselves, God's gifts. We saw that the word
"enlightened" refers to enlightening of the mind and mental eye. This held true especially for those Jew's, and Gentiles, who were actual witnesses of the works of Christ, and the apostiles. So the idea of a person who having tasted of the heavenly gifts follows. It is the idea of experiencing, proving, and partaking, of the finished work of Christ.
The Father sends His Son. Thus the Son is revealed to us, first in person, then by the written word. This revealing is to entice, to draw us to belief. This is how it is said, the Father draws us to His Son. Once we understand this, true repentance should follow. So it is written, that no man can come to the Son, unless the Father draw them. With both knowledge and understanding enhanced, believers will experience an inner peace. First comes God's saving grace, secondly the forgiveness of sin, and thirdly the gifts of the Holy Spirit.
In the following, Simon the sorcerer, heard the Gospel, and was baptized. He was a witness to the laying on of hands by the apostiles, and to the baptism of new Christian's into the Holy Spirit. Simon thought to buy this power with money. Acts 8:19-20, "Saying, give me also this power, that on whomsoever I lay hands, he may receive the Holy Ghost. But Peter said unto him, thy money perish with thee, because thou hast thought that the gift of God may be purchased with money."
Simon's first mistake was to think that the Holy Spirit belonged to the apostiles, and that they could give it to whomsoever they chose. Secondly, Simon's motives were corrupt. He thought to purchase this power, possibly profiting by it, and then receive possible favors from the people he had influenced.
I mention the following because I personally believe these people and their form of religion have caused so many to stumble.
Lets reflect on some of our modern day T.V. programming. T.V. programing has learned to prepare its viewing audience for certain messages and commercials. A large part of our population have become addicted to and for the most part now accepts as credible all that is heard and viewed on T.V.
Now come the T.V ministries. So many preachers, evangelist and teachers using Hollywood designed and styled stage effects, props, antics, and acting. The audience has been softened up by years of T.V. viewing. This is showmanship without parallel.
The first thing I notice is, they are always invoking the name of Jesus Christ as the camera remains on them. Long winded speeches, accompanied by hypnotic, rheumatic, singing and music. This music and singing usually forms a connection, a bond and trust with those on stage. A form of trance, as if in the early stages of drunkenness may overcome the audience. Now will many in the audience become susceptible to the evangelist words, suggestions, and self proclaimed signs.
They may lay hands on people's foreheads, shoulders, or chests. Question, Are they pushing demons out, and the Holy Spirit in? Nice thought if it were possible. Like Simon the sorcerer, these religious hypocrites think they can give the Holy Spirit and His gifts to whomsoever they chose, transferring it from themselves to others. God alone gives out the power of His Holy Spirit.
Others may begin to speak in an incoherent language (not of this world.) Another may follow, claiming to interpret that speech. This is the modern day version of speaking in tongues.
Others scream at demons to, "come out," as if to order, or scare them from a person's body. How foolish are those who have not received the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ.
Are these men and their followers walking after the flesh? Presumptuous, self-willed, unrighteous. Have they forsaken the right way?
1 Pet.2:17, Are, "these wells without water, clouds that are carried with a tempest?"
2 Pet.2:19, "While they promise them (their church members) liberty, they themselves are the servants of corruption: for of whom a man is overcome, of the same is he brought in bondage.
2 Pet.2:20-21, "If after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are AGAIN entangled therein, and overcome, the later 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."
Are they given a false hope to millions?
Is the bottom line for these preachers, money, as was Simon the sorcerer.?
Matt.23:14, Jesus would give these modern day preachers the same tongue lashing today, that He did 2000 years ago, when He said in,
Matt.23:14, "Woe unto you, scribes, and Pharisees, hypocrites = (an actor playing the part of an assumed character, a pretender!) for ye devour widows' houses, and for a pretence make long prayer: therefore ye shall receive the greater damnation." = (condemnation)
False teacher's take advantage of the sick, the poor, and those in need of a real hope. "Pretence," means to show, or put forth something, in order to cover their real intent.
These frauds give out the impression that they have a special anointing from God. This is to bring people under their authority. Acts 10:34, "God is no respecter of persons:" If any person desires God's anointing, and the Holy Spirit to comfort them, read the following,
1. Rev.22:17, "And the Spirit and the bride say, Come, and let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst = (thirst) come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely."
2. Rev.1:3, "Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein:"
3. Acts 16:31, "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house."
A. The Scripture acknowledge only one person, Jesus. Phil.2:10-11, "That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, -- and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father."
B. As our Lord, He, and only He rules over you and the Church; Rev.19:16, Speaks of Jesus, as, "the LORD of LORDS."
C. He is the Christ, Meaning our High Priest, Our King, and our Prophet.
Christian's must first come, then drink from the water of life, which is given freely to us by God's Holy Spirit. We are to read and hear the Gospel message, believe by faith and trust in God.
Peter took great care to inform not only Simon, but all others that the Spirit of God, is the gift of God alone, and cannot be bargained, bought, or worked for.
What does it mean when it is written that we are, "made partakers of the Holy Spirit?" This implying that the Holy Spirit Himself witnesses with our spirit, that we are God's children, and not the servants of others. This assuring us of God's mercy and of His power to produce effects by the atonement through which we have received blessings.
Being, "made partakers of the Holy Ghost," is distinct from, though inseparably connected with, to be,
"Enlightened," and with those who have, "Tasted of the heavenly gifts." That gift being Jesus Christ. So the Holy Spirit witnesses with a man's spirit, assuring us of Illumination, and of the partaking of the God's gifts.
To have, "tasted the good word of God?" We have proof of the merits of the promises of God, in the sending of the Gospel message. The Gospel itself being the Good-Word, of a Good God. Do you find the reading and preaching of the Gospel sweet in your mouth, music to your ears, and saving to your soul? Do you have an appetite and thirst for the word of God.
Heb.6:6, the verse starts with, "If they shall fall away," This is an extreme falling away. A full and willful apostasy is meant. We are warned that such a falling would be the final result of retrogression, = (going back to our worldly ways.)
Heb.6:1, "Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God."
What does it mean, "to renew them again?" It means to make another confession of faith, or to again repent of sin, this always being the first step needed in our Christian walk. If a person is not truly repentant, being sorry is useless in itself. Why? Because a person who rejected in part or its whole, the works of Jesus, Christ, they have rejected the only Sacrifice that can save them from eternal damnation. Without true faith, their repentance would be useless, and their salvation impossible. This is why the apostle added the word, "again."
What is meant by, "seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God?" The Jewish authority, with the blessing of the Jewish people rejected Jesus on the grounds that He was an imposter, and agree that He was justly put to death. Therefore it is said, "to crucify him to themselves."
Paul wrote in Gal.6:14, "God forbid that I = (Paul) should glory, save = (except) in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me." Paul is saying, because the Jews and Gentiles despise me, for that which I believe and trust, I Paul, despise them for what they believe and trust in.
Heb.10:29, "Of how much sorer = (worse) punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden = (trampled) under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, = (common) and hath done despite = (insult) unto the Spirit of grace?"
The phrase, "The Son of God" marks Jesus dignity. To trample, to insult, or make the crucifixion seem trivial, is to reveal the whole of a person's contempt and blasphemous remarks, after having once received the truth.
What does it mean when its states, "put Him = (Jesus) to an open shame?" It is to mock, or make a public example of Jesus. What the Jews did outwardly at Jesus crucifixion, are what blasphemers do inwardly, virtually crucifying the Son of God over, and over again. This verse seems to imply that a person may appear to be renewed, but in their heart, they are not, and will eventually fall again into a sinful life.
The truth of one's salvation lies in their hearts. Only God can know the depth of a man's love for Him. Those who are not of Christ, are cast off as a dead branch; but those who live in Him become free from the grip of sin.
Phil LaSpino www.seekfirstwisdom.com