Week of July 14

God does not lose those souls He has saved (1 Peter 1:4, “kept in heaven”). There can be no more powerful statement than the one with which I have begun this devotional because the readers of Hebrews needed to remain steadfast in their commitment to Christ. This chapter has created libraries full of interpretation based upon a flawed interpretation of verse 6 and the phrase “have fallen away.” There should be no lack of clarity and will see why this is the case in a bit. Let’s look more deeply into the passage to find encouragement to remain committed to Christ.

Our writer warns his Jewish-Christian readers in chapters 5:11-6:20 that their spiritual immaturity was hindering their effectiveness as God’s servants. That is a strong claim to make, but he was warning professing Christians that there was no way anyone could repeat the experience of conversion (a once-for-all-time experience) if he/she committed apostasy. He, decidedly, was NOT teaching that a true believer could lose his/her salvation which would have contradicted the teaching of the New Testament (John 10:27-29; Romans 11:29; Philippians 1:6; cf. HCBC). So, what is the point? Let me present a brief explanation of the wrong interpretation that a person can lose their salvation.
 
We may all agree that interpreters have varied in their interpretations of Hebrews 6. We will consider three of the main approaches. First, some see the chapter as a warning that one may lose his or her salvation. The New Testament, however, knows nothing of a true Christian losing his or her salvation (cf. John 10:27-29; Romans 11:29; Philippians 1:6; HCBC). Secondly, others take the warning in the passage as being hypothetical, but the repeated warning in 10:26-31 makes this unlikely as well. Thirdly, there are those that even see it as a warning given to those who are “almost Christians” but not yet genuine believers. The fact that the passage includes “shared in the Holy Spirit” (v. 4) makes this interpretation an impossibility. So, what is the best way forward?
 
The most reasonable interpretation is to read the passage as being addressed toward professing Christians. We are exhorted to show the reality of our faith by enduring through trials and hardship without falling away (cf. 10:23; 10:32-11:40; HCBC). The author believed all his readers to be genuine Christ followers because their love and work for the Lord had convinced him that none were apostates.

We do not like to admit it, but we have known folks in our churches who attend church ritually for years but who show “zero” evidence spiritually of a changed life. As Tommy Lea writes, the chapter “warns us not to claim allegiance to Christ without actually possessing this allegiance” (HNTC). True believers provide evidence of real salvation (vv. 9-12). Evidently there were some whose hearts were so hard that they would never repent. The irony is that God had offered freely mercy and forgiveness to them, but they were in danger of rejecting it! This was the same type of human spirit that was stated in Romans 1:28. “Those who profess Christ but turn from him and never produce credible evidence of commitment need the reminder that God is a consuming fire” (Heb. 12:29; HTNC). So, what is the evidence of a changed heart?

We know the proof of Christian conversion because we are living productive Christian lives. First, the Spirit prompts our “work” in Jesus’ name. We show genuine concern for others, live rightly, and demonstrate the Christian virtues (Galatians 5:22-23). Next, we love through ministry to others—some who may even be quite unlovely! We continue to spread the love of Christ in our relationships. Thirdly, God’s justice has produced our salvation. It would be inconceivable to the writer of Hebrews that God would overlook the works and love that were evident products of His grace. He urges them to find assurance in the fact that they are working and loving others in the name of Christ and to continue like the heroes of the faith had demonstrated before them (Hebrews 11).

Let me share an illustration that I hope will guide us toward a correct interpretation of our passage. I often watch TV movies where actors play the role of a world-class musician. These folks will be shown in various scenes engaging a violin in a lively fashion, or we see the their fingers dancing across the piano keyboard striking each key with an interpretive flair. I invariably say, “Let’s google to see if that person really knows how to play the instrument!” Most often, they are only acting the part. The pressure of performing before musical experts, or an alert audience, would cause most actors to flee the stage!
 
In a similar way, some people may ritually practice Christian behaviors but have never been spiritually reborn (John 3:1-16). They are only acting the part, and trials soon cause these folks to search for some escape to be freed from costly Christian commitment. Authentic Christianity sees trials as a means to further maturity (James 1:2-4). Our writer of Hebrews warns against playing the role of a Christian and not being faithful.
 
Here are some practical steps forward in Christian maturity. We should aim to express our professed commitment to Christ in mature Christian service. We need to keep growing in Christ to withstand persecution and give a powerful testimony to the Christ life (cf. 10:32-34). Maturity is to be demonstrated in several ways. First, we are to leave decisively behind “elementary doctrine.” We ask, “What on earth is that?” There were, and are, countless believers who have little more than an initial understanding of what it means to follow Christ. Those early believers were likely more familiar with Judaism than they were of Jesus’ Way. Secondly, the believers are to leave behind forever the practice of dead works to follow a living Savior. The author lists 6 statements that illustrate his point and that may be grouped into three couplets: repentance and faith; Jewish ritual washings and religious matters, like laying on of hands; and resurrection and eternal judgment (HBC).
 
Each of these areas of the Christian life and doctrine have their place, but they were rudimentary truths. The challenge is to recognize that Christianity is radically different and its distinctives must be incorporated into the fabric of our entire existence. God wants us to demonstrate deep belief not surface commitment.

1. Think for a few moments about a recent challenge to your Christian faith for which you had no answers. How did you respond to it? Remember, the Christian life is filled with moral dilemmas that require maturity (cf. again Hebrews 6:1). Determine to evaluate and reflect further upon challenging encounters to find ways to grow deeper in your commitment to Christ.
 
2. For families: Children always enjoy dress up games where they pretend to be a superhero, a favorite athlete, or a movie character. They even enjoy pretending to be a doctor or lawyer or scientist. Play this game for a while, then ask them why they are not the character they are pretending to be.

Then, share with them the vital importance not to pretend to follow Jesus Christ. Teach them that it is a life commitment that must come from the heart. Then pray with your children and thank the Lord for their precious lives. 

May your paths be straight,
Larry C. Ashlock