Week of July 13

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 this devotional begins. It was written because the first readers of Hebrews needed to remain steadfast in their commitment to Christ. Since then, this chapter has created libraries full of commentary based upon a flawed interpretation of verse 6 and the phrase “have fallen away.” Let’s look more deeply into the passage to find encouragement to remain committed to Christ.

Interpreters have varied in their understanding of our focal chapter. Some see it 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; and Philippians 1:6; HCBC). Others believe the warning in the passage is hypothetical, but the repeated counsel in 10:26-31 makes this unlikely. Some even see it as a warning given to those who are “almost Christians,” but not yet genuine believers. Yet, the fact that the passage includes “shared in the Holy Spirit” (v. 4) makes this interpretation an impossibility. 

The most reasonable interpretation is to see 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. So what may we glean from the text?

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 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.

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. The outward appearance of doing Christian acts is not confirmed by the inner working of God’s Spirit. “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 a changed heart when we live productive Christian lives. First, we “work” in Jesus’ name. We show concern for others, live rightly, and demonstrate the Christian virtues (Galatians 5:22-23). Secondly, 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 us to find assurance in the fact that we are working and loving others in the name of Christ and to continue like the heroes of the faith have done before us (Hebrews 11).

Lee Rogers was bent over and worn down when I met him. He farmed a little parcel of land, and I helped him to haul his hay and put it into his barn. I also helped him to plow his garden. The latter was no easy task, because he only had a horse and an old rusty plow. It was like stepping back into the 19th century! I recall struggling mightily with that plow as the horse dragged me and that old implement off the mark. My row looked like an arc, instead of a straight line, and it became frustrating to continue. All at once, that fragile old man stood next to me and encouraged me. “Larry, I always figured you could plant more potatoes on a crooked row,” he said. “Don’t give up.” 

Here is a spiritual word of encouragement. We may be wobbly in the Christian walk, but God will produce fruit if we simply endure. Keep up the good work and love!

1. Perhaps you look back today over your Christian life and see several “crooked rows” in your commitment. Take a moment to examine the time following those experiences and give God thanks for helping you through them. Take time to write God a paragraph of thanksgiving for saving and keeping you. Then make a fresh commitment to follow Him daily.

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 of being who we say we are. We must never just 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