Can a person lose their salvation as it states in Hebrews chapter 6?
To look at this question, we will refer to verses 4 through 12.
This question most assuredly comes up when one reads in the book of Hebrews, chapter 6, verses 4 through 6 which at face value, more times than not
is interpreted as speaking about a Christian. A true believer that has been saved and that if he or she "falls away" they can not be restored. The verses read as follows;
"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." Heb 6:4-6
As in many scriptures, these verses cause a lot of debates within the church and theological circles. One of the main reasons for this is that we need more information such as an understanding of the manner or circumstances in which the text is written and the author of the particular verses. If we don't get a clear understanding of these issues, it usually leads to the eventual questions about our salvation, our faith, sincerity, wether we are saved or not and this very
issue; 'can I mess things up and become lost again'?
There are three main arguments that people give with the interpretation of these verses. The first is that the text is referring to those that once they are saved and commit sin by "falling away" from their faith. The second refers to those people who are being persecuted for their faith and to avoid any further persecution, denounce Christ and their faith. Lastly, is that the text is referring to people who are written about, in the book of Galatians, who try to get saved souls to return to and adhere to the Law of circumcision and other cultic practices. For example, they try to go back to an 'uncircumcised state' and try to be saved again through the law. (this what is referred to as the Judizing Heresy). To be saved 'again' this way is an impossible situation because you have been saved once and now are trying to do it again through the law. This is what is refereed to in verse 6 where it says "since they crucify again for themselves the Son of God, and put Him to an open shame."
The notion that the verses in this chapter of Hebrews is speaking about any true Christian believer can be argued away. Because of the lack of information as to what or how the context of these verse are being used, the words "enlightened" and "have tasted the good word of God" could be referring to one who is 'in the church' has heard the word of God but is truly NOT saved. Judas Iscariot is a prime example. He certainly heard the word right from the mouth of Jesus, yet he betrayed Him. Also we can argue away that it is referring to a true Christian by looking at Peter. He denied Christ and yet was saved.
So what is the answer to all of this? It is my opinion, after much prayer for understanding and reference to scripture and many theological sources that the verses above are referring to a manner of speaking. In other words IF this type of situation occurred then one would be truly lost. It is not speaking about a Christian who once saved, sins to a point of no return. It's really referring to a situation that can not occur.
In verses 7 and 8, it differentiates between a true believer and one who is in the church and is "enlightened" but is not truly saved;
"For the earth which drinks in the rain that often comes upon it, and bears herbs useful for those by whom it is cultivated, receives blessing from
God; but if it bears thorns and briers, it is rejected and near to being cursed, whose end is to be burned." Heb. 6:7,8
These two verses are a parable similar to when Jesus was speaking about seed planted in good soil vs within the thorns or tears. In other words, seed that is sown that grows in solid faith vs unbelief or questionable belief.
I say, the above verses in this chapter of Hebrews is in a 'manner of speaking' because, verse 9 specifically states this;
"9 But, beloved, we are confident of better things concerning you, yes, things that accompany salvation, though we speak in this manner. 10 For
God is not unjust to forget your work and labor of love which you have shown toward His name, in that you have ministered to the saints, and do
minister. 11 And we desire that each one of you show the same diligence to the full assurance of hope until the end, 12 that you do not become
sluggish, but imitate those who through faith and patience inherit the promises." Heb, 6:9-12
Verse 10 is our confidence, that the author of the book of Hebrews is saying, that you as Christians do not do this and lastly (verses 11 and 12) is a warning to not be 'sluggish' in our faith. It is not a warning for a true believer that once they are saved can lose his or her salvation. Once God ensures our salvation through the works of the Holy Spirit, it is with us always.
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