Word for Today: Tuesday, January 8, 2013

Hebrews 5:11-6:8 Warning against falling away

Memory Verse Hebrews 6:1 (KJV) 

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.

First and foremost I will like to say today’s chapter has been noted to be one of the most difficult bible passage to interpret. And if anyone has contributions to make, please do contact me at dulcediadem@gmail.com. Thanks and God bless.

For some days now, we have been studying about the supremacy of Jesus and if you have been following the teachings you will notice that we have been warned continuously not to fall away from these truths that we know and profess but rather we should hold fast to it. It wouldn't be so difficult to do if we FIX on thoughts on Jesus.

In today’s study, we will look at the warning to the Hebrew Christians as well as other Christians. The author advised the Hebrews Christians to grow up from a state of childhood to maturity in Christ. He had so much to tell the Hebrews but unfortunately they were dull of hearing, "dull" is the Greek word NOTHROS, and it means slow-moving in mind. They had the mental ability, but they were lacking growth and diligence in using the ability and opportunity given to them.

The author was ready to lead them from the elementary teachings to maturity. They had been wasting their time laying the foundation over again instead of building on it.

 Six foundation principles were mentioned here and time should not be wasted building these foundations over and over again. These foundations are six:

1. Foundation of Repentance from dead works.

We know that the Hebrew Christians were facing persecutions and some of them were considering a return to Judaism. The apostle warned them about leaving the faith. Take care that you don’t return to sin again, for then you must have to lay the foundation again. Repentance for and from dead works is a foundation principle, which must not be laid again instead one must build upon this foundation and live a godly life in Christ.

2. Faith towards God

Repentance from dead works, and faith towards God, go together. These foundation principles should be laid once and there shouldn’t be any need to lay them over again. Faith toward God is a firm belief of the existence of God and his word. We must continually study his word to grow our faith in God. ”So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God”. (Romans 10:17)

3. The doctrine of baptisms

That is, baptism by water and baptism by the Holy Spirit. This is an initial seal of the covenant of grace. - The New Covenant.

When I attended baptismal classes in preparation for my baptism, I remember the Priest telling us that Baptism is an outward expression of an inward profession of our faith in Jesus.

Yesterday, I had a conversation with my house-mate about baptism because someone said anyone who hasn't be baptised by immersion needs to be baptised again and that the proper way is by immersion. My house-mate said baptism should be done once and not repeated and I nodded in agreement. Baptism should be a foundation that is rightly laid and should not be repeated.

4. Laying on of hands

 Laying hands on a person can take them initiated state by baptism to the confirmed state. This is done to welcome them fully into the body of, to pass on of the spiritual gifts (2Tim 1:6), ordination to the ministerial office and so on and it is by fasting and prayer and should be done once.

 5. The resurrection of the dead

6. Eternal judgement

 The author was not discouraged that the Hebrew Christians haven’t grown to maturity. He was ready to assist them in their spiritual growth and building upon these foundations.

We are being warned against falling away after we have gone far in our walk with God. Scripture suggest that it is possible for one to arrive at a state of heart where he/she can no longer repent Mark 3:29, Hebrews 6:6, 1Tim 4:1-2.

What are the consequences of backsliding? Chapter 6:4-6

• Crucifying the Son of God afresh, and putting him to open shame.

• It becomes impossible to renew one’s faith again unto repentance.

What can make a person to be spiritually immature?

Chapter 5:11-14 gives the answer. There is a great danger in not being acquainted with the word of God as well as refusing to train ourselves spiritually. (Psalm 49:20). We need to study God’s word daily (2 Tim 2:15  and we also need to encourage one another in Christ. (Hebrews 3:13).

it is good that we allow the word of God to permeate our lives as the rain falls on the good soil to produce the blessing of fruitfulness. Use the time you have to study the word of God, there is no way you can grow if you fail to study God's word.