“Do we have to talk about this?“

Today, we’re going to get into something many Christians try to avoid. In Hebrews 6 we find a difficult passage.

“It is impossible for those who have once been enlightened, who have tasted the heavenly gift, who have shared in the Holy Spirit, who have tasted the goodness of the word of God and the powers of the coming age, if they fall away, to be brought back to repentance, because to their loss they are crucifying the Son of God all over again and subjecting him to public disgrace.“

Hebrews 6:4-6

This is a polarizing passage for many churches. It seems like most denominational thoughts divide into one of the following arguments:

1. “One can never fall from Glory.  If they do, they never attained the position in the first place.“
2. “One can fall from Glory, but have the option to regain one’s position through re-commitment.“

Is there a church out there that is sticking firm to the concept in Hebrews? Do they preach on it often? When someone asks, “Can this really happen?” or “Has this ever happened?” do they have a firm answer?

Full disclosure? Even though I’m a pastor, this is a tough one.

Like you, in the past, I’ve known strong, fruit-bearing, committed Believers who all of a sudden, throw it all away. They settle on total disbelief, and I’m shaken to my core. This is where I have to lean on other passages. My mind wanders from Hebrews to Ephesians, where Paul writes:

“In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will, in order that we, who were the first to hope in Christ, might be for the praise of his glory. And you also were included in Christ when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation Having believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession—to the praise of his glory.“

Ephesians 1:11-14

This train of thought’s next stop is with A.W. Tozer.

In his devotional work titled “The Pursuit of God“, in chapter one, Tozer writes:

“We pursue God because, and only because, He has first put an urge within us that spurs us to the pursuit.” (Tozer, 1982, 11)

What do we do with Ephesians 1 and Tozer’s insight? How does Hebrews 6 fit into these concepts? I am overwhelmed once again (perhaps, rightfully so) at the mystery of Salvation.

Where does God’s will fit within man’s choice?

As many times before, I will continue to search and ponder. Yet, I will rest in the knowledge and thankfulness that I have Christ. Whether by God’s choosing or mine, or a combination of the two, I continually search for concrete answers and often find more questions.

And yet, in the end, I am just well-pleased that I am His.