A Warning Against Apostasy in the Book of Hebrews
In the end, on the day of judgment, there will only be two groups of humanity discerned in the separation (Mt 13:24–30; 25:31–46; Jn 5:28–29). Jesus identified them as the wheat and the tares the sheep and the goats. Therefore, when one reads the book of Hebrews, it is important to keep this in mind.
Man looks at the outward appearance; but God looks at the heart and always judges with righteousness. Sin is what has separated man from God. Sin is lawlessness (1 Jn 3:4); and all have sinned (Rom 3:23; 5:12). Sin is the reason people need a Savior (Mt 1:21). Salvation and judgment are both executed by the God-man, Jesus Christ, who has sent His Spirit to those who were chosen to inherit so great a salvation (Jn 14:26; 15:26; Heb 1:14).
The writer of Hebrews digressed from his explanation of Melchizedek, the king/priest of Salem (Heb 5:1–10). He challenged those fellow Jews who were learning Christ. Some were falling away, shrinking back to Judaism and destruction (Heb 10:39). In Hebrews 6:1–3, he explains what they were returning to and what was inferior to the Antitype, Jesus Christ.
Judaism’s interpretation of the Old Testament led to various views and practices. Simply put, there were different groups all thinking they were obeying the Law of God better than the others. Whoever had power in a particular area of practice prevailed in the implementation of that practice. Others were invited or coerced to comply. The fact was that no one in Judaism was compliant; and God does not grade on a curve.
The Person and perfect work of Jesus Christ is superior to religion of any kind. The argument the writer of Hebrews makes to the Jews was that Jesus fulfilled all the types and shadows of Old Testament people, places, and things. Jesus is the substance.
The warning in Hebrews 6:4–6, illustrated in verses 7–8, recommends to the reader that those returning from exposure to Christ, who re-embrace the types and shadows will suffer the consequences. It is theologically irrational to leave the substance for that which is merely symbolic; but without the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit that sad reality should be expected today, as it was then (Jn 14:17; 1 Cor 2:14).
The question for review is, “What class of people is the author addressing?” This has proved challenging; and it created the polemical positions regarding whether one can lose his or her salvation. The Arminian, if he is consistent, affirms that salvation can be lost; while the Calvinist rejects that notion. If salvation belongs to the Lord; then, one is assured of eternal life.
The reprobate may pretend to be a Christian. He may learn and know much of Christ and Christianity; but he or she never experiences the salvific presence and work of the Holy Spirit. Therefore, it is meaningless how much exposure one has or does not have to the Word and works of God.
The illustration in verses 7–8, provided by the author, is helpful. There are two soils producing two very different products. One brings forth vegetation after the rain from heaven; while the other, also exposed to the rain, brings forth thorns and thistles. The point is that if the ground to begin with is rotten, it will be cleared out and burned. If it is good soil, it will produce good fruit.
The good Word of God and the powers of the age to come (an allusion to the work of the Holy Spirit) are evident in true assemblies of Christ’s church. One may attend such a gathering, experience the company of the saved, and witness the means of grace in action. Without the Holy Spirit, it is reasonable that this individual will depart from the local fellowship and walk away from Christ.
It is God’s grace that causes true repentance (Acts 5:31; 11:18), which is granted to God’s elect when God’s Spirit causes them to be born again (Jn 3:1–8; 1 Pet 1:3). A false repentance, usually preceded by a presentation of a false gospel, will not withstand the testing and trials of the Refiner’s fire. The Christian life is not a walk down on easy street. It is the narrow way marked with suffering in this world.
The reprobate will grow weary of trying to do the Christian life in his own power. His witness of Christ will sour; and his denial of the Person and work will become increasingly apparent. It is true Gospel preaching that provides angst for pretenders. Darkness never appreciates the light. The truth is always an affront to the flesh.
The reprobate will gravitate to ungodly assemblies who embrace and even promote sin and disobedience. There, under the man-centered “talks”, the reprobate will comfortably return to the endless endeavors of trying to please and win favor with God via the delusion of personal “good works,” thus devaluing Christ and subtly claiming His atonement is not enough.
Christian, God’s grace is truly amazing. It is sufficient for us to be saved apart from anything we do or think we should do. Our task remains to feast on God’s Word in the pasture of His loving care and protection. On occasion, our Good Shepherd will fleece us of our accumulated pride and ambition. Being reduced never means rejection: it only means a new season of growth. These are the better things concerning you.
David Norczyk
Spokane Valley, Washington
October 6, 2024
Hebrews 6:4–8
