How do you interpret Hebrews 6:4-6 in light of Calvinism?For reference, Hebrews 6: 4-8:
"For in the case of those who have once been enlightened and have tasted of the heavenly gift and have been partakers of the Holy Spirit, and having tasted of the good word of God and the powers of the age to come, and then have fallen away, it is impossible to renew them again to repentance, since they again crucify to themselves the Son of God, and put Him to open shame."I am surprised that as much as I have espoused Calvinism on the eye, it took this long for Hebrews 6 to show up. The passage is the favorite weapon of those Christian who believe eternal salvation can be taken away.
Let us make the most obvious point first--the passage does not say believers cannot return to God should they fall away. What it says is they cannot return to repentance. While repentance is necessary for one to become a Christian, who does not have to be a new Christian in order to repent. Christians backslide into sin all the time. We fallible and have sinful natures. Sin require repentance.
Here is where biblical scholarship comes in very handy. Paul’s letters to the churches which make up a large portion of the New Testament are written to specific churches regarding specific issues with which they are struggling. The Hebrews to whom this letter was addressed were having a difficult time letting go of the concept of salvation by good works. It was something they had always known. But Jesus paid the price for sins and gave the gift of eternal life. So not only is there no need for salvation through good works, it would be impossible to “renew” themselves through good works.
The bottom line is these verses are a warning for us not to get caught up in the idea we can physically buy our salvation with good works. To do so is to insult Jesus’ sacrifice--crucifying him yet again.
I would not be a good Calvinist if I did not reassure you salvation is eternal by assurance from the Gospel:
"And I give eternal life to them; and they shall never perish, and no one shall snatch them out of My hand. My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father's hand."--John 10:29.Blessed assurance, no?
