How do you interpret Hebrews 6?

Such are the musings of those without any solid ground to base their salvation. Although your general question has to do with Hebrews 6, your post seems to be more concerned with the categories of sinners listed in Revelation.

1 Cor 6:9-11
9 Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind,
10 Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God.
11 And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.
(KJV)

Isn't verse 11 a comfort? It tells us (at least it tells me) that there is a past tense in my life - but God is more interested in the Present and the Future.

Note especially the tiny word "were", if indeed you have called upon the name of the Lord in faith and trust, and have received His gift of eternal life.

 

I don't think you can interpret Chapter 6 without reading all the chapters surrounding it.

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:</font><HR>Hebrews
6:4
It is impossible for those who have once been enlightened, who have tasted the heavenly gift, who have shared in the Holy Spirit,
5
who have tasted the goodness of the word of God and the powers of the coming age,
6
if they fall away, to be brought back to repentance, because[2] to their loss they are crucifying the Son of God all over again and subjecting him to public disgrace.
NIV<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

It isn't saying that those who fall away can not return. It is saying that those who believe can't fall away.

It is talking about the new "order" of things. Priests used to have to offer sacrifices for each sin, over and over again. Now, Jesus is our High Priest, but we don't have to crucify Him again and again, that would make His sacrifice worthless and would put Him to shame. That is the point that is being made.

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:</font><HR>Hebrews7:27
Unlike the other high priests, he does not need to offer sacrifices day after day, first for his own sins, and then for the sins of the people. He sacrificed for their sins once for all when he offered himself.
NIV<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Read the entire book of Hebrews. It sounds like they had a really hard time accepting this fact. As it says, it would be "impossible" for someone to return again to the faith IF they fell away.
I highlighted a few verses for you to look out for. The book itself explains it much better then I can. Read what it says about those who "fell" away.

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:</font><HR>Hebrews 3:12
See to it, brothers, that none of you has a sinful, unbelieving heart that turns away from the living God

3:19
So we see that they were not able to enter, because of their unbelief.

4:2
For we also have had the gospel preached to us, just as they did; but the message they heard was of no value to them, because those who heard did not combine it with faith.[1]

5:9
and, once made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey him

6:19
We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure

7:12
For when there is a change of the priesthood, there must also be a change of the law.

7:25
Therefore he is able to save completely[3] those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them.
NIV<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

~Lorelei

[ January 10, 2002: Message edited by: Lorelei ]

 

The answers so far are good. I would like to emphasize that Christ has died for you, once and for all. Paul is speaking of those who come to know the truth, but decide to turn from it, not accepting it to begin with.
You must realize that you can not crucify Christ over and over which is what you would be doing if you got unsaved and then saved again. There is no way to lose salvation and be glad, for by what is said here, if it were possible, you could never be saved again for your one time crucifixion of Christ is all you get! In truth it is all you get, but you can not lose it.

[ January 11, 2002: Message edited by: Jaco ]

 

Love43, the key to understanding the Book of Hebrews is right there in the title. It is called "Hebrews" because it is addressed to Hebrews. The Hebrews had been offering animal sacrifices. When they came to Christ, they stopped offering animal sacrifices. When persecution came, some of them dispaired, and were considering going back to offering animal sacrifices, thinking that would lessen the persecution. Paul reminds them there that Christ was the end of the law for those who believe, and there is therefore no more (animal) sacrifice to go back to. Not talking about apostacy in this day, but in trying to revert to the OT sacrificial system in that day of persecution.

 

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Lorelei:
It isn't saying that those who fall away can not return. It is saying that those who believe can't fall away. <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

If I had a dime for everytime I had to explain that to someone! You summed it up very nicely! Bravo!

Searcher.

 

All of the answers you've received are right on target. Great answers! And if I were'nt so sleepy I'd share a few answers of my own. This is a great board and I will return. Remember Love43, to understand any doctrine you have to take what the entire scripture has to say on the subject, not just one passage. Many false doctrines and churches have been built on one or two verses of scripture. In closing let me say, Jn. 5:24 says we've already passed from death to life and shall not come into condemnation (judgement). God Bless---ADAM12 <BLOCKQUOTE>quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Love43:
I was saved in the brethern church 16 years ago but with in a few months became a member of an Independent Baptist Church. I have always been affiliated with the IDBC since then. Over the past several months a pastor
(Freewill Baptist) that I know has brought up the question of the possibility of Apostasy by individuals. He told me to research Hebrews chapter 6 and always points to Revelation where it states that no adulteror, fornicator, etc wil enter into heaven.

I have researched the issue and I have found out that it is a lot more complicated than I ever thought it to be.

Opinions backed by scripture would be greatly appreciated.<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

 

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Thomas Cassidy:
Love43, the key to understanding the Book of Hebrews is right there in the title. It is called "Hebrews" because it is addressed to Hebrews. The Hebrews had been offering animal sacrifices. When they came to Christ, they stopped offering animal sacrifices. When persecution came, some of them dispaired, and were considering going back to offering animal sacrifices, thinking that would lessen the persecution. Paul reminds them there that Christ was the end of the law for those who believe, and there is therefore no more (animal) sacrifice to go back to. Not talking about apostacy in this day, but in trying to revert to the OT sacrificial system in that day of persecution. <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

I agree!

So, Dr. C, are you saying Paul wrote Hebrews?

 

Seems everyone has given great answers to the question. I too believe the verse means that those who are truly saved can never fall away. If it said anything else it would run contrary to the rest of the Word of God, which we know is impossible, God's Word is perfect. Anyone can take verses here and there to prove a certain point, but I agree with everyone else, you have to read the whp://book not just bits and pieces of a chapter.

 

Chris, yes.