Jason1646, [img]http://www.the-highway.com/w3timages/icons/hello.gif" alt="hello" title="hello[/img]

There are errors in interpretation here that are used to "explain away" Heb 6 to their satisfaction in addressing perseverance/apostasy. Not only does it appear to be "double talk" (as you pointed out), but I think is is an unfair representation of Hebrews 6.

IMHO the text in question (6:4-6) speaks of those that are lost that have merely observed, tasted, and experienced some of the blessings of God, but no re-birth has taken place. When re-birth takes place the author of Hebrews reveals, in Heb 6:7-12, that the blessings are received with thanksgiving and that spiritual life develops and brings forth real fruit... compare with Matt 7:20.

What I particularly like about this selection of verses is the use of pronouns. In verses 5:11-6:3 and 6:9-12 the author uses the first and second person pronouns--"we" and "you" (saved). But, in verses 6:4-6 the third person plural pronouns "those" and "they" are used (unsaved). Clearly, he is speaking of two different groups (there are several other textual clues to this as well). Clearly, the author was definite on perseverance of the elect as he states, beloved, we are persuaded better things of you, and things that accompany salvation, though we thus speak (Heb 6:9). God will NEVER fail His elect, as the author goes on to say, ...we might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us: which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and stedfast, and which entereth into that within the veil; whither the forerunner is for us entered, even Jesus...(Heb 6:18-20).

Reformed and Always Reforming,