Costello:<br><br>First of all be confident that these verses Do Not teach the loss of salvation by the elect. Granted, these are difficult verses, but as I have stated before concerning other difficult verses this would be a rather nebulous way to teach such an important doctrine.<br><br>I have found it extremely helpful in understanding Heb 6: 1-8 that when you come to words such as “those”, “they”, “them” that you think in terms “corporate”. Think of “they” as “The First Hebrew Church” at the corner of 1st and Main downtown Jerusalem- - -or the “Holy Church of the Immaculate....” Catholic church at 2nd and Main downtown Rome.....or even the “First Presbyterian” at 3rd and Main in downtown Chicago.<br><br>The folks to whom the writer is addressing (Hebrews) were in danger of reinstituting a practice that was no longer needed- - -animal sacrifice or another sacrifice to be added to one that has “once for all” been made. If Christianity is good, then a mixture of Christianity and Judaism is better...right?.....Wrong!!<br><br>Now, if the “First Hebrew Church”, who have tasted the good word of God and the powers of the age to come, have once been enlightened, and have been made partakers of the Holy Spirit, decides that they (the Elders of this church) are going to re-establish the sacrifice of animals and sprinkle the blood of goats, sheep etc in addition to Christ’s sacrifice then they (this church) have fallen away. How did these particular Elders come to be in charge anyway? Perhaps they took a vote after 5 minutes of deliberation and got on with the “singing of praise choruses”. However it happened, this group has fallen away...! Can they be re-newed to repentance? Yes.....but not as long as they continue to crucify to themselves the Son of God and put Him to open shame, v6. by continuing the practice of animal sacrifice. It’s not needed and contradictory.<br><br>Now, can someone in this church be among the elect of God? Absolutely! Can they grow in the “grace and knowledge”-?....might be a little difficult given the course this church has taken. Have they lost their salvation because this church took a wrong turn. Absolutely not!<br><br>Another thing I have found helpful with these verses is to read and insert the verses in Chapter 10:4-10 right after reading 6:6. (“For it is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins. therefore when He comes into the world, He says, “Sacrifice and Offering you have not desired”........ and following.) <br><br>Hope this is helpful.<br><br>Dave<br><br>“Open thou mine eyes that I may behold wondrous things out of thy law” Ps 119:<br>