IMPOSSIBLE TO TURN BACK NOW
For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost, And have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come, If they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put him to an open shame. (Hebrews 6:4-6 KJV)
This passage has disturbed many, including myself. It displays, in no uncertain terms, that lines can be crossed that may not be able to be undone. It flies in the face of the 'once saved, always saved' doctrine and should cause concern to all who are called; especially we that consider ourselves reformers. Therefore, understanding must be gleaned, digested and applied.
Key to gaining insight into this passage is in understanding the context to which it is rendered. Just prior to this passage, the writer is discussing the need for and the purpose of deeper revelation.
For every one that useth milk is unskillful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe. But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.
(Hebrews 5:13-14 KJV)
The good and evil that is being examined is doctrine, not moral character or sin. The ability to discern good doctrine from worthless doctrine (evil: kakos) is a sign of teleios (completeness). It is the echelon we as reformers attain too. And it is written that the way to attain to this level of doctrinal discernment is by having our perceptive senses trained to discriminate between that which is accurate and that which is not.
The writer continues with a most explosive and divisive statement:
Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God, Of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment. (Hebrews 6:1-2 KJV)
This passage has disturbed many, including myself. It displays, in no uncertain terms, that lines can be crossed that may not be able to be undone. It flies in the face of the 'once saved, always saved' doctrine and should cause concern to all who are called; especially we that consider ourselves reformers. Therefore, understanding must be gleaned, digested and applied.
Key to gaining insight into this passage is in understanding the context to which it is rendered. Just prior to this passage, the writer is discussing the need for and the purpose of deeper revelation.
For every one that useth milk is unskillful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe. But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.
(Hebrews 5:13-14 KJV)
The good and evil that is being examined is doctrine, not moral character or sin. The ability to discern good doctrine from worthless doctrine (evil: kakos) is a sign of teleios (completeness). It is the echelon we as reformers attain too. And it is written that the way to attain to this level of doctrinal discernment is by having our perceptive senses trained to discriminate between that which is accurate and that which is not.
The writer continues with a most explosive and divisive statement:
Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God, Of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment. (Hebrews 6:1-2 KJV)
We are told that in order to move unto perfection (and the word used here for perfection is teleiotes and describes one who is a completer, a consummator, a finisher.), we must lay aside various principles of the doctrine of Christ! He also tells us that we must not lay our foundations again upon various doctrines; in fact the seven major doctrines listed above can be used to trace the core values of every major denominational structure currently at work dividing the Body of Christ today. He is not saying that these doctrines are of no value, but they must be kept in perspective in order to move into deeper revelatory positions. If you honestly examine each of these in their denominational boxes, you will see that they engender strife and bondage rather than liberty; and that is not Christ. Truth revealed they are, but when truth is used as a weapon or as a chain to control growth; they become antichrist and should be treated as such.
And this will we do, if God permit.
(Hebrews 6:3 KJV)
The phrase “if God permit” can be misconstrued as “if God allows us too, but the word permit is the Greek word epitrepo and describes the transfer or turning over of something and in this case it is the ability to glean what is valuable to keep of these doctrines and to apply that knowledge with what is revealed as present truth.
Then said he unto them:
Therefore every scribe which is instructed unto the kingdom of heaven is like unto a man that is an householder, which bringeth forth out of his treasure things new and old.
(Matthew 13:52 KJV)
There are treasures within the old that have value in the new, but not all of the understanding revealed in these doctrines is required as we move unto perfection. And the ability to discern those that are good VS those that will be worthless, is the gift that is turned over to those that choose to pursue perfection. And it is a choice. Not all choose the path that we have and with that choice comes a frightening responsibility.
Hence:
For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost, And have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come, If they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put him to an open shame. (Hebrews 6:4-6 KJV)
Once you have accepted this gift and the progressive revelation begins, you cannot return to your past positions. Doing so is apostasy. It is a spurning of the gift and an affront to God. The word enlightened means to make manifest by rays. It speaks of a divine focus that God has directed toward specific receptors; those that are seeking. And to turn from such a miraculous offering is tantamount to outright rejection.
and have tasted of the heavenly gift,
To taste is to eat; but figuratively it describes one who has experienced good or ill (evil). It speaks directly to “those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil”. This passage is not directed to the run of the mill Christian, but to those that have chosen to pursue the deeper places; and as stated earlier it is a choice.
and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost,
(Hebrews 6:3 KJV)
The phrase “if God permit” can be misconstrued as “if God allows us too, but the word permit is the Greek word epitrepo and describes the transfer or turning over of something and in this case it is the ability to glean what is valuable to keep of these doctrines and to apply that knowledge with what is revealed as present truth.
Then said he unto them:
Therefore every scribe which is instructed unto the kingdom of heaven is like unto a man that is an householder, which bringeth forth out of his treasure things new and old.
(Matthew 13:52 KJV)
There are treasures within the old that have value in the new, but not all of the understanding revealed in these doctrines is required as we move unto perfection. And the ability to discern those that are good VS those that will be worthless, is the gift that is turned over to those that choose to pursue perfection. And it is a choice. Not all choose the path that we have and with that choice comes a frightening responsibility.
Hence:
For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost, And have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come, If they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put him to an open shame. (Hebrews 6:4-6 KJV)
Once you have accepted this gift and the progressive revelation begins, you cannot return to your past positions. Doing so is apostasy. It is a spurning of the gift and an affront to God. The word enlightened means to make manifest by rays. It speaks of a divine focus that God has directed toward specific receptors; those that are seeking. And to turn from such a miraculous offering is tantamount to outright rejection.
and have tasted of the heavenly gift,
To taste is to eat; but figuratively it describes one who has experienced good or ill (evil). It speaks directly to “those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil”. This passage is not directed to the run of the mill Christian, but to those that have chosen to pursue the deeper places; and as stated earlier it is a choice.
and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost,
A consequence of receiving this gift for deeper revelation is the act on Gods part of you becoming a partaker of the Holy Spirit. This is no to be seen as receiving the “baptism” of the Holy Spirit but rather the action of becoming yoked with the Holy Spirit in the will of the Father. You can receive the gift, but never become a partaker with Him in it. The purpose of the baptism is to allow the believer to become fully agreeable with the Father without having to know the outcome of the agreement, but many have made it into something it is not.
It would be nearly impossible for any one of us to agree with the Father to our own demise, but when we become partakers with the Spirit and utilize the gift of praying in the spirit (baptism?), we can accurately pray, “Thy will be done” without having to know the consequence of our prayer. If the Lord told you of your impending, torturous death, could you stand in it?... or would you become another Jonah? But...if you faced each day and prayed in spirit for His will be done and found yourself in what appeared to be an unfortunate event, the grace would be there because of your agreement with the Father.
It would be nearly impossible for any one of us to agree with the Father to our own demise, but when we become partakers with the Spirit and utilize the gift of praying in the spirit (baptism?), we can accurately pray, “Thy will be done” without having to know the consequence of our prayer. If the Lord told you of your impending, torturous death, could you stand in it?... or would you become another Jonah? But...if you faced each day and prayed in spirit for His will be done and found yourself in what appeared to be an unfortunate event, the grace would be there because of your agreement with the Father.
Key to understanding the concept of partaker is the use of the word made. Made is the word 'ginomai' and means to cause to become; it is not a decision you make, but rather an operation of the Father when you accept the gift. He changes you, you don’t assume this position; but once the operation has been consummated, reversal is not permitted without consequence.
Jesus warned:
And whosoever doth not bear his cross, and come after me, cannot be my disciple. For which of you, intending to build a tower, sitteth not down first, and counteth the cost, whether he have sufficient to finish it? (Luke 14:27-28 KJV)
As reformers, we must always count the cost. We cannot return to our former positions.
And have tasted the good word of God,
The word 'tasted' is the same as described earlier (to eat; figuratively it describes one who has experienced good or evil) but what the writer alludes to here, is the reception of the good; It speaks into the acceptance of the rhema word of God.
There are two Greek words used to define word; 'logos' and 'rhema'. Logos is best described as something said and is most often referred to as the written word of God. 'Rhema' on the other hand is the Spirit revealed word. The two will never be contradictory to each other, but the rhema may appear so, to those who haven’t been enlightened to receive it. And in this passage the writer is referring to rhema, not logos; that which the Spirit has revealed.
Jesus alluded to the difference:
But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God. (Matthew 4:4 KJV)
And whosoever doth not bear his cross, and come after me, cannot be my disciple. For which of you, intending to build a tower, sitteth not down first, and counteth the cost, whether he have sufficient to finish it? (Luke 14:27-28 KJV)
As reformers, we must always count the cost. We cannot return to our former positions.
And have tasted the good word of God,
The word 'tasted' is the same as described earlier (to eat; figuratively it describes one who has experienced good or evil) but what the writer alludes to here, is the reception of the good; It speaks into the acceptance of the rhema word of God.
There are two Greek words used to define word; 'logos' and 'rhema'. Logos is best described as something said and is most often referred to as the written word of God. 'Rhema' on the other hand is the Spirit revealed word. The two will never be contradictory to each other, but the rhema may appear so, to those who haven’t been enlightened to receive it. And in this passage the writer is referring to rhema, not logos; that which the Spirit has revealed.
Jesus alluded to the difference:
But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God. (Matthew 4:4 KJV)
In this instance Jesus declares that there is a difference between that which is natural (logos) and that which is spiritual (rhema). Bread is symbolic of revelation from the Father; but there are two different types of it in OT scripture. There was the shew-bread that was placed in the Temple for offering which represents the natural, but there is also the manna from heaven, which the Father called bread. Manna represents that which the Father has revealed. And Jesus in this passage states, that it is the rhema word from the Father that gives us life.
But what are we to do when we receive a rhema word?
And these are they which are sown on good ground; such as hear the word, and receive it, and bring forth fruit, some thirtyfold, some sixty, and some an hundred. And he said unto them, Is a candle brought to be put under a bushel, or under a bed? and not to be set on a candlestick? For there is nothing hid, which shall not be manifested; neither was any thing kept secret, but that it should come abroad. If any man have ears to hear, let him hear. (Mark 4:20-23 KJV)
As we have discussed at length in previous lessons, an accurate understanding of the Parable of the Sower (POS) is demanded in order to understand any of the parables (Mark 4:13). When Jesus completes his expository of the four people groups described in the POS, he continues with a descriptive parable concerning the last group. He states that there must be an external manifestation required when the word is received in order to bring forth fruit. And in that external action there is a divine consequence that occurs: that which is hidden is manifest and that which is secret comes abroad.
In verse 22 Jesus states that those things that have been hid shall be rendered apparent. The word hid means to conceal.
But what are we to do when we receive a rhema word?
And these are they which are sown on good ground; such as hear the word, and receive it, and bring forth fruit, some thirtyfold, some sixty, and some an hundred. And he said unto them, Is a candle brought to be put under a bushel, or under a bed? and not to be set on a candlestick? For there is nothing hid, which shall not be manifested; neither was any thing kept secret, but that it should come abroad. If any man have ears to hear, let him hear. (Mark 4:20-23 KJV)
As we have discussed at length in previous lessons, an accurate understanding of the Parable of the Sower (POS) is demanded in order to understand any of the parables (Mark 4:13). When Jesus completes his expository of the four people groups described in the POS, he continues with a descriptive parable concerning the last group. He states that there must be an external manifestation required when the word is received in order to bring forth fruit. And in that external action there is a divine consequence that occurs: that which is hidden is manifest and that which is secret comes abroad.
In verse 22 Jesus states that those things that have been hid shall be rendered apparent. The word hid means to conceal.
It is the glory of God to conceal a thing: but the honour of kings is to search out a matter. (Proverbs 25:2 KJV)
The word conceal used here means to hide by covering. It speaks into things that have been there all along, but men are unable to see them because it is God who had covered them. But the writer states that it is the honor of a king to search out a matter. The word search is chaqar and means to penetrate with the desire to examine intimately. We are called to be priests and kings unto the Lord, so it is our right to penetrate the secret things. In fact it is to our honor to do such.
neither was any thing kept secret, but that it should come abroad.
The words used here for secret is apokruphos and implies treasured things that were once fully concealed. Jesus tells us that our accuracy in the manifestation of the revealed word allows for the uncovering of those things that are considered to be the treasures of the kingdom. And once they are revealed they become ours.
The secret things belong unto the LORD our God: but those things which are revealed belong unto us and to our children for ever, that we may do all the words of this law.
The word conceal used here means to hide by covering. It speaks into things that have been there all along, but men are unable to see them because it is God who had covered them. But the writer states that it is the honor of a king to search out a matter. The word search is chaqar and means to penetrate with the desire to examine intimately. We are called to be priests and kings unto the Lord, so it is our right to penetrate the secret things. In fact it is to our honor to do such.
neither was any thing kept secret, but that it should come abroad.
The words used here for secret is apokruphos and implies treasured things that were once fully concealed. Jesus tells us that our accuracy in the manifestation of the revealed word allows for the uncovering of those things that are considered to be the treasures of the kingdom. And once they are revealed they become ours.
The secret things belong unto the LORD our God: but those things which are revealed belong unto us and to our children for ever, that we may do all the words of this law.
(Deuteronomy 29:29 KJV)
If any man have ears to hear, let him hear.
(Mark 4:23 KJV)
If you have been given the gift to understand these things, then it becomes your responsibility to hear them. For unto you it has been given…
Jesus continues:
And he said unto them, Take heed what ye hear: with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you: and unto you that hear shall more be given. For he that hath, to him shall be given: and he that hath not, from him shall be taken even that which he hath. (Mark 4:24-25 KJV)
It is here where the technology of accuracy in the reception of a rhema word is revealed. It explains the personal responsibility of each individual hearer. When Jesus explained that some bear some thirtyfold, some sixty and some a hundred; this is the determining factor; Application of the rhema that is received.
In King James English it may be difficult to discern, but paraphrased it could read:
Be careful what you hear: for the degree of care you have applied to that which you have heard, will determine what you hear in the future. For the one who has applied what he has heard, more will be revealed, but to the ones who do not apply that which was revealed, even that which he has gotten previously will be taken away. (paraphrase)
In Luke’s expository a different twist is placed upon the same passage.
But that on the good ground are they, which in an honest and good heart, having heard the word, keep it, and bring forth fruit with patience. No man, when he hath lighted a candle, covereth it with a vessel, or putteth it under a bed; but setteth it on a candlestick, that they which enter in may see the light. For nothing is secret, that shall not be made manifest; neither any thing hid, that shall not be known and come abroad. Take heed therefore how ye hear: for whosoever hath, to him shall be given; and whosoever hath not, from him shall be taken even that which he seemeth to have. (Luke 8:15-18 KJV)
First, he defines one of the parameters: an honest and good heart. Is your heart honest towards God? He then says that they bring forth fruit with patience. Patience is the act of standing up under pressure with a hopeful endurance. And that standing has a external characteristic to it. It should be obvious to those around you that you are standing up under great pressure, but not caving in to it: it speaks of cheerful endurance under pressure.
If any man have ears to hear, let him hear.
(Mark 4:23 KJV)
If you have been given the gift to understand these things, then it becomes your responsibility to hear them. For unto you it has been given…
Jesus continues:
And he said unto them, Take heed what ye hear: with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you: and unto you that hear shall more be given. For he that hath, to him shall be given: and he that hath not, from him shall be taken even that which he hath. (Mark 4:24-25 KJV)
It is here where the technology of accuracy in the reception of a rhema word is revealed. It explains the personal responsibility of each individual hearer. When Jesus explained that some bear some thirtyfold, some sixty and some a hundred; this is the determining factor; Application of the rhema that is received.
In King James English it may be difficult to discern, but paraphrased it could read:
Be careful what you hear: for the degree of care you have applied to that which you have heard, will determine what you hear in the future. For the one who has applied what he has heard, more will be revealed, but to the ones who do not apply that which was revealed, even that which he has gotten previously will be taken away. (paraphrase)
In Luke’s expository a different twist is placed upon the same passage.
But that on the good ground are they, which in an honest and good heart, having heard the word, keep it, and bring forth fruit with patience. No man, when he hath lighted a candle, covereth it with a vessel, or putteth it under a bed; but setteth it on a candlestick, that they which enter in may see the light. For nothing is secret, that shall not be made manifest; neither any thing hid, that shall not be known and come abroad. Take heed therefore how ye hear: for whosoever hath, to him shall be given; and whosoever hath not, from him shall be taken even that which he seemeth to have. (Luke 8:15-18 KJV)
First, he defines one of the parameters: an honest and good heart. Is your heart honest towards God? He then says that they bring forth fruit with patience. Patience is the act of standing up under pressure with a hopeful endurance. And that standing has a external characteristic to it. It should be obvious to those around you that you are standing up under great pressure, but not caving in to it: it speaks of cheerful endurance under pressure.
Second, he adds; "Take heed therefore how ye hear". It is not what you hear in this scenario, but rather how you apply what you have heard. Accuracy in the application is required for the bearing of good fruit. And your level of accuracy will determine the quantity of your fruit.
A paraphrase could be:
Take heed therefore how ye hear: for whosoever has taken heed to how he has heard, to him shall more be given; and whosoever has not taken heed how he has heard, from him shall be taken even that which he thinks he has. (paraphrase)
For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost, And have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come, If they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put him to an open shame. (Hebrews 6:4-6 KJV)
To fall away is to move to a position of apostasy; the taking of a position contrary to Christ. When greater revelation has been offered, received and then later rejected it is impossible to regain the gift. How far does one have to go to get to this place? That is the great unknown, but God knows.
We as reformers must never get complacent in the search for deeper revelation. It is our manna; what was fresh today may not sustain us tomorrow. We will never arrive at the religious position of placing our knowledge in a box and saying this is all there is to know, but our cry will always be for more.
A paraphrase could be:
Take heed therefore how ye hear: for whosoever has taken heed to how he has heard, to him shall more be given; and whosoever has not taken heed how he has heard, from him shall be taken even that which he thinks he has. (paraphrase)
For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost, And have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come, If they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put him to an open shame. (Hebrews 6:4-6 KJV)
To fall away is to move to a position of apostasy; the taking of a position contrary to Christ. When greater revelation has been offered, received and then later rejected it is impossible to regain the gift. How far does one have to go to get to this place? That is the great unknown, but God knows.
We as reformers must never get complacent in the search for deeper revelation. It is our manna; what was fresh today may not sustain us tomorrow. We will never arrive at the religious position of placing our knowledge in a box and saying this is all there is to know, but our cry will always be for more.
May we be faithful to the search as He is faithful and desirous to reveal.
posted by Alisa @
5/22/2005 11:00:00 PM 0
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