Hebrews 6:4-6

Introduction:

1. The security of our souls in Christ is of supreme importance.

2. Our aim is to neither give false security nor withhold true security.

3. Thankfully, the Bible is quite clear about the issue.

Discussion:

I. The Majority View

A. John Calvin popularized the position that God foreordained who is saved and lost.

B. If so, then it is true that a Christian cannot fall from grace.

C. Since most Protestant denominations hold to Calvinist principles, most believe one cannot fall from grace.

D. Consider this widely held creedal statement: "They whom God hath accepted in his Beloved, effectually called and sanctified by his Spirit, can neither totally nor finally fall away from the state of grace: but shall certainly persevere therein to the end, and be eternally saved.” (Westminster Confession of Faith)

E. This notion begs several questions, 17 of which are listed below.

II. If Apostasy Is Impossible Then…

A. Why do we need to make our calling and election sure? (2 Peter 1:5-11)

B. How is the latter end worse than the first for those who turn from the commandments? (2 Peter 2:20-22)

C. Why the warning against being led astray by error? (2 Peter 3:14-18)

D. Why did Paul discipline his body to avoid disqualification? (1 Corinthians 9:27)

E. Why did he warn the Corinthians to take heed to avoid falling? (1 Corinthians 10:12)

F. Why did he tell the Thessalonians an apostasy was coming? (2 Thessalonians 2:3)

G. Why did he say some would depart from the faith? (1 Timothy 4:1-2)

H. Why did he say some were severed from Christ and fallen from grace? (Galatians 5:4)

I. How can a brother’s influence cause the destruction of another? (Romans 14:15)

J. How can taking the Lord’s supper the wrong way condemn us? (1 Corinthians 11:27-29)

K. How does turning the sinner back save a soul from death? (James 5:19-20)

L. How does refusal to forgive end in the lack of forgiveness? (Matthew 6:14-15)

M. Why are unproductive branches in Christ cut out and burned? (John 15:1-6)

N. Why did Jesus warn the Ephesians He was about to remove their lampstand? (Revelations 2:5)

O. Why did He promise not to blot out overcomers’ names (Revelations 3:5)

P. Why did He warn the Laodiceans He would spew them out of His mouth? (Revelations 3:16)

Q. Why did Hebrews 6:4-6 warn of a falling away by those who:

1. Were once enlightened

2. Had already tasted the heavenly gift

3. Were already partakers of the Holy Spirit

4. Had tasted the word and the powers of the age to come

III. Keys To Securing Our Souls

A. While awaiting answers to those 17 questions and more, we will lay bare what the New Testament teaches on the matter.

B. The soul’s security belongs to those who:

1. Obey the Lord (Hebrews 5:9)

2. Do the Father’s will (Matthew 7:21)

3. Walk in the light (1 John 1:7-9)

C. All these verbs are present tense, indicating a continuing action.

Conclusion:

1. Soul security is a biblical truth that we must embrace (1 John 5:13).

2. However, we must embrace it as it is presented in the Scriptures.

3. Therefore, we must imitate Paul and fight the good fight, finish the race, and keep the faith to receive the crown of righteousness (2 Timothy 4:7-8).