Hebrews 6
In 303 A.D. the Roman Emperor Diocletian
began a great persecution of the church.
He required that every citizen offer burnt sacrifices to the gods and to
hand over sacred texts and vessels – copies of the Scriptures and articles used
for Holy Communion and Baptism.
This was a difficult time for the
church. Those who disobeyed the emperor were
tortured or send to the gladiators.
Because of the danger, many Christians offered the sacrifices as an
outward show while inwardly they believed that the gods were all false anyhow. Other Christians refused on principle and
many of them faced terrible trials.
Those who suffered had hard feelings
toward those who had, in their eyes, betrayed the faith to save their own
skin. A controversy arose in the church
known as Donatism. This group argued
that the Christians who had compromised were traitors to the faith, had fallen
from grace, and could not be forgiven. Hebrews
6:4-6 was likely one of the passages they referenced to prove their point.
This passage is challenging and strikes
fear in the hearts of many sincere believers.
“Have I done this? What about my
loved one who has fallen away from faith?
Can they be redeemed? Is there
hope?”
It is important to remember that when we
seek to understand the Bible that the larger context of the Bible helps us to
understand. The Bible interprets
itself. And the Bible shows us that
David fell into sin and shame and was forgiven.
Peter denied Christ three times and was restored. We also know that those who wander are
sometimes restored by God’s grace. St.
Augustine is a great example of this, having turned from the faith as a young man;
he repented, and became a great servant of Christ.
Without a doubt, there is no salvation
outside of Christ. Those who seek
salvation apart from Jesus will not be saved, and those who feel they don’t
need salvation will not be forced to receive it. But with God all is possible, so pray for
those who have fallen from faith, that they might repent and believe the promises
of Christ.
Father, forgive me for the times I have
doubted and wavered in the faith.
Restore those who have fallen.
Find and save them. Amen.
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