Category Archives: Soteriology

Why is it that we fall away when we deliberately continue to sin (Heb 10:26ff)? Because “no sacrifice for sins is left.” This is obviously the parallel of 10:18, which says that once we’ve been saved, “there is no longer any … Continue reading →

We skip ahead to chapter 10, where we see the author recapitulate the thoughts of 6:4-6, but with additional explanation. It’s important to realize that the first part of chapter 10 culminates a lengthy discussion going back to chapter 7 … Continue reading →

Another collateral result of this understanding of Heb 6:4-6 is that our salvation can, at times, be very unsure. While confidence and assurance is always available to us, we often turn our back on God’s promises and slide into a … Continue reading →

As we considered in the last post of this series, Hebrews 6:4-6 teaches that it’s possible for a Christian to so rebel against God that he falls away, and this happens when the Christian can no longer be brought back … Continue reading →

Hebrews 6 contains one of the most controversial passages in the New Testament (which says a lot!). (Heb 6:4-8) It is impossible for those who have once been enlightened, who have tasted the heavenly gift, who have shared in the … Continue reading →

So let’s be honest. The scriptures give us a very good reason not to fall away — fear of damnation. But why not be lazy? Why not do the least possible? Why not take it easy and rely on grace? … Continue reading →

To summarize, church discipline is appropriate in either of two general cases: 1. When a person threatens the safety of the flock — either physical safety or spiritual safety. 2. When a person is guilty of sin that could lead … Continue reading →

As I see it, there are essentially two kinds of excommunication or disfellowshipping in the NT. First, as mentioned in the last post, sometimes you remove someone to protect the flock from that person. The driving concern is protection of … Continue reading →

So where’s the line? What separates a “false teacher” from a teacher who makes mistakes? Well, I see basically two concerns reflected in the NT — First, there are teachers who teach things that, if believed, would destroy the faith … Continue reading →