I am going to address a passage today that sparks a lot of debate, falling away from your faith. The writer of Hebrews addresses this issue in chapter six, and he doesn’t paint a pretty picture. If you have experienced life with Jesus and then turned away, there is no turning back.
HEBREWS 6:4-6
“For in the case of those who have once been enlightened and have tasted of the heavenly gift and have been made partakers of the Holy Spirit, and have tasted the good word of God and the powers of the age to come, and then have fallen away, it is impossible to renew them again to repentance, since they again crucify to themselves the Son of God and put Him to open shame.”
Were They Saved?
This is one of the most controversial passages in all of the Bible. Are the people talked about in this passage actually saved? That is where the divided line has separated scholars for centuries. If these people aren’t saved, they have experienced some wonderful spiritual experiences that some Christians haven’t. If they are saved and then fall away, it is impossible for them to come back. I’m not here to settle the argument for you, but much of the language in this passage points to the person experiencing salvation. “Tasted the heavenly gift” and “partakers of the Holy Spirit” are used in other parts of the New Testament to describe believers.
Left Their Faith
The real issue is how you live your life. Are you growing closer to Christ and less familiar with the world? If so, then you have nothing to worry about. The warning is for those who have “fallen away.” This isn’t a stumble into sin. This is diving headfirst into the lifestyle of the world. This person begins to deny the tenants of the faith. They have left their faith with no intention of turning around.
Falling Away from Your Faith
No one can take your salvation from you (Romans 8), but you can leave it on your own accord. There have been several celebrity Christians recently who have recanted their faith. Does this mean they are not going to heaven? Only God knows that, but they have purposely turned their back on Jesus. Falling away from your faith is a dangerous path to walk.