CAN I WALK AWAY FROM MY SALVATION?
Hebrews 6:1–12
Most people are given to at least one bad habit that grips them. It could be overeating, tobacco or alcohol abuse, chewing their fingernails or any number of things that people seek to exercise their willpower in overcoming.
When a habit becomes an addiction or lifestyle, hard choices must be made. The most drastic method of breaking unsavory habits is to quit all at once. That method is commonly referred to as “cold turkey.” It works for some, but for others it can lead to a relapse or other, more serious habits.
What about the salvation we have in Christ? There has been chatter over the last few years of celebrities, church members and Christian music artists who have claimed to walk away or stop being a Christian. Is that possible? Is that biblical? This week, we delve into one of the most challenging passages in all of Scripture.
Perseverance calls for growing in our faith. (1–3)
In most translations, you will see that this passage begins with the word “therefore.” Others have said that when you see that word, you should ask what it is there for. That’s true enough, but the word should also activate in our reading the exercise of enlarging the previous thought.
In the verses preceding Hebrews 6:1, there are beautiful words that reveal the suffering of Christ and the challenge for us to mature in our faith. Who is responsible for your growth? You are. Your pastor may help, Christian authors may aid and mentors can disciple, but you are the one who is both responsible and accountable for the maturation of your faith. This process of maturing is not optional; it is commanded.
Perseverance is grounded in what we have in Christ. (4–8)
As you read these verses, hang on tightly to the context. In Scripture, the verses before and after shed light on the meaning of what we read. Some scholars read these verses and derive from them the idea that they can lose their salvation due to their sins or choices. Therein lies the idea that they can quit “cold turkey” the salvation God has given them.
This teaching could not be further from the Scripture’s intent. When it comes to salvation, it is imperative to remember we did not earn it and we cannot erase it. These verses speak to those who choose to neglect the maturity in our faith previously mentioned.
The author of Hebrews is communicating the fact that God will sustain true believers. There are people in our churches who are not true Christians, and when a time of testing comes, they will desert all things related to God. They are not quitting their salvation; they are displaying their lack of it.
Perseverance calls for diligently walking in Christ. (9–12)
The author shares that God has not forgotten about us, and we should not forget about Him. If you feel neglected in your relationship with the Father, be assured there was a change in you, not Him. The journey of faith is a long obedience in the same direction, not a quick dash rooted in our feelings or circumstances. Our salvation is purchased by Jesus and proven by our perseverance.
By Bobby McKay
Pastor of New Liberty Baptist Church in Morton, Mississippi
