Rooting Series · Lesson 12

Eternal Salvation

Eight reasons your salvation is secure, and a careful look at the difficult passages that are used to say otherwise.

About 24 min57 scripture references5 memory versesBooklet pages 68–76
In this lesson

Understanding your salvation is very important to your stability as a believer. Not comprehending the great operation of God to deliver you for eternity will lead you to living a defeated Christian life. Jesus, “...the author of eternal salvation” (Hebrews 5:9) has performed a complete work to deliver you from the world, the flesh, and Satan. He has provided a salvation so secure that nothing can separate you from the love of God. In this study we will discuss eight different concepts that assure the security of the believer. We will then deal with verses that, because of misinterpretation obscure the truth.

I. The Use of Strong Statements by Jesus

John 3:16-20You shall “not” perish.

John 3:16-20 · KJV

16For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. 17For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. 18He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. 19And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. 20For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved.

John 3:36Those that believe “hath” everlasting life.

John 3:36 · KJV

36He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.

John 6:37He will in “no wise” cast you out.

John 6:37 · KJV

37All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out.

John 10:27-31You will “never” perish and you will never be plucked out of Christ’s or the Father’s hands.

John 10:27-31 · KJV

27My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: 28And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. 29My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father's hand. 30I and my Father are one. 31Then the Jews took up stones again to stone him.

Hebrews 13:5-6“…for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.”

Hebrews 13:5-6 · KJV

5Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. 6So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.

II. The Concept of Sonship

John 1:12-13You are born of God, not of the will of the flesh.

John 1:12-13 · KJV

12But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: 13Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.

John 3:3-7A miracle birth took place by the power of the Spirit.

John 3:3-7 · KJV

3Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. 4Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother's womb, and be born? 5Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. 6That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. 7Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.

1 Peter 1:23-2:2You are born again of incorruptible seed and are become as a newborn babe.

1 Peter 1:23-25 · KJV

23Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever. 24For all flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of grass. The grass withereth, and the flower thereof falleth away: 25But the word of the Lord endureth for ever. And this is the word which by the gospel is preached unto you.

1 Peter 2:1-2 · KJV

1Wherefore laying aside all malice, and all guile, and hypocrisies, and envies, and all evil speakings, 2As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby:

1 John 3:9; 4:7; 5:1,4,18You are born of God.

1 John 3:9 · KJV

9Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God.

1 John 4:7 · KJV

7Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God.

1 John 5:1, 4, 18 · KJV

1Whosoever believeth that Jesus is the Christ is born of God: and every one that loveth him that begat loveth him also that is begotten of him. 4For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith. 18We know that whosoever is born of God sinneth not; but he that is begotten of God keepeth himself, and that wicked one toucheth him not.

Ecclesiastes 11:4-9A birth in the Spirit happens like a physical birth.

Ecclesiastes 11:4-9 · KJV

4He that observeth the wind shall not sow; and he that regardeth the clouds shall not reap. 5As thou knowest not what is the way of the spirit, nor how the bones do grow in the womb of her that is with child: even so thou knowest not the works of God who maketh all. 6In the morning sow thy seed, and in the evening withhold not thine hand: for thou knowest not whether shall prosper, either this or that, or whether they both shall be alike good. 7Truly the light is sweet, and a pleasant thing it is for the eyes to behold the sun: 8But if a man live many years, and rejoice in them all; yet let him remember the days of darkness; for they shall be many. All that cometh is vanity. 9Rejoice, O young man, in thy youth; and let thy heart cheer thee in the days of thy youth, and walk in the ways of thine heart, and in the sight of thine eyes: but know thou, that for all these things God will bring thee into judgment.

III. God Is Able to Keep!

Romans 8:35-39“Who (or what) shall separate us from the love of Christ”? Nothing! Not things present nor things to come!

Romans 8:35-39 · KJV

35Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? 36As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. 37Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. 38For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, 39Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Ecclesiastes 3:14Memory VerseWhatsoever God does is forever! Salvation is a miracle that God has performed! It is a birth from God. It is an eternal work.

Ecclesiastes 3:14 · KJV

14I know that, whatsoever God doeth, it shall be for ever: nothing can be put to it, nor any thing taken from it: and God doeth it, that men should fear before him.

Philippians 1:6Memory VerseGod is able to finish the work He has begun.

Philippians 1:6 · KJV

6Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:

Jude 1We are “preserved” in Jesus.

Jude 1 · KJV

1Jude, the servant of Jesus Christ, and brother of James, to them that are sanctified by God the Father, and preserved in Jesus Christ, and called:

2 Timothy 1:12Memory VersePaul was persuaded of God's ability to keep.

2 Timothy 1:12 · KJV

12For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day.

1 Peter 1:5Memory VerseWe are “...kept by the power of God...”

1 Peter 1:5 · KJV

5Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.

Hebrews 7:25Memory Verse“…he is able also to save them to the uttermost…”

Hebrews 7:25 · KJV

25Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them.

IV. Sealing of the Holy Spirit

Ephesians 4:30You are “...sealed unto the day of redemption” (the day you get your glorified body).

Ephesians 4:30 · KJV

30And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.

Ephesians 1:13-14When are you sealed? After you believe.

Ephesians 1:13-14 · KJV

13In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise, 14Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory.

2 Corinthians 1:21-22The Spirit is given as an earnest.

2 Corinthians 1:21-22 · KJV

21Now he which stablisheth us with you in Christ, and hath anointed us, is God; 22Who hath also sealed us, and given the earnest of the Spirit in our hearts.

Galatians 4:6-7The Spirit of His Son has been placed in our hearts to confirm our Father-son relationship.

Galatians 4:6-7 · KJV

6And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father. 7Wherefore thou art no more a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ.

2 Timothy 2:19The foundation of God that always stands sure is Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 3:10-15) and His seal is the Spirit (Romans 8:16). Do you sense His Spirit bearing witness with your spirit?

2 Timothy 2:19 · KJV

19Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity.

V. The Operation of God

Colossians 2:10-14God cut away the body of flesh from the soul of man and sealed it with His Spirit.

Colossians 2:10-14 · KJV

10And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power: 11In whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ: 12Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead. 13And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses; 14Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross;

Romans 7:15-21It is no more you that sins, but sin that dwells in your flesh.

Romans 7:15-21 · KJV

15For that which I do I allow not: for what I would, that do I not; but what I hate, that do I. 16If then I do that which I would not, I consent unto the law that it is good. 17Now then it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me. 18For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not. 19For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do. 20Now if I do that I would not, it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me. 21I find then a law, that, when I would do good, evil is present with me.

1 John 3:9-10The new man cannot sin because the old man has been cut away and the new man is sealed by the Spirit.

1 John 3:9-10 · KJV

9Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God. 10In this the children of God are manifest, and the children of the devil: whosoever doeth not righteousness is not of God, neither he that loveth not his brother.

Ephesians 4:24You are “...created in righteousness and true holiness” in Christ Jesus.

Ephesians 4:24 · KJV

24And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.

2 Corinthians 5:17You are made a new creature in Christ; old things pass away; all things become new. “If” you are in Christ, your life will change.

2 Corinthians 5:17 · KJV

17Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.

VI. Whom God Foreknows, He Saves

Romans 8:28-33God, who knows the end from the beginning, knows the heart of man from the beginning, and therefore knows who will be saved. Just because He knows does not make Him responsible for man’s free will to choose. If God knows from the beginning, then how can one lose his salvation?

Romans 8:28-33 · KJV

28And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. 29For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren. 30Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified. 31What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us? 32He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things? 33Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God's elect? It is God that justifieth.

1 Peter 1:2We are elect according to foreknowledge. Man is not predestined to hell, but God knows the heart. He can declare the end from the beginning. (Isaiah 46:9-10)

1 Peter 1:2 · KJV

2Elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through sanctification of the Spirit, unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ: Grace unto you, and peace, be multiplied.

Ephesians 1:4-11He knew from the beginning.

Ephesians 1:4-11 · KJV

4According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love: 5Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will, 6To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved. 7In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace; 8Wherein he hath abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence; 9Having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he hath purposed in himself: 10That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him: 11In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will:

VII. Salvation Delivers from All Sin

Colossians 2:13-14You are forgiven “all trespasses”; past, present, and future.

Colossians 2:13-14 · KJV

13And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses; 14Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross;

1 John 1:7You are cleansed from “all sin”.

1 John 1:7 · KJV

7But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.

Titus 2:14You are cleansed from “all iniquity”.

Titus 2:14 · KJV

14Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.

Acts 13:38-39You are justified from “all things”.

Acts 13:38-39 · KJV

38Be it known unto you therefore, men and brethren, that through this man is preached unto you the forgiveness of sins: 39And by him all that believe are justified from all things, from which ye could not be justified by the law of Moses.

Hebrews 10:15-17; Isaiah 43:25The Lord will not remember your sins anymore.

Hebrews 10:15-17 · KJV

15Whereof the Holy Ghost also is a witness to us: for after that he had said before, 16This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, saith the Lord, I will put my laws into their hearts, and in their minds will I write them; 17And their sins and iniquities will I remember no more.

Isaiah 43:25 · KJV

25I, even I, am he that blotteth out thy transgressions for mine own sake, and will not remember thy sins.

Psalms 103:12Our sins are separated from us as far as east is from west.

Psalms 103:12 · KJV

12As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us.

Isaiah 44:21-22He blotted out your sins like a thick cloud. You are the child of Abraham by faith. (Galatians 3:29)

Isaiah 44:21-22 · KJV

21Remember these, O Jacob and Israel; for thou art my servant: I have formed thee; thou art my servant: O Israel, thou shalt not be forgotten of me. 22I have blotted out, as a thick cloud, thy transgressions, and, as a cloud, thy sins: return unto me; for I have redeemed thee.

Micah 7:18-19He cast your sins in the depths of the sea.

Micah 7:18-19 · KJV

18Who is a God like unto thee, that pardoneth iniquity, and passeth by the transgression of the remnant of his heritage? he retaineth not his anger for ever, because he delighteth in mercy. 19He will turn again, he will have compassion upon us; he will subdue our iniquities; and thou wilt cast all their sins into the depths of the sea.

Isaiah 38:17He put all your sins behind His back.

Isaiah 38:17 · KJV

17Behold, for peace I had great bitterness: but thou hast in love to my soul delivered it from the pit of corruption: for thou hast cast all my sins behind thy back.

VIII. God Upholds the Righteous

Psalms 37:23-25, 28The “good” man here is a “saved” man if you look at the context (vs 25).

Psalms 37:23-25, 28 · KJV

23The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way. 24Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the LORD upholdeth him with his hand. 25I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread. 28For the LORD loveth judgment, and forsaketh not his saints; they are preserved for ever: but the seed of the wicked shall be cut off.

Jude 24God promises that He will uphold us.

Jude 24 · KJV

24Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy,

Proverbs 24:16Even if we were to fall seven times, we have God’s promise that we will rise again.

Proverbs 24:16 · KJV

16For a just man falleth seven times, and riseth up again: but the wicked shall fall into mischief.

2 Peter 2:9God delivers the godly but not the unjust.

2 Peter 2:9 · KJV

9The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptations, and to reserve the unjust unto the day of judgment to be punished:

IX. Difficult Portions of Scripture

Ezekiel 3:17-21In this portion, a righteous man is one that keeps the law. The statement, “the righteousness that he has done”, or again “his righteousness”, is not God’s righteousness that comes by faith. (Romans 3:23-28; Romans 10:1-4) Therefore, this portion is not dealing with a man losing his salvation, but is challenging the prophet to warn all men that would sin. Even as Jesus rebuked the Pharisees (very zealous men for the righteousness of the law) to repent.

Ezekiel 3:17-21 · KJV

17Son of man, I have made thee a watchman unto the house of Israel: therefore hear the word at my mouth, and give them warning from me. 18When I say unto the wicked, Thou shalt surely die; and thou givest him not warning, nor speakest to warn the wicked from his wicked way, to save his life; the same wicked man shall die in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at thine hand. 19Yet if thou warn the wicked, and he turn not from his wickedness, nor from his wicked way, he shall die in his iniquity; but thou hast delivered thy soul. 20Again, When a righteous man doth turn from his righteousness, and commit iniquity, and I lay a stumblingblock before him, he shall die: because thou hast not given him warning, he shall die in his sin, and his righteousness which he hath done shall not be remembered; but his blood will I require at thine hand. 21Nevertheless if thou warn the righteous man, that the righteous sin not, and he doth not sin, he shall surely live, because he is warned; also thou hast delivered thy soul.

Matthew 24:10-13This is dealing with saving of life, not the soul. The context is the Tribulation period when tremendous destruction will take place on earth. The elect, which are the Jews, will go through the Great Tribulation and will come out the other side into the Millennium. Compare Matthew 24:22.

Matthew 24:10-13 · KJV

10And then shall many be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another. 11And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many. 12And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold. 13But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.

John 15:1-8The branches are “in me” - meaning in Christ

John 15:1-8 · KJV

1I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman. 2Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit. 3Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you. 4Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. 5I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing. 6If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned. 7If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you. 8Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples.

(15:2) A. These branches are believers that bear little or no fruit for the glory of God. This is a sober warning that the Lord may choose to cut off their life prematurely. Even as Paul told the Corinthian church to turn such a one over to Satan for the destruction of the flesh that his spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus (1 Corinthians 5:5).

B. Another plausible interpretation is this. In a vineyard, some vine branches grow toward the ground and attach themselves to the earth by growing small roots. These vines do not bear fruit. In a typical procedure of husbandry, the farmer “takes away” the vine branch from the earth and places rocks underneath it to cut it off from the earth and turns it towards the sky where it can obtain sunlight. You can quickly see the spiritual implications of this illustration.

(15:6) - If a man abides not in Christ, he will dry up and men will cast him into the fire. This is dealing with the judgment of men because of the loss of one’s testimony for Christ. Like Paul stated in 1 Corinthians 9:27 that he keeps under his body and brings it into subjection so when he preaches to others, he would not be a “castaway” (disapproved by God or man).

Romans 11:21-22This is dealing with nations of unbelief, not the individual. It is sharing God’s overall plan for the Jews and Gentiles. The Jews, due to unbelief, were cut off as the fruit-bearing nation to deliver the gospel of the kingdom to the world. The Gentiles in the future will also be cut off as the propagators of the faith and the Jews restored to their original calling. Compare Romans 11:25-27.

Romans 11:21-22 · KJV

21For if God spared not the natural branches, take heed lest he also spare not thee. 22Behold therefore the goodness and severity of God: on them which fell, severity; but toward thee, goodness, if thou continue in his goodness: otherwise thou also shalt be cut off.

Galatians 5:4This is referring to falling from the “doctrine” of grace, back to the law. Compare Galatians 5:1-8; 2:16-21. This is not dealing with salvation, but with pleasing God in service. The Galatians were trying to please God by keeping the law and not by faith serving in love (Hebrews 11:6).

Galatians 5:4 · KJV

4Christ is become of no effect unto you, whosoever of you are justified by the law; ye are fallen from grace.

Colossians 1:23The “if” is referring to the previous verse of being presented holy, and unblamable, and unreprovable in His sight. It is not referring to salvation.

Colossians 1:23 · KJV

23If ye continue in the faith grounded and settled, and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel, which ye have heard, and which was preached to every creature which is under heaven; whereof I Paul am made a minister;

2 Timothy 2:12-13If we deny Him is referring to an unbeliever like Judas Iscarot who was a devil from the beginning (John 6:70). If we as a believer lack in belief, the promise in verse13 reassures us that He will save us anyway for His name sake. Anyone who is truly saved would not in heart deny the Lord because he understands what he has been saved from and saved to. Peter denied the Lord outwardly but not in heart and the Lord Jesus knew this.

2 Timothy 2:12-13 · KJV

12If we suffer, we shall also reign with him: if we deny him, he also will deny us: 13If we believe not, yet he abideth faithful: he cannot deny himself.

Hebrews 3; 6; 10These are very difficult portions to grasp. Examine them carefully comparing scripture with scripture. Do not quickly dismiss these interpretations in your mind. Remember the admonition of the Lord in 1 Corinthians 8:2 that states “...if any man think that he knoweth any thing, he knoweth nothing yet as he ought to know.” The following thoughts are only some of several interpretations offered by fundamentalists.

This passage is 78 verses long, so it is not shown here. Read Hebrews 3; 6; 10 on BibleGateway

Hebrews 3:1-19Remember, this is a very difficult portion of scripture. Read these verses in context from Hebrews 3:1-4:16. This portion is dealing with the children of Israel who did not enter into the Promised Land (a picture of the abundant spiritual life in Christ) because of unbelief. They did not keep their confidence in Christ to give them victory and, consequently they would not yield to His Word. Therefore, God in His wrath would not let them enter because of unbelief. They wandered in circles in the desert 40 years with God providing for their carnal needs, but they were miserable. Only those that were of another spirit and wholly followed the Lord (Numbers 14:24) entered into the land because they trusted God’s Word completely. You, like them, must run the race with patience and “...lay aside every weight and the sin (of unbelief) which doth so easily beset us.” (Hebrews 12:1)

Hebrews 3:1-19 · KJV

1Wherefore, holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our profession, Christ Jesus; 2Who was faithful to him that appointed him, as also Moses was faithful in all his house. 3For this man was counted worthy of more glory than Moses, inasmuch as he who hath builded the house hath more honour than the house. 4For every house is builded by some man; but he that built all things is God. 5And Moses verily was faithful in all his house, as a servant, for a testimony of those things which were to be spoken after; 6But Christ as a son over his own house; whose house are we, if we hold fast the confidence and the rejoicing of the hope firm unto the end. 7Wherefore (as the Holy Ghost saith, To day if ye will hear his voice, 8Harden not your hearts, as in the provocation, in the day of temptation in the wilderness: 9When your fathers tempted me, proved me, and saw my works forty years. 10Wherefore I was grieved with that generation, and said, They do alway err in their heart; and they have not known my ways. 11So I sware in my wrath, They shall not enter into my rest.) 12Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God. 13But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin. 14For we are made partakers of Christ, if we hold the beginning of our confidence stedfast unto the end; 15While it is said, To day if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts, as in the provocation. 16For some, when they had heard, did provoke: howbeit not all that came out of Egypt by Moses. 17But with whom was he grieved forty years? was it not with them that had sinned, whose carcases fell in the wilderness? 18And to whom sware he that they should not enter into his rest, but to them that believed not? 19So we see that they could not enter in because of unbelief.

Hebrews 6:1-9Again, this is a difficult portion of scripture. Read these verses in context from Hebrews 5:11-6:9. Two interpretations of this portion are offered.

Hebrews 6:1-9 · KJV

1Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God, 2Of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment. 3And this will we do, if God permit. 4For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost, 5And have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come, 6If they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put him to an open shame. 7For the earth which drinketh in the rain that cometh oft upon it, and bringeth forth herbs meet for them by whom it is dressed, receiveth blessing from God: 8But that which beareth thorns and briers is rejected, and is nigh unto cursing; whose end is to be burned. 9But, beloved, we are persuaded better things of you, and things that accompany salvation, though we thus speak.

The first is as follows. Notice he is dealing with saved people who were not going on to perfection. The brethren are being exhorted to get off the milk portions of scripture. They were constantly preaching and teaching repentance from dead works, faith toward God, baptisms, hell fire, etc. They were to go on to perfection if God permitted -- if they hadn't slipped too far. (Hebrews 2:1) In other words, if they were mindful from where they came, they might be given opportunity to return. (Hebrews 11:15) This is a stern warning to the readers of the Hebrew epistle. Paul is reflecting on the similar incident that occurred to the children of Israel when they would not cross the Jordan at Kadeshbarnea. God would not permit them to go on into the Promised Land, a picture of spiritual maturity and the abundant Christian life -- rest, ceasing from their own labors! He made them wander 40 years until all who were tempted dropped dead because they limited the Holy One of Israel (Psalms 78:41). The Lord gave them their desire, but sent leanness to their soul (Numbers 14:2, 28; Psalms 106:15). Therefore, it is impossible to renew them unto repentance (not salvation) because God will not allow it. 2 Timothy 2:25-26 hints to this concept that the Lord is in control of repentance rather than man. Thus they brought forth briars and thorns in their lives, which will be burned up at the Judgment Seat of Christ (1 Corinthians 3:10-15). Even Moses as a leader, who smote the rock twice, didn't enter the Promised Land because he (in a picture) “crucified the Son of God afresh” and didn't sanctify the Lord by just speaking to the rock. He attempted to get the people right with God by teaching them to crucify Christ again. (Numbers 20:7-12; Deuteronomy 32:48-52; Hebrews 4:16) A deeper spiritual picture is alluded to here. The Law, as Moses is pictured, would always crucify Christ again and again for our sin. The Law, “who's eye is not dim” nor it’s “natural force abated” (Deuteronomy 34:7), requires sacrifice again and again because of man's failure to be perfect. But Christ sweetly took it to the mount and put it to death so the people could enter into the Promised Land by faith in God’s power. By faith you are saved and by faith you are perfected. It is God that perfects that which concerns you as you trust Him to defeat the giants in your life. (Psalms 138:8)
Another interpretation of this portion of scripture needs to be studied. Read these verses in context from Hebrews 5:1-6:9. Notice he is dealing with saved people who were not going on to perfection. The brethren are being exhorted to get off the milk portions of scripture. They were constantly preaching and teaching repentance from dead works, faith toward God, baptisms, hell fire, etc. Hebrews 6:1 – “Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, (in reference to Hebrews 5:11-14) let us go on unto perfection...” Perfection in what, meat, full age with the senses exercised, or the perfection of entering into God’s rest? (Hebrews 4) The case for full age is based on the context of Hebrews 5:1-10. Paul is for the first time teaching the deep truths of the Priesthood of Jesus after the order of Melchisedek. Though he refers to Christ as a High Priest in Hebrews 2:17; 3:1; 4:14; it is in chapter 5 that he links Christ’s Priesthood with Melchisedek. Thus bringing us to another context in 5:11; “...of whom we have many things to say...” The context now is one of Christ’s Priesthood and Paul’s inability to teach it in full. They could not receive what he was talking about because they were dull of hearing. They should have been teaching these principles, but they had need of milk and not strong meat. Paul presents two courses of action in verses 13 and 14; either you can remain a babe, or grow to full age. What then would be the consequences? You remain unskillful in the Word, or you become able to discern. Therefore, Paul in 6:1 is challenging them to leave these principles and to move on to perfection (maturity, full age). Paul suggests two equally important thoughts:

Let us take a closer look at each one. Leaving: First, what would they be leaving, the first principles and oracles? Yes but in a positive sense, not a negative one. The challenge here is to set the principles and oracles aside because they were becoming preoccupied to the point of being stagnant. (Understand that the semi-colon, which divides this verse, makes both elements equally important.) The first element of this verse stands on it’s own merit, however the second element is dependent upon the first. The second element of this verse is related to the suggestion to leave the first principles, not by re-laying the foundation (first principle doctrines). They should have understood the doctrine of Christ in relationship to salvation. They needed to move on.

Let us go on: Secondly, the challenge of “let us go on...”, is a suggestion to carry or bear a load or a responsibility. We are constantly exhorted to teach others and to personally press toward a Christian maturity. Matthew 5:48; 1 Corinthians 13:10-11; Ephesians 4:12; Philippians 3:12-15 “And this will we do, if God permit.” Hebrews 6:3 Permits us to do what? This is a very important and difficult verse and we need to look at it in every possible application. The key to understanding this verse is to understand the context, which is the need to grow from milk to meat, from babes to full age. “Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ... not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God, Of the doctrine of baptisms and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment. “And this will we do if God permit.” They would have continued to re-lay the foundation, if God permitted it. The truth of the matter is, God would not permit us to lay the foundation over again. There is only one foundation that has been laid, (Jesus Christ). (Matthew 7:25; Luke 6:48; 1 Corinthians 3:10-12; 1 Timothy 6:19; 2 Timothy 2:19) In God's eyes it is a waste of time to lay these foundations over again. Because once saved, it is impossible to be renewed unto repentance (salvation), seeing that it would crucify Christ afresh. It would be saying that what Christ did on the cross is not enough to completely save. Is it possible for a believer to crucify Christ afresh (renewed to salvation)? Or to say the work of Christ was not complete? This would bring Christ to an open shame even as Moses, when he smote the rock instead of speaking in belief. Christ died for our sins only once! (Numbers 20:7-12) Moving on to perfection brings growth and blessings from God, to remain immature will only produce briars and thorns, which in the end will be burned. (1 Corinthians 3:10-15)

Now we can see as we continue reading in chapters 6 & 7and 8 how the author is continuing on with the context of Christ’s Priesthood after the order of Melchisedek (Hebrews 5:11).

Hebrews 10:26-31Again, this is a difficult portion of scripture. Read these verses in context from Hebrews 10:1-39. This portion is dealing with a saved man who will be chastened by God if he willfully sins. He will be judged by the law that he despised and, if necessary, be killed physically (1 John 5:16). These Hebrews were losing confidence and slipping in their walk for Christ, and Paul is warning them. The verses that indicate that this portion refers to a saved man are: vs.26 – “received”; vs.29 - “he was sanctified”; vs.30 - “his people”. The portion of “...there remaineth no more sacrifice for sin” is referring to verses 10:10-14. This means that Christ is offered only once for all sin, not time and time again like the Old Testament sacrifices which could never take away sin. Your willful sin then would be mocking your only provision of salvation - an act that God will judge! Compare 1 Peter 4:17. Then go back and read Hebrews 10:38-39 again.

Hebrews 10:26-31 · KJV

26For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins, 27But a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries. 28He that despised Moses' law died without mercy under two or three witnesses: 29Of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace? 30For we know him that hath said, Vengeance belongeth unto me, I will recompense, saith the Lord. And again, The Lord shall judge his people. 31It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.

2 Peter 2:20-21This is dealing with false prophets. Read in context from the beginning of the chapter. They have escaped the corruption in the world through knowledge but don’t have victory over their lusts. This is indicated in verse 22 because he refers to them as “dogs” and “pigs” that return to their old ways. True believers are always referred to as “sheep” in the Bible.

2 Peter 2:20-21 · KJV

20For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning. 21For it had been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, after they have known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered unto them.

Jude 21“Keeping yourself in the love of God” refers to your heart being established. The love of God never changes toward His children. It is unconditional love that was established by His foresight before the foundation of the world.

Jude 21 · KJV

21Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.

Revelation 3:5; 22:18-19The (Lamb’s) Book of Life contains the name of every living man. When a man dies without Christ, his name is then blotted out of the book of life. Compare with several Old Testament portions (Exodus 32:33; Psalms 69:28; Deuteronomy 9:14). This wonderful truth demonstrates the grace of God toward mankind in that all could be saved if they only chose to be. There are certain apostates and renegades that are blotted out early or not written at all with no hope of salvation. For example, they that tamper with the Bible or love the Beast. Compare Revelation 13:8; 17:8; 20:11-15; 21:27.

Revelation 3:5 · KJV

5He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels.

Revelation 22:18-19 · KJV

18For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book: 19And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book.

Conclusion

Eternal salvation is a wonderful truth on which to cleave (1 Thessalonians 5:21). It not only gives you hope for your future but establishes confidence to witness to others. You can rest assured that you are presenting a genuine gift of hope for any man. If that man truly calls on the name of the Lord Jesus with a sincere heart and trusts in His blood, he will be delivered for eternity (Romans 10:9-13; Romans 5:8-9). What a glorious truth to share with men! It is not one of doubts and fears that would have you saved today if you believe, and lost tomorrow if you sin. But a truth that puts confidence in the blood of Christ, God’s righteousness, which never loses its power to save! No doubt, some children of Israel in Egypt were fearful that the blood on the lentil and doorposts would not stop the plague of death. Though they feared inside the house, the blood did not fail. It still turned away the judgment of God (Exodus 12). Therefore, go forth with great confidence in Jesus’ name and tell the world of a Saviour who can save to the uttermost! (Hebrews 7:25)

Learn these by heart

Memory verses in this lesson

Ecclesiastes 3:14 · KJV

14I know that, whatsoever God doeth, it shall be for ever: nothing can be put to it, nor any thing taken from it: and God doeth it, that men should fear before him.

Philippians 1:6 · KJV

6Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:

2 Timothy 1:12 · KJV

12For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day.

1 Peter 1:5 · KJV

5Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.

Hebrews 7:25 · KJV

25Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them.

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