Message #53425

[rick50]

Paul gave two principles for understanding the Bible.

First is.

2 Timothy 3:16
All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:

Second is.

2 Timothy 2:15

Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.


Paul tells us that all scriptures can enrich us as doctrines, to criticize and correct us and to instruct us in righteousness. But we must correctly divide them. To me that means understanding the ages/dispensations, the various covenants of God, and who scriptures are addressing.

While it is true that the scriptures are addressing all of us, they were also directed to people living at the time the scriptures were given.

In the case of the book of Hebrews, can you guess who it is addressing? LOL!

Israel in the first century is almost comparable to modern Islamic religious state. It was dangerous and costly in many way to believe in Jesus. Also, the Hebrew believers had lived during the time of Christ, They seen Him, heard Him, many of them witnessed His miracles and in my opinion they had a greater responsibility to strongly believe then you and I today.

When somebody fell away from that body of believers they didn`t stop being religious. What they did was renounce Christ and return to the Hebrew religion of the time. Some if not many of them renounced their faith knowing in their heart that Jesus is the Christ.

This is the type of falling away the writer of Hebrews is condemning.

The only thing in our culture I know of to compare it to would be a Christian who became agnostic or atheist. I would not go as far to condemn such people but I`m not under the kind of pressure those Hebrews were under either.

The issue seen in Hebrews in 6 and 10 is not a matter of someone straying from Jesus. It was more serious then that which is the point I`m trying to make.
Even so I cannot see much hope for them. I`ve dealt with some and they are dry twigs with no life in them.