NT Fire Starters – Day 308: Hebrews 5:11-6:20

READ: Hebrews 5:11–6:20

THINK: Some people think that once a person is truly “saved” spiritually, he or she can never lose their salvation. Or, if a person who formerly appeared to follow Jesus is obviously defying Him now, then that person was never really saved before. But it seems clear from this passage that a person who once accepted forgiveness and truly entered a relationship with Jesus can later turn from that faith and abandon Jesus to the point of losing their salvation and condemning themselves for eternity. (See the “THINK” introduction to the Hebrews 3:1-19 daily Fire Starter reading.)

RESPOND: What do verses 12-14 of chapter 5 tell you about the need to grow and mature in your faith? What ability and insight do you gain from spiritual maturity, and why is this vital? (See 5:14 note.) In the context of this passage, what does it mean to “fall away” from God? (See 6:6 note.) What does it mean that it’s impossible for those who have experienced God’s gift of new life (vv. 4-5), “if they fall away, to be brought back to repentance” (v. 6)? (See 6:4-6 note, and article on Individual Apostasy, p. 1812.) What does this indicate about the possibility of accepting God’s truth and entering a personal relationship with Christ, but later abandoning the faith and rejecting Christ? Does this mean that a person who turns from their faith and stops following Jesus can never be restored to a relationship with Him and that they forfeit their opportunity of eternal life with Him? Why or why not? (See article on p. 1812.) In what way is the illustration in verses 7-8 a warning to those who claim to know God? (See 6:7-8 note.) What confidence can you have regarding your love, faith and work for Christ? (See 6:9-20 note.) Why are faith and patience vital in order to “inherit what has been promised” (v. 12)? The fact that “it is impossible for God to lie” provides what encouragement regarding His Word? (See 6:18 note.) What does it mean that God-inspired hope is “an anchor for the soul”? (See 6:19 note.)

PRAY: Pray for the faith and patience to continually endure, grow and thrive in your relationship with Jesus. Thank Jesus that your relationship with Him is secure as you continue to entrust your life to Him.

ACT: Conduct yourself in ways that demonstrate spiritual growth and maturity. Read article on Individual Apostasy, p. 1812.