Can I Lose My Salvation?
Hebrews 6:1-9
September 29, 2024
Jay Haugh
Hebrews 6 is a one-time occurrence.
Salvation is certain and sure because of what God has done FOR us through Jesus.
You cannot lose what you did not earn.
He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion… —Philippians 1:6 NIV
Now to him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you blameless before the presence of his glory with great joy, —Jude 1:24 ESV
My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand. —John 10:27-28 ESV
…someone to teach you the elementary principles of the oracles of God. —Hebrews 5:12 ESV
Press on to maturity.
Therefore let us leave the elementary doctrine of Christ and go on to maturity. —Hebrews 6:1 ESV
(1) Repentance is needed.
not laying again a foundation of repentance from dead works —Hebrews 6:1 ESV
(2) Faith in God.
not laying again a foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God. —Hebrews 6:1 ESV
We know our works don’t save, and we look to God.
(3) We are cleansed by God.
and of instruction about washings, the laying on of hands —Hebrews 6:2 ESV
It’s a symbol of imputation.
(4) Jesus takes our sins and died as our substitute.
the resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment. —Hebrews 6:2 ESV
(5) God gives new life through Christ.
These are the ABCs of “oracles of God”: repentance, faith, forgiveness, imputation, new life, and the judgment of God.
And this we will do if God permits. —Hebrews 6:3 ESV
For it is impossible, in the case of those… —Hebrews 6:4 ESV
…the one who hears the word and immediately receives it with joy, yet he has no root in himself, but endures for a while, and when tribulation or persecution arises on account of the word, immediately he falls away. —Matthew 13:20-21 ESV
For it is impossible, in the case of those who have once been enlightened —Hebrews 6:4 ESV
They know and understand the ABCs of Christianity.
who have tasted the heavenly gift, and have shared in the Holy Spirit, and have tasted the goodness of the word of God and the powers of the age to come, —Hebrews 6:4-5 ESV
while God also bore witness by signs and wonders and various miracles and by gifts of the Holy Spirit distributed according to his will. —Hebrews 2:4 ESV
and then have fallen away, to restore them again to repentance, since they are crucifying once again the Son of God to their own harm and holding him up to contempt. —Hebrews 6:6 ESV
“On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?’ And then will I declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.’” —Matthew 7:22-23 ESV
For it is impossible… to restore them again to repentance, since they are crucifying once again the Son of God to their own harm and holding him up to contempt. —Hebrews 6:4,6 ESV
Jesus answered them, “Did I not choose you, the twelve? And yet one of you is a devil.” He spoke of Judas the son of Simon Iscariot, for he, one of the twelve, was going to betray him. —John 6:70-71 ESV
They lost their pretending. They are pretending no more.
Though we speak in this way, yet in your case, beloved, we feel sure of better things—things that belong to salvation. —Hebrews 6:9 ESV
Big Idea:
A faith that saves is a faith that continues to grow and mature.
SMALL GROUP DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:
Memory Verse: Hebrews 1:1-2a NIV
Long ago in many ways and at many times God’s prophets spoke his message to our ancestors. But now at last, God sent his Son to bring his message to us.
The goal of these questions is to foster meaningful discussion and to encourage participants to reflect on God’s Word to lead to heart transformation. Feel free to modify or expand upon these questions based on the dynamics and needs of your Small Group.
Read Hebrews 6:1-12
What does it mean to you to “leave the elementary doctrine of Christ and go on to maturity?” How have you experienced spiritual growth in your own life? In what areas of your faith do you feel you need to mature further?
What does the author say are the fundamental or basic doctrines that form the foundation of our faith? Which of these foundational doctrines do you feel most confident in, and which do you struggle with understanding or applying?
The passage mentions things like “tasting the heavenly gift” and “sharing in the Holy Spirit.” How have you experienced these things in your walk with God? The author warns against those who fall away after experiencing these things. What are some temptations that might lead someone away from their faith?
The author expresses confidence that the readers are on the right path. What things in your life give you confidence in your faith? How can you stay “diligent” in your faith journey? Think about someone who inspires you with their faith and perseverance. How can you learn from their example?
Verse 12 encourages us not to be lazy but to imitate those who through faith and patience inherit what has been promised. Who are some people from the Bible who were faithful and patient? Who are some people in your life today that embody these traits? What do you find most challenging about being patient?
Read Hebrews 6:13-20
Hebrews 6:13-15 speaks of God’s promise to Abraham and how it was fulfilled. What promises of God do you hold on to in your own life? How have you seen His faithfulness to His word and to you?
The author tells us these things about God so that we may be “greatly encouraged.” How does God’s immutability provide comfort and stability in a world where change and uncertainty are all around? What do you find encouraging about God’s immutability? When witnessing to others about your faith, how can you incorporate the truth of God’s immutability to provide hope and assurance?
What is the hope that serves as an anchor for our soul? How have you found this anchor has kept you firm and secure? What are some of the storms that have tried to push against you? What does this metaphor mean to you?