Topic: DANGERS
OF SPIRITUAL REGRESSION
Text: Heb.
6:4-6
INTRODUCTION:
For it is impossible. There are
sins that have no forgiveness (Mt 12:31,32). There are Apostates who can never
find a place for repentance, not because of the failure of God's mercy, but
because they have destroyed their moral capacity for a heartfelt repentance.
Usually the most hardened sinner are apostates.
1.
Those who were once enlightened: They
had the light of the Gospel, Joh 8:12. The phrase "to be enlightened"
is one that is often used in the Scriptures, and may be applied either to one
whose understanding has been enlightened to discern his duty, though he is not
converted, more commonly, to one who is truly converted. It does not of
necessity refer to true Christians, though it cannot be denied that it more
obviously suggests the idea that the heart is truly changed, and that it is
more commonly used in that sense. Comp. Ps 19:8. Light, in the Scriptures, is
the emblem of knowledge, holiness, and happiness; and there is no impropriety
here in understanding it in accordance with the more decisive phrases which
follow, as referring to true Christians.
2.
They have tasted and experienced
God in action: To taste of a thing means, according to the usage in the
Scriptures, to experience, or to understand it. The expression is derived from
the fact, that the taste is one of the means by which we ascertain the nature
or quality of an object.
3.
They have been partakers of the
heavenly gift: This signifies the new life in Christ. Christ
"giveth life unto the world" (John 20:31). The gift from heaven or
which pertains to heaven. The expression properly means some favour or gift
which has descended from heaven; and may refer to any of the benefits which God
has conferred on man in the work of redemption. It might include the plan of
salvation; the forgiveness of sins; the enlightening, renewing, and sanctifying
influences of the Holy Spirit, or any one of the graces which that spirit
imparts.
4.
Partakers of the Holy Ghost:
The Spirit of God is sent into the heart of all sons (Gal. 4:6; Ro 8:9).
Partakers of the influences of the Holy Ghost--for it is only in this sense
that we can partake of the Holy Spirit. We partake of food when we share it
with others; we partake of pleasure when we enjoy it with others; we partake of
spoils in war when they are divided between us and others. So we partake of the
influences of the Holy Spirit when we share these influences conferred on his
people. This is not language which can properly be applied to any one but a
true Christian; and though it is true that an unpardoned sinner may be
enlightened and awakened by the Holy Spirit, yet the language here used is not
such as would be likely to be employed to describe his state. It is too clearly
expressive of those influences which renew and sanctify the soul. It is as
elevated language as can be used to describe the joy of the Christian.
Title : DANGERS OF SPIRITUAL REGRESSION
Description : Topic: DANGERS OF SPIRITUAL REGRESSION Text: Heb. 6:4-6 INTRODUCTION: For it is impossible. There a...