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"If they fall away..."

Text: Hebrews 6:6

THE TERRIBLE SIN OF APOSTASY

Taking the blessings of God for granted will result in terrible consequences! Perhaps the worst sin possible is apostasy. This is described well in the following text.

“If they fall away, to renew them again to repentanceâ?¦”
Hebrews 6:6a

1. “If they fall away” (“parapesontas”)

a) This word comes from the idea of “falling down”.

b) It is employed as a word that describes people “falling away”.

2. An important illustrative text

a) God had to confront Judah with this problem of apostasy.

b) The following text was solemnly written to address this sin-problem.

“Thus says the LORD:
‘What injustice have your fathers found in Me,
That they have gone far from Me,
Have followed idols and have become idolaters?'”
Jeremiah 2:5

c) Apostasy has two features that are startling:-

i) There is a forsaking of the Lord.

ii) There is a turning to “another god” (idols).

THE DANGER OF APOSTASY

This is highlighted in the following text.

“It is impossible… to renew them again to repentance.”
Hebrews 6:4a, 6b

1. Two aspects are highlighted:-

a) Renewal (restoration)

b) Repentance

2. From the human standpoint this is impossible

3. From God’s standpoint, unless there is a special dispensation, it is also impossible!