Are We Eternally Secure in Jesus? What Happens If We Walk Away? ⋆ Effie Darlene Barba %

In the weekly studies and writings, we just completed the books of Romans and Galatians. Both confirm strongly that salvation is through faith, not works. For the weekly studies, we will begin Ephesians. Another book confirming the truth that salvation is by Grace through faith in the completed work of Jesus Christ. So why would I even ask the question, Are we eternally secure in Jesus? And what happens if we walk away into the apostasy?

One might think that it came because so many who professed salvation turned so quickly into apostasy. Particularly, it is seen throughout social media. So many whom I trusted for truth, I have had to walk away from. Why? Because they spew confusion and lies now. Others who are devout Bible teaching pastors quickly cast aside by other colleagues. This despite having not changed their message at all. One social media post, taken out of context and poof their ministry placed in question. However, so many apostolic ideologies are then embraced. Where is the truth to be found.

How Did I Get Here?

While all these thoughts whirl in my head, there is another project I felt lead to begin. I felt God led me to start a 7 pm live feed with YouTube videos to preserve. These were to be of a brief devotional nature. I was inspired by the worship initiative of Shane and Shane. They present scripture and song each morning. So, knowing we are to study morning and evening, I began with scripture and a poem each evening. Afterall, no copyright issues as I use my own poetry. Those poems God blessed me with writing during some very complex times of my life. Answers to prayers. Although, I normally walk away wondering how God can use these now. Particularly, since I am old, voice cracks, memory fades, and words stumble.

When the Questions Arise, What then?

Despite my questions as to why He would choose now, I have tried to remain faithful. And then I felt led to start a study in Hebrews during this past Holy Week. l jump in without thinking of all the complexities and questions this would bring. . So, in the evening study series, I must address some major theological points in the book of Hebrews. This before turning to Ephesians this weekend.

One Question is are we eternally secure in Jesus? And another is What Happens if We Walk Away into Apostasy? These are questions coming out of Hebrews chapter 6 for which there are many disagreements. Despite that, I feel that I must take the necessary deep dive regardless of the complexity. My prayer is that God guide each word. The one greatest desire of mine is never to lead anyone into false doctrine. Still, I know that the Holy Spirit can take my words and transform them. This despite, however, stumbling they may be. He can provide you with the knowledge He desires.

But before we reach Chapter 6, I must give you a brief overview of the book of Hebrews.

The Book of Hebrews

Written sometime within the first century by an unidentified author. We know the author was very well versed in the Levitical law and in the Greek language. It was written to a Jewish Christian audience most likely in the 60’s AD. and before the destruction of the Jewish temple. These were Jews that were being so persecuted for their faith. And some wanted to return to their Jewish rituals and ceremonies to just survive. After all, life would be easier if they just went on living as Jews.

However, the book of Hebrews presents a compelling case that Jesus is greater than all they have ever known before. He is greater than the angels, greater than Abraham, greater than Moses, and greater than ever other prophet. Furthermore, He is the Messiah—the long-awaited King and the great High Priest. He came to be the ultimate sacrificial lamb. Only He provides a means of true righteousness and eternal life with God.

As the author began to provide the truth of Jesus being the Great High Priest. Then he paused. Suddenly, he stopped to provide a grave warning. They were failing to grow in knowledge of the truth and at risk of apostasy. So, the author stepped back to say,

So also Christ did not exalt himself to be made a high priest, but was appointed by him who said to him,

“You are my Son,

today I have begotten you”;

as he says also in another place,

“You are a priest forever,

after the order of Melchizedek.”

In the days of his flesh, Jesus offered up prayers and supplications, with loud cries and tears, to him who was able to save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverence. Although he was a son, he learned obedience through what he suffered. And being made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation to all who obey him, being designated by God a high priest after the order of Melchizedek. About this we have much to say, and it is hard to explain, since you have become dull of hearing. Hebrews 5: 5-11 ESV

Not that Jesus was not always perfect. Rather it was through His suffering and total surrender He became the perfect High Priest for us.

Are we Eternally Secure? Or is there a risk of Apostasy when we do not grow?

This is where the author of Hebrews steps aside for a moment. He needs to say something more before doubling down on the Priesthood of Jesus. Certainly, He was concerned that they were not able to process this yet. He felt they were dull of hearing. Why? He goes on to say,

For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the basic principles of the oracles of God. You need milk, not solid food, for everyone who lives on milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, since he is a child. But solid food is for the mature, for those who have their powers of discernment trained by constant practice to distinguish good from evil. Hebrews 5:6-14 ESV

As we move on into the 6^th chapter, I do want to step aside for a moment. I want to discuss a specific sect of Jews during this time period. Some refer to them as the Essenes, although, they did not call themselves that. This was the name used by Josephus in his books. However, they were better known as the Yahad. This sect of Jews separated themselves from the Pharisees and the Sadducee from about the 2^nd century BC. They went out into the wilderness to live apart from what they saw to be unholy. The Sadducee and Pharisees had tainted the truth for power and politics. In the desert, they vowed to live in community with very strict rules of serving God through ceremony. They referred to themselves as “the enlightened” and were awaiting the coming redeemer.

Awakening before dawn, they would welcome the morning sun with prayer. Only after a ceremonial cleansing was performed. They cherished the Word of God. So, they painstakingly spent their days copying the text with great precision. Any error and the scrolls were buried and started over again. They underwent ceremonial washing, fasting, prayers, rituals, and performed every activity within a strict community. One of their beliefs was that there must arrive two Messiahs. One of the lineages of Aaron as high priest and another as King in the lineage of David. The return of God they believed as imminent. So, they worshiped Him with great devotion.

God Preserves the Old Testament Through This Sect of Faithful Jewish

When Rome set out to destroy the temple, they feared that the scrolls would be destroyed. These scrolls were the precious Word of God. Therefore, they meticulously rolled them up and placed them along with their “Community Rule” documents. Securely, they placed them in Jars and hid them in clefts of rock inside caves. They are the dead sea scrolls discovered in 1947 confirming the authenticity of ancient scripture.

Their faithfulness to preserving God’s word provides us with great authenticity of the Old Testament Scriptures. God always protected His Word. As we move into chapter six of the book of Hebrews, I wonder. Are some of the Jewish Christians being address from this sect of Jews was being addressed. Did some of the ones who came to accept Christ as the Messiah want to return to the Community Rules? Did they want to live in the desert? Would they risk their Eternal Security in Jesus if they did? Would they lay aside their freedom in Christ? And would they fail to bare fruit?

With all that in mind, let us look at the next Verses in Hebrews 6.

Growing Up in the Faith or Returning to Dead Works

Therefore let us leave the elementary doctrine of Christ and go on to maturity, not laying again a foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God, and of instruction about washings, the laying on of hands, the resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment. And this we will do if God permits. Hebrews 6:1-3

Some very renowned pastors do believe here the author is discussing those who never were really saved. They were at church and heard the word. May have even said the prayer but not really saved yet. They never surrendered their life to Christ as shown by their lack of growth. I do respect these leaders in the faith. Although, others whom I deeply respect, and also follow do interpret this section differently. They believe they are falling into a “works based righteousness” even after being saved.

And Me?

For me, I tend to believe the second. The same happened to me. I know exactly when I was saved. In fact, it was the only thing I remember about being 5 years old. But that day, that moment is forever etched in my memory.

However, when through some well-meaning churches, I came to believe that I had to work hard to please God. Things changed. Before I learned that, I sought His word and craved His presence. I memorized scripture even at 5 and 6 years of age. My greatest desire was to honor His name. Then at 7, I got scared and told a lie to avoid being in trouble with a teacher. For having colored in my desk. Why? because I wanted my desk to look as pretty as the little boy beside me.

It was several years that I felt ashamed for lying. I thought maybe God did not love me as much. But with time, I became a great defender of the faith at school. Even taught Sunday School. I became proud of all I did for Him. Then, I stumbled and fell into a cascade of failures. Such became my life. I knew I was still saved. However, I thought I couldn’t be loved or blessed unless I could get it right.

Eternally Secure with a Tendency to Fall

That became the story of my life for many years. Yet, through it all, God kept working with my heart. Step by step transforming me one tiny glory at a time. Gone was the pride; but, the joy was slipping away as well. The harder I worked the greater I failed. That is until I learned that I was eternally Secure in my Salvation. And I was just as eternally secure in my joy, my abundant life, and my blessings. My Sanctification was being performed by the Holy Spirit, not me. It was not my works. My surrender and love was all He desired. Only then could He work through me. My tendency to fall is less now that I trust Him fully and love Him with all my heart.

The author of Hebrews needed these Jewish Christians to understand that truth. Something even more interesting. The dead works that he listed listed were the same as the wilderness Jews living under the Community Rules. Of course they were the rules of the Jewish law. But were pointed out by this sect as so important to please God. Could that be what these Jewish Christians were moving toward.

He feared for them. They needed to grow in the grace that they had been given. And grow enough to realize that Jesus was both the King and the Priest they had been waiting for. Only He had to die to pay the price of sin first. They had missed that point with all their study and copying of the scripture. It was there all along. He needed them to listen intently to understand this.

And If We Walk Away, Are We Still Eternally Secure in Christ?

For it is impossible, in the case of those who have once been enlightened, 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, 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: 4-6 ESV

Ok, we are down to the hard to interpret verse. But if you look at all of scripture, it is not so hard really. The Bible teaches throughout that we are saved by Grace Alone through Faith Alone in Jesus Christ Alone. Even the Old Testament Scripture confirms this. To understand that further, please review my previous writings on Romans and Galatians. Or read the ones starting next in Ephesians which I begin next week. So, what does this mean?

No one who walks away into heresy can be brought back to that point of salvation when they first believed. Only God can restore them. But what if I became so hardened by my sin that He cannot turn me around here on earth? Then, He will take me home so I cannot harm His name here. And I will lose my reward. I will stand there with nothing to hand my Savior, what a sad day that would be.

According to the grace of God given to me, like a skilled master builder I laid a foundation, and someone else is building upon it. Let each one take care how he builds upon it. For no one can lay a foundation other than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. Now if anyone builds on the foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw— each one’s work will become manifest, for the Day will disclose it, because it will be revealed by fire, and the fire will test what sort of work each one has done. If the work that anyone has built on the foundation survives, he will receive a reward. If anyone’s work is burned up, he will suffer loss, though he himself will be saved, but only as through fire. Do you not know that you are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in you? If anyone destroys God’s temple, God will destroy him. For God’s temple is holy, and you are that temple. I Corinthians 3:10-17 ESV

Or look at this verse.

If anyone sees his brother committing a sin not leading to death, he shall ask, and God will give him life—to those who commit sins that do not lead to death. There is sin that leads to death; I do not say that one should pray for that. I John 5:16 ESV

Confirmed by the following story as Hebrews 6 continues:

For land that has drunk the rain that often falls on it, and produces a crop useful to those for whose sake it is cultivated, receives a blessing from God. But if it bears thorns and thistles, it is worthless and near to being cursed, and its end is to be burned. Hebrews 6:7-8 ESV

Notice: near to being cursed and its end is to be burned. All the wood, straw and stubble will be burned. But the believer in Christ will be saved, yet, so as by fire. That is truly if you ever repented of your sins and asked Him into your heart. So the question is do you know Him as Lord and Savior? If not, don’t just go through the motions, ask Him into your heart.

DO YOU KNOW CHRIST AS YOUR SAVIOR AND LORD? He is our only Hope in Life and Death! Our Joy is found in Him.

Therefore if you don’t know Jesus Christ as your Savior and Lord: I urge you today. Go to my page titled How to Be Saved by clicking on this link. There is nothing more important than this; because He is the way, the truth and the life. I urge you to seek Him today.

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Why Can We Boast Only in The Name of Our Glorious Savior?

Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post. Furthermore, I have no material connection to the brands, products, or services that I have mentioned. That is except for my own books. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

Please note: This Post only has quotes from the KJV Bible except where otherwise indicated

¹ J.B. Phillips New Testament (PHILLIPS)

BSB (BEREAN STUDY BIBLE)

The Berean Bible and Majority Bible texts are officially dedicated to the public domain as of April 30, 2023.

English Standard Version (ESV)

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