Edit Delete Re: is there any Biblical Hope for the Backslidder??? Hebrews 6

Yes I do believe there is hope. Alot of other thoughts too, but can't put them into words so they make sense.

Edit Delete Re: is there any Biblical Hope for the Backslidder??? Hebrews 6

We have heard of people being re-filled with the Holy Ghost so I think there is still hope. I have always thought the only unforgiveable sin was blaspheming the Holy Ghost. I think Hebrews 6 should stir us to REALLY watch our behavior as a child of God, but it is really very, very thought provoking.

Edit Delete Re: is there any Biblical Hope for the Backslidder??? Hebrews 6

Wow I hadn't noticed that verse before it really gives you something to think about doesn't it?

Edit Delete Re: is there any Biblical Hope for the Backslidder??? Hebrews 6

I've understood it this way. This verse refers to those who have renounced the doctrine, i.e. trusted someone/something else for their salvation after knowing the truth rather than those who have stumbled and are, perhaps, too ashamed to go back to church. If you consider the part " crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh" it's as if the former have said after tasting the deliverance of God that it wasn't real, it couldn't help them. The latter know it was real and believe, they have just failed God's grace.

Edit Delete Re: is there any Biblical Hope for the Backslidder??? Hebrews 6

I've understood it this way. This verse refers to those who have renounced the doctrine, i.e. trusted someone/something else for their salvation after knowing the truth rather than those who have stumbled and are, perhaps, too ashamed to go back to church. If you consider the part " crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh" it's as if the former have said after tasting the deliverance of God that it wasn't real, it couldn't help them. The latter know it was real and believe, they have just failed God's grace.

Edit Delete Re: is there any Biblical Hope for the Backslidder??? Hebrews 6

You have to really try to know what the writer means when it says, If they fall away. In my opinion, that means more than just letting stuff creep back into your life, it would mean like Chris said to deny Jesus. This scriputre has been in front of me before and it is very thought provoking. We do need to be careful about our decisions.

Edit Delete Re: is there any Biblical Hope for the Backslidder??? Hebrews 6

so...
>once enlightened
>a partaker of the Holy Ghost
>tasted of the heavenly gift
> ... & have tasted, the powers of the world to come (or experianced the power of heaven - is that a fair translation?)
it is POSSIBLE (whew...thats a great sigh of relief )

I guess we really need to examine what it means to "fall away"... right??? and probably need to be EXTREEMLY aware of that??? right???

so a "backslidder" isn't really "fallen away" ...??? (where did we get the phrase "backslidder" and what does that mean?)

Edit Delete Re: is there any Biblical Hope for the Backslidder??? Hebrews 6

I never really thought about where we got the word "backslider", so I looked it up, and yes, it is listed in the dictionary. In 35 years I have seen many backslide and some have even told me that they could not come back to God, that He wouldn't love them or forgive them. I think the real problem is they can't forgive themselves.

–verb (used without object)
1. to relapse into bad habits, sinful behavior, or undesirable activities

Edit Delete Re: is there any Biblical Hope for the Backslidder??? Hebrews 6

Gods word is so amazing this scripture among many is the reason why we have to study to show our selves approved. I believe that a backslidder can be brought back to repentence. This is just my take on this but to me their is a key word here and i'm reading from the NIV, it says in verse 6- (to their loss). Romans 8:35 sets the question what will separate us from the love of christ, and paul says he believes nothing. and when we read in 1 cor 13:4 Gods love is patient, kind etc. this same love was extended while his wrath was put on hold through patience for man way back in the begging when he tolled Noah to build the ark. And is our generation so different from the evil that was going on back then. So if he waited knowing that no one but Noah was going to get in that boat along with his family, but yet still having Noah preach repentance? I believe it was to show other believers later on that he was a forgiving God and patient. He is slow to anger, he knows our fall and our rise. But it's up to the believer to say I believe that God can forgive me and give me a new start. I mean that's what he has done in my life, If I would have thought oh no I am beyond repair then it would be to my loss. But I believe that Christ can and will continue to be my redeemer cleansing me of all unrighteousness. We back slide every time we doubt God can show up, make away, do what his word says he can do. Some were down the road that individual believed the lie that they aren't good enough for Gods grace or mercy and in a sense no one is (at least not for bragging rights). But Gods says we are otherwise he wouldn't have shed his blood, so be encouraged and repent and turn from your sinful, wicked, or what ever your are doing that is displeasing to God. Because God is there, he never left, and all things work for the good of those who love the Lord, so love him and don't dwell on the past but move forward in his holiness.