Hebrews 10 & 6 Two of the most confusing passages in the New Testament Good opportunity to learn about “hermeneutics”

Hermeneutics Problems: Reader-centered method

Hermeneutics Problems: Reader-centered method I love my computer, and I love computer technology…

Hermeneutics Problems: Reader-centered method I love my computer, and I love computer technology… Bill thinks technology is love

Hermeneutics Problems: Reader-centered method “Contradictions OK” method

Hermeneutics Problems: Reader-centered method “Contradictions OK” method Can we say another’s interpretation is “wrong”?

Hermeneutics What we need: To know what God’s message is… Follow the meaning of words and syntax Fitting historical situation Non-contradictory

Hermeneutics “After what you said last night, I just can’t look at you the same way.” Need to know context 1. Passage 2. Book 3. Whole Bible

Hermeneutics A method for interpreting problem passages: 1. Start by determining the range of possibilities 2. Select the one that best fits, or leave it unresolved

Hebrews 10 & 6 10:26 If we deliberately keep on sinning after we have received the knowledge of the truth, no sacrifice for sins is left, 27 but only a fearful expectation of judgment and of raging fire that will consume the enemies of God. 28 Anyone who rejected the law of Moses died without mercy on the testimony of two or three witnesses.

Hebrews 10 & 6 29 How much more severely do you think a man deserves to be punished who has trampled the Son of God under foot, who has treated as an unholy thing the blood of the covenant that sanctified him, and who has insulted the Spirit of grace?

Hebrews 10 & 6 30 For we know him who said, "It is mine to avenge; I will repay," and again, "The Lord will judge his people." 31 It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.

Hebrews 10 & 6 30 For we know him who said, "It is mine to avenge; I will repay," and again, "The Lord will judge his people." 31 It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God. Is the face-value reading contradictory?

Hebrews 10 & 6 30 For we know him who said, "It is mine to avenge; I will repay," and again, "The Lord will judge his people." 31 It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God. Is the face-value reading contradictory? Cf. 10:12,14

Hebrews 10 & 6 10:26 If we deliberately keep on sinning after we have received the knowledge of the truth, no sacrifice for sins is left, 27 but only a fearful expectation of judgment and of raging fire that will consume the enemies of God. 28 Anyone who rejected the law of Moses died without mercy on the testimony of two or three witnesses.

Hebrews 10 & 6 10:26 If we deliberately keep on sinning after we have received the knowledge of the truth, no sacrifice for sins is left, 27 but only a fearful expectation of judgment and of raging fire that will consume the enemies of God. 28 Anyone who rejected the law of Moses died without mercy on the testimony of two or three witnesses. Context?

Hebrews 10 & 6 10:26 If we deliberately keep on sinning after we have received the knowledge of the truth, no sacrifice for sins is left, 27 but only a fearful expectation of judgment and of raging fire that will consume the enemies of God. 28 Anyone who rejected the law of Moses died without mercy on the testimony of two or three witnesses. Context?

Hebrews 10 & 6 10:26 If we deliberately keep on sinning after we have received the knowledge of the truth, no sacrifice for sins is left, 27 but only a fearful expectation of judgment and of raging fire that will consume the enemies of God. 28 Anyone who rejected the law of Moses died without mercy on the testimony of two or three witnesses. Language?

Hebrews 10 & 6 10:26 If we deliberately keep on sinning after we have received the knowledge of the truth, no sacrifice for sins is left, 27 but only a fearful expectation of judgment and of raging fire that will consume the enemies of God. 28 Anyone who rejected the law of Moses died without mercy on the testimony of two or three witnesses. Language?

Hebrews 10 & 6 10:26 If we deliberately keep on sinning after we have received the knowledge of the truth, no sacrifice for sins is left, 27 but only a fearful expectation of judgment and of raging fire that will consume the enemies of God. 28 Anyone who rejected the law of Moses died without mercy on the testimony of two or three witnesses. Language? Cf. Vs. 22 “guilty conscience”

Hebrews 10 & 6 10:26 If we deliberately keep on sinning after we have received the knowledge of the truth, no sacrifice for sins is left, 27 but only a fearful expectation of judgment and of raging fire that will consume the enemies of God. 28 Anyone who rejected the law of Moses died without mercy on the testimony of two or three witnesses. Language? Cf. Vs. 22 “guilty conscience” Possibility 1: This is not referring to their actual fate, but to the fate they will fear if they are law-livers This is not referring to their actual fate, but to the fate they will fear if they are law-livers

Hebrews 10 & 6 29 How much more severely do you think a man deserves to be punished who has trampled the Son of God under foot, who has treated as an unholy thing the blood of the covenant that sanctified him, and who has insulted the Spirit of grace?

Hebrews 10 & 6 30 For we know him who said, "It is mine to avenge; I will repay," and again, "The Lord will judge his people." 31 It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.

Hebrews 10 & 6 30 For we know him who said, "It is mine to avenge; I will repay," and again, "The Lord will judge his people." 31 It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God. Fits well w/ legalists’ view

Hebrews 10 & 6 10:26 If we deliberately keep on sinning after we have received the knowledge of the truth, no sacrifice for sins is left, 27 but only a fearful expectation of judgment and of raging fire that will consume the enemies of God. 28 Anyone who rejected the law of Moses died without mercy on the testimony of two or three witnesses.

Hebrews 10 & 6 10:26 If we deliberately keep on sinning after we have received the knowledge of the truth, no sacrifice for sins is left, 27 but only a fearful expectation of judgment and of raging fire that will consume the enemies of God. 28 Anyone who rejected the law of Moses died without mercy on the testimony of two or three witnesses. Another possibility

Hebrews 10 & 6 10:26 If we deliberately keep on sinning after we have received the knowledge of the truth, no sacrifice for sins is left, 27 but only a fearful expectation of judgment and of raging fire that will consume the enemies of God. 28 Anyone who rejected the law of Moses died without mercy on the testimony of two or three witnesses.

Hebrews 10 & 6 10:26 If we deliberately keep on sinning after we have received the knowledge of the truth, no sacrifice for sins is left, 27 but only a fearful expectation of judgment and of raging fire that will consume the enemies of God. 28 Anyone who rejected the law of Moses died without mercy on the testimony of two or three witnesses. Same as before

Hebrews 10 & 6 10:26 If we deliberately keep on sinning after we have received the knowledge of the truth, no sacrifice for sins is left, 27 but only a fearful expectation of judgment and of raging fire that will consume the enemies of God. 28 Anyone who rejected the law of Moses died without mercy on the testimony of two or three witnesses. Language

Hebrews 10 & 6 10:26 If we deliberately keep on sinning after we have received the knowledge of the truth, no sacrifice for sins is left, 27 but only a fearful expectation of judgment and of raging fire that will consume the enemies of God. 28 Anyone who rejected the law of Moses died without mercy on the testimony of two or three witnesses. Language

Hebrews 10 & 6 10:26 If we deliberately keep on sinning after we have received the knowledge of the truth, no sacrifice for sins is left, 27 but only a fearful expectation of judgment and of raging fire that will consume the enemies of God. 28 Anyone who rejected the law of Moses died without mercy on the testimony of two or three witnesses. Language Possibly not really believers

Possibilities 1. Christians who defect will be judged 2. Those who defect will think they’re going to be judged 3. Those who defect may have never become authentic Christians

Possibilities 1. Christians who defect will be judged 2. Those who defect will think they’re going to be judged 3. Those who defect may have never become authentic Christians

Hebrews 10 & 6 Another passage: 6:1-8

Hebrews 10 & 6 6:1 Therefore let us leave the elementary teachings about Christ and go on to maturity, not laying again the foundation of repentance from acts that lead to death, and of faith in God, 2 instruction about baptisms, the laying on of hands, the resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment. 3 And God permitting, we will do so.

Hebrews 10 & 6 4 For in the case of those who have once been enlightened and have tasted of the heavenly gift and have been made partakers of the Holy Spirit, 5 and have tasted the good word of God and the powers of the ages to come,

Hebrews 10 & 6 6 and then have fallen away, it is impossible to renew them again to repentance, since they again crucify to themselves the Son of God and put Him to open shame.

Hebrews 10 & 6 7 Land that drinks in the rain often falling on it and that produces a crop useful to those for whom it is farmed receives the blessing of God. 8 But land that produces thorns and thistles is worthless and is in danger of being cursed. In the end it will be burned.

Hebrews 10 & 6 9 Even though we speak like this, dear friends, we are confident of better things in your case--things that accompany salvation.

Hebrews 10 & 6 9 Even though we speak like this, dear friends, we are confident of better things in your case--things that accompany salvation. Is the face-value reading contradictory?

Hebrews 10 & 6 9 Even though we speak like this, dear friends, we are confident of better things in your case--things that accompany salvation. Is the face-value reading contradictory? Cf. 10:12,14

Hebrews 10 & 6 6:1 Therefore let us leave the elementary teachings about Christ and go on to maturity, not laying again the foundation of repentance from acts that lead to death, and of faith in God, 2 instruction about baptisms, the laying on of hands, the resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment. 3 And God permitting, we will do so.

Hebrews 10 & 6 6:1 Therefore let us leave the elementary teachings about Christ and go on to maturity, not laying again the foundation of repentance from acts that lead to death, and of faith in God, 2 instruction about baptisms, the laying on of hands, the resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment. 3 And God permitting, we will do so. History

Hebrews 10 & 6 6:1 Therefore let us leave the elementary teachings about Christ and go on to maturity, not laying again the foundation of repentance from acts that lead to death, and of faith in God, 2 instruction about baptisms, the laying on of hands, the resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment. 3 And God permitting, we will do so. History

Hebrews 10 & 6 6:1 Therefore let us leave the elementary teachings about Christ and go on to maturity, not laying again the foundation of repentance from acts that lead to death, and of faith in God, 2 instruction about baptisms, the laying on of hands, the resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment. 3 And God permitting, we will do so. History

Hebrews 10 & 6 6:1 Therefore let us leave the elementary teachings about Christ and go on to maturity, not laying again the foundation of repentance from acts that lead to death, and of faith in God, 2 instruction about baptisms, the laying on of hands, the resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment. 3 And God permitting, we will do so. History

Hebrews 10 & 6 6:1 Therefore let us leave the elementary teachings about Christ and go on to maturity, not laying again the foundation of repentance from acts that lead to death, and of faith in God, 2 instruction about baptisms, the laying on of hands, the resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment. 3 And God permitting, we will do so. History

Hebrews 10 & 6 6:1 Therefore let us leave the elementary teachings about Christ and go on to maturity, not laying again the foundation of repentance from acts that lead to death, and of faith in God, 2 instruction about baptisms, the laying on of hands, the resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment. 3 And God permitting, we will do so. History

Hebrews 10 & 6 6:1 Therefore let us leave the elementary teachings about Christ and go on to maturity, not laying again the foundation of repentance from acts that lead to death, and of faith in God, 2 instruction about baptisms, the laying on of hands, the resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment. 3 And God permitting, we will do so. History

Hebrews 10 & 6 6:1 Therefore let us leave the elementary teachings about Christ and go on to maturity, not laying again the foundation of repentance from acts that lead to death, and of faith in God, 2 instruction about baptisms, the laying on of hands, the resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment. 3 And God permitting, we will do so. History All are found in Jewish teaching

Hebrews 10 & 6 4 It is impossible for those who have once been enlightened, who have tasted the heavenly gift, who have shared in the Holy Spirit, 5 who have tasted the goodness of the word of God and the powers of the coming age, Language

Hebrews 10 & 6 4 It is impossible for those who have once been enlightened, who have tasted the heavenly gift, who have shared in the Holy Spirit, 5 who have tasted the goodness of the word of God and the powers of the coming age, Language

Hebrews 10 & 6 4 It is impossible for those who have once been enlightened, who have tasted the heavenly gift, who have shared in the Holy Spirit, 5 who have tasted the goodness of the word of God and the powers of the coming age, Language

Hebrews 10 & 6 4 It is impossible for those who have once been enlightened, who have tasted the heavenly gift, who have shared in the Holy Spirit, 5 who have tasted the goodness of the word of God and the powers of the coming age, Language

Hebrews 10 & 6 4 It is impossible for those who have once been enlightened, who have tasted the heavenly gift, who have shared in the Holy Spirit, 5 who have tasted the goodness of the word of God and the powers of the coming age, Language

Hebrews 10 & 6 4 It is impossible for those who have once been enlightened, who have tasted the heavenly gift, who have shared in the Holy Spirit, 5 who have tasted the goodness of the word of God and the powers of the coming age, Language All are ambivalent terms

Hebrews 10 & 6 4 It is impossible for those who have once been enlightened, who have tasted the heavenly gift, who have shared in the Holy Spirit, 5 who have tasted the goodness of the word of God and the powers of the coming age, Language All are ambiv alent terms These people may have never actually become Christians!

Hebrews 10 & 6 4 It is impossible for those who have once been enlightened, who have tasted the heavenly gift, who have shared in the Holy Spirit, 5 who have tasted the goodness of the word of God and the powers of the coming age, Another possibility

Hebrews 10 & 6 4 It is impossible for those who have once been enlightened, who have tasted the heavenly gift, who have shared in the Holy Spirit, 5 who have tasted the goodness of the word of God and the powers of the coming age, Refers to true Christians

Hebrews 10 & 6 6 and then have fallen away, it is impossible to renew them again to repentance, since they again crucify to themselves the Son of God and put Him to open shame. Language

Hebrews 10 & 6 6 and then have fallen away, it is impossible to renew them again to repentance, since they again crucify to themselves the Son of God and put Him to open shame. Language

Hebrews 10 & 6 6 and then have fallen away, it is impossible to renew them again to repentance, since they again crucify to themselves the Son of God and put Him to open shame. Language

Hebrews 10 & 6 6 and then have fallen away, it is impossible to renew them again to repentance, since they again crucify to themselves the Son of God and put Him to open shame. Language Could read “while”

Hebrews 10 & 6 6 and then have fallen away, it is impossible to renew them again to repentance, since they again crucify to themselves the Son of God and put Him to open shame. Language Could read “while” These may be misguided Christians who need to repent, but must give up OT ritualism first

Hebrews 10 & 6 7 Land that drinks in the rain often falling on it and that produces a crop useful to those for whom it is farmed receives the blessing of God. 8 But land that produces thorns and thistles is worthless and is in danger of being cursed. In the end it will be burned.

Hebrews 10 & 6 7 Land that drinks in the rain often falling on it and that produces a crop useful to those for whom it is farmed receives the blessing of God. 8 But land that produces thorns and thistles is worthless and is in danger of being cursed. In the end it will be burned. Could refer to Christian judgment 1 Cor. 3:10ff

Hebrews 10 & 6 9 Even though we speak like this, dear friends, we are confident of better things in your case-- things that accompany salvation.

Possibilities 1. Christians who defect will be judged 2. Christians who defect must repent or be disciplined 3. Those who defect may have never become authentic Christians

Possibilities 1. Christians who defect will be judged 2. Christians who defect must repent or be disciplined 3. Those who defect may have never become authentic Christians

Possibilities 1. Christians who defect will be judged 2. Christians who defect must repent or be disciplined 3. Those who defect may have never become authentic Christians These are the same basic possibilities as in Ch. 10!

Possibilities 1. Christians who defect will be judged 2. Christians who defect must repent or be disciplined 3. Those who defect may have never become authentic Christians These are the same basic possibilities as in Ch. 10! Check for meaningful parallel passages

Possibilities 1. Christians who defect will be judged 2. Christians who defect must repent or be disciplined 3. Those who defect may have never become authentic Christians These are the same basic possibilities as in Ch. 10! Check for meaningful parallel passages Which one is right?

Conclusions Heb. 6 and 10 can both be taken in a couple of ways Ambivalence may be intentional Lesson:

Conclusions Heb. 6 and 10 can both be taken in a couple of ways Ambivalence may be intentional Lesson: When “Christians” defect, they may be facing terrifying fears and discipline, or they may have never been true Christians

Conclusions Heb. 6 and 10 can both be taken in a couple of ways Ambivalence may be intentional Lesson: When “Christians” defect, they may be facing terrifying fears and discipline, or they may have never been true Christians 10:23 Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful.

Conclusions Heb. 6 and 10 can both be taken in a couple of ways Ambivalence may be intentional Lesson: When “Christians” defect, they may be facing terrifying fears and discipline, or they may have never been true Christians 10:23 Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. Also, when interpreting Scripture, do your homework!