03-02-2011, 02:59 AM
rungold315 Wrote:For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted the heavenly gift, and have become partakers of the Holy Spirit, and have tasted the good word of God and the powers of the age to come, if they fall away, to renew them again to repentance, since they crucify again for themselves the Son of God, and put Him to an open shame.?
Isnt that contradictory to God's nature of always forgiving one who genuinely chooses to repent? A Christian who abandons his faith and realizes his mistake 5 years later cannot come back? What about the parable of the prodigal son?
Im not trying to cause any controversy on this forum, its just that this place appears to be chief among Bible forums and I am wondering if anybody else is as scared as I of what this passage APPEARS to be saying.
Yes it is contrary to Gods nature to be unforgiving. Dont be scared.
This verse was not written to you. It was written to jews living pre 70 AD in Jerusalem. Jerusalem was about to be destroyed and the biblical jewish nation wiped away forvever. Verse 8 is about the destruction of Jerusalem IMHO.
When we imagine this was addressed to us we and up with all sorts of problems trying to find its meaning. A person in Jerusalem who believed Christ )or paul) knew what was coming. They knew where this verse found its meaning. Thats how I see it anyway.
7For the earth which drinketh in the rain that cometh oft upon it, and bringeth forth herbs meet for them by whom it is dressed, receiveth blessing from God:
8But that which beareth thorns and briers is rejected, and is nigh unto cursing; whose end is to be burned.