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Calvinists often try to explain passages such as Hebrews 10:26 in such a way as to negate the author's intended meaning of the passage. The passage at hand clearly states the possibility of apostasy, as does the entire letter to the Hebrews. The question is, can a saved person commit apostasy. The answer is "Yes". The author of Hebrews states, "For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins" (Heb 10:26)
The phrase "Knowledge of the truth" (Greek thn epignwsin thv alhyeiav), is clearly suggestive of a saving relationship with the Lord. Paul makes this clear in his letter to Timothy: Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth. (1 Tim 2:4) Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth. (2 Tim 3:7) Forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from meats, which God hath created to be received with thanksgiving of them which believe and know the truth. (1 Tim 4:3)
in addition, the word epignosis ("To know fully") is a strengthened form of ginosis ("to know"). The use of this strengthened word suggests soteriological emphasis when it is used. For example, Peter clearly makes a distinction between salvific knowledge by using epignosis in 2 Pet 1:3, 8, 2 Pet 2:20 versus common spiritual knowledge by using ginosis in 2 Pet 1:5-6. Epignosis is normatively used in a relation manner (i.e. "knowing Christ" vs. "knowing something"). Thus knowledge of the truth is more likely referring to knowledge of Christ, Who alone is the truth (Jn 14:6). Calvinists suggest that an unbeliever can come to the knowledge of the truth in their unregenerate state, yet Calvinists defend total depravity and claim that an unregenerate person cannot know spiritual truth. Thus they do not remain true to their depravity hermeneutic when they interpret the book of Hebrews. Clearly, Jesus equated the knowledge of the truth with salvation from sin: Joh 8:32 And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. (Jn 8:32)
As far is the Bible is concerned, someone who knows the truth is free from the grips of sin. Thus, Hebrews 10:26 is clearly speaking of a regenerate believer willfully falling from grace. |
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