The warning passages in Hebrews regularly come up in discussions over whether a believer can lose their salvation. The warning in Hebrews 6 in particular is a common talking point. However, interpretation of these passages throughout the centuries has not been unanimous. How are we to understand these warnings? Thomas Schreiner, author of a recent commentary on Hebrews in the Biblical Theology for Christian Proclamation series from B&H, recently addressed RTS Jackson on this very topic and I found his overview helpfully lucid and his proposed solution compelling.
Here is a link to the audio.
He also spoke on other issues from Hebrews, which were also excellent. Links to audio from Peter Gentry and Richard Gaffin are also available.
Schreiner helpfully categorizes the common solutions under four headings with subpoints:
The Loss of Salvation View (or as he calls it, the “Arminian view”)
a) The warnings are addressed to Christians
b) They warn against apostasy
c) The consequence is loss of salvation
The Free Grace View
a) The warnings are addressed to Christians
b) They warn against a lack of fruitfulness
c) The consequence is loss of rewards
The Tests of Genuineness View
a) The warnings are addressed to a mixed audience of believer and unbeliever
b) They warn against apostasy
c) The consequence is recognition that one was never saved
He evaluates each view and argues well that none make full sense of the context, then argues for a fourth view.
The Means of Salvation View (the view for which Schreiner argues)
a) The warnings are addressed to Christians
b) They warn against apostasy
c) The consequence is loss of salvation
Though this appears identical to the Loss of Salvation View, there is one fundamental difference. These warnings are prospective, not retrospective. That is, they serve the function of warning one from danger, but do not set out to explain the spiritual state of one who falls away. That means these warnings can and should be read by Christians as warning against apostasy, and heed these warnings. As such, they function as a means by which God preserves His own. This then, in contrast to the “Arminian view”, harmonizes with other NT teaching that teaches salvation cannot be lost.
To hear the full weight of Schreiner’s argumentation, check out the audio, or better yet, buy his commentary! I’m working through it in my morning Bible reading and will review it in the upcoming months. For a book-length treatment of Schreiner’s view on harmonizing the warnings and promises in the Bible, check his Run to Win the Prize.
