JADDOG

Our church has been studying Romans for… well, a while. This past week we were in the beginning of chapter 5. I’ve been reflecting on verses 1-5 and have realized that this section of Romans gives a little clarity to someone wrestling with how they fit into the Hebrews 6:4-8 post from May 16, 2008.

On a side note: I’ve just realized how long of a week it’s been! my last post was the 16th!

Back to the topic at hand… we studied that Romans 5 is calling us to a Christ-like response to suffering. A response that rejoices in suffering. A rejoicing defined by the perseverance and character that leads to hoping in the Glory of God. So if you experience suffering and your response includes perseverance in Christ and development of Christ like character then it seems you have reason to rejoice in the Hope of His Glory. This progression shows growth in Christ. I think we could restate growth as moving forward in your walk with Christ.

If Hebrews 6 is warning us about falling away and Romans 5 is showing us how to move forward, specifically related to suffering, then I see guidance. I see a stark contrast in the two choices I have when I’m suffering. I can choose to ignore Hope and reflect a vain heart or persevere honoring the character God gives us as we Hope in His Glory.

My wife and I were recently reading Hebrews 6 together and interested in understanding how vs. 4-8 relate to the fact that we cannot lose our salvation. John Piper has a great teaching on Heb 6:4-8 that addresses this issue and more. I’ve listened to it twice this week and would like to hear it again. Two items struck me as I reflect on it, I’ll paraphrase Piper:

1. You can both participate in and contribute back to the body of Christ and have not inherited the kingdom of heaven (been granted salvation, been saved)

2. Praying that God would make things better is not repentance, it’s selfishness

In light of these two point I believe it’s important that we are very critical of our prayer life. Our discussion with God is a true reflection of the desires of our heart. Do we pray that God would be glorified and that we are in his service, or do we acknowledge that he is superior and selfishly request that he grant our wants regardless of his will?

I’m left still uneasy with the NIV’s transation that reads “brought back to repentance”. Does that mean that you can repent and not have inherited the kingdom of heaven? either way, the main idea of this passage is now much clearer.

Visit John Piper at www.desiringgod.org
Link to Pipers Heb 6:4-8 teaching