Journal: Bibliotheca Sacra
Volume: BSAC 94:375 (Jul 1937)
Article: Exposition of Hebrews Six “An Age-Long Battleground”
Author: J. B. Rowell

BSac 94:375 (Jul 37) p. 321

Exposition of Hebrews Six
“An Age-Long Battleground”

J. B. Rowell

“I know how this passage has made the heart of many a good man tremble” are the words with which Dr. R. W. Dale begins his commentary on this scripture. He then continues, “It rises up in the New Testament with a gloomy grandeur, stern, portentous, awful, sublime, as Mount Sinai when the Lord descended upon it in fire, and threatening storm-clouds were around Him, and thunderings and lightnings and unearthly voices told that He was there.” These words convey some idea of the awe and hesitancy with which commentators have approached this scripture. Many have seemed afraid to express any opinion as to the meaning, application or interpretation of it, while among the ablest writers all down the years who have sought to give a faithful exegesis of this “Mount Sinai” of the New Testament, there is as wide a difference as between Calvinism and Arminianism. There is, in fact, a danger in approaching this Scripture, as many another, with a theological bias. Both Calvinist and Arminian have seemingly been convinced that this scripture sustains their peculiar belief.

A necessary postulate in all Bible exegesis is that any interpretation is unscriptural if it conflicts with scripture. There are three well known methods of interpretation of this scripture in Hebrews the sixth chapter, which the writer will first state. Following this, he will present his own interpretation of the passage for consideration. Each of these will receive due attention, but with a detailed analysis of

BSac 94:375 (Jul 37) p. 322

the words and context which will make clear what the author believes to be the true exegesis. The article will then be concluded by a statement as to the purpose of the epistle itself as it applies to the present exposition.

Methods of Interpretation

First: That those spoken of were not “born again” but were mere professors who had received some enlightenment but had no saving faith. Matthew Henry states the case thus: “He” [the writer of the Hebrews] “shows how far persons may go in religion, and, after all, fall away, and perish for ever.” He then recounts the experiences given in verses four and five, and concludes, “Those great things are spoken here of those who may fall away: yet it is not here said of them, that they were truly converted, or that they were justified.” This interpretation is accepted by many able scholars who are sound in the faith.

Second: That they were true Christians, really believers in Christ, who fell away and were lost. Dr. R. W. Dale, in his book “The Jewish Temple and the Christian Church,” says of the writer of the Epistle to the Hebrews,...