The Paradigm of Kadesh Barnea as a Solution to the Problem of Hebrews 6:4–6 -- By: Andrew M. Woods

Journal: Chafer Theological Seminary Journal
Volume: CTSJ 12:1 (Spring 2006)
Article: The Paradigm of Kadesh Barnea as a Solution to the Problem of Hebrews 6:4–6
Author: Andrew M. Woods


The Paradigm of Kadesh Barnea as a Solution
to the Problem of Hebrews 6:4–6

Andy M. Woods

Andy Woods earned his B.A. from the University of Redlands, his J.D. from Whittier College School of Law, and his Th.M. from Dallas Theological Seminary, where he is currently pursuing a Ph.D. Prior to attending seminary, he pastored Rivera First Baptist Church in Pico Rivera, CA. He has published various website articles, journal articles, and book chapters. He is member of the California State Bar, Pre-Trib Study Group, Grace Evangelical Society, and Society of Dispensational Theology. His email address is [email protected].

Introduction

The warning found in Hebrews 6:4–6 has provoked disagreement among Bible interpreters and exegetes. Gromacki observes that this passage is “probably the most controversial passage within Hebrews.”1 Most Calvinist and Reformed interpreters insist that the warning passage is too strong to apply to believers, so unbelievers must be in view in these verses. Arminians contend that the passage is speaking of genuine believers who are at risk of losing their salvation. Others argue that these verses are speaking of genuine believers and the severe warning is a mere hypothetical scenario. Still others contend that these verses speak of believers who are in jeopardy of losing blessings. Who is right? How are interpreters to make sense of this difficult passage?

The purpose of this article is to show that the difficulty typically associated with this passage is perhaps overstated. Confusion only arises when interpreters attempt to understand Hebrews 6:4–6 in isolation from the preceding context.2 In Hebrews 3–4, the writer compares his audience to the generation of Jews that committed the sin of unbelief at Kadesh Barnea (Numbers 13–14). Such a comparison is warranted because of the similarities between the two groups. Fear of the Canaanite giants caused the Exodus generation to distrust God and disobey His command to take Canaan. Such distrust and disobedience had irretrievable consequences: that generation permanently forfeited the blessings of inheriting and enjoying the Promised Land. Similarly, fear of persecution from the Jews was tempting the Hebrew Christians to lapse back into Judaism. It was causing them to lose confidence in God and thus violate His admonition to press on in the faith. The author of Hebrews connects the sin of the Exodus generation with that of his audience in order to show them that they too wou...

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