Journal: Journal of Dispensational Theology
Volume: JODT 24:69 (Autumn 2020)
Article: Editorial
Author: Anonymous

Editorial

In the present and for eternal life, the believer’s hope is based upon Christ’s redemptive work. Fully comprehending all that God has attained on behalf of those who are redeemed is humbling and uplifting. God has not only forgiven believers of their sins, but also has granted privileges and rights to his adopted children. Such honor results in a life of thanksgiving for the hope and joy of God’s salvation, and thus motivates believers to live with an eternal perspective.

Hebrews 6 reveals how this hope that God provides is given to help one urgently endure with faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. Warnings are given to those who profess to have faith in Jesus and who may have an experience that appears to be Christian yet who do not genuinely know Christ. The reality of faith in Jesus is evident by urgently enduring with trust in Him. An examination of the initial verses of Hebrews 6 should cause one to inquire, “What will be the experience of those who receive good things from God, yet continually fail to produce good fruit?” (cf. John 15:5–6; Heb 10:26–27; 12:29). Genuine faith is made evident by endurance in one’s commitment to Christ Jesus.

Hebrews 6 is a challenging and fascinating chapter. Verses 4–8, in particular, arouse a question of keen spiritual interest, namely whether a regenerate believer can apostasize from the faith and be lost eternally. Matthew Wong’s two-part article grapples with such thoughts, and addresses the diversity of interpretation that has developed from this vastly debated passage. Henry Vosburgh’s research uses an exegetical process that assists in defining the Day of the Lord in Joel’s prophecy. Though the prophet ministered during a horrible crisis, the future joy and safety associated with God’s day is a magnificent promise. Joel’s prophecy involves all humanity, and leads naturally into Samuel Dallessandro’s study which considers why God created the nations, and how He judges them in the present age and at the end of time. Cliff Allcorn’s article is written in response to claims of revelation beyond the Scripture, and how the Bible commissions pastors to respond to such error. The book reviews vary in topic from works that unbiblically challenge the authority and sufficiency of Scripture to a helpful textbook on marriage and the family. We hope you will read and enjoy!

— Ron J. Bigalke, Ph.D.
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