Journal: Journal of Dispensational Theology
Volume: JODT 25:70 (Spring 2021)
Article: A Soteriological Examination Of Hebrews 6:4–8: A Presentation & Proposed Solution, Part II
Author: Matthew Wong

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A Soteriological Examination Of Hebrews 6:4–8:
A Presentation & Proposed Solution, Part II

Matthew Wong

* Matthew Wong, M.A., associate tutor, University of Chester via King’s Evangelical Divinity School, Broadstairs Kent, United Kingdom

As demonstrated in part I, none of the four views are exempt from difficulty. A sound and robust interpretation must therefore avoid the conflicts identified in the aforementioned positions by fulfilling the following criteria: (1) regards the subjects as genuine Jewish believers (contra view A); (2) regards the warning as real/not hypothetical (contra view B); (3) demands the warning entail more than loss of rewards (contra view C); and, (4) affirms eternal security (contra view D). The following section seeks to demonstrate how these four criteria can be fulfilled when interpreting this warning. The discussion herein is primarily concerned with constructing a biblically defensible and historically contextualized solution, that is, one which takes the letter’s religious and socio-political background seriously. In so doing, key interpretive arguments are engaged within a concerted attempt to rediscover authorial intent.

I. Jewish Believers – View A

A. Jewish Audience

Belief in a Jewish audience has a distinguished pedigree, dating as far back as Tertullian in the third century AD (160–225).1 Guthrie, for example, noted the author’s frequent appeals to the Old Testament and assumes that “readers will be acquainted with the details of the Levitical cultus.”2 He also observed the relevance of the epistle’s message to Jewish believers, its

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emphasis on the superiority of the New Covenant compared to the Old,3 and various references “to Moses, Joshua and the Aaronic order.”4 O’Brien noted “The whole argument presupposes considerable familiarity with the Levitical ritual and interest in it,”5 whilst Tongue insisted, “The argument for Christianity is presented exclusively in terms of its relation to Judaism.”6 O’Brien adduced further evidence in support of a Jewish audience by observing the extended reference to the wilderness generation in Hebrews 3:7–4:11, an assumed familiarity with Judaism in 6:1f., and the author’s rec...