Texts in Conversation
In Hebrews, the author says it is impossible to restore those who fall away to repentance. In the Shepherd of Hermas, the Shepherd states a similar position, that there is no repentance after baptism, then announces one more chance for later sinners.
Share:
2500 BCE
1000+ CE
Hebrews 6:4
New Testament
1 Therefore we must progress beyond the elementary instructions about Christ and move on to maturity, not laying this foundation again: repentance from dead works and faith in God, 2 teaching about ritual washings, laying on of hands, resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment. 3 And this is what we intend to do, if God permits. 4 For it is impossible in the case of those who have once been enlightened, tasted the heavenly gift, become partakers of the Holy Spirit, 5 tasted the good word of God and the miracles of the coming age, 6 and then have committed apostasy, to renew them again to repentance, since they are crucifying the Son of God for themselves all over again and holding him up to contempt. 7 For the ground that has soaked up the rain that frequently falls on it and yields useful vegetation for those who tend it receives a blessing from God. 8 But if it produces thorns and thistles, it is useless and about to be cursed; its fate is to be burned.
Shepherd of Hermas 31:1
Early Christian
1 “Sir,” I said, “I want to ask another question.” “Go ahead,” he said. “I have heard, Sir,” I said, “from some teachers, that there is no other repentance, except the one that took place when we went down into the water and received forgiveness of our former sins.” 2 He said to me: “You have heard correctly, for that is how it is. For anyone who has received forgiveness of sins ought not to sin anymore, but to live in purity. 3 But, since you ask about everything so precisely, I will tell you this also, so that those who will believe now or who have already believed in the Lord may have no excuse. For those who have already believed or who will believe in the future have no repentance for sins, but only forgiveness of their previous sins. 4 So for those who were called before these days, the Lord has appointed repentance. For the Lord, who knows hearts and foreknows all things, saw the weakness of people and the many schemes of the devil—how he would harm the servants of God and deal wickedly with them. 5 Then the Lord, being very compassionate, took pity on His creation, and appointed this opportunity for repentance, and gave me authority over this repentance. 6 Yet I say to you,” he said, “that if, after this great and holy calling, anyone is tempted by the devil and sins, they have only one opportunity for repentance. But if they keep sinning and repenting, repentance is of no use to such a person, for they will hardly live.”
Search:
Notes and References
“... This chapter is one of the clearest in setting forth Hermas' teaching on second conversion and forgiveness of sin after baptism. [...] Their teaching that there is no possibility of forgiveness after baptism echoes Heb 6:4-6, though the terminology is completely different; it is not a case of textual influence but of common teaching. [...] Hermas' revealed teaching is not in opposition to that of these teachers, but in complementarity, for the Shepherd immediately affirms their position (v. 2) before going further; this is very important to note. ...”
* The use of references are not endorsements of their contents. Please read the entirety of the provided reference(s) to understand the author's full intentions regarding the use of these texts.
Your Feedback:
Leave a Comment
Anonymous comments are welcome. All comments are subject to moderation.
User Comments
,