Our scripture text for Sunday is Hebrews 6:4–12.

The following reflection is provided to aid you in preparation for worship this Sunday...

“It is impossible, in the case of those who have once been enlightened, who have tasted the heavenly gift…and then have fallen away, to restore them again to repentance, since they are crucifying once again the Son of God to their own harm and holding him up to contempt.”

Hebrews 6:4–6

The author of Hebrews intended to guide everyone in his original audience beyond the basics of the Christian faith into full spiritual maturity. However, he also understood that this could happen only if the Lord so willed it. Some could not be guided into maturity, namely, those who commit final apostasy by abandoning the Christian faith and never coming back.

Hebrews 6:4–6 features perhaps the best-known warning passage in all of Scripture, and almost certainly the most-used proof text for those who believe that people who exercise true saving faith in Jesus can lose their salvation. However, we confess that this interpretation fails in light of the entire witness of Scripture and even the book of Hebrews itself. Matthew 1:21, for instance, tells us that Jesus will unfailingly save His people—all His people—from their sins. Romans 8:29–30 reveals that everyone who is justified—united to Christ and declared righteous through faith alone—will also be glorified. Hebrews 10:14 explains that Jesus’ atonement has perfected for all time all those who are now being sanctified, and one cannot be sanctified apart from true faith in Christ. F.F. Bruce writes that the author of Hebrews “is not questioning the perseverance of the saints; we might say that rather he is insisting that those who persevere are the true saints.”

What are we to make of the description in Hebrews 6:4–6 of the people who cannot be restored to repentance after falling away? The basic answer is that the characteristics given in these verses need not apply only to true Christians, to those who possess the faith they profess. They can be true also of those who come very close to placing their trust in Jesus, to those who make a profession of faith and join the church when their hearts are not truly in it. They might appreciate the goodness and truth of God’s Word, even believing it is factually true, without personally trusting Jesus to save them from their sins. The bottom line is that a mere profession of faith never saves anyone. But those who possess faith will persevere in it until the end.

It’s a baby shower! Please join us as we celebrate mom-to-be today beginning at 10:00 a.m. at the church (note the location change!). The Manley’s are registered at Amazon and Target. The Amazon registry is under April Drinkwater (maiden name) and the Target registry is under April and Michael Manley. Diapers and wipes are also welcome!

Our annual Thanksgiving Fellowship Lunch will be this Sunday, November 14th, following the worship service. The Heidelberg small group is asked to provide sweet potatoes, rolls/bread, and desserts. The Westminster small group is asked to provide mashed potatoes, vegetables, and cranberry sauce.

Small Groups will meet this Sunday, November 14th, following the Thanksgiving Fellowship Lunch.

There will be a Hanging of the Green to prepare our worship space for the Advent season on Sunday, November 21st, following the worship service. Many hands make light work!

Our annual Chrismon Program will be Sunday, November 28th, during the Sunday School hour. Join us as we learn more about the symbols and imagery of the Christmas season!

The Session is looking for interest in the position of Church Bookkeeper. This is an administrative role that includes church deposits, bills, payroll, and financial reports to the Session. If you would like to exercise your administrative and organizational skills, and believe that this is a way for you to serve your church family, please contact one of the elders.

Sunday School meets weekly beginning at 9:30 a.m.

Current Classes:
• Lower Elementary | Ages 6–9 | Classroom 5
• Upper Elementary | Ages 10–12 | Classroom 1
• Youth | Ages 13–18 | Classroom 7
• Adults | Classroom 2

For more information, visit trinityfellowshippca.org/sundayschool.

The Women’s Bible Study meets weekly on Wednesdays at the church. The morning group meets at 9:30 and the evening group meets at 6:30. Both groups are discussing Hosea from the Knowing the Bible series. Contact Katie DeVries for more information.

The Men’s Prayer Group meets weekly on Thursdays at 6:00 a.m. at the church. Contact Ron Plate for more information.