1. Instead of (lit.) “laying and relaying the foundation” all the time, what will a genuinely saved person do? Become mature.
2. Could they grow spiritually as long as they constantly quibbled about the Old Testament ceremonial washings (baptisms incorrect in v. 2), the symbolical act of the laying on of hands etc.? No.
3. What word in verse 5 shows that the statements of verses 4-6 cannot apply to a true child of God who has fallen by the way (backslidden)? Tasted.
4. Remembering the writer’s reference to the transitional period in which the Hebrews he addresses were living, and their peculiar opportunity, let us examine the various phrases in verses 4-6.
5. Is a person necessarily born again because he has been “enlightened” concerning the gospel? No (v. 4; cf. John 1:9-10. The Greek word for “enlightened” here simply means “instructed” and does not imply permanent spiritual illumination, cf. 1 Corinthians 2:11).
6. Is one necessarily born again because he has tasted of Heavenly (lit.) bounty? No (v. 4; cf. Psalm 34:8. The word translated tasted in verse 4 is translated desire in 1 Peter 2:2).
7. Is it possible for some who have never been born again to “taste that the Word of God is good?” Yes (v. 5).
8. What happens to those who identify with those who had rejected Christ as a blasphemer? What would that person’s guilt be? Crucify again the Son of God and put Him in open shame (v. 6).
9. How do we know that the writer was only citing a hypothetical case? Persuaded of better things (v. 9).
10. What is involved in crucifying the Son of God afresh? Rejection of belief in Christ in open opposition (v. 6; 10:29).
11. What is it to put Jesus to an open shame? To say He does not have the power to save (v. 6: cf. Mark 15:29-32).
12. How does a piece of land that drinks in rain from Heaven and receives proper cultivation demonstrate God’s blessing upon it? The growing brings fruit (v. 7).
13. What is demonstrated about land that receive the same rain, but produces only briers? That land is rejected (v. 8)
14. What was one evidence to the writer of this epistle that most of the Hebrew believers to whom he wrote were genuinely saved? God would reward their labor and the author persuaded better things of them (vv. 9-10).
15. What is it impossible for God to forget? To forget our good works (v. 10).
16. What is impossible for God to remember about a true believer? Their sins and iniquities.
17. What is a good way to always have a full assurance regarding our salvation? Hold out to the end (v. 11).
18. What might these Hebrews well keep in mind concerning the patriarchs of Israel? The patriarchs received the promise (v. 12).
19. To what is our hope in Christ compared? Anchor safe and sure (v. 19).
20. Is the anchor in this case fixed in the depths below or in the heights above? In the heights above (v. 19; cf. Ephesians 2:6; Colossians 3:3).
21. What two things are said about this spiritual anchor? Strong and trustworthy (v. 19), both are secure and unbreakable.
22. Why is the anchor of the soul guaranteed? Jesus is in Heaven for us (v. 20; 7:25)
23. What new title of Christ do we find here? Forerunner (v. 20). Jesus so He has gone into Heaven before the church to make all preparation).
If you have never really accepted Jesus as your personal Savior, would you do it right now? Do not delay or put it off. If you would like to receive Christ by faith, pray this simple prayer in your heart:
Dear Lord, I acknowledge that I am a sinner. I believe Jesus died for my sins on the cross, and rose again the third day. I repent of my sins. By faith I receive the Lord Jesus as my Savior. You promised to save me, and I believe You, because You are God and cannot lie. I believe right now that the Lord Jesus is my personal Savior, and that all my sins are forgiven through His precious blood. I thank You, dear Lord, for saving me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
If you prayed that prayer, God heard you and saved you. I personally want to welcome you to the family of God and rejoice with you.
Dr. Towns’ email is eltowns@liberty.edu.
Video presentations of the PBC are available online at trbc.org/pbc
Television Airing Times for the PBC
Go to hopenow.tv for the current program schedule.
