Hebrew 3-4

When I read Hebrews 3 and 4 I am reminded why I am an Arminian. What is the word for the opposite of Armenian. Some would say "orthodoxy". Arminianism is the belief that some one might lose his salvation. Some would say this is heresy. But it is mostly mincing words.

What does one do with Hebrews 3-4? The writer of Hebrews is speaking to believers. He is concerned that they continue in the faith. They need to produce fruit. James speaks to the same thing. "How do you show your faith. I show my faith by my works." It is not enough to simply say "I believe".

How about the illustration of the Exodus which is often used as an allegory about our walk of faith? What is the equivalent to salvation? Is it the walking through the Red Sea or is it crossing the Jordan into the promised land? Is there a different in being chosen and being saved? It seems walking across the Red Sea makes them committed, no turning back to Egypt. It could be likened to a confession of faith. Yet because of disobedience all but two did not make it into the promised land. The promised land could be likened to heaven, our final reward, running the race to the end, salvation.

So did the Israelites lose their salvation by their disobedience? The certainly lost their reward of the promised land, the land of milk and honey.

I am reading Newbigin Proper Confidence He speaks of Greek dualities that we have internalized in our culture but which are totally absent from the Bible. Faith and obedience come together. We try to separate them somehow. But James and the writer of Hebrews do not understand this duality. It is foreign to them. When Jesus calls Peter to follow him Peter's faith was shown by his immediate obedience.

Now there is a lot of room for grace. But let us take our faith seriously. A faithful person will be obedient.