The fascinating reformed theology paradox of Hebrew 6:4-6

[Mercy Shown]

So Ro 8 is true only in certain circumstances, not across all God's word and, therefore, has no bearing outside Ro?

Is gravity true across God's earth, or only in certain circumstances?

“I could just as easily reverse your question and ask why you believe Hebrews 6:4–6 applies only under certain circumstances. The issue isn’t that Scripture fails to agree with itself, but that human interpretation sometimes pits one passage against another.

Take your gravity example: some people think astronauts float in orbit because there’s no gravity, when in fact it’s gravity itself that holds them in orbit. Gravity hasn’t failed—people’s understanding of it has. In the same way, God’s Word is consistent; it is our reasoning that can become inconsistent.

Predestination means the destination is ordained, but Scripture also shows that a response of faith is necessary. If you refuse to get on the vehicle God provides to take you to that destination, you won’t arrive. Romans 8 demonstrates God’s sovereign purpose and assurance for those in Christ, while Hebrews 6 provides a sober warning against rejecting that grace. Both stand true, not in contradiction, but in harmony.”

 

[Clare73]

Predestination means the destination is ordained, but Scripture also shows that a response of faith is necessary.

As Scripture likewise shows that faith is a gift (Php 1:29, 2 Pe 1:1, Ac 13:48, 18:27, Ro 12:3) which God works in you, without which gift working in you no one can believe, and with which gift working in you is necessarily to believe.

 

[Mercy Shown]

As Scripture likewise shows that faith is a gift (Php 1:29, 2 Pe 1:1, Ac 13:48, 18:27, Ro 12:3) which God works in you, without which gift working in you no one can believe, and with which gift working in you is necessarily to believe.

Yes, but a gift can be rejected.

1. Faith is linked to God’s universal offer​

• Romans 12:3 – “…God has dealt to every man the measure of faith.”
  This doesn’t mean everyone uses it in the same way, but that the capacity to believe has been given universally.
• Hebrews 11:6 – God “rewards those who diligently seek Him.” That implies everyone has the ability to respond — seeking or not seeking is the choice.

2. Faith comes by hearing God’s word, and the word goes out to all​

• Romans 10:17 – “Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.”
• Just a few verses earlier: Romans 10:18 – Paul says the message “has gone out to all the earth.”
• So, the means to produce faith (God’s word) is available to all people.

3. God calls all people to believe​

• Acts 17:30 – God “commands all people everywhere to repent.”
• If only a few had the ability to respond, this call would be meaningless.
• John 1:9 – Christ is “the true Light, which gives light to every man coming into the world.” That light is the spark that makes faith possible for everyone.

4. Some accept, some reject​

• Mark 6:6 – Jesus “marveled at their unbelief” in Nazareth. He could only marvel if they had the real opportunity to believe.
• Luke 8:12–15 (parable of the sower) – Everyone hears the word, but the difference is in the soil (the heart’s response). The potential for faith is there for all.

5. Faith is a gift — but a gift meant for all​

• Ephesians 2:8–9 – “By grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God.”
  → Salvation (by grace through faith) is the gift — and since grace has appeared to all (Titus 2:11), the capacity for faith is likewise available to all.