Hebrews 6:1-6 is also misused because people stop and fail to read the whole chapter. The chapter is about assurance of salvation, not teaching at all that one can lost salvation. Note what Hebrews 6:11-12, says, "We desire that every one you do shew the same diligence to the full assurance of the "hope unto the end." The writer of the Book of Hebrews, encourages believers and desires to show them with diligence the hope of the full assurance the believer has in his salvation. Verse 11 establishes the reason for verses 1-10.

          Therefore God is not saying that it is possible for a person to be saved and lose their salvation, but saying that "if" it were possible then Christ would have to be crucified all over again. It is not saying it is possible to be saved and then lost, but showing why it would be impossible to lose salvation. The passage is establishing the fact that it is impossible to be lost once Christ has saved us, because that would mean that Christ would have to be crucified again in order for a person to be saved again if they were lost. Christ was crucified once for all as Hebrews 10:10 says, "By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all." Note in Verse 12 the word, "slothful" which comes from a derivative of word "illegitimate" as an illegitimate son, or of uncertain origin. He is saying, "Do not act like an illegitimate son (lost person), because as you know you are a child of God, do not be lazy or uncertain."

          Note that Verses 17-18 state that God has made an oath concerning our salvation and a "made solemn promise." This is God solemn oath is that all that trust in Jesus Christ are eternally one saved. He up lifts us with the assurance..."We might have strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the "hope" set before us..."

          Verses 19-20 say, "Which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and stedfast, and which entereth into that within the veil; Whither the forerunner is for us entered, even Jesus, made an high priest for ever after the order of Melchizedek." Clearly these two verses absolutely assure the Christian who has truly put his faith in Jesus Christ that he is eternally saved.

          In Hebrews 6:4- 6, clearly it teaches that it were possible to be saved and then to be lost it would be impossible to be restored. This verse teaches that "if" it were possible to lost one's salvation then the principle would be stated, "ONCE SAVED AND LOST ALWAYS LOST!" However, the point is that it is impossible to lose what God freely gave you and can be correctly stated "ONCE SAVED ALWAYS SAVED." Only a very unskilled person or a cult would misuse this passage in Hebrews 6 to try and teach once saved a person can be lost.

          What does Revelation 3:5 actually say? The one who overcomes will not have his name blotted out of the book of life. Who are those that overcome...? The New Testament tells us plain those that believe and receive Jesus Christ as their Savior. This is a verse of assurance of salvation not the opposite. Think about this....why would anyone turn this clear statement around and try to make it teach the opposite of what it says?

          How can one miss Revelation 3:9, which speaks of those of the "synagogue of Satan who say they are Jews, but are not and lie". Jesus was addressing the unsaved. Verse 10 gives the believer assurance..."Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth." As to the Laodiceans God says they were lukewarm, not hot or cold. In other words they are the unsaved who claim to serve the Lord and speak in his name (Matthew 7:13-23) There are thousands of these kind of churches today. They are dead having the name of Christ, but not Christ. Jesus says He will spue them out of His mouth, which means not to swallow their lying professions. He tells them, as he does all men, that He stands at the door and knocks. He offers them salvation, and if they let Him in He will come into them and save them. Jesus says if a person overcomes he will be saved. Overcomes what? Sin of course is the answer and unbelief. So the overcomer is the one who believes and is saved and God will reward him and he will be forever with the Lord. Again, there is nothing here that teaches a person can be saved and lost. This passage brings into sharp focus the false teachers, churches and those who profess the Lord, but do not know Him. They are told to repent.

           Hebrews 10:38-39 is speaking to saved Jews. Verse "But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition; but of them that believe to the saving of the soul." (Hebrews 10:39) Those that "turned back into perdition were the Jew who professed Jesus Christ as Savior, but who were never saved. The Book of Hebrews was written to "Hebrews" as its title states. Many who had professed faith in Jesus Christ were looking for the Messiah to come and liberate them from the Romans and the persecution they were enduring. They had a false concept of who Jesus is and what He came to do. He did not come a a political leader, but as the Savior who died for the sins of the world. He came to redeem men from sin. Yes, in time He will fulfill the promises God has made to Israel, but only those who will be a part of that Kingdom (Millennial Kingdom) are those who are spiritually reborn in Jesus Christ. Saved people do not draw back into perdition. Hebrews 12:6-11 explains that the true child of God who turns from the truth and goes into sin will be chastened by the Lord. God says He chasten "every" child of His who goes into sin and refuses to repent. Never, does God say He will withdraw their salvation. In 1 Corinthians 11:29-30 explains that God chasten with sickness and death those who do not "discern" the body of Christ. That means those who live sinful lives not mindful that Jesus had to suffer for our every sin. 1 John 5:16-18 explains there is a sin unto death. God will take the life of a believer who refuses to repent and turn from their sin. 1 Corinthians 3:10-15 explains that a believer is saved, but if he does not live a godly life can lose any reward. He gets into heaven "as by fire" meaning by the skin of his teeth in a modern expression. This passage does not teach a saved person can be lost.

Answer:    In a nut shell the answer to your question is that once a person believes they receive "eternal or everlasting" salvation. As 1 Peter 1:3-5 states we are kept by the power of God and as Jesus stated, "And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand." (John 10:28)

           As you have noted that brings up a question...what about a person who then backslides and goes into sin? The key to understanding this is to understand God's response when this happens. God's response is to chasten His child to bring him to repentance and into a proper life and relationship with the Lord. 1 Corinthians 11:27-30 speaks of believers who were living in sin and not "discerning" the Lord's body.

           "Wherefore whosoever shall eat this bread, and drink this cup of the Lord, unworthily, shall be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord. 28 But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup. For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh damnation to himself, not discerning the Lord’s body. For this cause many are weak and sickly among you, and many sleep."

           This is referring to a Christian who lives in unrepentant sin and shows no regard for the sufferings of Christ for his sins. The key phrase in the passage is "not discerning the Lord's body" which is referring to the suffering of Christ on the cross. This is a person that is willingly and knowingly sinning against God and who is refusing to repent and turn from their sin. (See 1 Cor. 10:13) This verse says that God chastened these believers in the church at Corinth who were in gross sin by making them sick and others He had taken their lives. God chastened them as a parent chastens their children to teach them that what they are doing is wrong and destructive and seeks to get them to do what is right.

           Hebrews 12:6-11 explains the chasten of God's children. The passage says that God chastens all His children, but does not chasten the unsaved who belong to Satan. It also teaches that if one "professes" to be a Christian and is in unrepentant gross sin and there is no chastening from God...that person is not saved because God chastens all His children.

           1 John 5:16-17 also address this matter. This verse shows the seriousness of a Christian who willingly sins and does not repent. God says if you see someone sinning this way....not to pray for them. We are to pray for those we see who sin that is "not unto death." This shows the nature of the sin that is unto death a being one of blatant disregard for the Lord and gross disobedience. Verse 17 says there is sin that does not lead to death. The sin unto death is gross public sin or grossly destructive sin that not only effects the person sinning, but others as well. Basically, the sin unto death is one that a Christian commits who will not repent even after God chastens him seeking to restore the sinner to fellowship. It a Christian refuses...after God's chastening, God will even take his life. . . especially when the sin is one that is done in public and dishonours the Lord and hinders His work. God does this as an act of mercy to stop the destructive actions of a wayward Christian by taking him to heaven. They are still saved and children of God and will go to heaven. 1 Corinthians 3:10-15 explains the reward given to believes who serve the Lord. It also says there will be saved people in heaven with no reward because they did not serve the Lord or backslid against God.

           1 John 1:8-10 explains "If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us." Our action should be to confess our sin to the Lord when we sin. God says that all of us sin, but gives us the means to restore fellowship and overcome the sin by confessing them to the Lord which means to admit it to Him and ask Him to give us the strength to overcome it. That is what God means by saying He forgives us our sins and cleanses us from all unrighteousness.

           As Hebrews 12:10 says this is for our "profit" or benefit. Unrighteousness simply means sinning or not doing what is right. The chastening of God comes in to play when we blatantly continue to sin and refuse to repent. Repent means to turn and go the other way. Hebrews 12:11 tells us, "Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby." Thus God's purpose is plainly stated, He chastens that we it might cause us to have the "peaceable fruit of righteousness" yet, God does not forsake His children even when they forsake Him. We did not earn our salvation, nor can we keep ourselves saved by living for the Lord. Further we cannot remove ourselves from His grace by our disobedience once with have been forgiven and given eternal life.

           Hope this helps!. What is so sad is that both the Calvinist and the Arminian are teaching a false gospel by mixing truth with error. Maybe you could find a church that teaches God's truth without these gross errors.

Answer:    The "enlightened" of Hebrews 6:4 are saved people who heard the Gospel and believed. However, Hebrews 6:4- 6, is presenting a hypothetical situation....not one that in reality could happen. God is clearly teaching that IF were possible to be saved and then to be lost it would all so be impossible for them to be restored. This verse states that "if" it were possible to lose one's salvation then it would be impossible to restore them again to salvation. The verse plainly states the if a person could be lost then Christ would have to suffer, died and be resurrected again. The principle of this verse then can be be stated,

           "IF ONCE SAVED AND LOST THEN FOREVER LOST!" The point the passage is making with the hypothetical statement is that it is impossible to lose what God freely gave you and can be correctly stated "ONCE SAVED ALWAYS SAVED." Jesus will not go back to the cross and suffer and die again....nor will He have to because salvation is eternal.

           Interestingly, all those who teach that you lose your salvation also teach you can saved again. They teach that by repentance and good works one can saved again....and again....and again. Thus one can fall out of grace, be returned by good works, fall out again and be restored again...by good works, etc. That false teaching directly contradicts God's word as stated here because this passage emphatically states that if one could lose their salvation it would be impossible to restore them again. Those that use this to teach that salvation can be lost distort and ignore the meaning of the passage. Also, these false teachers who teach you can lose your salvation never address how much sin one must commit to lose eternal life. Thus their members flounder in a sea of doubt never being sure if they are accepted by God or not. Others who believe this heresy take pride in their keeping themselves saved by their good works...meaning living a godly life.

           The context of Hebrews 6:11-12 is clear.... "We desire that every one you do shew the same diligence to the full assurance of the "hope unto the end." Anyone who would use the passage to teach salvation can be lose is being dishonest or ignoring what the passage is teaching. Only a superficial reading of the passage would lead one to conclude the passage is teaching one can lose their salvation. The passage is teaching assurance of salvation, not losing one's salvation. The writer of the Book of Hebrews, encourages believers and desires to show them the absolute hope of the full assurance the believer has in his salvation. Verse 11 establishes the reason for verses 1-10.

           Let me labor the point..... God is not saying that it is possible for a person to be saved and lose their salvation, but saying that "IF" it were possible then Christ would have to be crucified all over again. It is not saying it is possible to be saved and then lost, but showing WHY it would be impossible to lose salvation. The passage is establishing the fact that it is impossible to be lost once Christ has saved the believer, forgiven all his sins and given him eternal life. Why, because that would mean that Christ would have to be crucified again in order for a person to be saved again if they were lost. Christ was crucified once for all as Hebrews 10:10 says, "By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all." Note in Verse 12 the word, "slothful" which comes from a derivative of word "illegitimate" as an illegitimate son, or of uncertain origin. He is saying, "Do not act like an illegitimate son (lost person), because as you know you are a child of God, do not be lazy or uncertain."

           Note that Verses 17-18 state that God has made an oath concerning our salvation and "made solemn promise." This is God solemn oath is that all that trust in Jesus Christ are eternally one saved. He up lifts us with the assurance..."We might have strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the "hope" set before us..."

           Verses 19-20 say, "Which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and stedfast, and which entereth into that within the veil; Whither the forerunner is for us entered, even Jesus, made an high priest for ever after the order of Melchizedek." Clearly these two verses absolutely assure the Christian who has truly put his faith in Jesus Christ that he is eternally saved.

           The point in understand this passage is to ask the question, "What is the basis of God's accepting a person and forgiving him?" Clearly, the scripture says it is based upon what Jesus Christ did on the cross. If a person by faith believes and receives Christ as their Savior...they receive eternal life and if it is eternal it cannot be lost. A person is not saved by any work or works they do and salvation is purely an act of God's grace in giving the "gift" of salvation to those who will believe and accept it. A gift is not something one earns or merits. Plainly, if one cannot be saved by works or meriting salvation...they cannot keep themselves saved by works either. This clearly means a person does not keep himself saved by any act of his own, nor can he lose what is freely and unconditionally given by God.

           Ephesians 2:1-10 states:

           "And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins; Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience: Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others. But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus: That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus. For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them." (Ephesians 2:1-10)

           Romans 5:17-19 states the basis, "For if by one man's offense death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ. Therefore as by the offense of one judgment came upon all men to condemnation; even so by the righteousness of one the free gift came upon all men unto justification of life. For as by one man's disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous."

           Hebrews 9:14, "How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?

           1 John 1:7, "But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin. "

           Ephesians 2:16 "And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby: "

           God's offer of salvation is total, complete and final. It was promised on the basis of the work of Jesus Christ on the Cross as he suffered and shed His blood for man. Man's salvation is not based on his good works. How could a man by good works, keep a salvation that he was not able to work for or earn for himself in the first place?

           Note who God says keeps us saved.....

           "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you, Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time." (1 Peter 1:3-5)

           The basis problem with your conclusions are that they are based on a superficial reading of Scripture and ignores a vital hermeneutical rule that one must interpret God's word in the analogy of the faith. That means God cannot contradict Himself. If God says in Romans 8, 1 Peter 1:3-5 that God says the believer is not under condemnation and "Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time" (1 Peter 1:5) plus many other passages stating the same truth....then that is God's truth and if we read passage that seems to say otherwise then we are misunderstanding the passage. God cannot say He gives the believer eternal or everlasting life in one passage and say it is not eternal in another.

           I have an article https://bible-truth.org/Principles.htm "Biblical Principles for Interpreting God's Word" that would be of great help to you. I am absolutely sure you are sincere in your efforts to correctly interpret God's word, but to be correct we must properly interpret what God has said.

Answer:   

           I have never read the book, but am familiar with it. I understand the premise of the character of the iron man as a person who professed to believe in Jesus Christ, but his belief was not saving faith. He had a head knowledge of Jesus Christ, but not a heart felt belief and acceptance. So he in reality was the epitome of a hypocrite who claimed to be a Christian but was not. He is named the "iron man in a cage" which reveals a person who is in a cage because he has a strong will and pride. He could instantly be released from the cage, but his pride will not allow him to. His pride is more important than his soul.

          However, there is a problem with the man's response I should point out.

           CHRISTIAN: But canst thou not now repent and turn?

           THE MAN: God hath denied me repentance. His word gives me no encouragement to believe; yea, himself hath shut me up in this iron cage: nor can all the men in the world let me out. Oh eternity! eternity! how shall I grapple with the misery that I must meet with in eternity?

           The truth is God does not deny anyone the ability to repent, nor does He shut us up in a cage! Anyone who will believe and accept God's truth can believe and repent of their sins and be saved as long as their is life and the ability to comprehend. However, it seems this was the conclusion of the iron man because in his unbelief he would not accept that fact of the love of God for all sinners of all decrees. He would not allow God to forgive him.

           He is the epitome of a hypocrite..... However, he is not the picture of a person who is struggling with salvation or assurance of God's forgiveness. In the dialog there is no hint that he desires God's forgiveness and is seeking salvation although he alludes to it. He never mentions that he asked God to forgive him and God refused. He seems to relish in his plight has being beyond God's mercy. He says he cannot get out of the cage, but do you notice he says he has hardened his own heart fully knowing the truth. He says God will not let him repent, thus he is blaming God for his plight. He has grievously sinned and so he concludes God cannot forgive him. Not so according to God's word. God says "And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved." (Acts 2:21) (Also Romans 10:13) Sadly, many who profess to savingly know Jesus Christ as their Savior are in this situation.

          You need to ask yourself the question. Do I honestly believe I am a sinner? Do I sincerely believe that Jesus Christ died for my sins and that as He repeatedly states, if I believe and accept Him, He will forgive my sins and give me eternal life? The key is do you honestly desire to be saved from your sins and hell. Do you believe, but faith, accepting God's word on the matter, that if you believe and repent He will save you?

          You also need to understand one the devil's most effect tricks is to keep true Christians wondering and doubting their salvation. Do you understand that if you honestly believed in Jesus Christ as your Savior, God says you are saved. Do you understand that by your doubts and constant questions you and not believing God and in essence calling His word a lie. We all will from time to time have doubts when we get away from the Lord. I would imagine that you are not really faithfully living for the Lord presently. The reason I say this that is the primary reason people doubt. They let the world and things distract them and they degrade toward unbelief.

          The only way you will ever have assurance of salvation is when you simply in faith believe what God has said. It is simple, yes...but it is true. Accept what God has said, believe Him and get on with fulfilling His will for your life.

          I have an article at https://bible-truth.org/assuran2.html that also may help. "Can A Person Know For Sure That He is Saved and Will Go To Heaven When He Dies?"

          Final word... What does Romans 10:9-10 and 1 John 5:11-13 say?

           "That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation." (Romans 10:9-10)

           'And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved.' (Acts 2:21)

           "And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life. These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God." (1 John 5:11-13)

           Does not God promise to forgive all our sins and give us eternal life when we believe and by faith accept His grace and mercy?

Answer:    Believe me I understand what you are experiencing and I have had the same experience. I get numbers of e-mails such as yours and decided to write an article to help people with this dilemma. The article is at https://bible-truth.org/SavedorNot.html . "Saved or Not?" Dealing with Doubts and the Assurance of Salvation. The key to overcoming doubts and the attacks that Satan and his forces inflict on new believers is in knowing and believing God's word. The article will explain that. By the way, most Christians from time to time experience doubts, you are not alone.

          Also it helps a doubting Christian to study what the Bible says about being a Christian. I have an article at https://bible-truth.org/NewConvertpage.html that is a New Converts Class. It would help get your grounded in the faith and could be a great help in understanding what the new life in Christ.

          The best action is to get busy, do the things you know God wants you too. Like attending church, studying the Bible, witnessing to others, and living for Christ. God's purpose for a local church is for you to worship, give thanks, and fellowship and be strengthen by other believers. Each of these things are important for you spiritual health. You have to take the focus off yourself and put it on Christ. This takes time, but as you try and you step out in God's strength you will slowly move in that direction. That is the key. We grow with baby steps and in time we mature and walk.

          Just a word of encouragement. Unbelievers or the lost do not struggle with the things you are. Only those under the convicting ministry of the Holy Spirit question their faith and whether they are living for the Lord. I know that sounds a little too simple, but the unbeliever is not truly concerned about being ashamed or witnessing for the Lord. That comes from the work of the Holy Spirit as you understand that the Lord is seeking to strengthen your faith. Realize God is working in your life. I do not doubt the word of God or of God Himself. I totally believe in Him and I am completely trusting in His grace and mercy. Yet, I know I am not all the Lord wants me to be and thus He is working to bring me to a more mature faith in Him. That is called the doctrine of sanctification. I am being sanctified means being made more and more like Him. Truth is I have a million miles to go, but I am headed in the right direction....... I also know this side of heaven and the resurrection I will never be what I truly wish I was. But again, with God's help I am moving in that direction though I often fail.

          What your are doing is dealing with your feelings and many times feels are confusing and cannot be trusted. Your old nature is rooted in feelings. If you have truly believed and by faith trust Jesus Christ as your Savior you are saved....whether you feel it or not. Those who are not actively living for the Lord will doubt and be confused because they are not living in faith or obedience to the Lord.