Fruits of life

Understanding Hebrews 6:4-6: Repentance, Vengeance on Disobedience, and the Fruits of Salvation

The passage in Hebrews 6:4-6 is often misunderstood, but when examined closely, it offers profound insights into the nature of repentance, the active "revenge" on disobedience, and the fruits that accompany true salvation. Here's a closer look:

Hebrews 6:4-6 (NIV):

"For it is impossible for those who have once been enlightened, who have tasted the heavenly gift, who have shared in the Holy Spirit, who have tasted the goodness of the word of God and the powers of the coming age and who have fallen away, to be brought back to repentance. To their loss they are crucifying the Son of God all over again and subjecting him to public disgrace."

This passage might seem to suggest a finality to repentance, but the context reveals a deeper message:

Repentance Beyond Mere Acknowledgement: Repentance is not just a personal acknowledgment but must lead to actions that bear witness to that change. The story of Jonah illustrates this principle; his repentance didn't keep him in Israel but led him to Nineveh, where he brought forth the fruit of repentance, influencing an entire city to turn from their wicked ways to God.

Bearing Fruit as Evidence of Repentance: The analogy of the earth in Hebrews 6:7-8 contrasts those who bear thorns and thistles (fruitless repentance) with the land that drinks in the rain and produces a crop useful to those for whom it is farmed. This comparison highlights that repentance without the subsequent bearing of good fruit (works that accompany salvation) is not genuine or complete. 

Hebrews 6:7-8 (NIV):

"Land that drinks in the rain often falling on it and that produces a crop useful to those for whom it is farmed receives the blessing of God. But land that produces thorns and thistles is worthless and is in danger of being cursed. In the end it will be burned."

Works Accompanying Salvation: Philippians 2:12 in the Aramaic Peshitta provides a nuanced understanding: "Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling." Here, "work out" isn't just about personal effort but about manifesting the salvation already given through Christ by one's life. In the Aramaic context, this implies living out the reality of salvation through one's works, showcasing it to others, literally Do the works of life with fear and trembling 

Philippians 2:13 (Aramaic Peshitta vs. Greek): The contrast between our desire and God's desire in this verse shows a beautiful synergy in the Aramaic. Our good works are not just our own doing but are the settling of God's good desire in our hearts, which then becomes our desire. This transformation through obedience aligns our will with His. This idea comes from Proverbs: Commit your works unto YHWH and your thoughts will be established. 

Philippians 2:15: Our works cause our lights to shine, much like the lamp set in the middle of the room in Matthew 5:14-16.  Our actions are not just for personal gain but are meant to illuminate the path for others, making our lives a beacon of hope and guidance, echoing the light of Yeshua (Jesus).

Philippians 2:16: In Aramaic, this verse emphasizes that through our works, we hold forth the word of life, standing as living testimonies to others. We become, in essence, a source of life through Yeshua's work through us, preaching by example.

Vengeance on Disobedience: Here, 2 Corinthians 10:6 (KJV) becomes pivotal: "And having in a readiness to revenge all disobedience, when your obedience is fulfilled." This verse speaks not of divine vengeance but of our personal responsibility to actively combat our own disobedience through obedience. When our obedience is complete, we effectively take "revenge" on our past sins by living a life that counters our former ways. This is not about punishment but about transformation - turning our back on disobedience through the active pursuit of obedience.

Contrast and Conclusion: The writer uses the stark imagery of burning to illustrate the consequences of a life that does not bear fruit - it's not about the impossibility of repentance but about the end result of a life that does not live out the repentance it claims. Conversely, those who turn from their errors, produce the fruits of righteousness, and actively engage in this "revenge" on disobedience through their obedience, demonstrate the authenticity of their repentance. This active transformation is what truly signifies a life aligned with salvation.

In summary, the passages from Hebrews, 2 Corinthians, and Philippians together call believers not only to repent but to engage in a life of obedience that actively counters their past disobedience. This interpretation encourages us to live out our faith in tangible ways, demonstrating to the world the reality of our salvation through our actions. The Aramaic Peshitta's nuances further enrich our understanding, showing that our works are not just personal achievements but communal lights of hope and life, reflecting Yeshua's transformative work in and through us.

And of course, we come back to our foundation:

Mat 5:14-16 KJV ¹⁴ Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. ¹⁵ Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. ¹⁶ Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.