Can It Be "Lost"?

Scripture: Hebrew 3:6 "but Christ as Son over His own house, whose house we are if we hold fast the confidence and the rejoicing of the hope firm to the end.

Observation: I wonder if Paul (who I believe the writer is here based on 13:23-25) believed one could walk away from eternal life once someone believed unto salvation. Consider the multitude of verses in Hebrews that basically say the same thing - 1:1-3; 3:6; 3:7-19; 4:1; 4:11; 6:4-8; 6:11-12; 10:22-23; 10:26; 10:35-36; 10:38-39; 12:1-3; 12:14-17; and 12:25.

The context and usage of each of those verses seems to be both of warning of "falling short" of eternal life and of encouragement not to grow weary but to continue in strong faith and doing good. The problem is that Paul keeps saying that the consequence of the "falling short " is to not inherit eternal life; only once does he warn of God's chastening and discipline. The doctrinal problem lies with the fact that this letter is so different than all of Paul's others. So I honestly don't know if these are warnings about false conversions or of apostates. Maybe it's significant that this was written to Jews and not Gentiles.

Application: Realize that regardless of Paul's intent, his admonishment remains - a Christian life is defined by faith, suffering, disappointment, separation from the methods of the world and holiness of living. If the indwelling of the Holy Spirit makes zero change in our behavior the assumption should probably be that the Holy Spirit really isn't there and we have not true faith.

Prayer: Create in me a clean heart and a steadfast spirit. Help me to love You with all that I am because You have proven that You love me with all that You are. You deserve nothing less than complete surrender from your children - those whom You have purchased. Amen.