Crucifying Christ

Dear class,

Today's readings are taken from Jeremiah 11-13 and Hebrews 6.

The first 8 verses of Hebrews 6 seem to have been of much controversy. Arthur W. Pink, described in particular vs. 4-6 as "one of the fiercest theological battlegrounds of the centuries".

But really, as with all "controversial" passages, if one were to take away all prejudice and be mindful of the context of individual passages, it is not difficult to come to a common understanding.
First of all, we need to remind ourselves, the immediate recipients of this epistles were the Jewish Christians. Paul spared no ink to emphasize throughout the book the fact that the Old Law was a done deal! It is under this premise that Paul reminded them not to be embroiled in the old practices - "Of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment." (v.2) At first glance, Paul seems to be talking about New Testament practices! But when we examine the context, Paul was merely describing OT practices and belief system that employ the same words.
1) "baptisms" (notice the plurarity) refer to ceremonial washings. It is unfortunate that "baptism" was chosen here. In 2 other instances of the Greek word "baptismos" used, the word is rendered "washings" (Mar 7:4; Heb 9:10). The passage in Heb 9:10 serves to further strengthen the point that Paul was trying to make was not of the baptism into Christ but of the OT practices.
2) "laying of hands" was again the common reference to animal sacrifice (c.f. Lev 4:4, 15, 24) and especially pertaining to the consecration of priests (c.f. Ex 29:10,15,19; Lev 8:14,18,22,27-28). This seems particularly obvious, considering the fact that the previous chapters and and the subsequent immediate chapters dwelt at length at the contrast between the Levitical priesthood and and that of Christ.
3) "resurrection of the dead" seems to be a little "far fetched" from OT, or is it? With the exception of the Saduccees, the Jews had always believed in the resurrection (c.f. Mat 22:23; Mar 12:18; Act 24:14-15; 26:6-8). What's contrasted here is that, with Christ came the resurrection to eternal life (c.f. Jhn 11:24,25 - notice Jesus had to clarify Mary's observation about the resurrection).
4) "Eternal judgement" is again something that is not "new". If you recall what the "Legion" mentioned in Mat 8:29, etc. They knew of an impending judgement that was in place before the establishment of the Kingdom. And even as early as in the days of Enoch, as revealed to us through Jude (Jude 14,15), judgement was pronounced.

Thus it seems that all the misunderstanding comes form the fact of the misconception on what "baptisms" refer to in the first place. The concept here is not whether these things specifically referred ONLY to OT practices, but rather the warning from Paul to hold on to the OT mentality and practices, even though they found the semblance in the New Law. Paul need to remind them that the OT practices was but a "shadow of things to come" (Heb 8:5; 10:1; Col 2:17 - notice this was mentioned Colossians who had the same issue with OT practices). Sure, a shadow certainly had a semblance to the original object, but it was not the "real deal"!
So basically all these things (even "faith to God"!) listed in v.1 and 2, fell under the umbrella of "dead works". NOT that they were not important concepts in the New Law, but that if taken with the approach and mentality of the Old, was as good as dead.
This is the very thing that Jesus was trying to teach the Jews. Remember His illustration about old and new? (Mat 9:16,17) The problem was not with the wine or the patch, but with matching and dealing with them correctly.

So with that clarified in mind, things become a lot clearer.
Here was a group of people who were direct descendants of that "ground breaking" day of Pentecost, and in fact many of them could well have still been alive when Paul penned the book, who were "pricked" in their hearts and implored so sincerely to Peter and the apostles, "What shall we do?" (Act 2:37). They knew first hand what was going on. They SAW first hand how Christ had died. Hence, there was to be absolutely no excuse for rejecting Christ and going back to the old ways. Some have proposed that this could be a reference to the "unpardonable sin" (Mat 12:31,32).
In trying to understand this passage, it's useful and needful for us to refer to a parallel passage in later in Heb 10:26 - "For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins,". Obviously, this cannot refer to our short-comings form time to time, whom God had promised to forgive as long as we repent and make right (c.f. 1Jo 1:9). They other key word to understanding this passage, is the word "impossible". Impossibility could be absolute, with reference to God's nature (e.g. Impossible for God to lie - Heb 6:18) or the lack of an alternative (E.g. no other way but through faith - Heb 11:6). It is the latter that is used here. When we combine with "no more sacrifice", it seems that we should understand it as, "For there is no other way...". Again, these were people who had been convincingly converted or "renewed". If they reject the only way they could be saved, it would be as if they had crucified Christ all over again like they did before and there would be no other way they could be saved or "renewed" unto repentance (being pricked in the heart).

Brethren, we too can fall into the same situation. The Jews had first hand accounts. YET we have the COMPLETE Word. We are in no less a privileged position. Let us be very careful and vigilant not to go back to our "vomit" or "mire"  (2Pe 2:20-22) and crucify Christ afresh. In doing so, we not only put our souls in jeopardy but very well of others around us.

In Him
Paul

References cited/used
Pink, Arthur W. An Exposition of Hebrews. Baker Books, MI, 1954, p.285
Workman, Gary. "Difficult Passages in Hebrews, No. III" Studies in Hebrews. Ed. Dub McClish. Valid Publications, TX, 1983. p. 365-379

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But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin. ~ Hebrews 3:13
Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. ~ Act 2:38