SATURDAY, MARCH 11
Hebrews 6:1-6
Matthew 7:22-23

"… I never knew you:
depart from me, ye that work iniquity."

ONCE ENLIGHTENED

The Greek word translated "illuminated" (Heb 10:32) occurs eleven times in the New Testament, sometimes just referring to the giving of light by a lamp (Luke 11:36), and other times referring to learning in general. "…who were once enlightened…" (Heb 6:4) can be used with the idea of "initially" or "at the first." Thus it is impossible for those who initially or at the first were enlightened but who subsequently fell away to be brought back again to repentance. They never were regenerated in the first place.

To "have tasted of the heavenly gift" (Heb 6:4) means to have participated in the gospel and its attendant blessings. They "feel something of the efficacy of the Holy Spirit in his operations upon their souls, causing them to taste something of religion, and yet be like persons in the market, who taste of what they will not come up to the price of, and so but take a taste, and leave it" (Matthew Henry). They never were born-again.

O, how great a regret it would be for people who may have seen the heavenly splendour but did not pursue to go and experience it! They know the glory of heaven and hear of the majesty of the kingdom but shift their focus to the temporal glitters of worldly treasures. They feel the warm rays of the Light of the Son but they prefer the light "under the sun" (Eccles 1:14, 2:11) and become vain in their lives. They were brightened with the torchlight of truth but they favour more the fire of the burning lake that cannot be quenched.

Dear Reader, have you truly believed in Jesus Christ as your Lord and Saviour? Do not be content with being known as a nominal Christian. Be a child of God! Do not be content with being a church goer but be part of the church of Christ! Do not be content with being a hearer of God’s Word. Be a doer of it!

THOUGHT: Are you enlightened or indwelt by the Spirit?
PRAYER: "Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy holy spirit from me. Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit" (Ps 51:11-12).