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Review content:
Will you bear with me in a slight oversimplification?\r
It seems to me that the crux of the Christian Life Book, Lakeview’s policy manual, is about a couple of parenthetical verses (Hebrews 6:1-2), and on through verse 8, around which is built the entire doctrine of Lakeview. I slightly oversimplify, but if you pretty much entirely ignore the rest of the Bible, this brief passage, when misconstrued, could lead one to where that group is today—right up to the shunning of all those who have left.\r
The error is a misapplication of what follows the first two verses of Chapter 6, and which has been taken out of context.\r
But first, leading into this passage, the immediate context in chapter 5 is that of the writer of Hebrews attempting to wake up his congregation (telling them they have become “dull of hearing”-vs 11)—that it is time to pay attention. He is encouraging the people to stop acting like nursing babies and to move on to solid food (vs 12). It appears from this context that the congregation has become complacent in their quest of growing in Christ toward sanctification.\r
After naming some very basic, but essential doctrines (repentance, faith, etc.) (Ch 6:1 & 2), the writer begins to use some stronger—even scary—tactics, suggesting that if one were to deliberately turn his back on God—after having been “enlightened” (instructed), and having “tasted the heavenly gift…the good word of God” (having an understanding of grace) and become “partakers of the Holy Ghost” (joined the community of faith with all its benefits)(vss 4 & 5)—there can be a danger of falling away (vs 6). The writer is explaining a progression from a lesser sin of complacency (Ch 5 vs 11) to a very deliberate sin of willfully turning one’s back on Christ’s sacrificial death on our behalf and willfully rejecting the Kingdom of God. This would be extremely serious, “for it is impossible (vs4)…to renew them again unto repentance” (vs 6).\r
Unfortunately, Lakeview’s bible stops before verses 9 – 12, and on, where the writer expresses that he is “convinced of better things concerning you...that accompany salvation…For God is not unjust so as to forget your work and the love which you have shown,…and we desire that each one of you show the same diligence so as to realize the full assurance of hope until the end…who through faith and patience inherit the promises.”\r
In summary, the irrational twist at Lakeview is equating “leaving their congregation” (for ANY reason) with “willfully rejecting Jesus Christ,” thus making everyone who is “no longer of us” apostate, reprobate, and “of the devil.” The practice is mind-boggling, but absolutely true!!\r
Never mind that the doctrine of Lakeview is too twisted to understand even a whisper of God’s amazing love and grace through anyone who preaches from that pulpit.\r
Never mind that many who left Lakeview, and have matured in Christ to live abundant fruitful lives are now helping to fulfill the Great Commission.
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