Therefore let us leave the elementary doctrine of Christ and go on to maturity, not laying again a foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God, 2 and of instruction about washings, the laying on of hands, the resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment. 3 And this we will do if God permits. 4 For it is impossible, in the case of those who have once been enlightened, who have tasted the heavenly gift, and have shared in the Holy Spirit, 5 and have tasted the goodness of the word of God and the powers of the age to come, 6 and then have fallen away, to restore them again to repentance, since they are crucifying once again the Son of God to their own harm and holding him up to contempt. 7 For land that has drunk the rain that often falls on it, and produces a crop useful to those for whose sake it is cultivated, receives a blessing from God. 8 But if it bears thorns and thistles, it is worthless and near to being cursed, and its end is to be burned. (Hebrews 6)
Imagery. Jesus used it well. One basic picture He used was that of seed for the Word of God. Once it is planted in the soil of men's hearts, you eventually will see what happens. Does it grow, mature, and bear fruit? Or does it wither out or get choked out by weeds. It never simply remains a small but healthy plant. God's plan is for us to be rooted well in Christ, grow, and bear fruit. We should not think that we need to get replanted over and over again (or saved over and over). Once we are in Christ, we have His new life, and ought to be growing, living by faith, and showing His likeness in thought, word and deed. Are we?
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