Who Is Being Warned In Hebrews?

A huge difference between the "Tests of Genuineness" (TOG) and "Means of Salvation" (MOS) views is how the identity of the people described and addressed in Hebrews 6:4-8 and Hebrews 10:26-31 is understood. For the "TOG" view--ably defended by Wayne Grudem and many others--the people described in these two passages are merely professing Christians who are not actually saved--that is, they are self-deceived hypocrites who do not have true saving faith. For the "MOS" view, as espoused by Schreiner and Caneday, these people are true, genuine Christians who are in a saving relationship with God through Christ and whose sins have been definitively forgiven and who are regenerated and indwelt by the Holy Spirit and who are justified by the blood of Jesus. This is, to be sure, no small difference. It is also practical, as it colors how we hear and receive these warnings.

I plan on discussing this specific matter, and these two passages, soon in class (Lord willing). But for now, what do you see in these two passages (LISTED BELOW) that would argue for either view? What would lead us to think these are not authentic, born again Christians described here, but rather frauds and fakes who were never saved to begin with? What evidence, on the other hand, can be put forth that would argue that these people are actual, genuine believers who have experienced true salvation? If we are honest, decent arguments can be given for both sides. There is a reason that there has always been such fierce debate over these two passages throughout history. However, when all the evidence is seen cumulatively together, does one view or the other seem to have more validty, being demonstrated to be much more likely? How would the original audience have heard these warnings? Start writing down your thoughts.

Hebrews 6:4-8: "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, and have tasted the goodness of the word of God and the powers of the age to come, 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. 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. But if it bears thorns and thistles, it is worthless and near to being cursed, and its end is to be burned."

Hebrews 10:26-31: "For if we go on sinning deliberately after receiving the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, but a fearful expectation of judgment, and a fury of fire that will consume the adversaries. Anyone who has set aside the law of Moses dies without mercy on the evidence of two or three witnesses. How much worse punishment, do you think, will be deserved by the one who has spurned the Son of God, and has profaned the blood of the covenant by which he was sanctified, and has outraged the Spirit of grace? For we know him who said, “Vengeance is mine; I will repay.” And again, “The Lord will judge his people.” It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God."

(of course, these passages should be consulted in their entire overall contexts to be understood as accurately as possible)