In contemporary discussions, the oft quoted passage of Hebrews six has been much debated. Contrary to common assumptions about the primary interpretation of this disputed passage, the Reformed tradition has not commonly assumed it as a hypothetical scenario. Rather, the falling away from the covenant is a present reality; in other words, the danger of apostasy is a real one. Rev. Doug Wilson has pointed out several times that the falling away from the covenant (this is the constant language in Galatians and in Hebrews) is a necessary reality. As I John 2:19 indicates, there is a true departure from the covenant community; an abandonment of the true God. Once they trusted and now they no longer do. They are even called the sons of God and they have faith in Christ, but they are “sons of God” for a temporal period (see Galatians 3) and their faith vanishes as if they had never possessed it.
Richard Pratt has pointed out that the liturgical language of the Confession and of the Sacraments demonstrate that those who possess Covenant membership are safe and not safe at the same time. In fact, I would add that those who betray the covenant are in danger of greater judgment than an atheist. It truly is a dangerous thing to fall under the wrath of an angry God.
