Hebrews 12:12-13

[ryan]

Hebrews 12:12-13 in the NKJ reads,

"Therefore strengthen the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees, and make straight paths for your feet, so that what is lame may not be dislocated, but rather be healed."

As I understand this the "Therefore" is referring back to what the writer said just before this about how God disciplines those that belong to Him. It sounds to me that "Make straight paths for your feet" is referring to the fact that if a believer is disciplined by The Lord, it's because he has strayed from the path and the Lord's way of bringing him back on the path, is through discipline. My question is about the phrase "So that what is lame may not be dislocated, but rather be healed".

I can see those that believe in losing your salvation using this verse to say that if a believer does not get back on the path then he will be "Dislocated". They could use this to mean that the person loses their salvation. Obviously there are many verses against this doctrine, but I'm still curious about this particular verse. Any thoughts?

[Justin]

Based on the English only, not presuming what is being said:
A lame limb untreated can ultimately become dislocated, not removed from the body but separated from the structure. It is no longer solidly attached, but is still being nourished by the body and kept alive by blood flow. It's still a member.

The only way to use this verse for losing your salvation is if it used the word amputated instead of dislocated.

As a side note: dislocating a limb is usually painful but not terribly, the pain of resetting is almost always more severe and excruciating. Compare that to the measures God must take to get us back on track and it's better to stay connected!

[T]

These verses came to mind as I read the above scripture in Hebrews. I'm not sure if it supports the Hebrews text entirely, but it simply came to mind when I read it:

2Cr 2:4-11 4 I wrote that letter in great anguish, with a troubled heart and many tears. I didn't want to grieve you, but I wanted to let you know how much love I have for you. 5 I am not overstating it when I say that the man who caused all the trouble hurt all of you more than he hurt me. 6 Most of you opposed him, and that was punishment enough. 7 Now, however, it is time to forgive and comfort him. Otherwise he may be overcome by discouragement. 8 So I urge you now to reaffirm your love for him. 9 I wrote to you as I did to test you and see if you would fully comply with my instructions. 10 When you forgive this man, I forgive him, too. And when I forgive whatever needs to be forgiven, I do so with Christ's authority for your benefit, 11 so that Satan will not outsmart us. For we are familiar with his evil schemes.

It seems to me that Paul was asking for the church to "strengthen this mans hands that hang down (a picture of brokenness and shame; head down, arms down, slumped over in shame), and strengthen the feeble knees (one who has suffered a clear injury; bandage the wound and carry him if neccessary as a shephard would a wounded sheep). Then Paul goes on to give a reason why in verse 10 and 11

[T]

FYI, I think this is a very important scripture that the church is in need of practicing today. As you know, we live in perilous times and it is not right that a disciplined, wounded sheep be left alone, unforgiven and dislocated from the body in this last hour. I pray this message is received and the peoples hearts not futrther hardened. As we know, the love of many will grow cold.

Mat 24:12 "And because lawlessness will abound, the love of many will grow cold.