'One has to rise high to fall below power of forgiveness by repentance'
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The Apostle Paul taught that those who have special knowledge of the teachings of Jesus Christ have special obligations:
For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost,And have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come,
If they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put him to an open shame. (Heb. 6:6-7.)
In Understanding Paul, Richard L. Anderson noted that it is hard for commentators to envision how one so enlightened could rebel.
"His [Satan'sT tool is ego, for the gifts of God can be perverted for selfish purposes," Brother Anderson wrote. "Spiritual gifts must not be turned to gain `the things of this world; and the `honors of men.' (D&C 121:35.) One possessed by such goals might knowingly oppose God's work simply because of overriding personal ambition. . . .
"So Paul says that if the fully enlightened fall, they risk not being able to return through repentance. This is what John called the `sin unto death.' (1 John 5:16.) It is `mysterious' to many scholars, but modern revelation brings knowledge that those committing this sin allow themselves `through the power of the devil to be overcome, and to deny the truth and defy my power.' (D&C 76:31.) Like Satan, one has to rise high to fall below the power of forgiveness. Only one especially favored with spiritual certainty can rebel against God with knowledge of what he is doing.
"In Joseph Smith's words, `He has got to say that the sun does not shine while he sees it; he has got to deny Jesus Christ when the heavens are open to him.' This is the problem of the spiritually brilliant, but Paul reminds the Hebrews that most saints have the problem of qualifying for full salvation through `diligence.' (Heb. 6:11.)
"The meaning of faith in Hebrews 11 is clearly forecast by the faithfulness of Abraham. Faith and revelation did not save him, for he `obtained the promise' only in living righteously. (Heb. 6:15.) And what was the key to his faithfulness? It was his `patience' (Heb. 6:12), the fact that he `patiently endured.' (Heb. 6:15.) These words are the noun and verb form of long-suffering. Full salvation does not come by pushing spiritual buttons, but through persistent and faithful gospel living."
