Hebrews 6:4 - Printer Friendly

ESV: 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,

NIV: It is impossible for those who have once been enlightened, who have tasted the heavenly gift, who have shared in the Holy Spirit,

NASB: For it is impossible, in the case of those who have once been enlightened and have tasted of the heavenly gift and have been made partakers of the Holy Spirit,

CSB: For it is impossible to renew to repentance those who were once enlightened, who tasted the heavenly gift, who shared in the Holy Spirit,

NLT: For it is impossible to bring back to repentance those who were once enlightened — those who have experienced the good things of heaven and shared in the Holy Spirit,

KJV: 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,

NKJV: For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted the heavenly gift, and have become partakers of the Holy Spirit,

Hebrews 6:4–6 is among the most-often-misunderstood passages in the entire New Testament. Without a clear grasp of context, these verses seem to directly counter the doctrine of eternal security. References in verses 5 and 6 to falling away, and a lack of restoration, are easily misconstrued to imply a lack of salvation. And yet, the Bible is not meant to be read like a stack of fortune cookies or horoscopes. Each word, every verse, and every phrase needs to be considered as part of a whole. Looking at these words, from that perspective, greatly changes how they are interpreted.

First, we need to maintain the entire context of the Bible. According to Scripture, our salvation is eternally secure (John 10:28–30). Just as salvation is not earned by works (Romans 3:20; 11:6), it cannot be lost by works (1 John 1:9). So once a person is legitimately saved, they are saved forever. The entire book of Hebrews is addressed to Christians, and the wording of this verse supports that. Those who "have tasted the heavenly gift" (Ephesians 2:8) and who "share in the Holy Spirit" (Ephesians 1:13–14; Galatians 3:2) cannot be any other than true believers.

Rather than a loss of salvation, verses 4 through 6 describe the possible consequences of immature, stunted faith. Such a condition leaves us vulnerable to the same doubt-driven disobedience which Israel experienced in the wilderness (Numbers 13—14). This was discussed in Hebrews chapters 3 and 4 (Hebrews 3:12–19; 4:11). Christians who lose their trust in God, and doubt fundamental doctrines, are implicitly siding with a view that Christ should have been crucified, and that what He said was not true (Hebrews 6:6). Once a person reaches that state, there is nothing to be done—by any man—in order to bring them back to a living, active faith. This is similar to the dire state described in places such as Proverbs 29:1 and 1 John 5:16–17.

God, however, is neither a man, nor is He limited as men are (Luke 18:27). God's method of reaching such a Christian is given symbolically later in this chapter (Hebrews 6:7–8). Fields which fail to produce are treated with fire—often a symbol of God's judgment (Hebrews 10:26–27). The field is not destroyed, but it is treated harshly. This, again, is the same pattern seen in Exodus when Israel was forced to wander for forty years. Doubt led to disobedience, leading to judgment, producing change, and eventually resulting in obedience and restoration.

An alternative interpretation is that these verses do bring up loss of salvation, but only as a theory. According to this view, the author intends to show that loss of salvation is impossible because it would imply a re-crucifixion of Christ. This is not unreasonable, but does not seem to fit the context as well as the explanation given above.

Hebrews 6:4–8 is frequently cited by those who doubt the doctrine of eternal security, easily more so than any other passage in the New Testament. For that reason, it can be said these words are among the New Testament's most often misunderstood. Taken in context, this passage is a warning to Christians about the potential consequences of shallow, immature faith. Those who fall into doubt and disobedience cannot be ''restored,'' except by the fire of God's judgment. There is a natural flow in this part of Hebrews: from spiritual immaturity, to its consequences, to the confidence which ought to inspire our growth.

Chapter 6 completes a warning begun in the last verses of chapter 5. The author has deep points to make, but doubts that the readers are ready for them. Yet the only course of action is to press on: there is no time to re-establish the ABCs of the faith. Spiritual immaturity prevents growth, leading to doubt, discouragement, and eventually to judgment. Those who only scratch the surface of Christianity, then fall into disobedience, can't be restored to good standing until they've experienced some level of judgment. Rather than make that mistake, we should trust in the absolute promises of God, and the work of Christ, as we patiently pursue godly wisdom. Chapter 7 will resume the extensive discussion of Melchizedek's priesthood.

The book of Hebrews is meant to challenge, encourage, and empower Christian believers. According to this letter, Jesus Christ is superior to all other prophets and all other claims to truth. Since God has given us Christ, we ought to listen to what He says and not move backwards. The consequences of ignoring God are dire. Hebrews is important for drawing on many portions of the Old Testament in making a case that Christ is the ultimate and perfect expression of God's plan for mankind. This book presents some tough ideas about the Christian faith, a fact the author makes specific note of.