But that wasnt the writers point here at all. It is important to note that in the original language there is only one earth, not the opportunity to press on (6:3), the believer will suffer severe consequences. They are designed for downloading (*pdf available) Thus God, determining to show more abundantly to the heirs of promise the immutability of His counsel, confirmed it by an oath, that by two immutable things, in which it is impossible for God to lie, we might have strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold of the hope set before us. Now, brethren, who among us dare doubt this? WebHebrews chapter 6 represents a high point in the letter. The question is simple: Are these people with these impressive spiritual experiences in fact Christians? WebThe meaning of "fall away" To "fall away" is interpreted by some as apostasy from Christian beliefs or a total denial of the Christian faith. (Hebrews 6:4-6) The impossibility of repentance for those who fall away after receiving blessing from God. However, one must say that there is questionable value in warning someone against something that cant happen. GenesisExodusLeviticusNumbersDeuteronomyJoshuaJudgesRuth1 Samuel2 Samuel1 Kings2 Kings1 Chronicles2 ChroniclesEzraNehemiahEstherJobPsalmsProverbsEcclesiastesSong of SongsIsaiahJeremiahLamentationsEzekielDanielHoseaJoelAmosObadiahJonahMicahNahumHabakkukZephaniahHaggaiZechariahMalachiMatthewMarkLukeJohnActsRomans1 Corinthians2 CorinthiansGalatiansEphesiansPhilippiansColossians1 Thessalonians2 Thessalonians1 Timothy2 TimothyTitusPhilemonHebrewsJames1 Peter2 Peter1 John2 John3 JohnJudeRevelation, Select an Ending Point Are they Gods elect, chosen before the foundation of the world? The passage, as above explained, was really irrelevant, since it refers, not to the treatment by the Church of penitents, but to the impossibility of some persons being brought to penitence at all. Hebrews 6:4-6 NKJV - For it is impossible for those who were Heb. WebHebrews 6:4-6. By proceeding, you consent to our cookie usage. In this thinking, the writer to the Hebrews never intended to say that his readers were really in danger of damnation. Were Jesus' First Disciples Called to Salvation or Discipleship? Why Should Teolology Matter to Christians? conservative Christian faith, which includes a firm belief in the inerrancy "Backsliders" and Hebrews 6:4-6 - Focus on the Family b. The idea shows that growth and bearing fruit are important to keep from falling away. This warning, along with Hebrews 6:1-8, has caused untold agony to many sensitive Christians. Interpreting Hebrews: Beginning with the Readers, Some Questions for the Lordship Salvationist, Making Right Choices in Questionable Issues, Characteristics of a Grace-oriented Church, The Condition for Salvation in John's Gospel, Spanish Bible Studies - Estudios Bblicos en espaol. The Old Testament i. Living in this comfortable common ground, one did not stick out so much. The writer to the Hebrews means that if they retreat back to Judaism, all the religious repentance in the world will do them no good. WebHebrews 6:4English Standard Version. 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. These ancient Pharisees: iii. Hebrews 6 A verification email has been sent to the address you provided. At the end of chapter 5, the author began another warning about the danger of rejecting the gospel in favor of a more culture-friendly faith. (1-8) The apostle expresses satisfaction, as to the most of them. WebVerse 4. An example is Demas ( 2 Timothy 4:10 ). GenesisExodusLeviticusNumbersDeuteronomyJoshuaJudgesRuth1 Samuel2 Samuel1 Kings2 Kings1 Chronicles2 ChroniclesEzraNehemiahEstherJobPsalmsProverbsEcclesiastesSong of SongsIsaiahJeremiahLamentationsEzekielDanielHoseaJoelAmosObadiahJonahMicahNahumHabakkukZephaniahHaggaiZechariahMalachiMatthewMarkLukeJohnActsRomans1 Corinthians2 CorinthiansGalatiansEphesiansPhilippiansColossians1 Thessalonians2 Thessalonians1 Timothy2 TimothyTitusPhilemonHebrewsJames1 Peter2 Peter1 John2 John3 JohnJudeRevelation, Select a Beginning Point A (free) gift, a gift (without repayment). Hebrews 6 back were not allowed to enter the Promised Land, though they tried (cf. Usernames should only contain letters, numbers, dots, dashes, or underscores. i. General Epistles 4. bring them back to repentance. To understand this list, one must ask basic questions: ii. This desperate view goes beyond that of the Novatians, who only precluded from Church communion, not of necessity from the mercies of God (Socrates, 'Hist. Web4. The argument and To shine or to brighten up. 5:19-21, and Eph. b. Hebrews 6:4 14). Hebrews 6:4 - Bible Verse Meaning and Commentary better interpretation. Therefore: The writer rebuked his readers for their spiritual immaturity but he knew that nothing was gained by treating them as immature. Their spiritual danger was not so much out of a calculated rebellion, but more because of a depressing discouragement. It makes more sense and provides greater consistency if we argue that the writer's use of geuomai in Hebrews 6:4 is the same as his use in Hebrews 2:9. Jesus fully GenesisExodusLeviticusNumbersDeuteronomyJoshuaJudgesRuth1 Samuel2 Samuel1 Kings2 Kings1 Chronicles2 ChroniclesEzraNehemiahEstherJobPsalmsProverbsEcclesiastesSong of SongsIsaiahJeremiahLamentationsEzekielDanielHoseaJoelAmosObadiahJonahMicahNahumHabakkukZephaniahHaggaiZechariahMalachiMatthewMarkLukeJohnActsRomans1 Corinthians2 CorinthiansGalatiansEphesiansPhilippiansColossians1 Thessalonians2 Thessalonians1 Timothy2 TimothyTitusPhilemonHebrewsJames1 Peter2 Peter1 John2 John3 JohnJudeRevelation, Select an Ending Point WebHebrews 6 - Danger and Promise The author of Hebrews wants to help his readers understand that Jesus is our High Priest. Tasted of God's work. Been enlightened. For similar illustrations drawn from unproductiveness in nature in spite of culture, cf. We may safely say that from a human perspective, they had all appearance of salvation. Hebrews Historical Books When we examine the details of the passage in context, we find a past, they had rejected the Jewish sacrifices and accepted the eternal sacrifice of Jesus Christ. We need the anchor to hold the ship and keep it from being wrecked. This inclusive application of the term (familiar from prophecy, from our Lord's own words, from Apostolic usage; see Acts 26:18; Ephesians 1:18; 1Peter 2:9) throws light on the construction of the verse before us. . Salem Media Group. iv. WebThe answer is it is impossible to bring them back. ii. Hebrews 6 Commentary If they do, they can not claim ignorance and start over. A similar word and thought is seen in 4:11, v. Therefore, eternal standing of those written of in Hebrews 6:4-6 is a question with two answers. Forming the other "bookend" to the passage is Heb. WebHebrews 10:26 says that a person who sins willfully cannot be brought back to salvation. Since repentance itself is a work of God (Romans 2:4), the desire to repent is evidence that he or she has not truly fallen away. It is profoundly significant to observe how little distinctively Christian there is in this statement. Prophets Tasted the heavenly gift What is "tasted"? Tasted of the powers to come. GraceNotes no. These men did many religious things but were not saved or submitted to God. Hebrews 6:4 It is impossible for those who have once been Strong consolation is stronger than our guilty conscience. forward but to deny the provision of Christ's sacrifice and thus forfeit the benefits of professing and A believer who turns Hebrews 6:4 ii. Not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God, of the doctrine of baptisms, of laying on of hands, of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment. There is no salvation in a safe common ground that is not distinctively Christian. Does Grace Allow Christians to Judge Others? iv. He only used a hypothetical danger to motivate them. 3:6; 4:14; 10:23; 12:1), because these Jewish believers were tempted to If God cuts off WebThe meaning of "fall away" To "fall away" is interpreted by some as apostasy from Christian beliefs or a total denial of the Christian faith. Major Prophets From phos; to shed rays, i.e. Web4 It is impossible for those who have once been enlightened, who have tasted the heavenly gift, who have shared in the Holy Spirit, 5 who have tasted the goodness of the word of God and the powers of the coming age 6 and who have Hebrews 4 A good example of this is Demas. Yet we must first be concerned with understanding what the text says (exposition), before we are concerned with fitting what it says into a system of theology. GenesisExodusLeviticusNumbersDeuteronomyJoshuaJudgesRuth1 Samuel2 Samuel1 Kings2 Kings1 Chronicles2 ChroniclesEzraNehemiahEstherJobPsalmsProverbsEcclesiastesSong of SongsIsaiahJeremiahLamentationsEzekielDanielHoseaJoelAmosObadiahJonahMicahNahumHabakkukZephaniahHaggaiZechariahMalachiMatthewMarkLukeJohnActsRomans1 Corinthians2 CorinthiansGalatiansEphesiansPhilippiansColossians1 Thessalonians2 Thessalonians1 Timothy2 TimothyTitusPhilemonHebrewsJames1 Peter2 Peter1 John2 John3 JohnJudeRevelation. Backsliders" and Hebrews 6:4 Therefore: The writer rebuked his readers for their spiritual immaturity but he knew that nothing was gained by treating them as immature. Its failure is its own fault, and it is regarded as responsible for it, and deserving of its final fate. This supports the recurring exhortations in Hebrews to press forward in The specific ancient Greek word here translated baptisms (baptismos) is not the word regularly used in the New Testament to describe Christian baptism (baptizo). A prolongation and middle voice form of a primary verb; to cause to be, i.e. How Good Do You Have to Be to Get to Heaven? A Jew and a Christian together could say, Lets repent, lets have faith, lets perform ceremonial washings, and so forth. The Price of Apostasy. c. If they fall away, to renew them again to repentance: One of the most heated debates over any New Testament passage is focused on this text. We are told next that as a fore-runner our Lord has for us entered that is entered to take possession in our name. The illustration is apt and close. and been made partakers . Prophets Pentateuch But the way to right systems begins with a right understanding of the text, not one that bends the text to fit into a system. a. Hebrews 6:4-6 NIV - It is impossible for those who have - Bible b. See James 5:19-20; 1 John 1:9 2. 20), and in the third used to justify the Novatians in their refusal of communion, even after penance, to the lapsi. For the earth which drinks in the rain and bears herbs useful receives blessing from God: When the earth receives rain and bears useful plants, it fulfills its purpose and justifies the blessing of rain sent upon it. i. The presence of that anxiety, like the cry which betrayed the real mother in the days of Solomon, establishes beyond a doubt that you are not one that has fallen away beyond the possibility of renewal to repentance. (Meyer). Does Free Grace Theology Lead to False Assurance? Hope is exactly the medicine discouraged Christians need. No permission is required if they are . We are confident of better things concerning you: Though he spoke so severely, the writer to the Hebrews was confident His readers would continue on with Jesus. Christian faith and growth (Heb. 2. WebNew International Version. 5:11) The "thorns and thistles," connected with a curse on the ground, seem suggested by Genesis 3:17, 18, . Repentance and faith go together. But what do these passages teach? (11-20) Commentary on Hebrews 6:1-8 (Read Hebrews 6:1-8) c. Satan knows Scripture, and this passage has rightly been called one of the Devils favorite passages for the way it can (out of context) condemn the struggling believer. Baptismos is the word used on three other specific instances to refer to Jewish ceremonial washings (Hebrews 9:10, Mark 7:4, and Mark 7:8). Not laying again the foundation: These elementary principles are given in three pairs. In the grammar How Do We Explain Hebrews 6:4 Read commentary on this popular Bible verse and understand the real meaning behind God's Word using John Gill's Exposition of the Bible. John 3:16, Jesus faith love), Select a Beginning Point 6:11-12 which is also an exhortation to grow and 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. two, and it (the believer) is not burned, but the thorns (what the believer produces). The condition of a child of God who falls is described in 2 Peter 2:20-22. but that is a poor conclusion because fire is often used as God's judgment on His people (see For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted the heavenly gift, and have become partakers of the Holy Spirit, and have tasted the good word of God and the powers of the age to come, if they fall away, to renew them again to repentance, since they crucify again for themselves the Son of God, and put Him to an open shame. Lesson 17: When Repentance Becomes Impossible Where is the hardy sinner who dares come forward and say, I impugn the oath of God? Teleiotes does not imply complete knowledge but a certain maturity in the Christian faith. (Barclay). The ship must have hold of the anchor, even as we must lay hold of hope. Would you prayerfully consider a gift of support today? Todays text speaks of trampling underfoot the precious Son of God. Christian faith. As the words stand in the Authorised version, "enlightened" is but the first term of a series; but it is far more probable that the clauses which follow should be regarded as explanatory of the enlightenment itself: ". - 1 John 3:6, 9. A better interpretation is that believers who had already repented (changed their minds) about the But God would deny His own nature if He forgot such things (He would be unjust). Other Scriptures show that believers d. Behind the veil having become High Priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek: The temple analogy (behind the veil) reminds the writer to the Hebrews of his previous start into the subject of Jesus as our High Priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek (in Hebrews 5:6-10). ( Hebrews 6:1a) Going beyond the basics. He thinks of their continuation in the faith as one of the things that accompany salvation. and might become "sluggish" (Heb. iv. Therefore, leaving the discussion of the elementary principles of Christ, let us go on to perfection, a. Hebrews 6:4 Johannine Writings Examples: the prodigal son (Luke 15) and Simon ( Acts 8:22-24) Webby Charles F. Baker. 1. Nevertheless, from the perspective of Gods perfect wisdom it is impossible to say on this side of eternity. 4 For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted the heavenly gift, and have become partakers of the Holy Spirit, 5 and have tasted the good back and identify with Judaism is to publicly deny the benefits of Christ's sacrifice and even show Vers, 7, 8 - For land which hath drunk in the oft-coming rain upon it, and bringeth forth herbs meet for them for whom (not, as in A.V., "by whom") it is also tilled, receiveth blessing from God; but if it beareth thorns and thistles (not, as in A.V., "that which beareth"), it is rejected, and nigh unto cursing, whose end is to be burned (literally, for burning; cf. Pauline Epistles First we lose the desire to press on; then we lose the desire to go on. 2. The writer of Hebrews explains verses 4-6 with an illustration. This warning, along with Hebrews 6:1-8, has caused untold agony to many sensitive Christians. a. COMMENTARY: CAN A BELIEVER FALL AWAY? (HEBREWS 6:4 Luke-Acts But other uses of this word indicate a full, real experience as in how Jesus tasted death in Hebrews 2:9. We will not only forfeit the progress we could have They do not belong, nor are they applicable, to Taking all this together, we see that it is possible to display some fruit or spiritual growth then to die spiritually, showing that the soil of the heart was never right (Mark 4:16-19). This hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast, and which enters the Presence behind the veil, where the forerunner has entered for us, even Jesus, having become High Priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek. Set apart by (or for) God, holy, sacred. Thats debatable. He continued with his instruction and warnings. This is a key point that will help them choose to remain in Christianity rather than go to any other religious option. 12:15-17). It makes more sense and provides greater consistency if we argue that the writer's use of geuomai in Hebrews 6:4 is the same as his use in Hebrews 2:9. When we really bear fruit, we abide in Jesus (John 15:5) and are in no danger of falling away. What About Hebrews 6? | Reformed Bible Studies & Devotionals at others. 5 And have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come,. This passage teaches usthat an oath may be lawfully used by Christians; and this ought to be particularly observed, on account of fanatical men who are disposed to abrogate the practices of solemn swearing which God has prescribed in his Law. (Calvin). LXX. Addressee The epistle starts off as a written sermon and closes in the form of an epistle. GenesisExodusLeviticusNumbersDeuteronomyJoshuaJudgesRuth1 Samuel2 Samuel1 Kings2 Kings1 Chronicles2 ChroniclesEzraNehemiahEstherJobPsalmsProverbsEcclesiastesSong of SongsIsaiahJeremiahLamentationsEzekielDanielHoseaJoelAmosObadiahJonahMicahNahumHabakkukZephaniahHaggaiZechariahMalachiMatthewMarkLukeJohnActsRomans1 Corinthians2 CorinthiansGalatiansEphesiansPhilippiansColossians1 Thessalonians2 Thessalonians1 Timothy2 TimothyTitusPhilemonHebrewsJames1 Peter2 Peter1 John2 John3 JohnJudeRevelation. Hebrews 6 The Impossible Impossibility The wil. Hebrews 6:4 ii. 1:19; 2 Tim. "The Way Into the Holiest: Expositions of the Epistle to the Hebrews" (Fort Washington, Pennsylvania: Christian Literature Crusade, 1982), Spurgeon, Charles Haddon "The New Park Street Pulpit" Volumes 1-6 and "The Metropolitan Tabernacle Pulpit" Volumes 7-63 (Pasadena, Texas: Pilgrim Publications, 1990). Through them God spoke at many times and in various ways, but not always when men desired, nor as clearly as they might have wished. Could one believe in or practice these things and still not be a follower of Jesus Christ, and not believe Him to be the Messiah? Hebrews 6:4-5 Commentary | Precept Austin Hebrews 6 Commentary - Matthew Henry Commentary on the To be partakers of the Holy Spirit means to be sharers in the Spirit, probably with reference to It is a blessing when others encourage us, but we dont have to wait for that. GenesisExodusLeviticusNumbersDeuteronomyJoshuaJudgesRuth1 Samuel2 Samuel1 Kings2 Kings1 Chronicles2 ChroniclesEzraNehemiahEstherJobPsalmsProverbsEcclesiastesSong of SongsIsaiahJeremiahLamentationsEzekielDanielHoseaJoelAmosObadiahJonahMicahNahumHabakkukZephaniahHaggaiZechariahMalachiMatthewMarkLukeJohnActsRomans1 Corinthians2 CorinthiansGalatiansEphesiansPhilippiansColossians1 Thessalonians2 Thessalonians1 Timothy2 TimothyTitusPhilemonHebrewsJames1 Peter2 Peter1 John2 John3 JohnJudeRevelation, Select an Ending Point Please see Blue Letter Bible's Privacy Policy for cookie usage details. Hebrews 6 It is not as if God prohibits their repentance. Christian faith. d. Strong consolation: God isnt content to give us mere consolation. But if it bears thorns and briars, it is rejected: If ground is blessed by rain but refuses to bear fruit, no one blames the farmer for burning it. 2:1-4; 3:12; 10:19- Blue Letter Bible study tools make reading, searching and studying the Bible easy and rewarding. Its as if Satan uses Hebrews 6:4 and Hebrews 10:26+ to create hopelessness and despair. ( Hebrews 6:1a) Going beyond the basics. iii. Prophets Heb. The actual language of the text is Without a clear grasp of context, these verses seem to directly counter the Web1. i. Enlightened: This ancient Greek word has the same meaning as the English word. Nevertheless, from the perspective of Gods perfect wisdom it is impossible to say on this side of eternity. Since it means sharing the Holy Spirit, it has to do with receiving and having fellowship with the Holy Spirit. Tasted the good word of God: This means they experienced the goodness of Gods word, and saw its goodness at work in them. i. This was a subtle yet certain denial of Jesus. b. Web4 It is impossible for those who have once been enlightened, who have tasted the heavenly gift, who have shared in the Holy Spirit, 5 who have tasted the goodness of the word of God The Old Testament Though we speak in this manner: These encouraging words after the strong warning of Hebrews 6:4-8 should not be understood to mean that the warnings in the previous verses are not serious, or that the writer warned of impossible consequences. (a) I taste, (b) I experience. He was the most illustrious of the patriarchs and prophets, of whom the author had already said that his readers should imitate them. The Meaning of Hebrews 6:7-8 Christians often ignore Hebrews 6:7-8 in the process of trying to understand the meaning of Web4. (Hebrews 6:10-12) Dont be discouraged because God hasnt forgotten about you. teachers (Heb. He wants to give us strong consolation. Some think the Holy Ghost is intended; but rather Christ himself, the unspeakable gift of God's love, given from heaven, as the bread of life. Minor Prophets that the danger is only hypothetical. WebCommentary for Hebrews 6 . He exhorts not to fall back from the faith; Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers, NT Letters: Hebrews 6:4 For concerning those who were once enlightened (Heb. (9,10) And encourages them to persevere in faith and holiness. Parallel Commentaries For it is impossible for those who have been once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and have been made partakers of the Holy Ghost, and have tasted the good Word of God, and the powers of the world to come, and have fallen away, to renew them again unto repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put him to an open shame. Hebrews 6:4 Hebrews 6:4 We can encourage our self in the Lord. Hebrews Commentary WebHebrews 6:46 is among the most-often-misunderstood passages in the entire New Testament.