Hebrews 6:4-8 is a warning passage. Here the author warns the danger of apostasy. This warning is to be taken in context with other similar warnings of this epistle. This is an epistle of exhortation to those who are in danger of neglecting the great salvation in Christ Jesus. Some think it is a hypothetical case. Others see this passage refers to believers. It is impossible for a true believer to fall from salvation. Salvation is of the Lord and it is an eternal gift. True believers are not in danger of losing their salvation.Some think the author is addressing the apostates here. Apostates are the professing Christians. They show every sign of being a Christians but never experienced the life transforming work of Christ. Like the seeds fell by the way side, upon the stony places and among thorns, they never received Christ as their Lord and Savior(Matt 13:4-7). They were close to salvation but fall short of salvation because of unbelief. They may associate with true believers but they are not real believers(1 John 2:19). There is not such thing as one being saved, then become unsaved, and then saved again.
In Hebrews 6:4-5, five things are mentioned about these apostates. They were once enlightened, tasted the heavenly gift, partakers of the Holy Spirit,tasted the good word of God and tasted the powers of the world to come. If they fall away, they can't be renewed again repentance. Because they are nailing the Son of God to the cross again by rejecting Him and holding Him unto public shame. Christ died once for our sins and it is not to be repeated(9:28).This passage is widely debated among believers. Here we see three important words representing different group of people.WE, in verses 3 and 9. They refer to the author and the Hebrew Christians. YOU, in verse 9, which refers to believers. THOSE and THEY in verse 4 and 6 which refer to some one other than the first two groups.
They were enlightened people. They had the knowledge of truth concerning Jesus Christ, who is the light of the world. Many people saw His light but chose to live in darkness(John 3:19; 2:23-25). They tasted the heavenly gift namely Jesus Christ(John 3:16).Children of Israel tasted the heavenly gift manna in the wilderness but God was not pleased with them because of their unbelief( 1Cor 10:2-5).Jesus fed 5000 in the wilderness but many of them did not follow Him(John6:66). They were the partakers of Holy Spirit. Jesus taught and did miracles in the power of the Holy Spirit. People were healed and convicted of their sins but did not believed in Him. They sinned against the Holy Spirit(John 12:37). They tasted the good word of God. They heard the word of God but did not benefit them because of their unbelief(Heb 4:2; John 8:48,59). They tasted the powers of the world to come. Jesus taught about heaven, the coming kingdom and the doom of Satan. But Many of them did not believe. They are like ground that receives rain but bring forth weeds and thorns.What a tragedy to reject untold blessings by living a halfhearted life of unbelief. Here the author is pointing out apostates, the professing Christians. It is impossible to renew them again to repentance because Christ can't be crucified again and again. But those who believe in Christ their salvation becomes effective for rest of life.
In verses 9-20 the author is hoping better things of true believers. They are the beloved ones and persuaded better things of them." God will not forget your labor of love for others".They ministered to the needs of others which is a mark of their love for God(1John 4:20,21). Be diligent and follow the example of those who received the promises through faith and patience. Here author uses Abraham as an example. Abraham waited many years in faith to receive the promise. In his seed all families will be blessed and is fulfilled in Christ(Gal 3:16). God confirmed His promise with two immutable things. They are the assurance of His promise and His oath(6:17). Our hope of salvation is in Christ and He is the anchor of our soul that reaches heaven. Christ has entered within the veil and He is our High Priest for ever after the order of Melchizedek. As our forerunner He has entered heaven and we shall follow Him someday. Do you have this assurance?. May God help us!!.
In Hebrews 6:4-5, five things are mentioned about these apostates. They were once enlightened, tasted the heavenly gift, partakers of the Holy Spirit,tasted the good word of God and tasted the powers of the world to come. If they fall away, they can't be renewed again repentance. Because they are nailing the Son of God to the cross again by rejecting Him and holding Him unto public shame. Christ died once for our sins and it is not to be repeated(9:28).This passage is widely debated among believers. Here we see three important words representing different group of people.WE, in verses 3 and 9. They refer to the author and the Hebrew Christians. YOU, in verse 9, which refers to believers. THOSE and THEY in verse 4 and 6 which refer to some one other than the first two groups.
They were enlightened people. They had the knowledge of truth concerning Jesus Christ, who is the light of the world. Many people saw His light but chose to live in darkness(John 3:19; 2:23-25). They tasted the heavenly gift namely Jesus Christ(John 3:16).Children of Israel tasted the heavenly gift manna in the wilderness but God was not pleased with them because of their unbelief( 1Cor 10:2-5).Jesus fed 5000 in the wilderness but many of them did not follow Him(John6:66). They were the partakers of Holy Spirit. Jesus taught and did miracles in the power of the Holy Spirit. People were healed and convicted of their sins but did not believed in Him. They sinned against the Holy Spirit(John 12:37). They tasted the good word of God. They heard the word of God but did not benefit them because of their unbelief(Heb 4:2; John 8:48,59). They tasted the powers of the world to come. Jesus taught about heaven, the coming kingdom and the doom of Satan. But Many of them did not believe. They are like ground that receives rain but bring forth weeds and thorns.What a tragedy to reject untold blessings by living a halfhearted life of unbelief. Here the author is pointing out apostates, the professing Christians. It is impossible to renew them again to repentance because Christ can't be crucified again and again. But those who believe in Christ their salvation becomes effective for rest of life.
In verses 9-20 the author is hoping better things of true believers. They are the beloved ones and persuaded better things of them." God will not forget your labor of love for others".They ministered to the needs of others which is a mark of their love for God(1John 4:20,21). Be diligent and follow the example of those who received the promises through faith and patience. Here author uses Abraham as an example. Abraham waited many years in faith to receive the promise. In his seed all families will be blessed and is fulfilled in Christ(Gal 3:16). God confirmed His promise with two immutable things. They are the assurance of His promise and His oath(6:17). Our hope of salvation is in Christ and He is the anchor of our soul that reaches heaven. Christ has entered within the veil and He is our High Priest for ever after the order of Melchizedek. As our forerunner He has entered heaven and we shall follow Him someday. Do you have this assurance?. May God help us!!.
