Difficult scriptures inThe New Testament

How can we understand

Hebrews 6:4-6 ?

In context of other scriptures.

JanEgil Gulbrandsen 2015

Updated March 2015

Heb. 6:4-6“it is impossible for those who have once been enlightened, who have tasted the heavenly gift, who have shared in the Holy Spirit, who have tasted in the goodness of the word of God and the powers of the coming age, if they fall away, to be brought back to repentance, because to their loss they have crucified the Son of God all over again and subjected him to public disgrace”

Background for our study:

• As always – we have to read the scriptures in 1) context, and

• 2) in light of other scriptures that deal with the same issues or topic.

• Only then can we really understand what we are reading

• One thing we know: God’s word does not contradict itself

• If it looks like one scripture can mean two things, we have to choose the meaning that complements the other scriptures.

• The difficulty with these words are:

• The writer (most likely Paul) say’s it is impossible for “this particular group of people,”

• that have had “some exposure” to many spiritual experiences,

• to be brought back to repentance if they fall away,

• Why: because they are crucifying Christ all over again, and subjecting him to public disgrace

• The questions many raise are:

• 1) Is it possible to loose your salvation?

• 2) Is it impossible to “come back” even if you want to?

Context:

• Paul writes to the Hebrews – his fellow Jews.

• He explains to his readers that “God now speaks to us by his Son” (and not like in the past true his prophets) Chapter 1

• He tells his readers to “pay more attention to what you have heard and don’t drift away” Chapter 2

• …”Therefor, Holy Brothers, fix your thoughts on Jesus” Chapter 3

• So far he is talking to believing, born again Holy brothers – Christians.

• Paul explains “the Sabbath-rest” for the us that believe Chapter 4:3

• But there is also “another group” – they also had the message preached to them, but the message was of “no value” to them…

• Why: Because they did not combine it with FAITH. Chapter 4:2

• Chapter 5 teaches us about “Jesus our High priest” and “ we are now also High Priests” 5:10

• Up till now we have heard Paul use terms as:

• Our – us – you – your – Holy Brothers,

• Clearly speaking to believers

• In chapter 6 he is describing “another group”

• He is now using terms as:

• Those (people), if they (fall away), (to renew) them, their (loss)

• It is clear that Paul here is speaking to “somebody else”

• This “other group” have been enlightened or informed

• They have heard the gospel (The good news of Jesus)

• They have tasted “the heavenly gift” (Jesus). But just tasted… Like a drop on your thung.

• They have shared in “the Holy Spirit” – Meaning: They have seen all the mighty works of the Spirit,

• Even tasted “the Good word of God” (Jesus)

• It is impossible for “these people” to be brought back to repentance

• Meaning: To change their mind and believe

• How is all this possible:

• Because in spite of everything they had heard they had never believed

• They had no FAITH Chapter 4:2

• They were professing…

• But not possessing…

• Only people possessing Jesus are born again believers

• “These people” were never believers in the first place.

• That’s why it is impossible for them “to change their mind” and be brought back

• (you can’t be brought back if you were not there in the first place)

• “that they are crucifying the son all over again” chapter 6:6

• means that they are doing the same as their fellow Jews did some years earlier:

• Denying that Jesus is the Son of God – calling him a liar and crucifying him over again.

• So child of God - and believer in Jesus:• These verses are not talking to you or about you• You are “safe and secure”• Again: Context is our friend.• In Chapter 6:9 Paul continues – now talking to

believers:• “But beloved, we are convinced of better things

concerning you.• (meaning: I really don’t think you are a part of

this unbelieving Christ denying group)

• In chapter 6 – verses 13 to 20 Paul “raps it up” and tells us what God is doing””

• God makes an oath “to himself”

• “our HOPE is firm and secure”

• We can safely sing: Blessed assurance – Jesus is mine.

• We can now safely turn to scriptures that gives every believer 100% security:

• …who so ever believe in him, shall not parish but have eternal life” John 3:16

• and

• …I know them (who believe), I give them eternal life, and they shall NEVER parish. John 10:25-28

• In Greek: “ou me” – meaning: never ever – not a chance

• = We have eternal security

• = We have eternal salvation.

The end