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 word of God and the powers of the age to come, 6 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. Hebrews 6:4-6
The text is saying it is impossible to renew to repentance those who have experienced all these things and fall away. The “repentance” is a change of mind or a resolve to think differently. It must be that after all they have experienced in their belief, and then having fallen away from that belief, what is going to change their minds back to their former belief? Once they go that far--falling away--it's going to be impossible to bring them back to their former belief.
I believe this is referring to a particular belief that one could fall away from, because of the subject matter of the book of Hebrews, but this situation probably can happen with reference to other kinds of beliefs. There are things I use to believe that I find it hard to imagine I could have a change of mind in which I revert to the former belief.
Some may want to apply this text to someone who was once a believer that became an atheist. I don't believe this is talking about that specifically. Though it could apply in principle. That is a most serious concern and difficult to address. They have not only fallen away, but they have built such a case against their former beliefs that it seems impossible for them to ever have a change of mind.
I believe that the issue in Hebrews and what Chapter 6 is dealing with is the superiority of Christ for salvation. Christ is superior to everything, and he is superior to the Law of Moses. If a believer in Christ for salvation were to go back to the Mosaic Law for salvation, he would be falling away from the faith. He would be casting off his confidence in Christ for something inferior.
The author of Hebrews appeals to his audience concerning what they experienced when they first believed, and that they should not cast off their confidence but persevere.
32 But recall the former days in which, after you were illuminated, you endured a great struggle with sufferings: 33 partly while you were made a spectacle both by reproaches and tribulations, and partly while you became companions of those who were so treated; 34 for you had compassion on me in my chains, and joyfully accepted the plundering of your goods, knowing that you have a better and an enduring possession for yourselves in heaven. 35 Therefore do not cast away your confidence, which has great reward. 36 For you have need of endurance... Hebrews 10:32-36
If they “cast away” their “confidence,” they will no longer be walking in grace; they will lose their reward. This situation and issue to similar to the one addressed in the book of Galatians, in which the Gentile believers were being tempted by the same error to seek justification by the Law of Moses, probably by certain Jewish believers who claimed that unless the Gentiles are circumcised, they can't be saved. In Acts Chapter 15, this issue was addressed: 1 And certain men came down from Judea and taught the brethren, "Unless you are circumcised according to the custom of Moses, you cannot be saved." 2 Therefore, when Paul and Barnabas had no small dissension and dispute with them... Acts 15:1-2
In Galatians, we see this issue addressed: I, Paul, say to you that if you become circumcised, Christ will profit you nothing. 3 And I testify again to every man who becomes circumcised that he is a debtor to keep the whole law. 4 You have become estranged from Christ, you who attempt to be justified by law; you have fallen from grace. Galatians 5:2-4
The Galatians had believed in Christ for justification, but certain men came along and said they needed to keep the Law to be justified. If they have a change of mind and go this route, they have become estranged from Christ and fallen from grace. They will be then operating from legalism, and Christ will profit them nothing. The focus will shift from Christ and the cross to keeping the Law. Their confidence will shift from Christ to the Law. They will not be able to walk in the Spirit, because their confidence will be in the flesh.
Paul recalled in his letter to the Galatians how certain men wanted Titus, a Gentile, to be circumcised: not even Titus who was with me, being a Greek, was compelled to be circumcised. 4 And this occurred because of false brethren secretly brought in (who came in by stealth to spy out our liberty which we have in Christ Jesus, that they might bring us into bondage), 5 to whom we did not yield submission even for an hour, that the truth of the gospel might continue with you. Galatians 2:3-5
Paul writes in Galatians concerning justification by faith: knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law but by faith in Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Christ Jesus, that we might be justified by faith in Christ and not by the works of the law; for by the works of the law no flesh shall be justified. Galatians 2:16
The concern in Hebrews chapter 6 is the consequence of falling away, yet the author is giving this as a warning, for he goes on to state that he had reason to believe they hadn't gone that far: 9 But, beloved, we are confident of better things concerning you, yes, things that accompany salvation, though we speak in this manner. 10 For God is not unjust to forget your work and labor of love which you have shown toward His name, in that you have ministered to the saints, and do minister. 11 And we desire that each one of you show the same diligence to the full assurance of hope until the end, 12 that you do not become sluggish, but imitate those who through faith and patience inherit the promises. Hebrews 6:9-12
They hadn't gone that far, and more than that, they had born fruit that accompanies salvation. They needed to stay the course and continue in the faith. They did not need to fulfill the rituals of the Law to complete their salvation—they already had it by faith in Christ, and they were bearing the fruit that is consistent with it. They needed to persevere and be patient for the completion of salvation and the promises that they would receive at the coming of Christ: For you have need of endurance, so that after you have done the will of God, you may receive the promise: 37 "For yet a little while, And He who is coming will come and will not tarry. 38 Now the just shall live by faith; But if anyone draws back, My soul has no pleasure in him." 39 But we are not of those who draw back to perdition, but of those who believe to the saving of the soul. Hebrews 10:36-39
But if one draws back, then they can only expect Divine judgment: 26 For if we sin willfully after we have received the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, 27 but a certain fearful expectation of judgment, and fiery indignation which will devour the adversaries. 28 Anyone who has rejected Moses' law dies without mercy on the testimony of two or three witnesses. 29 Of how much worse punishment, do you suppose, will he be thought worthy who has trampled the Son of God underfoot, counted the blood of the covenant by which he was sanctified a common thing, and insulted the Spirit of grace? 30 For we know Him who said, "Vengeance is Mine, I will repay," says the Lord. And again, "The LORD will judge His people." 31 It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God. Hebrews 10:26-31
This judgment comes because the believer has devalued the blood of Christ for salvation for that which cannot save.
Yet the author of Hebrews will proceed to remind his readers of those who lived their lives consistent with faith in anticipation of the promises they did not see in their lifetime. Jesus is the supreme example of one who lived by faith; he is the captain/ pioneer and perfecter of what living by faith looks like: let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, 2 fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3 Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. Hebrews 12:1-3 NIV
Salvation now and at the coming of Christ is through faith alone in Christ. Let no one talk you out of it through an inferior method. Continue in the faith, steadfast. Keeping your eyes fixed on Jesus and His grace—by which you are saved.
37 "For yet a little while, And He who is coming will come and will not tarry. 38 Now the just shall live by faith; But if anyone draws back, My soul has no pleasure in him." 39 But we are not of those who draw back to perdition, but of those who believe to the saving of the soul. Hebrews 10:37-39 updated 12/20/24
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