Hebrews 6:4 Exegeted by Jack Kettler
“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.” (Hebrews 6:4)
From a Reformed theological perspective, Hebrews 6:4 is a challenging and often debated passage. The verse can be understood in parts: ‘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.’
Reformed theologians generally interpret this passage in the context of the broader argument of the book of Hebrews, which is to warn against apostasy and encourage perseverance in the faith. The author is addressing a group of Jewish Christians who were tempted to return to Judaism and abandon their faith in Christ.
The key phrase in verse 4 is “if they fall away.” Reformed theologians generally understand this phrase to refer to a hypothetical situation rather than an actual event. In other words, the author is not saying that genuine believers can lose their salvation, but rather that if such a thing were possible (which it is not), it would be impossible to be restored to repentance.
Reformed theologians also emphasize the severity of the sin of apostasy. The author compares it to crucifying Christ again and putting Him to an open shame. This is a strong warning against turning away from the faith and highlights the seriousness of the sin of apostasy.
Several Reformed theologians who can be referenced in defense of the above interpretation of Hebrews 6:4 include:
· John Calvin – The Institutes of the Christian Religion
· R.C. Sproul – The Holiness of God
· Wayne Grudem – Systematic Theology
· Michael Horton – The Christian Faith
· Herman Bavinck – Reformed Dogmatics
· Louis Berkhof – Systematic Theology
· John Owen – The Death of Death in the Death of Christ
· Francis Turretin – Institutes of Elenctic Theology
These theologians provide a Reformed perspective on the passage and can be appealed to in defense of the above interpretation.
To make a logical argument that this interpretation is required to avoid contradictions with other portions of scripture, the following should be considered:
1. The context of the passage: The passage in Hebrews 6:4-6 is part of a more extensive section (Hebrews 5:11-6:20) that addresses the need for spiritual maturity and perseverance in the faith. The author warns against falling away from the faith and emphasizes the importance of moving forward in spiritual growth.
2. The use of conditional language: The passage uses conditional language (“if they fall away”) to describe the impossibility of being restored to repentance. This suggests that the author is presenting a hypothetical scenario rather than stating a certainty.
3. The broader biblical teaching on salvation: The Bible consistently teaches that salvation is a gift of God’s grace, received through faith in Jesus Christ (Ephesians 2:8-9). It also teaches that true believers are sealed with the Holy Spirit and are kept secure in Christ (Ephesians 1:13-14; John 10:28-29). If the passage in Hebrews 6:4-6 were interpreted to mean that true believers can lose their salvation, it would contradict these clear biblical teachings.
4. The nature of God’s love and grace: The Bible teaches that God’s love and grace are unconditional and unchanging (Romans 8:38-39; Hebrews 13:8). If the passage in Hebrews 6:4-6 were interpreted to mean that God’s love and grace can be lost or forfeited, it would contradict these teachings.
5. The need for a consistent hermeneutic: A consistent hermeneutic (method of interpretation) is essential for understanding the Bible correctly. If the passage in Hebrews 6:4-6 were interpreted to mean that true believers can lose their salvation, it would require an inconsistent hermeneutic that contradicts Scripture’s clear teachings on salvation, God’s love and grace, and the perseverance of the saints.
6. Considering these points, we can make a logical numbered argument that interpreting Hebrews 6:4-6 as a hypothetical warning against apostasy, rather than a statement that true believers can lose their salvation, is required to avoid contradictions with other portions of Scripture.
Additional thoughts:
In Hebrews 6:4, the term “enlightened” describes a person exposed to the gospel’s truth to a certain degree. However, this enlightenment does not necessarily equate to a true conversion or salvation.
Think of it like this: just because someone has tasted a delicious meal doesn’t mean they’ve eaten the whole thing and are now nourished by it. Similarly, just because someone has been exposed to the light of the gospel doesn’t mean they’ve fully embraced it and been transformed by it.
True conversion involves more than intellectual understanding or emotional experience; it requires genuine repentance and faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. So, while enlightenment is a good start, it’s different from being truly saved.
In other words, enlightenment is like a spark that can ignite a fire, not the fire itself. True conversion is the fire that burns within, fueled by the grace of God and the power of the Holy Spirit.
In conclusion:
From a Reformed theological perspective, Hebrews 6:4 is a hypothetical warning against apostasy and a solid encouragement to persevere in the faith. The passage does not teach that genuine believers can lose their salvation but rather that the sin of apostasy is a serious and shameful act that should be avoided at all costs.
The above study was Groked and perfected with Grammarly AI.
“Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” (2 Timothy 2:15)
Mr. Kettler is a respected author who has previously published articles in the Chalcedon Report and Contra Mundum. He and his wife, Marea, are active Westminster, CO, RPCNA Church members. Mr. Kettler’s extensive work includes 18 books defending the Reformed Faith, which are available for order online at Amazon.
The Religion That Started in a Hat 