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NASB | Hebrews 6:4 For 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, |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | Hebrews 6:4 For [it is impossible to restore to repentance] those who have once been enlightened [spiritually] and who have tasted and consciously experienced the heavenly gift and have shared in the Holy Spirit, |
Bible Question: Can someone please explain to me Hebrews 6:4. It seems to be saying that if you fall away from Christ, you cannot be forgiven. This does not seem to possible considering the rest of the bible tells me different. |
Bible Answer: Dear Ren333, You're right to believe that those whom an almighty God has saved, he keeps, because this is indeed what His word assures us is the case. And you are also right in applying that wonderful truth to this passage of God's Word. Having eliminated what it does not and cannot mean, one is one step closer to finding out what it in fact does mean. I appreciate Tim’s honesty in mentioning his theological persuasion. The forum is not united theologically. It is made up of Christians of various theological stripes. So you yourself must decide whether any given answer squares with the Word of God. As a Christian, I grew up among those who taught “once saved, always saved.” I believe this is biblical and consistent with the biblical view that God is almighty, the author and finisher of our faith (Heb. 12:2). The label attached to my theological persuasion is Reformed. So this passage cannot be talking about a true believer, but about someone who was a “church goer”. But believers should take this passages to heart, and examine themselves. God is holy, and the design of any warning against sin and unbelief is never to leave a believer comfortable in sin and to spur him on to love and good works and the pursuit of sanctification without which no one will see the Lord (Heb. 10:24; 12:14) Peace, Lionstrong |