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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, |
Subject: Heb 6:4-6 What does it mean...? 6:4 |
Bible Note: Heb 6:4-6 What does it mean...? Hebrews 6:4 "Enlightened. "They had received instruction in biblical truth which was accompanied by intellectual perception. Understanding the gospel is not the equivalent of regeneration. In John 1:9 it is clear that enlightening is not the equivalent of salvation. "Tasted the heavenly gift. "Tasting in the firurative sense in the NT refers to consciously experiencing someting. The experience might be momentary or continuing. Christ's 'tasting' of death was obviously momentary and not continuing or permanent. All men experience the goodness of God, but that does not mean they are all saved. Many Jews, during the Lord's earthly ministry experienced the blessings from heaven He brought -- in healings and deliverance from demons, as well as eating the food He created miraculously. Whether the gift refers to Christ or to the Holy Spirit, experiencing either one was not the equivalent of salvation. "Partakers of the Holy Spirit. "Even though the concept of partaking is used in Heb 3:1; 3:14; and 12:8 of a relationship which believers have, the context must be the final determining factor. This context in vv. 4-6 seems to preclude a reference to true believers. It could be a reference to their participation, as noted above, in the miraculous ministry of Jesus who was empowered by the Spirit or in the convicting ministry of the Holy Spirit which obviously can be resisted without experiencing salvation." (Note at Hebrews 6:4, MacArthur Study Bible, Word Publishing, 1997. For all Scripture references, see the MacArthur Study Bible.) |