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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: Part 2 Apostasy (5) If apostasy continues on its course unchecked, individuals may eventually reach the point when no second beginning is possible. (a) Those who once had a saving ex-perience with Christ but deliberately and continually harden their hearts to the Spirit’s voice (Heb 3:7—19), continue to sin willfully (Heb. 10:26), and refuse to repent and return to God may reach a point of no return where repentance and salvation are no longer possible (Heb. 6:4—6; see Dt 29:18-21, note; 1Sa 2:25, note; Pr 29:1, note). There is a limit to God’s patience (see 1Sa 3:11—14; Mt 12:31—32; 2Th. 2:9—11; Heb. 10:26-29,31; lJn. 5:16). (b) This point of no return cannot be defined in advance. Therefore, the only safeguard against the danger of ultimate apostasy is found in the admonition: “Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts” (Heb. 3:7—8,15; 4:7). (6) It must be emphasized that while apostasy is a danger for all who drift from the faith (Heb. 2:1—3) and fall away from God (6:6), it is not made complete without constant and willful sinning against the voice of the Holy Spirit (see Mt 12:3 1, note on sin against the Holy Spirit). (7) Those who by unbelieving hearts depart from God (Heb. 3:12) may think they are Christians but their indifference to the demands of Christ and the Spirit and the warn-ings of Scripture points otherwise. Because of this possibility of sell-deception, Paul urges all those claiming salvation to “examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves” (2Co 13:5, note). (8) Those who genuinely become concerned about their spiritual condition and find in their hearts the desire to return to God in repentance have sure evidence they have not committed unpardonable apostasy. Scripture clearly affirms that God does not want anyone to perish (2Pe 3:9; cf. Isa 1:18-19; 55:6-7) and declares that God will receive all who were once under saving grace if they repent and return to him (compare Gal 5:4 with 4:19; 1Co 5:1—5 with 2Co 2:5—11; see also Lk 15:11—24; Ro 11:20—23; Jas 5:19—20; Rev 3:14—20; note the example of Peter, Mt 16:16; 26:74-75; Jn 21:15—22). Reference - Full Life Study Bible, Zondervan Publishing House Grand Rapids Mich, editor Donald Stamp. Pg 1918 |