Prior Book | Prior Chapter | Prior Verse | Next Verse | Next Chapter | Next Book | Viewing NASB and Amplified 2015 | |
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: what does Hebrews 6v4-6 mean? |
Bible Note: Ok, schwartzkm, Here's a little different interpretation of these verses.. "6:4-6: These verses are among the most debated in Scripture and have been interpreted in four different ways: (1) as a warning against apostasy or losing salvation; (2) as a judgment against false professors, those who, though professing trust in Christ, in reality are not saved; (3) as a caution against spiritual immaturity, to encourage actual believers to press on to spiritual maturity in order to avoid the discipline of God (as Father, cf. 12:5-11), which would be certain to come if they were to remain stagnant or regress spiritually; and finally, (4) as an assurance to believers through a timely illustration. This latter view interprets the text best. The author of Hebrews does not suggest in these verses that apostasy or falling from salvation is possible. Rather, he provides the strongest possible argument for the impossibility of reinstatement to salvation if one were to fall. The hypothetical spiritual experiences about which the author speaks are clearly those of a genuine believer. Enlightenment is followed by tasting the heavenly gift and sharing in the Holy Spirit. Even the powers of the coming age have been experienced by these Christians. Indeed, the initial phrase of v. 6 could be translated "and having fallen beside." Again the case is hypothetical, referring to the biblical truth that if one could fall from salvation, he could never be saved again. The fact that there is no thought of an actual forfeiture of salvation may be seen elsewhere in Hebrews (cf. 6:19; 10:14), as well as throughout the remainder of the N.T. (cf. Eph 4:30; 2 Tim 1:12; Jude 24). Actually the author of Hebrews is confident in the profession of the recipients of his epistle, as is indicated by v. 9." (Believer's Study Bible) "HEBREWS 6:4: Holy Spirit, Convicts—The Holy Spirit works to convict sinners and lead them to repentance and faith. He also works in the lives of Christians to convict us of sin and to lead us to spiritual growth and maturity. Biblical students are not agreed on which is meant here. At issue is the biblical doctrine of the perseverance of the saints. Hebrews apparently addresses Jewish people who have been intimately connected with the church, possibly becoming church members, and yet have not committed themselves totally in faith to Christ. The message for them is that they cannot stand still. They must decide for or against Christ. Otherwise, they will fall away from Christ, back into Judaism, and they will not have a second chance to respond to the Spirit’s conviction. If addressed to Christians, the text uses strong language to gain attention so as to lead the Christians from lingering doubts to committed faith." (Disciple's Study Bible) "HEBREWS 6:4: It Apostasy: vv. 1-9; Heb 10:29. (Luke 18:8; 2 Tim 3:1, note) 'Impossible' The warning in vv. 6-8 has been understood in various ways. The major interpretations are: (1) The warning is directed to some of the Jewish people who professed to be believers in Christ but stopped short of true faith in Him after advancing to the threshold of salvation. (2) The admonition presents a hypothetical case: if one could "fall away" (v. 6), it would be impossible to renew him again to repentance; for, in such an instance, it would be necessary for Christ to be crucified a second time. Obviously this will not occur (Heb 10:12, 14); thus to fall away is impossible. (3) The warning is directed toward believers who have fallen into sin to such an extent that they have crucified to themselves the Son of God all over again (v. 6) and are therefore disapproved and will lose their reward (see 1 Cor 9:27, note). And (4) the warning is to those who are believers in the Lord Jesus Christ and are in danger of falling away, through unbelief or sin, and losing their salvation. The clause rendered "and were made partakers of the Holy Spirit" (v. 4) might be paraphrased somewhat like this: "and were willingly being led toward the Holy Spirit." The warning is issued to those who have been instructed and even moved by the Holy Spirit but have never committed themselves to Christ. The entire passage turns on the word "better" in v. 9. If all that is written in vv. 1-5 were equivalent to salvation, there could be nothing better. The experiences outlined may precede and even accompany salvation, but they do not always result in salvation. Scripture abundantly affirms the Christian’s eternal security; therefore this passage must not be interpreted as teaching that believers in Christ can lose their salvation. See John 3:15-16, 36; 10:27-30; Rom 8:35, 37-39; Eph 1:12-14; 4:30; Phil 1:6; Heb 10:12-14; 1 Pet 1:3-5. Ghost Holy Spirit (N.T.): v. 4; Heb 9:8. (Mat 1:18; Acts 2:4, note)" (New Scofield Study Bible) My wealth of resources has grown considerably since I wrote that last post (06/09). Let me know if you still don't like these. I have more. Nolan |