Hebrews - difficult scriptures

1. Difficult scriptures in
The New Testament
How can we understand
Hebrews 6:4-6 ?
In context of other scriptures.
JanEgil Gulbrandsen 2015

2. Heb. 6:4-6
“it is impossible for those who have once
been enlightened, who have tasted the
heavenly gift, who have shared in the Holy
Spirit, who have tasted in the goodness of the
word of God and the powers of the coming
age, if they fall away, to be brought back to
repentance, because to their loss they have
crucified the Son of God all over again and
subjected him to public disgrace”

3. Background for our study:
• As always – we have to read the scriptures in
1) context, and
• 2) in light of other scriptures that deal with the
same issues or topic.
• Only then can we really understand what we are
reading
• One thing we know: God’s word does not
contradict itself
• If it looks like one scripture can mean two
things, we have to choose the meaning that
complements the other scriptures.

4. • The difficulty with these words are:
• The writer (most likely Paul) say’s it is impossible
for “this particular group of people,”
• that have had “some exposure” to many spiritual
experiences,
• to be brought back to repentance if they fall
away,
• Why: because they are crucifying Christ all over
again, and subjecting him to public disgrace

5. • The questions many raise are:
• 1) Is it possible to loose your salvation?
• 2) Is it impossible to “come back” even if you
want to?

6. Context:
• Paul writes to the Hebrews – his fellow Jews.
• He explains to his readers that “God now speaks
to us by his Son” (and not like in the past true his
prophets) Chapter 1
• He tells his readers to “pay more attention to
what you have heard and don’t drift away” Chapter 2
• …”Therefor, Holy Brothers, fix your thoughts on
Jesus” Chapter 3
• So far he is talking to believing, born again Holy
brothers – Christians.

7. • Paul explains “the Sabbath-rest” for the us
that believe Chapter 4:3
• But there is also “another group” – they also
had the message preached to them, but the
message was of “no value” to them…
• Why: Because they did not combine it with
FAITH. Chapter 4:2
• Chapter 5 teaches us about “Jesus our High
priest” and “ we are now also High Priests” 5:10

8. • Up till now we have heard Paul use terms as:
• Our – us – you – your – Holy Brothers,
• Clearly speaking to believers
• In chapter 6 he is describing “another group”
• He is now using terms as:
• Those (people), if they (fall away), (to renew)
them, their (loss)
• It is clear that Paul here is speaking to “somebody
else”

9. • This “other group” have been enlightened or
informed
• They have heard the gospel (The good news of
Jesus)
• They have tasted “the heavenly gift” (Jesus). But
just tasted… Like a drop on your thung.
• They have shared in “the Holy Spirit” – Meaning:
They have seen all the mighty works of the Spirit,
• Even tasted “the Good word of God” (Jesus)

10. • It is impossible for “these people” to be brought
back to repentance
• Meaning: To change their mind and believe
• How is all this possible:
• Because in spite of everything they had heard
they had never believed
• They had no FAITH Chapter 4:2
• They were professing…
• But not possessing…

11. • Only people possessing Jesus are born again
believers
• “These people” were never believers in the
first place.
• That’s why it is impossible for them “to
change their mind” and be brought back
• (you can’t be brought back if you were not
there in the first place)

12. • “that they are crucifying the son all over
again” chapter 6:6
• means that they are doing the same as their
fellow Jews did some years earlier:
• Denying that Jesus is the Son of God – calling
him a liar and crucifying him over again.

13. • So child of God - and believer in Jesus:
• These verses are not talking to you or about you
• You are “safe and secure”
• Again: Context is our friend.
• In Chapter 6:9 Paul continues – now talking to
believers:
• “But beloved, we are convinced of better things
concerning you.
• (meaning: I really don’t think you are a part of
this unbelieving Christ denying group)

14. • In chapter 6 – verses 13 to 20 Paul “raps it
up” and tells us what God is doing””
• God makes an oath “to himself”
• “our HOPE is firm and secure”
• We can safely sing: Blessed assurance – Jesus
is mine.
• We can now safely turn to scriptures that
gives every believer 100% security:

15. • …who so ever believe in him, shall not parish but
have eternal life” John 3:16
• and
• …I know them (who believe), I give them eternal
life, and they shall NEVER parish. John 10:25-28
• In Greek: “ou me” – meaning: never ever – not a
chance
• = We have eternal security
• = We have eternal salvation.

16. The end