“For it is impossible to renew to repentance those who were once enlightened, who tasted the heavenly gift, became companions with the Holy Spirit, tasted God’s good word and the powers of the coming age, and who have fallen away, because, to their own harm, they are recrucifying the Son of God and holding Him up to contempt” (Hebrews 6:4-6 HCSB).
Having encouraged his readers to join him in departing from a “..discussion of the elementary principles of Christ” (Hebrews 6:1), our author now arrives at his next destination here in Hebrews 6:4-6. Much like a road sign that provides direction for a traveler, this passage contains several markers that help identify the subjects of this passage. Those descriptions include…
- “those who have once been enlightened.” The word translated “enlightened” means “to illuminate” (1) or “render evident.” (2) In a spiritual context, this definition includes those who have been imbued with saving knowledge. (3) Thus, we can say this passage encompasses those who have clearly identified their need to get right with God through faith in Christ.
- “who have tasted the heavenly gift.” While the exact identity of this gift is open to interpretation, we can say that one Biblical gift is universally applicable in this respect: “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 6:23).
- “partakers of the Holy Spirit.” A “partaker” refers to someone who is a partner, (4) or an associate (5) with the Holy Spirit. As we’ll see, what is not said concerning this relationship with the Holy Spirit is critical.
- “have tasted the good word of God.” This serves to identify those who have experienced the truth of God’s Word in some fashion.
- “the powers of the age to come.” We can associate this phrase with a poetic description of God’s supernatural power and ability.
One commentator summarizes these points with a general observation: “The meaning seems to be clear: they knew God on some level, but they rejected full faith in Christ.” (6)
So these definitions help direct us toward a proper application for this difficult and challenging portion of Scripture. Nevertheless, before we consider the identity of those who may be subject to this warning, we should first remember something of equal importance. One source identifies that “something” for us: “While the discussions of this passage have focused on who the writer was addressing, the more important issue is a warning about abandoning the truth about Christ for falsehood—no matter who you are.” (7)
(1) G5461 photizo Mounce Concise Greek-English Dictionary of the New Testament https://www.billmounce.com/greek-dictionary/photizo
(2) G5461 photizo Strong’s Concordance https://biblehub.com/greek/5461.htm
(3) G5461 photizo Thayer’s Greek Definitions https://www.blueletterbible.org/lexicon/g5461/kjv/tr/0-1/
(4) G3353 metochos Thayer’s Greek Definitions https://www.blueletterbible.org/lexicon/g3353/kjv/tr/0-1/
(5) G3353 metochos Mounce Concise Greek-English Dictionary of the New Testament https://www.billmounce.com/greek-dictionary/metochos
(6) Dr. Bob Utley, Hebrews 6 [6:4-6a] Copyright © 2014 Bible Lessons International http://www.freebiblecommentary.org/new_testament_studies/VOL10/VOL10_06.html
(7) Constable, Thomas. DD, Notes on Hebrews 2022 Edition [6:8] https://www.planobiblechapel.org/tcon/notes/html/nt/hebrews/hebrews.htm