Hebrews 6:4
It is impossible for those who have once been enlightened, who have tasted the heavenly gift, who have shared in the Holy Spirit,
It is impossible
The Greek word used here is "ἀδύνατον" (adynaton), which means "impossible" or "incapable of happening." This strong term sets the tone for the seriousness of the message. In the context of Hebrews, it underscores the gravity of falling away after having received the knowledge of the truth. The impossibility here is not due to God's lack of power but rather the hardened state of the human heart that has fully rejected the truth after experiencing it.

for those who have once been enlightened
The term "enlightened" comes from the Greek "φωτισθέντας" (phōtisthentas), which means to be illuminated or to receive light. This phrase suggests a profound spiritual awakening or understanding, akin to the initial conversion experience where the truth of the Gospel is revealed. Historically, enlightenment was often associated with baptism in the early church, symbolizing the transition from darkness to light.

who have tasted the heavenly gift
The word "tasted" is translated from the Greek "γευσαμένους" (geusamenous), implying a personal experience or sampling. The "heavenly gift" is often interpreted as the grace of God or salvation through Jesus Christ. This phrase indicates that the individuals have not only been exposed to the truth but have also experienced its benefits, albeit perhaps superficially.

who have shared in the Holy Spirit
The Greek word "μετόχους" (metochous) means "partakers" or "sharers." This suggests a deep involvement or fellowship with the Holy Spirit, indicating that these individuals have experienced the Spirit's work and presence in their lives. In the historical context of the early church, this sharing would have been understood as participating in the life and power of the Spirit, which was a significant aspect of the Christian community's identity.

Persons / Places / Events
1. The Recipients of Hebrews
The letter to the Hebrews was addressed to Jewish Christians who were familiar with the Old Testament and were facing persecution, which tempted them to revert to Judaism.

2. The Author of Hebrews
While the author of Hebrews is not explicitly named, the letter is traditionally attributed to Paul or another early Christian leader who had a deep understanding of Jewish traditions and the new covenant in Christ.

3. The Enlightened
This term refers to those who have received the knowledge of the truth of the Gospel, having been exposed to the teachings and the power of the Holy Spirit.

4. The Heavenly Gift
This likely refers to the gift of salvation and the experience of the Holy Spirit, which believers receive through faith in Jesus Christ.

5. The Holy Spirit
The third person of the Trinity, who plays a crucial role in the life of believers, empowering and guiding them in their faith journey.
Teaching Points
The Seriousness of Apostasy
Hebrews 6:4 warns about the grave danger of apostasy, which is the deliberate turning away from the faith after having received the truth. This serves as a sobering reminder of the importance of perseverance in the Christian walk.

The Role of the Holy Spirit
The passage highlights the role of the Holy Spirit in enlightening believers. It is crucial to remain sensitive and obedient to the Spirit's leading to avoid falling away.

The Assurance of Salvation
While the warning is severe, it also underscores the assurance that comes from a genuine, ongoing relationship with Christ. Believers are encouraged to examine their faith and ensure it is rooted in a true understanding of the Gospel.

Encouragement to Persevere
The broader context of Hebrews encourages believers to persevere in faith, drawing strength from the community of believers and the promises of God.
Bible Study Questions
1. What does it mean to be "enlightened" according to Hebrews 6:4, and how can we ensure we are living in that enlightenment daily?

2. How does the warning in Hebrews 6:4 about falling away challenge our understanding of eternal security? How can we reconcile this with other scriptures that assure us of our salvation?

3. In what ways can we actively engage with the Holy Spirit to prevent spiritual stagnation or falling away?

4. How can the community of believers support each other in maintaining a steadfast faith, especially in times of trial or doubt?

5. Reflect on a time when you felt tempted to turn away from your faith. How did you overcome that temptation, and what scriptures or spiritual practices helped you remain steadfast?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Hebrews 10:26-31
This passage also warns against falling away after receiving the knowledge of the truth, emphasizing the severity of willful sin after enlightenment.

Matthew 12:31-32
Jesus speaks about the unforgivable sin against the Holy Spirit, which parallels the warning in Hebrews about falling away after receiving the Spirit.

2 Peter 2:20-22
Peter discusses the danger of returning to sin after knowing the way of righteousness, similar to the warning in Hebrews 6:4.
A Backslider a Sad SightHebrews 6:4-6
Backsliding and ApostasyJ. Leifchild, D. D.Hebrews 6:4-6
Christ Crucified AfreshBaxendale's Dictionary of AnecdotesHebrews 6:4-6
Continuous CrucifixionF. W. Farrar, D. D.Hebrews 6:4-6
Crucifying the Son of God AfreshProf Archer Butler.Hebrews 6:4-6
Danger of Falling AwayHebrews 6:4-6
Final PerseveranceC. H. Spurgeon.Hebrews 6:4-6
Freezing After a ThawTheo. Monod.Hebrews 6:4-6
Indefinite Renewal ImpossibleF. Rendall, M. A.Hebrews 6:4-6
Misery of a BacksliderC. Venn.Hebrews 6:4-6
Nothing More Can be DoneF. B. Meyer, B. A.Hebrews 6:4-6
Process of BackslidingHebrews 6:4-6
Shutting Out LoveTennyson.Hebrews 6:4-6
Sinning Against the LightOld Greek Saying.Hebrews 6:4-6
Spiritual Declension and RecoveryF. W. Krummacher, D. D.Hebrews 6:4-6
The Critical State of BackslidersD. Young Hebrews 6:4-6
The Crucifixion of Christ ModernisedDavid Gregg, D. D.Hebrews 6:4-6
The Crucifixion of Christ, an Ever Recurring CrimeHomilistHebrews 6:4-6
The Danger of Apostasy from ChristianityAbp. Tillotson.Hebrews 6:4-6
The Difficulty of the PassageR. W. Dale, LL. D.Hebrews 6:4-6
The Effect of Realising The Powers of the World to ComeJames Foster, B. A.Hebrews 6:4-6
The Influence of FuturityH. Melvill, B. D.Hebrews 6:4-6
The Moral Condition in Which Renewal is ImpossibleJohn Brown, D. D.Hebrews 6:4-6
The Palestinian ApostatesT. Guthrie, D. D.Hebrews 6:4-6
The Powers of the World to ComeJ. Foster.Hebrews 6:4-6
The Powers of the World to ComeH. Batchelor, B. A.Hebrews 6:4-6
The Recoil from Good InfluencesA. B. Bruce, D. D.Hebrews 6:4-6
The Relapse for Which There is no RestorationW. Jones Hebrews 6:4-6
The Sin of Rejecting the GospelE. Deering, B. D.Hebrews 6:4-6
The Terrible Hypothesis; Or, the Irrecoverable FallHomilistHebrews 6:4-6
The World to ComeC. P. Sheldon, D. D.Hebrews 6:4-6
What is it to Fall AwayF. B. Meyer, B. A.Hebrews 6:4-6
What Relapses are Inconsistent with GraceHebrews 6:4-6
The Motives to Perseverance Supplied by the Sin and Punishment of ApostasyJ.S. Bright Hebrews 6:4-8
The Damager of Apostasy Arising from Immature Apprehension of Christian TruthC. New Hebrews 6:4-10
People
Hebrews, Melchisedec, Melchizedek
Places
Jerusalem
Topics
Case, Enlightened, Ghost, Gift, Heaven, Heavenly, Holy, Impossible, Partakers, Renew, Repentance, Restore, Shared, Spirit, Sweetness, Tasted, Tasting, Touching
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Hebrews 6:4

     4836   light, and people of God
     5325   gifts
     6214   participation, in Christ
     7032   unity, God's people
     8419   enlightenment

Hebrews 6:1-6

     7372   hands, laying on

Hebrews 6:4-5

     5187   taste
     5854   experience, of God

Hebrews 6:4-6

     1412   foreknowledge
     2426   gospel, responses
     4963   past, the
     5398   loss
     5828   danger
     6194   impenitence, warnings
     8102   abiding in Christ
     8743   faithlessness, nature of
     8835   unbelief, nature of
     9512   hell, experience
     9513   hell, as incentive to action

Hebrews 6:4-8

     5016   heart, fallen and redeemed
     8706   apostasy, warnings
     8723   doubt, results of

Hebrews 6:4-18

     5467   promises, divine

Library
Final Perseverance
Looking at the scope of the whole passage, it appears to us that the Apostle wished to push the disciples on. There is a tendency in the human mind to stop short of the heavenly mark. As soon as ever we have attained to the first principles of religion, have passed through baptism, and understand the resurrection of the dead, there is a tendency in us to sit still; to say, "I have passed from death unto life; here I may take my stand and rest;" whereas, the Christian life was intended not to be a
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 2: 1856

Things that Accompany Salvation
Before we begin, however, let us just make this caution. When the Apostle speaks of virtues and of graces, he calls them "things that accompany Salvation," not things which cause it. Our faith does not cause Salvation, nor our hope, nor our love, nor our good works; they are things which attend it as its guard of honor. The origin of Salvation lies alone in the sovereign will of God the Father; in the infinite efficacy of the blood of Jesus--God the Son, and in the divine influence of God the Holy
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 3: 1857

"He is the Rock, his Work is Perfect. For all his Ways are Judgment. A God of Truth, and Without Iniquity, Just and Right is He.
Deut. xxxii. 4, 5.--"He is the rock, his work is perfect. For all his ways are judgment. A God of truth, and without iniquity, just and right is he. They have corrupted themselves, their spot is not the spot of his children. They are a perverse and crooked generation." "All his ways are judgment," both the ways of his commandments and the ways of his providence, both his word which he hath given as a lantern to men's paths, and his works among men. And this were the blessedness of men, to be found
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning

Analysis Necessary.
"Let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation." --Heb. vi. 1. To systematize the work of the Holy Spirit in individuals, we must first consider their spiritual condition before conversion. Misunderstanding concerning this leads to error and confusion. It causes the various operations of the Holy Spirit to be confounded, so that the same terms are used to designate different things. And this confuses one's own thought, and leads others astray. This is most seriously apparent in ministers
Abraham Kuyper—The Work of the Holy Spirit

Anchored
"An Anchor of the soul, both sure and stedfast."--Heb. vi. 19. J. A. Rothe, 1758. tr., Emma Frances Bevan, 1899 My soul hath found the steadfast ground, There ever shall my anchor hold-- That ground is in my Saviour Christ, Before the world was from of old-- And that sure ground shall be my stay, When Heaven and Earth shall pass away. That ground is Thine Eternal Love, Thy Love that through all ages burns-- The open arms of mercy stretched To meet the sinner who returns; The Love that calleth everywhere,
Frances Bevan—Hymns of Ter Steegen and Others (Second Series)

The Vessel of Wrought Gold
F. M. Heb. vi. 19, 20 I go on my way rejoicing, Though weary the wilderness road-- I go on my way rejoicing In hope of the glory of God. Oh well do I know that glory, That Home and that welcome sweet, Where above the mists and the shadows With the heart of my God I meet. There the ship of my soul is harboured In the calm of the crystal sea, For within the veil is the anchor, Where Jesus has entered for me. Awhile in the earthen vessel The treasures of glory gleam; In Heaven the fount eternal,
Frances Bevan—Hymns of Ter Steegen, Suso, and Others

The Gospel Refuge.
THE GOSPEL REFUGE. "We have a strong consolation who have fled for Refuge."--HEB. vi. 18. And now, my young friends, we have finished the survey of our picture-gallery. We have wandered among these six cities in the old land of promise. I shall repeat their names once more, that you may remember them. KEDESH, Holiness. SHECHEM, Shoulder. HEBRON, Fellowship. BEZER, Stronghold. RAMOTH, Exaltation. GOLAN, Joy. What a complete Saviour! In Him "all fullness
John Ross Macduff—The Cities of Refuge: or, The Name of Jesus

Because There is not a Single Scripture in the Church Epistles Which, Rightly Interpreted, Teaches a Partial Rapture.
How could there be? Scripture cannot contradict itself. If the Pauline Epistles explicitly teach and expressly affirm that "all shall be changed in a moment," that "they that are Christ's at His coming shall be raised from the dead, that "we must all appear before the judgment-seat of Christ" and that when our lord returns to the earth to be glorified in His saints He shall be "admired in all them that believe" then these same Church Epistles can not teach that a part of the Church only shall be
Arthur W. Pink—The Redeemer's Return

A Passage Quoted by the Heretics against Repentance is Explained in Two Ways...
A passage quoted by the heretics against repentance is explained in two ways, the first being that Heb. vi. 4 refers to the impossibility of being baptized again; the second, that what is impossible with man is possible with God. 6. Being then refuted by the clear example of the Apostle and by his writings, the heretics yet endeavour to resist further, and say that their opinion is supported by apostolic authority, bringing forward the passage in the Epistle to the Hebrews: "For it is impossible
St. Ambrose—Works and Letters of St. Ambrose

Writings of St. Ambrose.
The extant writings of St. Ambrose may be divided under six heads. I. Dogmatic; II. Exegetic; III. Moral; IV. Sermons; V. Letters; VI. A few Hymns. I. Dogmatic and Controversial Works. 1. De Fide. The chief of these are the Five Books on the Faith, of which the two first were written in compliance with a request of the Emperor Gratian, a.d. 378. Books III.-V. were written in 379 or 380, and seem to have been worked up from addresses delivered to the people [V. prol. 9, 11; III. 143; IV. 119]. This
St. Ambrose—Works and Letters of St. Ambrose

Introduction. These Two Books were Written against the Novatian Heresy...
These two books were written against the Novatian heresy, which took its name, and to a considerable extent its form, from Novatus, a priest of the Church of Carthage, and Novatian, schismatically consecrated bishop at Rome. It was the outcome of a struggle which had long existed in the Church upon the question of the restitution to Church privileges of those who had fallen into grievous sin, and the possibility of their repentance. The severest ground was taken by the Novatians, who were condemned
St. Ambrose—Works and Letters of St. Ambrose

The Joint Heirs and their Divine Portion
I would invite you, my brethren in Christ Jesus, this morning, to do three things; first, let us consider the terms of the will--"joint heirs with Christ;" secondly, let us go forth and view the estates--what it is of which we are joint heirs; and when we have done so, let us proceed at once to administer, for God hath made his children administrators as web as heirs. I. First, then, there is A LEGAL TERM IN THE WILL UPON WHICH THE WHOLE MATTER WILL HINGE. We are called "joint heirs with Christ"--what
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 7: 1861

Inconsideration Deplored. Rev. Joshua Priestley.
"And they consider not in their hearts that I remember all their wickedness."--HOSEA vii. 2. Is it possible for any man to conceive of truths more fitted to arrest the attention and impress the heart than are those contained in this volume? It has been said that if a blank book had been put into our hands, and every one of us had been asked to put into it the promises we should like to find there, we could not have employed language so explicit, so expressive, and so suited to all our varied wants,
Knowles King—The Wesleyan Methodist Pulpit in Malvern

Covenanting Recommended by the Practice of the New Testament Church.
The approved practice of the Church of God in Covenanting, is recommended to us by these two things,--that it displays a voluntary regard to his will, and that it exhibits his power accomplishing his purpose. The example of the people of God, while they walk in all his ordinances and commandments blameless, is a warranted motive to duty. "Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ."[778] Their practice in the discharge of the duty of Covenanting, accordingly, is worthy of imitation. Were
John Cunningham—The Ordinance of Covenanting

Manner of Covenanting.
Previous to an examination of the manner of engaging in the exercise of Covenanting, the consideration of God's procedure towards his people while performing the service seems to claim regard. Of the manner in which the great Supreme as God acts, as well as of Himself, our knowledge is limited. Yet though even of the effects on creatures of His doings we know little, we have reason to rejoice that, in His word He has informed us, and in His providence illustrated by that word, he has given us to
John Cunningham—The Ordinance of Covenanting

What it is Not.
"We are His workmanship." --Ephes. ii. 10. In the preceding article we contended that there is preparatory grace. In opposition to the contemporary deism of the Methodists, [26] the Reformed churches ought to confess this excellent truth in all its length and breadth. But it should not be abused to reestablish the sinner's free will, as the Pelagians did, and the Arminians after them, and as the Ethicals do now, tho differently. The Methodist errs in saying that God does not care for the sinner until
Abraham Kuyper—The Work of the Holy Spirit

The Resurrection
'Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice, and shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation.' John 5:58, 29. Q-38: WHAT BENEFITS DO BELIEVERS RECEIVE FROM CHRIST AT THE RESURRECTION? A: At the resurrection, believers being raised up in glory, shall be openly acknowledged and acquitted in the day of judgement, and made perfectly blessed in the
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity

Book ii. Jerome Answers the Second, Third, and Fourth Propositions of Jovinianus.
I. (c. 1-4). That those who have become regenerate cannot be overthrown by the devil, Jerome (c. 1) puts it that they cannot be tempted by the devil. He quotes 1 John i. 8-ii. 2, as shewing that faithful men can be tempted and sin and need an advocate. The expressions (3) in Heb. vi. as to those who crucify the Son of God afresh do not apply to ordinary sins after baptism, as supposed by Montanus and Novatus. The epistles to the Seven Churches show that the lapsed may return. The Angels, and even
St. Jerome—The Principal Works of St. Jerome

Concerning Perseverance, and the Possibility of Falling from Grace.
Concerning Perseverance, and the Possibility of Falling from Grace. Although this gift and inward grace of God be sufficient to work out salvation, yet in those in whom it is resisted, it both may and doth become their condemnation. Moreover, they in whose hearts it hath wrought in part to purify and sanctify them in order to their further perfection, may, by disobedience, fall from it, turn it to wantonness, Jude iv. make shipwreck of faith, 1 Tim. i. 19. and after having tasted the heavenly gift,
Robert Barclay—Theses Theologicae and An Apology for the True Christian Divinity

"Boast not Thyself of to Morrow, for Thou Knowest not what a Day May Bring Forth. "
Prov. xxvii. 1.--"Boast not thyself of to morrow, for thou knowest not what a day may bring forth." As man is naturally given to boasting and gloriation in something (for the heart cannot want some object to rest upon and take complacency in, it is framed with such a capacity of employing other things), so there is a strong inclination in man towards the time to come, he hath an immortal appetite, and an appetite of immortality; and therefore his desires usually stretch farther than the present
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning

Feast of the Dedication. The Jews Attempt to Stone Jesus and He Retires to Peræa.
(Jerusalem and Beyond Jordan.) ^D John X. 22-42. ^d 22 And it was the feast of the dedication at Jerusalem: 23; it was winter; and Jesus walked in the temple in Solomon's porch. [The feast of dedication was one of eight days' duration and began upon the 25th Chisleu, which, according to the calculation of M. Chevannes, fell upon the nineteenth or twentieth of December, a.d. 29. The feast was kept in honor of the renovation and purification of the temple in the year b.c. 164, after it had been desecrated
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

Derivative Doctrines. Grace and the Means of Grace; the Christian Life; the Last Things.
The idea of Grace is important to the theological system of Athanasius, in view of the central place occupied in that system by the idea of restoration and new creation as the specific work of Christ upon His fellow-men (supra, §2, cf. Orat. ii. 56, Exp. in Pss. xxxiii. 2, cxviii. 5, LXX.). But, in common with the Greek Fathers generally, he does not analyse its operation, nor endeavour to fix its relation to free will (cf. Orat. i. 37 fin., iii. 25 sub fin.). The divine predestination relates
Athanasius—Select Works and Letters or Athanasius

The Holy War,
MADE BY SHADDAI UPON DIABOLUS, FOR THE REGAINING OF THE METROPOLIS OF THE WORLD; OR, THE LOSING AND TAKING AGAIN OF THE TOWN OF MANSOUL. THE AUTHOR OF 'THE PILGRIM'S PROGRESS.' 'I have used similitudes.'--Hosea 12:10. London: Printed for Dorman Newman, at the King's Arms in the Poultry; and Benjamin Alsop, at the Angel and Bible in the Poultry, 1682. ADVERTISEMENT BY THE EDITOR. Bunyan's account of the Holy War is indeed an extraordinary book, manifesting a degree of genius, research, and spiritual
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3

"But we are all as an Unclean Thing, and all Our Righteousnesses are as Filthy Rags,"
Isaiah lxiv 6, 7.--"But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags," &c. This people's condition agreeth well with ours, though the Lord's dealing be very different. The confessory part of this prayer belongeth to us now; and strange it is, that there is such odds of the Lord's dispensations, when there is no difference in our conditions; always we know not how soon the complaint may be ours also. This prayer was prayed long before the judgment and captivity came
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning

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