In our previous discussion, we extensively explored the doctrine of “once saved, always saved”.
Today, we will continue our expository study of one of the most debated texts in Christianity – the misinterpretation of Hebrews 6 vs 4 to 6.
As I always say, when a biblical text is misinterpreted, the truth is lost.
We should not interpret scriptures based on hearsay, emotions, or personal opinions. Instead, we must carefully examine the scriptures to avoid error.
For example, it was once widely accepted that “money is the root of all evil”. However, a closer examination reveals that the actual verse states it is “the love of money” that is the root of all evil.
Many used this verse to teach that money itself is evil or that Christians should not be wealthy, causing believers to miss out on financial opportunities.
Some even believe that God decides who becomes rich and who remains poor.
When reading the Bible, we must ask intelligent questions to discern the intent of the author.
We should consider the context before and after the passage, and compare it to other biblical texts to understand the true meaning. Ultimately, the Bible is meant to explain itself.
Without further ado, let us first ensure we have a solid understanding of the doctrine of salvation, and then proceed to explain the meaning of Hebrews 6 vs 4 – 6.
THE DOCTRINE OF SALVATION
The key to enjoying peace with God lies in understanding the Doctrine of Salvation. Why do I say this?
I say this because the whole plan of God before the world began was for men to have eternal Life in Christ Jesus.
Titus 1 vs 2 says:
In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began;
Though Adam rejected this plan, it did not change the plan of God. The death and resurrection of Christ is the fulfillment of the plan of God in making eternal life available for all men.
Eternal life is forgiveness or deliverance from sin. This means that a specific message must be preached, understood, and believed for a person to be saved from sin or receive eternal life.
This message is what we call the gospel. The gospel is not any general preaching from the bible but the message of God’s love expressed through the death and resurrection of Christ for our deliverance from sin.
Any preaching whether deliberate or otherwise which talks about the love of God expressed through the death and resurrection of Christ for our deliverance from sin when believed will make a person saved.
A person is saved immediately the gospel is understood and believed. This Salvation is eternal and cannot be lost for God doesn’t change his mind like humans do. (Hebrews 9 vs 12 and Hebrews 7 vs 25)
HEBREWS 6 VS 4 TO 6 MISINTERPRETED
When you come across Hebrews 6 vs 4 – 6, you would think that the writer is saying that Salvation can be lost.
Think with me for a minute, the Bible says that the callings of God are without repentance, right? If God doesn’t lie, why then will Hebrews 6 vs 4 – 6 now nullify your Salvation?
Did you know that every born-again man has the seal of redemption? So, if I sin against God, do you think God will remove the seal and when I ask for forgiveness, he puts it back?
So, how many times will God remove and place the seal again? Doesn’t make sense, right?
It is no argument that the book of Hebrews is filled with deep profound truths, it is a book of comparison or contrast. Like comparing the sacrifices in the Old Testament and the one-time sacrifice of Jesus, and a contrast between the good things of Judaism and the better things of Christ. etc.
Another popular theme in the book of Hebrews is the phrase “so great a salvation” in Hebrews 2 vs 3 and Hebrews 5 vs 9 below:
How shall we escape, if we neglect So great Salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him;
“And being made perfect, he (Jesus) became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him.”
Now, am sure you are persuaded that Salvation is ETERNAL. If salvation is not eternal, then it cannot be so great.
Let’s now look at Hebrews 6 vs 4 – 6:
Verse 4: For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost,
Verse 5: And have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come,
Verse 6: If they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put him to an open shame.
To understand this, we need to go back to Hebrews Chapter 5 to see the discussion of the writer, first the writer was speaking to Jewish Believers and the theme was on the Present ministry of Jesus.
Hebrews 5 vs 11:
Of whom we have many things to say, and hard to be uttered, SEEING YE ARE DULL OF HEARING.
We have to note here that the unbeliever is not dull of hearing; he’s spiritually dead, so he cannot hear at all. Am sure you now agree with me he was speaking to Jewish Believers.
Hebrews 5 vs 12:
For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of MILK, and not of strong meat.
Keep in mind that the Book of Hebrews was written to Unbelieving Jews and Believing Jews.
So, when we read Hebrews 6 vs 6: “If they shall fall away” we become afraid and say it means falling away from the faith but in the original Greek language, “fall away” is “parapiptō” which means “to fall by the side” of or to “make defection from”.
Therefore, Hebrews 6 does not mean to depart from the faith but a deviation!
Question: From what had they deviated from or fallen away from?
The Jewish Believers had fallen away or had deviated from the simplicity of faith in Christ (the Gospel) and had once again gone back to the bondage of Judaism and the practice of the Mosaic Laws (remember they were BELIEVING JEWS who were once practicing the law of Moses).
Hence the writer said in Hebrews 6 vs 6 that this attitude is like crucifying Jesus again on the cross.
Question: Can Jesus die again? No, he was crucified once and for all time.
In essence, the misinterpretation of Hebrews 6 vs 4 – 6 was taught to mean that they had lost their salvation and that they were condemned irrevocably to live outside of God.
But what the writer of Hebrews is saying is that as long as they continue in this condition (bondage of Judaism), it is impossible (their choice not because God cannot help them) to bring them to repentance.
Clearly, you can now see that this has nothing to do with salvation. Salvation is eternal and can never be lost!
When you read further to Hebrews 6 vs 7 – 8, you can see that the writer went on to talk about the “heart of man” that produces “good crops” and “thistles” which implies that the condition of a man’s heart determines what is being produced.
What you produce is determined by the Word of God you hear and believe.
Then in Hebrews 6 vs 9, the writer also makes a shocking statement:
“Dear friends, even though we are talking this way, we really don’t believe it applies to you. We are confident that you are meant for better things, things that come with salvation. (NLT)
Read it slowly “We really don’t believe it applies to you”. Rejoice, because your salvation is secured!
Now, say with me out loud: “I am meant for better things and things that come with salvation and not damnation nor deviation from the Gospel, I AM eternally saved and forgiven”! Glory to God!!
THE LOVE OF GOD REVEALED IN CHRIST
In Luke 15 vs 7: In the same way, there is more joy in heaven over one lost sinner who repents and returns to God than over ninety-nine others who are righteous and haven’t strayed away!
Now, think deeply with me, for how long do you think there is Joy in heaven? Is it until the next sin? Or is the Joy forever? I am sure you know the answer.
Another beautiful verse to comes to mind is Romans 5 vs 8 which reads:
“But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners.”
Think with me again, If Jesus died for you as a sinner even without a single promise from you that you would change and repent if He dies, yet in faith He died for you while you were a sinner, why then do you think sin would condemn a believer from going to heaven?
If your sin could not stop him from dying then, your sin cannot also make you lose your salvation now!
If our sins in that state of unbelief were not strong enough to prevent His sacrifice, how then can our sins be too strong to prevent the benefits of His sacrifice now that we already believed?
Do you remember the Passover night in Egypt, do you think Israel was spared because of their good works?
Of course not, am sure that night some of the Israelites might even have been committing atrocities but the condition was simple: put the blood of an animal on the doorpost, and you would be saved.
When you put it side by side with Salvation, you can see that salvation is not about what you have done, but about what Christ has done.
Anything Christ does is eternal because Christ is eternal. An eternal God does not give temporal things! Glory to God!!
Finally, as I say all the time, People do not go to hell because of sin (For Sin has been eternally PAID FOR ONCE AND FOR ALL TIME).
People go to hell because of reject the eternal salvation that Jesus offers. That is why it is called “so great salvation”.
Beloved, enjoy grace, enjoy your salvation, and don’t let any DEVIL tell you that you can lose it.
Our next Bible study teaching will be on understanding what is the sin or blasphemy against the Holy Spirit and the care of this World.
God bless you abundantly!
My passion lies in reaching out to young adults in communities and schools, witnessing the transformative power of faith in their lives.
This blog extends my ministry, sharing insights, encouraging believers, and exploring Christ's teachings in daily life.
Welcome, Brother James.
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