Who Are "Those" of Hebrews 6:4?

There is much debate concerning Hebrews 6 verse 4. Such debate have not yet been resolve because both sides of the theological spectrum believe (1) The author of Hebrews 6:4 refers to the saved that can fall from grace by which it is impossible for them to be renewed unto repentance. And (2) It is referring to professing believers who have heard the gospel by which they reject the Christ of scripture (vv. 4-6; 7-8). The fact of the matter and the reality of the debate have not yet been resolved. So in order to resolve such misunderstanding concerning Hebrews 6:4-6 is to look to God's Word to get a clear understanding and knowledge of this particular biblical passage of scripture (1 Cor. 2:13). The best interpretation of the Bible is the Bible itself. In so many words scripture interpret scripture. In order to understand a particular passage/s of scripture is to look to other passages of the Bible to shed light upon that particular passage of scripture in light of its context. It is true that there are other  passages of the Bible that are difficult to understand. Even though difficult is that there are other passages of the Bible that will also shed light upon such difficult passages of scripture. Hebrews 6:4-6 is very much difficult but as we look to the Bible we will seek to get a clear understanding and knowledge of this particular Bible passage.

Throughout this short article it is necessary to understand the first part of Hebrews 6:4 where it says, "It is impossible, in the case of those who have once been enlightened..." There is a lot that is within this portion of this biblical passage. There is no need for us to run over this portion of scripture because there are many Charismatic and Pentecostals that are known to do just what is stated: that is to read by "misreading" the biblical text of scripture. They neither take into account the historic-grammatical structure of the text of scripture nor to understand what is basic Bible interpretation. As believers we must be serious students of the Bible by which to not be haphazard in mishandling the biblical text of the Bible (2 Tim. 2:15). The Hebrew writer once again in Hebrews chapter 6 verse 4a says, "For it is impossible, in the case of [those] who have [once] been enlightened..." The question (?): Who was the Hebrew writer referring here in Hebrews 6:4a? Well there are numerous passages of scripture that will shed light upon this particular portion of the Bible in Hebrews 6:4a. First, and foremost there are few main biblical passages that will shed light upon "those" whom the Hebrew writer is referring to in Hebrews 10:32, John 4:10, and Ephesians 2:8.

If I were to do a sermon on Hebrews 6:4-6 it will be entitled "The Impossibility of Renewing the Unrepentant." The goal and aim of this article is to (1) give believers such clarity as to the understanding and knowledge of God's Word (2 Pet. 3:18). And, (2) to point out the main emphasis within this particular portion of Hebrews 6:4a.  The author of Hebrews was referring to professing Christians who have received the light of the true of the gospel but reject Jesus Christ as the giver of salvation. Such apostate individuals know enough about what the Bible teach about salvation in Christ but they refuse to cross over the threshold of faith in Jesus Christ (Heb. 2:1). It is dangerous for professing believers to know the truth and at the same time turn away from what they know to be the truth. 

First, in order to understand the background of Hebrews chapter 6 verses 4 through 6 is that many of the Jews had left Judaism in order to embrace Christ as their Messiah but through severe persecution they inevitably turned away from Christ (Heb. 10:32). Many professing Christians are not good at being persecuted nor to be under pressure because of the shallowness of faith by which they easily fall away from the true faith. They get easily offended because of the truth of God's Word. They look like they are Christians based upon them articulating the doctrines of the Bible and to assimilate with the life of the church but they are not real Christians. The truly saved or God's elect are not going to be easily offended by the Word of God but are eager to want to know the truth of God's Word. When they are tested and tried they are not easily being persuaded by the culture of this world. 

Secondly, professing believers are blind towards spiritual truth (Jn. 4:10). When I say that professing Christians are blind towards spiritual truth is that I am referring to God's Word (2 Cor. 4:3-4). Jesus was saying to the woman at Samaria: "If you know the gift of God, and who it is that is saying to you, 'Give me a drink,' you would have asked him, and he would have given you living water." Professing believers are ignorant of what is true biblical salvation in the sense they believe it is a matter of doing human works in order to receive salvation (Eph. 2:8). Salvation is by grace through faith in Jesus Christ; not a matter of human works nor achievement. People do not work in order to get saved but as a result of their salvation they are going to do good works (Eph. 2:10). Not only are professing believers ignorant of God's Word but they also are less responsive to the truth of God's Word. Ignorance with such spiritual blindness is what characterized that of many professing believers within the professing church today. Even though there are many professing believers who have some knowledge of God's Word but their underlining theological perversion they remain to believe that salvation is a means of works as part of the believer's salvation experience (Acts 15:1-2ff; Gal. 3:1, 2). Salvation is not a matter of the works of the law but that believers are justified by faith in Jesus Christ (Rom. 4:16). Legalism, moral plank, moral perfectionism, sanctimoniousness, and sac-religious is at the heart of the apostate's doctrine.

In closing is that the writer of Hebrews 6:4a was making reference to professing believers; not those who are true followers of Jesus Christ. Many professing believers they once was enlightened by knowing the truth of the gospel but they reject Christ as the Giver of salvation. They received divine light but they reject divine life in Christ. Also many professing Christians are ignorant of the truth of God's Word by which they are less responsive to what are spiritual matters (Jn. 4:10). Ignorance, spiritual blindness, and superficiality characterized the life of many professing believers today within contemporary evangelicalism. The underlining theological motive and perversion of many professing Christian leaders is that they are hell bent on believing that salvation is a means of works in order to be justified in Christ. We are not saved by the works of the law but by justification through faith in Jesus Christ (Rom. 4:16).

Rev. Darryl L. Miller is the president & Chairman of Darryl Miller International Ministries in Atlanta, Georgia and travels extensively throughout the United States and continents. Darryl is the bestselling author of his book "The Prosperity Gospel: Where Did It Come From" Gnostic Source? Or Spiritual Revelation?" @ www.Amazon.com. He is also the Podcast Host, "Darryl Unplugged Podcast" which airs regularly @ www.spreaker.com/user/bishopoflyons. As a pastor, apologist, conference speaker, and lecturer he is in great demand both in the United States and around the world. Darryl lives with his wife Vivian outside metro Atlanta with their puppy "Little Baby."