The writer to the Hebrews includes in his presentation of Jesus one of the most striking claims in all of the New Testament. He bluntly warns against falling away from Christ, that is to say, to commit apostasy. In addition, the word “impossible”[1] (see 6:4), coming first in the sentence, denies the possibility of renewal for apostates from Christ (3:12—4:2). Observe the warning in context:

6 Therefore we must progress beyond the elementary instructions about Christ and move on to maturity, not laying this foundation again: repentance from dead works and faith in God, 2 teaching about ritual washings, laying on of hands, resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment. 3 And this is what we intend to do, if God permits.  

4 For it is impossible in the case of those who have once been enlightened, tasted the heavenly gift, become partakers of the Holy Spirit, 5 tasted the good word of God and the miracles of the coming age, 6 and then have committed apostasy,[2] to renew them again to repentance, since they are crucifying the Son of God for themselves all over again and holding him up to contempt. 7 For the ground that has soaked up the rain that frequently falls on it and yields useful vegetation for those who tend it receives a blessing from God. 8 But if it produces thorns and thistles, it is useless and about to be cursed; its fate is to be burned. 

9 But in your case, dear friends, even though we speak like this, we are convinced of better things relating to salvation. 10 For God is not unjust so as to forget your work and the love you have demonstrated for his name, in having served and continuing to serve the saints. 11 But we passionately want each of you to demonstrate the same eagerness for the fulfillment of your hope until the end, 12 so that you may not be sluggish, but imitators of those who through faith and perseverance inherit the promises.

Undoubtedly, this is a difficult and frightening warning, yet one which cannot be toned down, dismissed, or explained away. It is a warning which the Hebrews’ author knew his readers needed to hear. It is a warning which every generation needs to hear, ours included.

Sunday morning, May 29, Dr. Zachary Cole (Associate Professor of New Testament, Reformed Theological Seminary Orlando) will be expounding this passage of Scripture. He will show us what falling away (apostasy) is, how it is possible, and how we can avoid it.

Please join us Sunday morning at 10:30 AM.

NOTES:

[1] Ἀδύνατον; three other instances of this same word can be found at 6:18; 10:4; 11:6.

[2] The Greek text has literally, “have fallen away,” (CSB, NAB, NASB, AV); “abandoned their faith,” (TEV), “turn away from God,”