Therefore let us move beyond the elementary teachings about Christ and be taken forward to maturity, not laying again the foundation of repentance from acts that lead to death,[a] and of faith in God, 2 instruction about cleansing rites,[b] the laying on of hands, the resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment. 3 And God permitting, we will do so. 4 It is impossible for those who have once been enlightened, who have tasted the heavenly gift, who have shared in the Holy Spirit, 5 who have tasted the goodness of the word of God and the powers of the coming age 6 and who have fallen[c] away, to be brought back to repentance. To their loss they are crucifying the Son of God all over again and subjecting him to public disgrace. 7 Land that drinks in the rain often falling on it and that produces a crop useful to those for whom it is farmed receives the blessing of God. 8 But land that produces thorns and thistles is worthless and is in danger of being cursed. In the end it will be burned. 9 Even though we speak like this, dear friends, we are convinced of better things in your case—the things that have to do with salvation. 10 God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them. 11 We want each of you to show this same diligence to the very end, so that what you hope for may be fully realized. 12 We do not want you to become lazy, but to imitate those who through faith and patience inherit what has been promised.
Impossible to Renew
Introduction: A. What a tragic plight when the doctors say, “We can do no more; death is inevitable.” B. The Great Physician warns that some patients are terminal. – Hebrews 6:4-8 C. What is the plight of one who falls away from Christ? I. Past Condition – Hebrews 6:4-5 A. “were once enlightened”: said only of true followers of Christ – cf. John 8:12; Hebrews 10:32 (NASB) B. “have tasted the heavenly gift”
- tasted – Hebrews 2:9
- heavenly gift – John 6:33; Romans 6:23 C. “have become partakers of the Holy Spirit” – Acts 5:32 D. “have tasted the good word of God” – James 1:21 E. “the powers of the age to come”
- powers – Hebrews 2:2-4
- age to come – Hebrews 2:5-9 II. Present Condition – Hebrews 6:6 A. “If they fall away” (“and then fell away” – ASV; “and then have fallen away” – NASB)
- lose one’s faith – Hebrews 3:12; cf. verse 1
- become unfaithful – Hebrews 10:26-27 (“if we go on sinning willfully” – NASB)
- leave the faith – Hebrews 10:28-31 B. “they crucify again for themselves the Son of God” – cf. Matthew 27:15-26 C. “put Him to an open shame” – cf. Matthew 27:27-31,39-44 III. Plight: Impossible to Renew – Hebrews 6:4-6 A. This does not mean a fallen sinner cannot return to the Lord. – Acts 8:22; 1 John 1:9 B. But one can become so hardened of heart it is impossible to reach him. – cf. Acts 28:24- 27; e.g. difference between stumbling and falling C. Such an apostate is actual departure of the faith.- Hebrews 6:7-8
Application:
A. What a dreadful plight – beyond the hope of salvation! B. Christian, do not slip away from Christ. – Hebrews 3:12 C. Sinner, repent before your heart becomes too hardened to respond.