The 6th chapter of Hebrews has posed numerous problems in understanding just who is being referenced; as well as the meaning of being unable to be
renewed again to repentance.
The book of Hebrews presents the deity and the preeminence of the Lord Jesus Christ.
My understanding is that the book of Hebrews is written to the believing remnant of Israel. It is written for them in two different time settings. The first setting is when they are scattered following the persecution.
"And Saul was consenting unto his death. And at that time there was a great persecution against the church which was at Jerusalem; and they were all scattered abroad throughout the regions of Judaea and Samaria, except the apostles." Acts 8:1
The second is in the future, the last days or the tribulation period.
"Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds;" Hebrews 1:2
This book exhorts the Jewish believers to remain steadfast and to grow in the faith.
The book of Hebrews establishes the Lord Jesus as The High Priest:
"Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people." Hebrews 2:17
The believers are urged to take heed from departing from the living God due to unbelief.
They were urged to labor to enter into the promise of rest from their own works, not to fall from unbelief, and to hold fast their profession:
"Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession." Hebrews 4:14
The scripture establishes Christ Jesus as being:
"Called of God an high priest after the order of Melchisedec."
Hebrews 5:10
The scripture is chiding the believers for being immature in the faith and prompting them toward maturity. The writer is conveying that he would like to expand on this Melchisedec of the past, and how he portrays truth in regard to the priestly capacity of the Lord Jesus:
"Of whom we have many things to say, and hard to be uttered, seeing ye are dull of hearing.
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.
For every one that useth milk [is] unskilful in the word of righteousness: for he is ababe.
But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, [even] those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil."
Hebrews 5:11-14
The writer of Hebrews now exhorts the readers to go onto perfection:
"Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto
perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God,
Of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of thedead, and of eternal judgment.
And this will we do, if God permit." Hebrews 6:1-3
"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,
And have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come,
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."
Hebrews 6:4-6
If those fall away in unbelief it is impossible to renew them again to repentance seeing they crucify the Son of God afresh by reverting back to the old priesthood and Levitical system of sacrifice.
The Old Testament sacrificial system was a figure, or type of the Lord Jesus and his perfect sacrifice. By adherence to the old priesthood and offering animal sacrifice they are crucifying The Lord Jesus afresh; in essence this is shaming him and the efficacy of the once and for all sacrifice of himself. The context of the text places "those" who fall away in contrast to "us", which remain steadfast in regard to their profession of faith and moving toward perfection.
The letter to the Hebrews will expand on the principles that will prompt the
Hebrews to cease the backslide of adherence to Levitical sacrifice. The doctrine will dictate the necessity for the Hebrews to grasp: the purpose of the Levitical priesthood; the priesthood of the Lord Jesus; the assurance of holding fast their profession of faith; the right perspective on persecution; the sufficiency of the sacrifice of Christ Jesus; the severity of disregard for the blood of Christ; the receiving of the promises and blessings.
The following verses will illustrate these doctrines and show that the understanding of Hebrews 6:4-6 presented is in context and accord with the theme and purpose of this book.
Following we have the warning for falling away.
"For the earth which drinketh in the rain that cometh oft upon it, and bringeth forth herbs meet for them by whom it is dressed, receiveth blessing from God:
But that which beareth thorns and briers [is] rejected, and [is] nigh unto cursing; whose end [is] to be burned." Hebrews 6:7-8
So much better is the consolation:
"But, beloved, we are persuaded better things of you, and things that accompany salvation, though we thus speak." Hebrews 6:9
The desire is for the Hebrews to be diligent followers laboring in love toward God and the saints; to come to full assurance as a product of such obedient labor, and to obtain the promises through faith:
"And we desire that every one of you do shew the same diligence to the full
assurance of hope unto the end:
That ye be not slothful, but followers of them who through faith and patience
inherit the promises." Hebrews 6:11-12
The promises of God are sure; resting on past and continual fulfillment. God has laid the foundation of the assurance of his promises by his oath: by two immutable things, the blessing and the multiplying sworn to Abraham. Christ Jesus has entered into the holiest within the veil as the forerunner : a high priest forever after the order of Melchisedec:
"For when God made promise to Abraham, because he could swear by no greater, he sware by himself,
Saying, Surely blessing I will bless thee, and multiplying I will multiply thee.
And so, after he had patiently endured, he obtained the promise.
For men verily swear by the greater: and an oath for confirmation [is] to them an end of all strife.
Wherein God, willing more abundantly to shew unto the heirs of promise the
immutability of his counsel, confirmed [it] by an oath:
That by two immutable things, in which [it was] impossible for God to lie, we
might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us:
Which [hope] we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and stedfast, and which entereth into that within the veil;
Whither the forerunner is for us entered, [even] Jesus, made an high priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec." Hebrews 6:13-20
Perfection is not obtained by the Levitical priesthood:
"If therefore perfection were by the Levitical priesthood, (for under it the people received the law,) what further need [was there] that another priest should rise after the order of Melchisedec, and not be called after the order of Aaron?"
Hebrews 7:11
The Levitical priesthood was made after the law, but Melchisedec after a lively priesthood; to whom Levi paid tithes while in the loins of Abraham. This better hope gives the means to draw near unto God:
"And it is yet far more evident: for that after the similitude of Melchisedec there ariseth another priest,
Who is made, not after the law of a carnal commandment, but after the power of an endless life.
For he testifieth, Thou [art] a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec.
For there is verily a disannulling of the commandment going before for the
weakness and unprofitableness thereof.
For the law made nothing perfect, but the bringing in of a better hope [did]; by the which we draw nigh unto God." Hebrews 7:15-19
The Lord Jesus ensures a better testament: arising by oath as a priest forever after the order of Melchisedec:
"By so much was Jesus made a surety of a better testament." Hebrews 7:22
The Hebrews are exhorted to remain steadfast in Christ Jesus, who living forever, has an unchangeable priesthood; unlike the Levitical priesthood which had a succession of priests by reason of death. Christ Jesus, a High priest who needed not to offer sacrifices often; for this he did once by the sacrifice of himself:
"But this [man], because he continueth ever, hath an unchangeable priesthood.
Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them.
For such an high priest became us, [who is] holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and made higher than the heavens;
Who needeth not daily, as those high priests, to offer up sacrifice, first for his own sins, and then for the people's: for this he did once, when he offered up himself. For the law maketh men high priests which have infirmity; but the word of the oath, which was since the law, [maketh] the Son, who is consecrated for evermore."
Hebrews 7:24-28
The Hebrews are urged to have full assurance and reliance on Christ Jesus; the High Priest in the heavens:
"Now of the things which we have spoken [this is] the sum: We have such an high priest, who is set on the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens;"
Hebrews 8:1
renewed again to repentance.
The book of Hebrews presents the deity and the preeminence of the Lord Jesus Christ.
My understanding is that the book of Hebrews is written to the believing remnant of Israel. It is written for them in two different time settings. The first setting is when they are scattered following the persecution.
"And Saul was consenting unto his death. And at that time there was a great persecution against the church which was at Jerusalem; and they were all scattered abroad throughout the regions of Judaea and Samaria, except the apostles." Acts 8:1
The second is in the future, the last days or the tribulation period.
"Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds;" Hebrews 1:2
This book exhorts the Jewish believers to remain steadfast and to grow in the faith.
The book of Hebrews establishes the Lord Jesus as The High Priest:
"Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people." Hebrews 2:17
The believers are urged to take heed from departing from the living God due to unbelief.
They were urged to labor to enter into the promise of rest from their own works, not to fall from unbelief, and to hold fast their profession:
"Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession." Hebrews 4:14
The scripture establishes Christ Jesus as being:
"Called of God an high priest after the order of Melchisedec."
Hebrews 5:10
The scripture is chiding the believers for being immature in the faith and prompting them toward maturity. The writer is conveying that he would like to expand on this Melchisedec of the past, and how he portrays truth in regard to the priestly capacity of the Lord Jesus:
"Of whom we have many things to say, and hard to be uttered, seeing ye are dull of hearing.
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.
For every one that useth milk [is] unskilful in the word of righteousness: for he is ababe.
But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, [even] those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil."
Hebrews 5:11-14
The writer of Hebrews now exhorts the readers to go onto perfection:
"Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto
perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God,
Of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of thedead, and of eternal judgment.
And this will we do, if God permit." Hebrews 6:1-3
"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,
And have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come,
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."
Hebrews 6:4-6
If those fall away in unbelief it is impossible to renew them again to repentance seeing they crucify the Son of God afresh by reverting back to the old priesthood and Levitical system of sacrifice.
The Old Testament sacrificial system was a figure, or type of the Lord Jesus and his perfect sacrifice. By adherence to the old priesthood and offering animal sacrifice they are crucifying The Lord Jesus afresh; in essence this is shaming him and the efficacy of the once and for all sacrifice of himself. The context of the text places "those" who fall away in contrast to "us", which remain steadfast in regard to their profession of faith and moving toward perfection.
The letter to the Hebrews will expand on the principles that will prompt the
Hebrews to cease the backslide of adherence to Levitical sacrifice. The doctrine will dictate the necessity for the Hebrews to grasp: the purpose of the Levitical priesthood; the priesthood of the Lord Jesus; the assurance of holding fast their profession of faith; the right perspective on persecution; the sufficiency of the sacrifice of Christ Jesus; the severity of disregard for the blood of Christ; the receiving of the promises and blessings.
The following verses will illustrate these doctrines and show that the understanding of Hebrews 6:4-6 presented is in context and accord with the theme and purpose of this book.
Following we have the warning for falling away.
"For the earth which drinketh in the rain that cometh oft upon it, and bringeth forth herbs meet for them by whom it is dressed, receiveth blessing from God:
But that which beareth thorns and briers [is] rejected, and [is] nigh unto cursing; whose end [is] to be burned." Hebrews 6:7-8
So much better is the consolation:
"But, beloved, we are persuaded better things of you, and things that accompany salvation, though we thus speak." Hebrews 6:9
The desire is for the Hebrews to be diligent followers laboring in love toward God and the saints; to come to full assurance as a product of such obedient labor, and to obtain the promises through faith:
"And we desire that every one of you do shew the same diligence to the full
assurance of hope unto the end:
That ye be not slothful, but followers of them who through faith and patience
inherit the promises." Hebrews 6:11-12
The promises of God are sure; resting on past and continual fulfillment. God has laid the foundation of the assurance of his promises by his oath: by two immutable things, the blessing and the multiplying sworn to Abraham. Christ Jesus has entered into the holiest within the veil as the forerunner : a high priest forever after the order of Melchisedec:
"For when God made promise to Abraham, because he could swear by no greater, he sware by himself,
Saying, Surely blessing I will bless thee, and multiplying I will multiply thee.
And so, after he had patiently endured, he obtained the promise.
For men verily swear by the greater: and an oath for confirmation [is] to them an end of all strife.
Wherein God, willing more abundantly to shew unto the heirs of promise the
immutability of his counsel, confirmed [it] by an oath:
That by two immutable things, in which [it was] impossible for God to lie, we
might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us:
Which [hope] we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and stedfast, and which entereth into that within the veil;
Whither the forerunner is for us entered, [even] Jesus, made an high priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec." Hebrews 6:13-20
Perfection is not obtained by the Levitical priesthood:
"If therefore perfection were by the Levitical priesthood, (for under it the people received the law,) what further need [was there] that another priest should rise after the order of Melchisedec, and not be called after the order of Aaron?"
Hebrews 7:11
The Levitical priesthood was made after the law, but Melchisedec after a lively priesthood; to whom Levi paid tithes while in the loins of Abraham. This better hope gives the means to draw near unto God:
"And it is yet far more evident: for that after the similitude of Melchisedec there ariseth another priest,
Who is made, not after the law of a carnal commandment, but after the power of an endless life.
For he testifieth, Thou [art] a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec.
For there is verily a disannulling of the commandment going before for the
weakness and unprofitableness thereof.
For the law made nothing perfect, but the bringing in of a better hope [did]; by the which we draw nigh unto God." Hebrews 7:15-19
The Lord Jesus ensures a better testament: arising by oath as a priest forever after the order of Melchisedec:
"By so much was Jesus made a surety of a better testament." Hebrews 7:22
The Hebrews are exhorted to remain steadfast in Christ Jesus, who living forever, has an unchangeable priesthood; unlike the Levitical priesthood which had a succession of priests by reason of death. Christ Jesus, a High priest who needed not to offer sacrifices often; for this he did once by the sacrifice of himself:
"But this [man], because he continueth ever, hath an unchangeable priesthood.
Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them.
For such an high priest became us, [who is] holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and made higher than the heavens;
Who needeth not daily, as those high priests, to offer up sacrifice, first for his own sins, and then for the people's: for this he did once, when he offered up himself. For the law maketh men high priests which have infirmity; but the word of the oath, which was since the law, [maketh] the Son, who is consecrated for evermore."
Hebrews 7:24-28
The Hebrews are urged to have full assurance and reliance on Christ Jesus; the High Priest in the heavens:
"Now of the things which we have spoken [this is] the sum: We have such an high priest, who is set on the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens;"
Hebrews 8:1
