Hebrews 6:4
Verse
Context
Sermons





Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened - Before I proceed to explain the different terms in these verses, it is necessary to give my opinion of their design and meaning: 1. I do not consider them as having any reference to any person professing Christianity. 2. They do not belong, nor are they applicable, to backsliders of any kind. 3. They belong to apostates from Christianity; to such as reject the whole Christian system, and its author, the Lord Jesus. 4. And to those of them only who join with the blaspheming Jews, call Christ an impostor, and vindicate his murderers in having crucified him as a malefactor; and thus they render their salvation impossible, by wilfully and maliciously rejecting the Lord that bought them. No man believing in the Lord Jesus as the great sacrifice for sin, and acknowledging Christianity as a Divine revelation, is here intended, though he may have unfortunately backslidden from any degree of the salvation of God. The design of these solemn words is evidently, First, to show the Hebrews that apostasy from the highest degrees of grace was possible; and that those who were highest in the favor of God might sin against him, lose it, and perish everlastingly. Secondly, to warn them against such an awful state of perdition, that they might not be led away, by either the persuasions or persecutions of their countrymen, from the truth of the heavenly doctrine which had been delivered to them. And, Thirdly, to point out the destruction which was shortly to come upon the Jewish nation. Once enlightened - Thoroughly instructed in the nature and design of the Christian religion, having received the knowledge of the truth, Heb 10:32; and being convinced of sin, righteousness, and judgment, and led to Jesus the Savior of sinners. Tasted of the heavenly gift - Having received the knowledge of salvation by the remission of sins, through the Day Spring which from on high had visited them; such having received Christ, the heavenly gift of God's infinite love, Joh 3:16; the living bread that came down from heaven, Joh 6:51; and thus tasting that the Lord is gracious; Pe1 2:3, and witnessing the full effects of the Christian religion. Partakers of the Holy Ghost - The Spirit himself witnessing with their spirits that they were the children of God, and thus assuring them of God's mercy towards them, and of the efficacy of the atonement through which they had received such blessings.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
We must "go on toward perfection"; for if we fall away, after having received enlightenment, it will be impossible to renew us again to repentance. for those--"in the case of those." once enlightened--once for all illuminated by the word of God taught in connection with "baptism" (to which, in Heb 6:2, as once for all done," once enlightened" here answers); compare Eph 5:26. This passage probably originated the application of the term "illumination" to baptism in subsequent times. Illumination, however, was not supposed to be the inseparable accompaniment of baptism: thus CHRYSOSTOM says, "Heretics have baptism, not illumination: they are baptized in body, but not enlightened in soul: as Simon Magus was baptized, but not illuminated." That "enlightened" here means knowledge of the word of truth, appears from comparing the same Greek word "illuminated," Heb 10:32, with Heb 10:26, where "knowledge of the truth" answers to it. tasted of the heavenly gift--tasted for themselves. As "enlightened" refers to the sense of sight: so here taste follows. "The heavenly gift"; Christ given by the Father and revealed by the enlightening word preached and written: as conferring peace in the remission of sins; and as the Bestower of the gift of the Holy Spirit (Act 8:19-20), made partakers of the Holy Ghost--specified as distinct from, though so inseparably connected with, "enlightened," and "tasted of the heavenly gift," Christ, as answering to "laying on of hands" after baptism, which was then generally accompanied with the impartation of the Holy Ghost in miraculous gifts.
John Gill Bible Commentary
And have tasted the good word of God,.... Not the Lord Jesus Christ, the essential Word of God, who seems to be intended before by the heavenly gift; but rather, either the Scriptures of truth in general, which are the word of God, endited by him, and contain his mind and will; which he makes use of for conviction, conversion, instruction, and comfort; and which are preserved by him: and these are a good word; they come from him who is good; they are a revelation of good things; they make known things true, pleasant, and profitable: or else the Gospel in particular, of which God is the author; and in which is a wonderful display of his wisdom and grace; and which he owns and blesses for his own glory, and the good of others: and this is a "good word", the same with , "good matter", or "word", in Psa 45:1 , "my good word", or "the word of my goodness", in the Targum on Isa 55:11 for it is the word of righteousness, reconciliation, peace, pardon, life, and salvation. And there is a special and spiritual taste of this good, word, which is delightful, relishing, and nourishing; and such who have it can never totally and finally fall away; because they who taste it, so as to eat and digest it, and be nourished by it, to them it becomes the ingrafted word, which is able to save them: but there is such a taste of this word as is disrelishing, as in profane sinners, and open opposers and persecutors of the word, or as in hypocrites and formal professors; which is only an assent to the Scriptures, as the revelation of God, or a superficial knowledge of the doctrines of the Gospel without the experience of them, and a temporal faith in them, and a natural affection for them, and pleasure with them for a time; as the Jews, and Herod with John's ministry, and the stony ground hearers. And the powers of the world to come; meaning either the state of the church, and the glorious things relating to it, after the first resurrection, which they might have some notional apprehensions of; or the ultimate state of glory and happiness, the powers of which are the immortality, incorruption, and glory of the body, the perfect holiness and knowledge of the soul, entire freedom from all evils of every kind, full communion with Father, Son, and Spirit, and a complete enjoyment of all happiness for ever; which hypocrites may have a notional knowledge of, a natural desire after, and delight in the contemplation and hope of, as Balaam had; or rather the miracles and mighty works in the former part of the Gospel dispensation, or times of the Messiah, the Jews' world to come; see Gill on Heb 2:5, are intended; which many, as Judas and others, were able to perform, who were not sincere Christians, or true believers.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
6:4-8 This passage, one of the most difficult in the New Testament, gives a harsh warning about those who have left the Christian faith. Those who have fallen away from Christ and the church are like those who fell in the wilderness (3:15-19): The lack of faith shown in such apostasy results in devastating judgment (cp. 10:26-31). 6:4 In Greek, the word impossible begins the sentence for emphasis—it absolutely cannot happen (see also 6:18; 10:4; 11:6). • They were once enlightened when they “first learned about Christ” (see 10:32 and corresponding study note). • The good things of heaven might allude to the manna given from heaven (Exod 16:4, 15; Ps 78:24) as an image of spiritual blessings.
Hebrews 6:4
A Call to Maturity
3And this we will do, if God permits.4It is impossible for those who have once been enlightened, who have tasted the heavenly gift, who have shared in the Holy Spirit,5who have tasted the goodness of the word of God and the powers of the coming age—
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
(Hebrews - Part 16): All Kinds of Twisting and Turning
By A.W. Tozer5.9K37:13ExpositionalHEB 6:1HEB 6:4In this sermon, the preacher uses a story about a man hiring a coach driver to illustrate the importance of being close to God without falling into sin. He emphasizes that simply hearing the word of God or belonging to a church is not enough, but rather, one must have a personal relationship with God. The preacher references John Bunyan, a Calvinist, to highlight the idea that there is a way to hell even from the gate of heaven. He concludes by urging the listeners to seek wisdom and admonishment in order to avoid perishing.
(Hebrews - Part 14): High Priest of the Eternal Son
By A.W. Tozer5.1K25:39ExpositionalPSA 22:1HEB 6:4In this sermon, the preacher reflects on his experience of preaching about Jesus Christ and how it moved the audience. He emphasizes that preaching about Jesus is always impactful and cannot be overdone. The preacher also discusses the importance of being a good example and teacher to one's family, drawing inspiration from the biblical figure of Job. He further explores the concept of priesthood, explaining that it arises from man's alienation from God and is ultimately fulfilled in Jesus Christ.
6 Things We Face in Preaching the Gospel
By Rolfe Barnard4.7K41:30HEB 6:4In this sermon, the preacher expresses his joy and excitement about the current state of evangelism in America. He emphasizes the need for true evangelism that relies on the Holy Spirit to bring people to Christ. The preacher also discusses the importance of repentance and the call to depart from iniquity. He encourages believers to put on the whole armor of God and to be conformed to the image of Christ. The sermon concludes with a reminder that salvation is a gift from God and that believers should have a tender heart and gratitude for receiving this gift.
When the Godly Fall
By Keith Daniel3.6K1:15:40FailureGEN 9:11ISA 54:7ISA 54:9MAT 6:33HEB 6:41JN 2:11JN 5:16In this sermon, the preacher focuses on James 4, emphasizing the urgency of getting right with God. He appeals to the listeners to take action immediately and not delay. He shares an illustration about a person caught unprepared in a storm to illustrate the consequences of not being prepared for spiritual challenges. The preacher then quotes Isaiah 54:7 to remind the listeners of God's mercy and everlasting kindness towards those who fall. He invites those who have fallen to come forward and pray for forgiveness and restoration, emphasizing the importance of a sincere heart in prayer.
The Cross in My Life - Part 2
By Derek Prince2.5K28:262CO 4:4HEB 6:4This sermon delves into the concept of the evil age we live in, where Satan blinds minds to delay the end of the age. It emphasizes the need for the church to hasten the close of the age by not being deceived by the cares and riches of this world. The message also explores the deliverance from the law through Christ's death, highlighting the transition from living under the law to living under grace by being led by the Holy Spirit.
The Great Apostasy
By Paris Reidhead2.0K56:56Great Apostasy2TH 2:3HEB 6:4In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of understanding the principles of the word of God in order to comprehend what is happening in the world around us. He encourages constant alertness and resistance to the negative influences of the world. The speaker warns against relying on creeds or specific statements from the Bible as the foundation of fellowship, as this limits the importance of the rest of the word of God. He also highlights the transformative power of the gospel, citing examples of missionaries bringing about positive change in the lives of savage tribes.
The Heavenly Calling - Part 1
By T. Austin-Sparks1.8K51:26Heavenly CallingLUK 5:7HEB 1:9HEB 2:14HEB 3:1HEB 3:14HEB 6:4HEB 12:8In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of the ministry being focused on bringing glory to the Lord Jesus. The speaker explains that while the ministry involves work and instruction in the things of the Lord, it is also a time for encouragement and spiritual growth. The sermon then delves into the book of Hebrews, highlighting the idea of believers being companions of Christ and holding fast to their faith. The speaker also discusses the overarching purpose of God throughout the Bible, emphasizing that God works in relation to his Son and his purpose will ultimately be realized.
Blessed Are Those Who Die in the Lord
By Bob Jennings1.6K41:29MAT 25:21JHN 8:241CO 15:58PHP 3:20HEB 6:4JAS 4:141JN 2:17REV 14:13This sermon reflects on the blessings of dying in the Lord, emphasizing the rest from labors and the assurance that deeds will follow believers into eternity. It highlights the importance of persevering in faith, avoiding sin, and living a life dedicated to Christ to receive the promised blessings. The speaker encourages the audience to focus on heavenly rewards, the certainty of God's promises, and the joy of being with the Lord in eternity.
Christ's Very Own - Part 4
By Ian Paisley1.5K06:49HEB 6:4This sermon focuses on the sin of ingratitude towards Christ, highlighting the monstrous crime it is and the consequences of wandering back into sin as an act of hellish ingratitude. It emphasizes the need to guard against sin to avoid crucifying Christ again through our ingratitude, leading to the vengeance of a righteous God. The sermon calls for repentance, burning zeal for the Lord, and a desire for a deep, personal relationship with Jesus.
The Unpardonable Sin - Blasphemy Against the Holy Spirit
By Tim Conway1.1K1:15:05HEB 6:4This sermon delves into the concept of the unpardonable sin, also known as blaspheming the Holy Spirit, highlighting the idea of reaching a point of no return during one's life where forgiveness is no longer possible. It explores the severity of rejecting the light of the Spirit of God and the need to run to Jesus for forgiveness and salvation, regardless of doubts or fears of having committed the unpardonable sin.
Afraid I Committed the Unpardonable Sin
By Tim Conway7181:18:54HEB 6:4This sermon delves into the concept of the unpardonable sin, focusing on the warnings and implications of rejecting the work of the Holy Spirit. It emphasizes the importance of not despising the salvation offered through Christ and the danger of drifting away from the truth. The story of Esau is used as a cautionary tale to highlight the consequences of valuing earthly blessings over spiritual inheritance.
Hebrews - Part 3
By Richard Owen Roberts7141:21:09HEB 6:4This sermon emphasizes the importance of gratitude and thanksgiving in all circumstances, highlighting the need for a spirit of gratitude even in times of great difficulty. It also discusses the extraordinary work of the Spirit of God in a church in Little Rock, urging listeners to seek a Christ-centered life and church. The sermon delves into the warning passages in Hebrews, addressing the dangers of drifting away, hardening the heart, and being dull of hearing, emphasizing the need for repentance and true growth in Christ. It concludes with an exhortation to be diligent, imitating those who faithfully follow Christ.
What the Lord's Table Really Means
By Zac Poonen67144:121CO 11:24HEB 6:4This sermon emphasizes the importance of approaching the breaking of bread with reverence and understanding, highlighting the significance of recognizing the body of Christ and the body of believers. It stresses the need for self-examination, repentance, and a deep love for Jesus, cautioning against betraying the Lord through unconfessed sin or lack of love for others. The speaker urges listeners to judge themselves rightly, to avoid judgment, and to strive for continual growth in Christlikeness and devotion to Jesus, ensuring a meaningful participation in the Lord's table.
Fruit of Repentance
By Erlo Stegen6351:06:08RepentanceHEB 6:4In this sermon, the preacher focuses on Hebrews chapter 6 and discusses the concept of falling away from faith. He emphasizes that it is impossible to restore those who have tasted the heavenly gift, shared in the Holy Spirit, and then fallen away. The preacher uses the analogy of land that either produces a useful crop or thorns and thistles to illustrate the consequences of falling away from faith. He urges the congregation to repent and obey God's word, warning that seeking repentance with tears in the future may not be fruitful.
Our Birthright as Believers
By Zac Poonen44258:27COL 3:12COL 3:15HEB 6:4This sermon emphasizes the importance of experiencing God's power and nature in our lives, highlighting the need to partake in the Holy Spirit, taste the good word of God, and anticipate the powers of the age to come. It encourages humility, dependence on God's supernatural work, and a transformation that reflects God's presence and victory over sin.
Epistle 178
By George Fox0Unity in the SpiritFaithfulness to TruthMAT 18:15LUK 1:33JHN 8:321CO 9:121CO 12:13GAL 4:29EPH 4:5COL 4:61TH 5:19HEB 6:4HEB 12:91PE 1:221JN 5:9George Fox emphasizes the importance of being partakers of God's power and the heavenly gift, which fosters unity, peace, and a kingdom without end. He warns against the division caused by those who possess the words of scripture but lack the spirit and power that originally inspired them. Fox encourages believers to remain faithful, obedient to the truth, and to spread it widely, addressing the witness of God in all people. He stresses the necessity of coming together in one body through the baptism of the Spirit, and the importance of resolving conflicts privately to maintain the integrity of the truth. Ultimately, he calls for wisdom that preserves unity and peace among believers.
Impossible to Renew Unto Repentance
By Harry Ironside0ApostasyGenuine FaithHEB 6:4Harry Ironside emphasizes the grave warnings found in the Epistle to the Hebrews regarding apostasy and the impossibility of renewing those who have once tasted the truth but later turn away. He explains that many may experience enlightenment and even partake in the Holy Spirit without truly knowing Christ, leading to a false sense of security. Ironside reassures true believers that their faith is secure, while cautioning against the dangers of spiritual sloth and the consequences of willful sin. He draws parallels between the experiences of the early Hebrew Christians and the modern church, urging self-examination and genuine faith. The sermon serves as a reminder of the seriousness of rejecting God's grace and the importance of persevering in faith.
The True Basis of Life for the Companions
By T. Austin-Sparks0Heavenly CallingFaith in GodJDG 7:7JHN 10:18ACT 7:20HEB 3:1HEB 4:14HEB 6:4HEB 8:1HEB 9:23HEB 11:16HEB 12:23T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the significance of the words 'heavenly' and 'faith' in the Christian life, particularly as presented in the Letter to the Hebrews. He illustrates how God consistently places His people on a supernatural basis, demonstrating that true faith involves trusting in God's ability to accomplish the impossible, as seen through biblical figures like Abraham, Jacob, and Joseph. Sparks encourages young Christians to understand that living a heavenly life is not limited to the afterlife but is a present reality grounded in faith. He concludes that faith is the belief that heaven can do what no earthly power can achieve, urging believers to rely on divine resources in seemingly hopeless situations.
Our Ultimate Teacher
By A.W. Tozer0Understanding TruthThe Role of TheologyHEB 6:4A.W. Tozer emphasizes the challenge of understanding spiritual truths, noting that our perceptions are often shaped by our backgrounds and theological frameworks. He illustrates this by comparing two individuals, one a Calvinist and the other an Arminian, both interpreting the same scripture, Hebrews 6:4-6, yet arriving at vastly different conclusions based on their prior teachings. Tozer argues that this inherent bias can distort our grasp of truth, leading us to unconsciously modify our understanding to fit our existing beliefs. He calls for awareness of these influences to better align our understanding with God's perspective rather than our own. Ultimately, Tozer encourages a humble approach to learning from the ultimate Teacher, God Himself.
A Call to Backsliders
By John Wesley0Hope and RestorationBackslidingHEB 6:4John Wesley addresses the plight of backsliders, emphasizing the dangers of both presumption and despair in their spiritual journey. He warns that many presume upon God's mercy while neglecting His justice, believing they can live in sin without consequence. Conversely, others fall into despair, feeling hopeless and powerless to escape their sins, leading them to abandon their spiritual fight. Wesley reassures that even those who feel utterly lost can find hope and restoration through God's grace, urging them to return to Him with a sincere heart. He concludes by affirming that God's mercy is always available for those who genuinely seek it, regardless of their past failures.
The Holy Spirit in the Epistle to the Hebrews
By Arno Clemens Gaebelein0HEB 2:4HEB 3:7HEB 6:4HEB 9:8HEB 9:14HEB 10:15HEB 10:29Arno Clemens Gaebelein delves into the Epistle to the Hebrews, emphasizing its original address to Jewish Christians in Jerusalem who were still zealous for the law. The epistle contains warnings against turning back to Judaism after experiencing the gospel and the Spirit of God, highlighting the importance of perseverance in faith. Various passages in Hebrews underscore the role of the Holy Spirit in confirming the truth of Christ's sacrifice, guiding believers, and revealing God's Word through the prophets.
Hebrews 6:1-6
By St. John Chrysostom0HEB 6:4John Chrysostom emphasizes the importance of progressing in faith beyond the foundational teachings of repentance, faith, baptisms, laying on of hands, resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment. He warns against remaining stagnant in spiritual growth, comparing it to continually learning the basics without advancing to deeper truths. Chrysostom urges believers to move towards perfection by living a life of faith, humility, and continuous learning, highlighting the necessity of repentance, intense prayer, almsgiving, forgiveness, and avoiding anger. He stresses the impossibility of being renewed through repentance if one falls away after experiencing the heavenly gifts and the powers of the world to come, likening it to crucifying Christ afresh and putting Him to an open shame.
Day 224, Hebrews 6
By David Servant0HEB 5:11HEB 6:1HEB 6:4HEB 6:9HEB 6:18David Servant emphasizes the importance of not becoming 'dull of hearing' in our spiritual journey, urging believers to grasp the foundational truths of repentance, faith, baptisms, laying on of hands, resurrection, and eternal judgment. He highlights the risk of falling away from the faith and losing salvation, as outlined in Hebrews 6:4-8, stressing the seriousness of backsliding and the impossibility of renewing repentance for those who have turned away. Servant encourages believers to demonstrate genuine faith through love for fellow believers and to persevere in faith and patience to ultimately inherit God's promises, drawing inspiration from the example of Abraham.
Day 236, 1 John 5
By David Servant0HEB 6:41JN 5:4David Servant preaches on the three tests of authentic conversion outlined in 1 John 5:1-2, emphasizing the belief in Jesus as the Christ, love for God's children, and obedience to God's commandments. He explains how believers have overcome the world through spiritual rebirth, freeing them from the world's sinful system. John refutes the heresy that Jesus was merely a man by affirming His divine nature through His baptism and death on the cross, highlighting that Jesus and Christ were one and the same.
That Persons Did Not Excite Them of Their Own Contrivance and by Their Own Strength, Is No Sign
By Jonathan Edwards0PSA 139:23PRO 3:5ISA 55:81CO 2:102CO 12:9EPH 1:181TH 5:212TI 1:7HEB 6:41JN 4:1Jonathan Edwards discusses the misconception that affections are not from God's Spirit if they seem to be beyond the individual's control or understanding, emphasizing that God's power in producing saving grace can manifest in various ways, sometimes visibly and sensibly. He challenges the notion that God's power should always be hidden and argues that God often makes His power evident in His works to humble human pride and glorify His name. Edwards also warns against assuming that all extraordinary experiences are necessarily from the Spirit of God, as other spirits can influence the mind, and some impressions may not be of a saving nature.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened - Before I proceed to explain the different terms in these verses, it is necessary to give my opinion of their design and meaning: 1. I do not consider them as having any reference to any person professing Christianity. 2. They do not belong, nor are they applicable, to backsliders of any kind. 3. They belong to apostates from Christianity; to such as reject the whole Christian system, and its author, the Lord Jesus. 4. And to those of them only who join with the blaspheming Jews, call Christ an impostor, and vindicate his murderers in having crucified him as a malefactor; and thus they render their salvation impossible, by wilfully and maliciously rejecting the Lord that bought them. No man believing in the Lord Jesus as the great sacrifice for sin, and acknowledging Christianity as a Divine revelation, is here intended, though he may have unfortunately backslidden from any degree of the salvation of God. The design of these solemn words is evidently, First, to show the Hebrews that apostasy from the highest degrees of grace was possible; and that those who were highest in the favor of God might sin against him, lose it, and perish everlastingly. Secondly, to warn them against such an awful state of perdition, that they might not be led away, by either the persuasions or persecutions of their countrymen, from the truth of the heavenly doctrine which had been delivered to them. And, Thirdly, to point out the destruction which was shortly to come upon the Jewish nation. Once enlightened - Thoroughly instructed in the nature and design of the Christian religion, having received the knowledge of the truth, Heb 10:32; and being convinced of sin, righteousness, and judgment, and led to Jesus the Savior of sinners. Tasted of the heavenly gift - Having received the knowledge of salvation by the remission of sins, through the Day Spring which from on high had visited them; such having received Christ, the heavenly gift of God's infinite love, Joh 3:16; the living bread that came down from heaven, Joh 6:51; and thus tasting that the Lord is gracious; Pe1 2:3, and witnessing the full effects of the Christian religion. Partakers of the Holy Ghost - The Spirit himself witnessing with their spirits that they were the children of God, and thus assuring them of God's mercy towards them, and of the efficacy of the atonement through which they had received such blessings.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
We must "go on toward perfection"; for if we fall away, after having received enlightenment, it will be impossible to renew us again to repentance. for those--"in the case of those." once enlightened--once for all illuminated by the word of God taught in connection with "baptism" (to which, in Heb 6:2, as once for all done," once enlightened" here answers); compare Eph 5:26. This passage probably originated the application of the term "illumination" to baptism in subsequent times. Illumination, however, was not supposed to be the inseparable accompaniment of baptism: thus CHRYSOSTOM says, "Heretics have baptism, not illumination: they are baptized in body, but not enlightened in soul: as Simon Magus was baptized, but not illuminated." That "enlightened" here means knowledge of the word of truth, appears from comparing the same Greek word "illuminated," Heb 10:32, with Heb 10:26, where "knowledge of the truth" answers to it. tasted of the heavenly gift--tasted for themselves. As "enlightened" refers to the sense of sight: so here taste follows. "The heavenly gift"; Christ given by the Father and revealed by the enlightening word preached and written: as conferring peace in the remission of sins; and as the Bestower of the gift of the Holy Spirit (Act 8:19-20), made partakers of the Holy Ghost--specified as distinct from, though so inseparably connected with, "enlightened," and "tasted of the heavenly gift," Christ, as answering to "laying on of hands" after baptism, which was then generally accompanied with the impartation of the Holy Ghost in miraculous gifts.
John Gill Bible Commentary
And have tasted the good word of God,.... Not the Lord Jesus Christ, the essential Word of God, who seems to be intended before by the heavenly gift; but rather, either the Scriptures of truth in general, which are the word of God, endited by him, and contain his mind and will; which he makes use of for conviction, conversion, instruction, and comfort; and which are preserved by him: and these are a good word; they come from him who is good; they are a revelation of good things; they make known things true, pleasant, and profitable: or else the Gospel in particular, of which God is the author; and in which is a wonderful display of his wisdom and grace; and which he owns and blesses for his own glory, and the good of others: and this is a "good word", the same with , "good matter", or "word", in Psa 45:1 , "my good word", or "the word of my goodness", in the Targum on Isa 55:11 for it is the word of righteousness, reconciliation, peace, pardon, life, and salvation. And there is a special and spiritual taste of this good, word, which is delightful, relishing, and nourishing; and such who have it can never totally and finally fall away; because they who taste it, so as to eat and digest it, and be nourished by it, to them it becomes the ingrafted word, which is able to save them: but there is such a taste of this word as is disrelishing, as in profane sinners, and open opposers and persecutors of the word, or as in hypocrites and formal professors; which is only an assent to the Scriptures, as the revelation of God, or a superficial knowledge of the doctrines of the Gospel without the experience of them, and a temporal faith in them, and a natural affection for them, and pleasure with them for a time; as the Jews, and Herod with John's ministry, and the stony ground hearers. And the powers of the world to come; meaning either the state of the church, and the glorious things relating to it, after the first resurrection, which they might have some notional apprehensions of; or the ultimate state of glory and happiness, the powers of which are the immortality, incorruption, and glory of the body, the perfect holiness and knowledge of the soul, entire freedom from all evils of every kind, full communion with Father, Son, and Spirit, and a complete enjoyment of all happiness for ever; which hypocrites may have a notional knowledge of, a natural desire after, and delight in the contemplation and hope of, as Balaam had; or rather the miracles and mighty works in the former part of the Gospel dispensation, or times of the Messiah, the Jews' world to come; see Gill on Heb 2:5, are intended; which many, as Judas and others, were able to perform, who were not sincere Christians, or true believers.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
6:4-8 This passage, one of the most difficult in the New Testament, gives a harsh warning about those who have left the Christian faith. Those who have fallen away from Christ and the church are like those who fell in the wilderness (3:15-19): The lack of faith shown in such apostasy results in devastating judgment (cp. 10:26-31). 6:4 In Greek, the word impossible begins the sentence for emphasis—it absolutely cannot happen (see also 6:18; 10:4; 11:6). • They were once enlightened when they “first learned about Christ” (see 10:32 and corresponding study note). • The good things of heaven might allude to the manna given from heaven (Exod 16:4, 15; Ps 78:24) as an image of spiritual blessings.