Journal: Maranatha Baptist Theological Journal
Volume: MBTJ 01:2 (Fall 2011)
Article: A Warning for True Believers who Lack Faith Hebrews 6:4-8
Author: Andrew S. Hudson

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A Warning for True Believers
who Lack Faith
Hebrews 6:4-8

Andrew Hudson1

Hebrews 6:4-8 is one of the most difficult New Testament passages to interpret. Almost every article written on this passage begins with a statement of its difficulty.2 At the same time, the interpretation of this passage is crucial to the interpretation of the other warning passages in Hebrews and to the development of one’s theological position on several soteriological issues.

There are three key issues in Hebrews 6:4-8 that must be interpreted in order to arrive at an acceptable interpretation of the entire paragraph. The first issue is whether or not “those who were once enlightened” are actually saved.3 The second issue is the nature of the falling away in verse six. Is it a rejection of Christ’s offer of salvation, or is it a rejection of some aspect within Christianity? The third issue is the nature of the judgment for falling

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away in verses four and eight. Is the judgment eternal damnation of an unbeliever, or is it the severe chastisement of an erring believer? The proper interpretation of Hebrews 6:4-8 must provide solutions for each of these issues.

The purpose of this article is to suggest a solution for each of these issues. First, “those who were once enlightened” are true believers. They have been regenerated and are part of the body of Christ. Second, “falling away” is a conscious rejection of Christ’s high priestly ministry for the believer.4 It is not a rejection of Christ’s offer of salvation. It is a reference to faulty devotion and worship, not a faulty salvation experience. Third, the judgment for rejecting Christ’s high priestly ministry for the believer is severe chastisement (up to and including physical death and/or loss of eternal reward). It is not a reference to the eternal damnation of the unbeliever.

This article begins with a brief review of the major interpretations proposed for Hebrews 6:4-8. This review

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sets the context for the current discussion of this paragraph of Scripture. Next, the article places Hebrews 6:4-8 in its biblical context. Last, the article provides a det...