The Bible teaches us that once we are born again, we can never lose our salvation. Understanding the meaning of Hebrews 6 and 10 is essential for Christians to grasp the assurance of eternal security and to know their salvation is forever. However, some pastors use verses from the book of Hebrews to suggest that salvation can be lost, denying the idea of eternal security. Proponents of eternal security argue that these verses have been taken out of context, especially when considering the intended audience and the broader theological context.
The Bible teaches that once we are born again, our salvation is secure forever. Several verses affirm this eternal security:
- John 10:28-29 assures us that Jesus gives us eternal life, and no one can snatch us out of His hand.
- Ephesians 1:13-14 highlights that the Holy Spirit seals us, guaranteeing our inheritance as God’s children.
- Romans 8:38-39 promises that nothing—whether death, life, angels, or any powers—can separate us from God’s love.
- 1 Peter 1:4 speaks of an inheritance that can never perish, spoil, or fade, which is kept in heaven for us.
- 2 Corinthians 1:21-22 reminds us that God makes us stand firm in Christ, marking us with His seal and guaranteeing our salvation.
- Hebrews 13:5 comforts us with God’s promise: “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.”
While some use verses like Hebrews 6:4-6 and Hebrews 10:26-27 to argue that salvation can be lost, it’s important to understand these in context. The warning is aimed at those who intentionally reject Christ, not those who are struggling with their faith. The overall message of Scripture affirms that once we are in Christ, our salvation is secure and we are never separated from His love.
The Meaning of Hebrews 6:4-6 and Hebrews 10:26-27
Hebrews 6:4-6 (NIV)
“It is impossible for those who have once been enlightened, who have tasted the heavenly gift, who have shared in the Holy Spirit, who have tasted the goodness of the word of God and the powers of the coming age and who have fallen 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.”
This passage is often cited in discussions about whether a believer can lose their salvation. However, it’s important to understand the context:
- Audience: The book of Hebrews was written to Hebrews who were tempted to return to Judaism, rejecting the sufficiency of Christ’s sacrifice.
- Meaning: The warning here is aimed at those who fully reject Christ, not those who are struggling or doubting in their faith.
Key Distinctions in Hebrews 6:4-6
- Enlightening ≠ Accepting: “Enlightening” refers to exposure to the truth, but does not mean full acceptance or internalization.
- Tasting ≠ Fully Consuming: “Tasting” implies experiencing or acknowledging the gospel, but not swallowing or fully committing to it.
The passage describes those who have encountered the gospel and experienced its benefits but have not fully accepted or embraced it. This distinction is crucial because exposure to the truth does not equate to accepting or receiving it.
The Context of Hebrews 6:4-6
- Warning: The warning is not about occasional doubts or struggles but about deliberately rejecting Christ’s completed work in favor of returning to outdated practices like the animal sacrificial system. This constitutes a complete abandonment of Christ.
Hebrews 10:26-27 (NIV)
“If we deliberately keep on sinning after we have received the knowledge of the truth, no sacrifice for sins is left, but only a fearful expectation of judgment and of raging fire that will consume the enemies of God.”
This passage is often brought up in the debate about whether salvation can be lost (OSAS – Once Saved, Always Saved). It should also be interpreted in context:
- Deliberate Sinning: The “deliberate sinning” refers to willfully rejecting the truth of Christ’s sacrifice after knowing it, not occasional failures or struggles.
- Similar to Hebrews 3:19: Like the disobedience of the Israelites, this passage speaks to those who reject Christ’s finished work due to unbelief.
Message of Hebrews 10:26-27
- No Other Sacrifice: If someone rejects Christ’s sacrifice, there is no other way to be forgiven.
- Apostasy: This is a warning against apostasy—intentionally turning away from Christ and His perfect sacrifice.
The Key Point: Eternal Security
Both Hebrews 6:4-6 and Hebrews 10:26-27 are about willfully rejecting Christ, not about believers struggling with sin or doubt. Scripture repeatedly affirms the eternal security of salvation for those who genuinely accept Christ. The Bible teaches that once we accept Christ, our salvation is secure forever. The warnings in Hebrews are about those who deliberately reject Christ, not about those who are struggling in their faith.
GraceCoach.org:
Is Once Saved Always Saved Supported in the Bible?
Can a Christian Lose Their Salvation?
