“For in the case of those who have once been enlightened and have tasted of the heavenly gift and have been made partakers of the Holy Spirit, and have tasted the good word of God and the powers of the age to come, and then have fallen away, it is impossible to renew them again to repentance, since they again crucify to themselves the Son of God and put Him to open shame” (Hebrews 6:4-6).
These verses talk about something that is impossible – restoring a Christian who has fallen away. But what does this mean? Does it mean that if a Christian falls away, they are without hope because they are simply unable to come back to God?
We know that “with God all things are possible” (Matthew 19:26). There will never come a time when the way of repentance will be cut off from someone. After all, “God is faithful, [and] will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able” (1 Corinthians 10:13). Whenever we are tempted, no matter what we have done in the past, we always have the option to do what is right.
So how do we explain the impossibility of Hebrews 6:4-6?
Consider that this one who has fallen away is crucifying Christ and putting Him to an open shame. As long as they brazenly reject Christ, they will not repent.
Notice also that this verse does not teach that one who falls away cannot return. It teaches that you cannot restore such a one who has fallen away and is openly rejecting Christ. Why is it that the would-be restorer cannot convince this fallen brother to repent? It is because he has already learned the truth, known what is right, been a partaker of all spiritual blessings, and recognized the hope that we have beyond this life.
For one who has known and partaken of all those things, what can you say? What could you possibly tell them that they do not know? They know what is right. They know the blessings of being a Christian. They know the reward that awaits the faithful. But they still gave it up. You cannot restore them. If they return to God, it will have to come after a change of heart. We cannot change people’s hearts against their will.
This does not mean that we should not teach, admonish, and pray for these individuals. We should! But do not be discouraged if they do not listen. They are not rejecting you; they are rejecting God. We can only hope the seed that had been planted can once again produce fruit in their lives.
Thanks Andy, I only hope and pray they will be given the time to make their lives right with God. I hope and pray I can be strong enough to be the example I should be before them and God.
Delilah