Bible Passage (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 ageand 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.” Explanation This passage in Hebrews is one of the most sobering warnings in the New Testament. It is directed at a very specific group of people—those who have had deep spiritual experiences and yet willfully choose to turn away from Christ. Let’s unpack what the writer means. Who Are These People? According to verses 4–5, these individuals: “Have once been enlightened” – They have received the truth of the gospel and had their spiritual eyes opened. “Tasted the heavenly gift” – They’ve experienced salvation or the blessings that come with it. “Shared in the Holy Spirit” – They’ve experienced the work and presence of the Holy Spirit firsthand. “Tasted the goodness of the Word of God” – They’ve understood and enjoyed God’s Word. “Tasted the powers of the coming age” – They’ve witnessed or experienced miraculous signs and the supernatural power of the Kingdom of God. This is not describing new or immature believers, but people who have fully participated in the Christian life and had real experiences with God. What Happens When They Fall Away? The Greek term used here for “fall away” (parapiptō) implies a deliberate, conscious turning away from Christ. This isn’t a momentary lapse, ignorance, or a season of doubt—it’s a willful rejection of Jesus after knowing Him intimately. The writer says it is impossible (not difficult, but impossible) to bring such people back to repentance because they are crucifying Christ all over again. What Does It Mean to “Crucify the Son of God All Over Again”? To “crucify Christ again” does not mean Christ is literally crucified again. Instead, it’s a metaphorical expression describing what such a person is doing in spirit. By willfully rejecting Jesus after fully knowing Him, it’s as if they are siding with the very people who nailed Him to the cross—declaring by their actions that Jesus deserves death and shame once more. This is an act of deep betrayal—much like Judas Iscariot, who walked closely with Jesus but chose to betray Him. The phrase “subjecting him to public disgrace” means they are shaming Christ openly, treating His sacrifice as worthless, and showing contempt for His work on the cross. Theological Reflection This passage challenges some theological assumptions: Perseverance of the Saints (Eternal Security): Some traditions (like Reformed theology) interpret this as a hypothetical warning—not describing real believers, but warning professing Christians who were never truly saved. Free Will and Apostasy: Other traditions (like Wesleyan or Arminian) believe this describes genuine believers who can fall away from salvation by a deliberate choice. What’s clear, regardless of theological stance, is that this is a serious warning against taking God’s grace lightly. Those who truly experience Christ are called to persevere in faith and not treat the cross with contempt. Illustration to Understand the Emotion Behind the Text Imagine a husband who forgives his wife after she commits adultery. He takes her back, gives her grace, and restores the relationship. But then, later on, she commits adultery again—intentionally, knowingly, with full understanding of the pain she caused before. The emotional pain and betrayal are deeper the second time. It’s not just a mistake; it’s a rejection of love and grace. In the same way, when someone experiences the depth of Christ’s love and then chooses to walk away, it’s like inflicting the wounds of the cross all over again. Final Thoughts Hebrews 6:4–6 is a call to mature faithfulness. It urges us not to be casual with the gift of salvation. If you’ve truly known the goodness of God, walk in reverence, gratitude, and endurance. As Paul writes elsewhere: “Work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.”(Philippians 2:12–13, NIV)
In the Old Testament, the Levites and priests were distinct groups, both serving important roles in the worship and service of God, but with specific differences in their responsibilities. Levites: The Levites were one of the twelve tribes of Israel that were chosen by God for special service. However, not all Levites were priests. The Levites’ duties were centered around assisting the priests in various religious and ceremonial tasks, but they were not directly involved in the priestly role of offering sacrifices and performing acts of atonement. Here are some of the responsibilities of the Levites: Assistance in Worship: Levites served as assistants to the priests in various aspects of the sacrificial system. They were responsible for preparing the offerings and assisting in the care of the Tabernacle and later the Temple (Numbers 1:50). Guardians and Builders of the Tabernacle: Levites were entrusted with guarding the Tabernacle and later the Temple (Numbers 3:21-26). They also assisted in constructing, disassembling, and moving the Tabernacle during the Israelites’ journey (Numbers 1:48-54). Teachers of the Law: Levites were also responsible for teaching the people of Israel the Law (Deuteronomy 33:10). They acted as scribes and interpreters of Scripture. Judges and Advisors: In matters of legal disputes, the Levites were involved in rendering judgments (Deuteronomy 17:8-13). Musical Worship: Levites served as musicians and singers in the Temple, leading the worship in the presence of God (1 Chronicles 9:33). Priests: The priests, specifically the descendants of Aaron (from the tribe of Levi), had a more direct role in offering sacrifices and performing acts of atonement on behalf of the people. While all priests were Levites, not all Levites were priests. The priests were chosen to offer sacrifices and perform the sacred duties inside the Tabernacle or Temple. Key responsibilities of the priests included: Atonement: The priests performed the key sacrificial duties, such as offering animal sacrifices to atone for the sins of the people (Hebrews 10:11-18). This was a critical role in maintaining the relationship between God and Israel. Blessing the People: Priests were entrusted with the blessing of the people of Israel. They pronounced blessings over the congregation (Deuteronomy 10:8). Carrying the Ark of the Covenant: The priests were also responsible for carrying the Ark of the Covenant, which was the symbol of God’s presence with His people (Deuteronomy 31:9). Role in the Contemporary Church: In the New Testament and the church today, the roles of the Levites and priests are no longer confined to specific tribes or families. Through Jesus Christ, every believer is now called into the “royal priesthood.” This concept is rooted in passages like 1 Peter 2:9, which declares:“But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.” (NIV) In the New Covenant, all Christians are considered part of the priesthood of believers, meaning that each believer is called to serve God and His people. The role of “priest” is no longer limited to a specific group of people, but instead, all believers are called to participate in the ministry of reconciliation (2 Corinthians 5:18). Theological Implications: The idea of the “priesthood of all believers” emphasizes that, in Christ, all Christians have direct access to God. Jesus Christ, our High Priest, has fulfilled the ultimate sacrificial role by offering Himself as the atonement for our sins once and for all (Hebrews 7:27). Therefore, Christians no longer need to rely on a specific tribe or lineage to perform acts of atonement. Instead, each believer can serve God directly, interceding for others through prayer, teaching, and acts of service. Just as the Levites served as assistants to the priests in the Old Testament, Christians today are called to assist in the spread of the Gospel and the worship of God. Like the priests, Christians are called to offer spiritual sacrifices—praise, worship, and service to God (Romans 12:1). Conclusion: While the Old Testament distinctions between priests and Levites were specific to the tribe of Levi, the New Testament teaches that through Christ, all believers are part of the royal priesthood. Each believer has a role to play in serving God and others. Just as the Levites assisted in the worship of God and the priests offered sacrifices for atonement, Christians today offer spiritual sacrifices to God and work together in His service. Every believer is now called to be both a Levite and a priest in their role of worship, service, and minimum.