Commentary - Hebrews 6:4-6

Ref Verses: Hebrews Chapter 6:4-6

The referenced verses are the subject of much controversy.  Is Paul referring to believers or unbelievers?   Looking at these verses in context, I see the following...  

Verses 1-3

Paul is essentially saying, you guys haven't gotten it yet.  They haven't yet grasped the basic elements of the Christian Faith.   We know that a Christian can be seen by their fruit.  If there has been no growth, then there must be many amongst them that heard Pauls teachings but did not believe upon it unto salvation.  You can sense the frustration in His writing. 

Verses 4-6

In this section Paul uses the word "taste" twice and the word "share" once and "enlightened" once to describe those who were among them during during the presentation of the truth of the gospel.  These words imply a closeness to the truth, being in the midst of the truth, even enjoying the fruits of the truth (Holy Spirit ref).  But, I can taste things with my mouth but not consume them, I choose after the tasting if it is good and decide to swallow or spit it out (fall away).  Likewise, my girls live in my home and "share" in it's benefits but it does not belong to them.  From a legal standpoint it is mine.  I could share my tractor with you but likewise it is mine.  Consistent with the same, some one might enlighten me, but it does not mean that I agree or believe in what they enlightened me about. 

Verses 7-8

Finally, to further drive the point home, Paul uses the analogy of two different types of ground.  Both produce vegetation however one is useful to the land owner and the other is not.  The only real difference in the two is the first receives the blessing of the Lord implying by absence of the same statement on the later that it did not receive the blessing. 

In summary, Paul is addressing an audience that has not grasped the basic tenants of the gospel even though they were exposed to the truth of it.  Many were so close that they could actually taste it and enjoy the fruits of it but ultimately the people who are the focus of this section did not "receive" the blessing.  They were never converted, they were never "in Christ" to begin with.

------------Hebrews 6:1-8 (NIV)------------

Therefore let us move beyond the elementary teachings about Christ and be taken forward to maturity, not laying again the foundation of repentance from acts that lead to death, and of faith in God, instruction about cleansing rites, the laying on of hands, the resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment. And God permitting, we will do so.

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. 

Land that drinks in the rain often falling on it and that produces a crop useful to those for whom it is farmed receives the blessing of God. But land that produces thorns and thistles is worthless and is in danger of being cursed. In the end it will be burned.