Understanding Hebrews 6:6 in Simple Terms
If you’ve ever heard someone talk about “crucifying Jesus again,” you might have wondered what on earth that means. After all, Jesus was crucified more than two thousand years ago—how can that happen again? This phrase, which comes from the Bible in Hebrews 6:6, is actually a powerful metaphor. Let’s break it down in plain language, talk about what it meant back then, and why it still has something important to say to us today.
What’s the Context of “Crucifying Christ Again”?
First, let’s set the scene. The letter to the Hebrews was written to encourage early Christians who were struggling with their faith. Some were thinking about giving up their Christian beliefs and going back to old ways. The writer wanted to warn them how serious such a decision would be.
In Hebrews 6:4-6, the Bible says:
“…it is impossible, in the case of those who have once been enlightened, who have tasted the heavenly gift…and then have fallen away, to restore them again to repentance, since they are crucifying once again the Son of God to their own harm and holding him up to contempt.” (ESV)
Let’s put that in even simpler terms: If someone has really experienced everything Jesus offers—understood the message, felt the change, received the blessings—and then they turn their back completely and reject it all, it’s as if they’re putting Jesus through all that suffering and shame again, right in front of everybody.
It’s Not Literal—It’s a Metaphor
This passage doesn’t mean people are literally nailing Jesus to a cross again. The crucifixion was a one-time, historical event. Jesus died once, for all, and that sacrifice covers the sins of those who trust him. What Hebrews is talking about is the deep hurt and public shame caused when someone who truly knows Jesus chooses to walk away from him, as if he doesn’t matter.
Imagine someone who was rescued from drowning, then later tells everyone the lifeguard never helped them, even though they know better. They’re not only being ungrateful—they’re making the rescuer look bad in front of others. In the same way, when someone who’s known the depth of Jesus’ love and sacrifice publicly rejects him, it’s like they’re joining the crowd who shouted for Jesus’ crucifixion, mocking his suffering.
Who Is This Passage Talking About?
This warning is not for people who are struggling with doubts, making mistakes, or feeling weak in their faith. It’s not talking about the everyday ups and downs we all face. The author isn’t even speaking about people who only claimed to be Christian on the outside, but never really believed in their hearts.
Instead, the passage is about those who have genuinely tasted the goodness of God—who’ve really experienced the truth and joy of following Jesus—but then, for whatever reason, openly and completely reject him. It’s not just drifting away or having questions; it’s a deliberate choice, an open renouncing of all that Jesus stands for.
Why Is This Seen as So Serious?
Leaving the faith in such a way, after knowing its depth and blessings, is described as “impossible to bring back to repentance.” That sounds really scary, so let’s unpack what that means.
It’s not that Jesus’ forgiveness isn’t big enough—his sacrifice can cover any sin. The problem is, this kind of rejection is going the opposite way of repentance. It’s not just stumbling, but turning around and running away. You can’t repent if you don’t want to, and someone who’s made a public break with Jesus is, in their heart, saying “no thanks” to his forgiveness.
At its root, the passage is a warning about how easy it is to take God’s grace for granted, and how dangerous it is to turn away from what’s good and true—especially after you’ve tasted it.
Public Shame and Influence
Another part of the warning is about public disgrace. In Jesus’ day, being crucified was the most shameful way to die. It was a punishment for the worst criminals, carried out in public to mock and humiliate. When someone who knows Jesus rejects him, it’s as if they’re saying to the world, “I agree with those who said he deserved this.”
That matters because our choices influence others. When someone who was once a believer turns around and publicly rejects Christ, it might make others doubt. It can bring shame not just on themselves, but on the message and work of Jesus.
Why Does This Matter for Us Today?
You might be wondering, “So what? I’m not planning to reject my faith”—or maybe you’re worried, “Have I already done this?”
First, this passage is not here to scare you if you’re struggling, have questions, or feel weak. The whole message of the Bible is that God is merciful, and Jesus welcomes anyone who turns to him—even after mistakes or doubts. The warning in Hebrews is for those who, after truly knowing Jesus, would openly and fully reject him.
So, why does this teaching matter today? Let’s look at a few reasons:
· It Reminds Us Not to Take Faith Lightly: Once you’ve experienced the truth and grace of Christ, don’t toss it aside as if it’s nothing. Appreciate what you have—don’t take it for granted.
· It’s a Call to Self-Examination: Make sure your faith is genuine. Are you following Jesus because you really believe, or just because it’s habit or tradition? God wants our hearts, not just our outward behavior.
· It Warns Against Public Rejection: Our words and choices matter, especially when others are watching. If you’ve publicly identified as a Christian, think carefully before taking a stand that would make Jesus or his sacrifice look foolish or unimportant.
· It Offers Comfort to the Worried: This passage isn’t meant to terrify those who are afraid they’ve slipped too far. It’s about a total, open rejection—not the person who is struggling or seeking forgiveness. God’s mercy is always available to the truly repentant.
· It Points to the Power of Christ’s Sacrifice: The reason this rejection is so serious is because what Jesus did was so powerful. The cross wasn’t just a sad death—it was the turning point of history, the greatest act of love ever shown.
A Modern Analogy
Think about it like joining a team and being given every skill, every opportunity, and every encouragement to succeed. But then, you not only quit the team—you go out and tell the world your coach is a liar, your teammates are fools, and the whole game is a waste. Not only does that hurt your coach, but it also misleads people who might have wanted to join, and brings public shame to everything you once stood for.
In the same way, Hebrews says that to publicly and fully reject Christ after knowing him is like re-crucifying him, making his sacrifice seem worthless to others.
Conclusion: Living with Humble Gratitude
The message of Hebrews 6:6 is strong, but it’s not meant to paralyze us with fear. It’s an invitation to value what we’ve been given, to hold on to faith with humble gratitude, and to walk carefully—not fearfully, but thoughtfully—as we live out what we believe.
If you’re worried you’ve gone too far, remember: anyone who wants forgiveness can have it. Jesus’ arms are always open to the humble and the penitent. But let this passage remind you, and all of us, to never treat lightly the priceless gift we’ve been given—and to never make light of the love and sacrifice that changed history.
In everyday terms: Don’t turn your back on what’s true and good after you’ve experienced it. And if you ever fear you’ve stumbled, know there is hope, mercy, and a way back for every honest heart.
Minister A Francine Green
August 2025
afrancinegreen.com 