Understanding “Falling Away” and the Warnings of the Bible in Everyday Language
Hebrews 6:6 is a Bible verse that can sound pretty alarming at first glance. It talks about people who have “fallen away” from their Christian faith, and says it’s impossible to bring them back to repentance. But what does this really mean? Let’s break it down in simple terms.
Who Is the Author Talking To?
The book of Hebrews was written to people who were part of the early Christian community. Some of them were struggling with their faith and were tempted to give up or turn back to their old ways. The author is worried about these people, and wants to encourage them to keep growing, not stay “stuck” spiritually.
What Does “Falling Away” Mean?
Here, “falling away” isn’t just about making mistakes or having doubts. It means someone who has truly experienced the heart of Christianity—they’ve learned about God, felt the power of the Holy Spirit, and understood the importance of Jesus’s sacrifice—but then, on purpose, walks away from all of it. This is not about messing up from time to time, but a deliberate, public turning away from Jesus and the faith.
Is the “Crucifying Again” Part Literal?
The verse uses strong words: it says that people who do this are “crucifying the Son of God all over again.” But this isn’t meant to be taken literally. It’s a vivid image to show that rejecting Jesus after knowing Him is as serious as joining the people who crucified Him the first time. It’s like saying, “What Jesus did wasn’t good enough for me,” which is a very serious rejection.
Why Is It So Difficult to Come Back?
The passage says it’s impossible to restore these people to repentance. Why? The idea is that if someone really knows the truth and completely turns against it, their heart has become so hard that they no longer want to turn back. It’s not that God can’t forgive them, but that they are so set against returning, it becomes impossible from their side. It’s like someone who throws away the only lifeline that could save them.
Is This Sin “Unforgivable”?
Some people worry that this means if you ever doubt or drift away, you can never come back to God. But that’s not what this verse is saying. The author isn’t talking about ordinary backsliding, doubts, or struggles. He’s talking about a total, deliberate rejection after really knowing all the truth.
And, according to many Bible scholars, this passage is more of a warning than a prediction. It’s like saying, “If you jump off a cliff, you can’t survive.” The aim is to keep us from ever wanting to jump—not to say that people are already doomed. Many believe God’s mercy is always greater, and if someone truly wants to come back, God will welcome them.
What’s the Purpose of This Warning?
The point isn’t to scare people or make them feel hopeless. It’s a loving warning, urging us to take our faith seriously and keep growing. Just like parents warn their kids about touching a hot stove—not because they want to frighten them, but to keep them safe—the author of Hebrews wants to protect believers from making a choice they can’t undo.
So, What Should We Do?
Keep growing in faith. Don’t settle for just the basics. Pay attention to your spiritual health, encourage others, and remember that God’s grace is big enough for every honest mistake, doubt, or struggle. This warning is a reminder of how valuable faith in Christ is—and how important it is to hold on to Him.
If you’re worried you’ve fallen too far, remember: feeling concerned is actually a good sign—it means your heart is still sensitive to God! This passage is not meant to hurt those who are struggling, but to call everyone to stay close to Jesus.
Minister A Francine Green
August 2025
afrancinegreen.com 