The Epistle To The Hebrews - Executable Outlines

Mark A. Copeland
1. They “were once enlightened”
a. This likely refers to their conversion - cf. He 10:32
b. By the second century, the word “enlightenment” was used as a synonym for baptism
(Justin, Apology, 1.61.65)
c. The Peshitta Syriac translates the verse, “who have once descended to baptism”
(Lightfoot)
2. They “have tasted of the heavenly gift”
a. The word “taste” suggests a deep personal experience - cf. 1 Pe 2:3; Ps 34:8
b. Their tasting the “heavenly gift” refers back to the past experience of salvation...
1) In which they experienced the forgiveness of sins
2) In which they began to receive the spiritual blessings of being in Christ
c. The clause “describes vividly the reality of personal experiences of salvation enjoyed by
Christians at conversion (baptism).” (Behm, TDNT, I, 676)
3. They “have become partakers of the Holy Spirit”
a. This also refers back to their conversion - cf. Ac 2:38; 5:32
b. The word “partakers” (metochous) is significant...
1) Christians are “partakers (metochoi) of the heavenly calling” - He 3:1
2) They are “partakers (metochoi) of Christ” - He 3:14
-- So they are also partakers in the Holy Spirit! (Lightfoot)
4. They “have tasted the good word of God and the powers of the age to come”
a. Again the word “tasted” suggests personal experience
b. They had experienced the good things the word of God promises
c. They had experienced “the powers of the age to come”
1) The “age to come” is likely the Messianic age, ushered in with the first coming of
Christ, and consummated with His second coming (Lightfoot)
2) The “powers of the age” they had experienced...
a) Certainly included the “power” experienced by all Christians - cf. Ep 1:19;
3:20; 6:10
b) But perhaps even “signs and wonders, with various miracles, and gifts of the
Holy Spirit” - cf. He 2:4
-- Can these be anyone other than true Christians who had once believed in Jesus?
B. NOTE HOW FAR THEY HAD FALLEN...
1. It was now “impossible...to renew them again to repentance”
a. It is apparent that Christians can “fall away”
1) Paul warned that one can become “estranged from Christ” and “fall from grace”
- Ga 5:4
2) Peter described those once saved whose “latter end is worse than the beginning”
- 2 Pe 2:20-22
b. Here we learn that some can fall away to the point they are beyond rescue!
1) We cannot say when a person reaches that point
2) But there is a point where renewal becomes impossible!
2. In such a state “they crucify again for themselves the Son of God and put Him to an
open shame.”
a. This is not a Christian who sins out of weakness or ignorance
b. This is one who knowingly and openly rejects Christ publicly!
1) It is one whose heart has been so hardened by sin that in unbelief they have
departed from the living God - cf. He 3:12-13
2) It is one who despises Jesus, His blood, and the Spirit of grace - cf. He 10:29
Sermons From Hebrews 46