The Pulpit Commentary — Hebrews — Section 175

Vers. 4-6.-The relapse for which there is no restoration. "For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened," etc. Let us honestly and earnestly endeavour to lay aside our theological prepossessions, and to apprehend and set forth the meaning of this solemn portion of sacred Scripture. We have in the text- I. AN EXALTED CHRISTIAN EXPERIENCE. "Those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift," etc. Here is a cumulative experience of gospel blessings. I. Spiritual illumination. "Those who were once enlightened." The mind and heart of the unrenewed man are in a condition of spiritual ignorance and darkness. The wicked are "darkened in their understanding." In conversion men "turn from darkness to light." Jn the case described in the text man has been enlightened as to his spiritl•al state, his need of salvation, and the salvation provided in Jesus Christ (cf. Eph. i. 17, 18). 2. Experience of gospel blessings. "And tasted of the heavenly gift." 'fasted is not to be taken in the sense of a mere taste, but a personal experience, as in eh. ii. 9, " 'I'aste death for every man ; " and 1 Pet. ii. 3, "If 1;o be ye have tasted that the Lord is gracious." In the case before us, man, through Christ, experiences the forgiveness of sins, and peace with God, and spiritual strength. 3. Participation in the pr~sence and influences of the Holy Spirit. "And were made partakers of the Holy Ghost." They share in his instructing, comforting, sanctifying presence and power. "The Spirit of God dwelleth in" them (1 Cor. iii. 16; Rom. viii. ll). 4. Experience of the excellence of God's Word. "And tasted the good Word of God." Prouably there is a special reference to the comforting, encouraging, strength- ening power of the inspired Word. Or the good" word" is the word of promise, o.nd the tasting of it is the experience of its gracious fulfilment. '!'he use of the Hebrew equivalents supports this view (see Josh. xxi. 45; xxiii. 15; Jer. xxix. 10; xxxiii. 14; Zech. L 13). 5. Experience of the spiritual powers of the gospel age. "And tasted the powers of the world to come," or " the age to come." 'fhe expression " signifies a personal experience of the mighty energy and saving power of the gospel." Here, then, the religion of Jesus Christ is exhibited as a gracious light in tho intellect, a blessed experience in the heart, and a practical redemptive power in the life. How completo and exalted is the personal Christian experience thus delineated! II. AN .AWFUL SPIRITUAL POSSIBILITY. "If they shall fall away .•. they crucify to themselves the Soo of God afresh, and put him to r.o open shame." 1. Of falling CR, VJ, 1-20.] 'l'HE EPISTLE TO THE HEBREWS. 169