Add parallel Print Page Options

For it is impossible[a] to restore again to repentance those who have once been enlightened, who have tasted the heavenly gift, and have become partakers of the Holy Spirit, and have tasted the goodness of the word of God and the powers of the age to come, if they then commit apostasy, since they crucify the Son of God on their own account and hold him up to contempt. For land which has drunk the rain that often falls upon it, and brings forth vegetation useful to those for whose sake it is cultivated, receives a blessing from God. But if it bears thorns and thistles, it is worthless and near to being cursed; its end is to be burned.

Read full chapter

Footnotes

  1. 6.4 impossible: The apostasy referred to in verse 6 is clearly thought of as so deliberate as to preclude any real possibility of repentance; or there may be a reference here to the impossibility of being baptized a second time.

Bible Gateway Recommends

RSV Didache Bible with Commentaries Based on the RC Cathechism
RSV Didache Bible with Commentaries Based on the RC Cathechism
Retail: $64.95
Our Price: $55.99
Save: $8.96 (14%)
5.0 of 5.0 stars
RSV-CE Bible Ultrasoft Burgundy - Slightly Imperfect
RSV-CE Bible Ultrasoft Burgundy - Slightly Imperfect
Retail: $54.95
Our Price: $42.04
Save: $12.91 (23%)
Spiritual Warfare Bible, Imitation Leather
Spiritual Warfare Bible, Imitation Leather
Retail: $69.95
Our Price: $62.96
Save: $6.99 (10%)
Ignatius Bible-RSV, Edition 0002, Paper, Not Applicable
Ignatius Bible-RSV, Edition 0002, Paper, Not Applicable
Retail: $49.95
Our Price: $44.96
Save: $4.99 (10%)