Have we ever crossed a dangerous route, for example a route that is prone to landslides. If we pay close attention to the route, we will often find warning signs that clearly warn of potential dangers, so that drivers can be prepared. The signs function as warnings that protect the safety of drivers.

In a similar vein, in Hebrews 6: 4-8 we also find a strong warning from the author to his readers. The warning is related to apostasy which is an issue in the midst of the congregation. The apostasy referred to by the author is when someone intentionally leaves the Christian faith. An act of intentionally separating oneself from God, in Greek using the word pararreo which means being carried away by the current, moving away from the right path, namely the Word of God. Regarding this warning, the author has already conveyed in Hebrews 2: 1, "Therefore we must pay more careful attention to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away."

The strong nuance of the warning is even underlined again in verses 4-6. The consequences of apostasy are so severe that they are unforgivable. Is this a real reality of faith, or just an attempt to confirm it by the writer of Hebrews? We cannot know for sure now, but it is clear that in the past this verse caused much debate. However, we can capture the anxiety and determination of the writer who does not want his congregation to turn away from God. This warning is accompanied by an invitation to realize the privileges that have truly been possessed by the people who believe in Christ. First, ‘having been enlightened’ which means that the people have received spiritual enlightenment from Christ at the beginning of their lives as Christians. Second, ‘having tasted the heavenly gift’, which means that during their life in this world, the people have tasted or tasted the heavenly gift and at the end of time they will experience it in its entirety. Third, ‘having partaken of the Holy Spirit’ as they have taken part in the heavenly calling and in Christ. Fourth, ‘having tasted the good word of God’ by receiving His promise. Fifth, ‘having tasted the powers of the world to come’ which come together with the ‘good word of God’. The five privileges mentioned by this author are strong enough to be a guide for people so that they do not waste their faith.

Bible friends, perhaps some of us are facing various temptations, which make the choice to leave Christ resonate quite loudly. But do not give up and turn to Him. Being with God and receiving His grace is the most appropriate choice we have ever made consciously. There may be many privileges that we can receive when leaving Him, but no matter how great the pleasure, it is not comparable to the gift of eternal life that we receive through Jesus. May we be strengthened to always follow Him even though it is difficult.