“They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would have continued with us. But they went out, that it might become plain that they all are not of us.” 1 John 2:19
Not everyone who claims to follow Jesus truly belongs to Him. The Bible warns that some will appear to believe—participating in a Christian community—yet never experience real saving faith. Hebrews 6:4-6 is one of the most debated passages in Scripture, raising the question: Can someone seem like a believer but actually be far from Christ? To answer this, we must carefully examine the context and consider different interpretations—especially the possibility that some people profess faith without possessing it.
One interpretation of Hebrews 6:4-6 suggests that these verses refer to “Jews who had professed Christ but stopped short of true faith.” (1) While possible, this view cannot be proven from Hebrews. No one knows exactly who wrote Hebrews, who it was written to, or when it was written. However, Hebrews 2:3 tells us that the original recipients were second-generation believers—not eyewitnesses of Jesus Christ.
Some argue that, like Judas Iscariot, these individuals did not lose salvation but instead faked their faith. Judas looked like a believer—walking with Jesus, witnessing miracles, and even serving in ministry—yet he ultimately betrayed Christ, proving himself to be against Him. However, Hebrews 6:4-5 describes these people in spiritual terms that seem to indicate true belief:
“…those who have once been enlightened, who have tasted the heavenly gift, and have shared in the Holy Spirit, and have tasted the goodness of the word of God and the powers of the age to come…”
This passage does not sound like it describes an unbeliever—but rather someone who has experienced the work of God yet still fallen away.
The warning in Hebrews should cause each of us to reflect: true faith endures; it doesn’t just look real—it remains real.
Do you simply know about Jesus, or do you truly belong to Him?
(1) Lawrence O. Richards, The Teacher’s Commentary (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1987), 1000–1001.
Message and data rates may apply. Reply STOP to opt out or HELP for help. Visit https://realfaith.com/faq/ for privacy and terms info.
Selfish Christianity
Get Your Copy Today:
