2 - The Kadesh Barnea Paradigm as a Solution to the Problem of Hebrews 6:4–6

The warning found in Hebrews 6:4-6 has provoked difficulty and disagreement among Bible interpreters and exegetes. Gromacki observes that this passage is “Probably the most controversial passage within Hebrews…” As a result of this difficulty, various interpretations have arisen. Most Calvinist and Reformed interpreters insist that the warning passage is too strong to apply to believers and thus unbelievers are in view in these verses. Arminians contend that the passage is speaking of genuine believers who are at risk of losing their salvation. Others argue that these verses are speaking of genuine believers and the severe warning constitutes a mere hypothetical scenario. Still others contend that theses verses speak of believers who are in jeopardy of losing blessings. Who is right? How are interpreters to make sense of this difficult passage?