Systematic Theology: An Introduction to Biblical Doctrine

by Wayne Grudem

The conclusion of this examination of the term metochos is that, while it can be used of very close association with saving results in a person’s life, it can also be used simply of associating or participating with someone else. Therefore the term itself does not require that the people in Heb. 6:4–6 had saving participation with the Holy Spirit or had been regenerated. It simply means they had in some ways been associated with and influenced by the Holy Spirit. The people who prophesied and cast out demons and did many mighty works in Jesus’ name in Matt. 7:22 are good examples of people who certainly did have some sharing in the work of the Holy Spirit or who had become “partakers” of the Holy Spirit in this sense, but had not been saved: Jesus says, “I never knew you” (Matt. 7:23).