Hebrews 6

Hebrews 6 continues the discussion from the previous chapter about progressing beyond the elementary teachings about Christ toward maturity in faith. The chapter stresses the importance of growing in understanding and faithfulness to avoid falling away and emphasizes God's promises and oaths, which assure believers of His unchanging purpose and hope.

Hebrews 6:1-2 (NKJV)
Therefore, leaving the discussion of the elementary principles of Christ, let us go on to perfection, not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God, of the doctrine of baptisms, of laying on of hands, of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment.

The author urges believers to move beyond the basic teachings that form the foundation of Christian faith. These fundamentals include repentance, faith, baptisms, laying on of hands, resurrection, and eternal judgment. The call to "go on to perfection" suggests a deepening of understanding and a commitment to spiritual growth beyond initial conversion.

Hebrews 6:3 (NKJV)
And this we will do if God permits.

This acknowledges the sovereignty of God in the believer’s spiritual progression. The advancement to maturity is contingent upon God’s will, recognizing that all efforts in growth and understanding must align with His divine permission and timing.

Hebrews 6:4-6 (NKJV)
For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted the heavenly gift, and have become partakers of the Holy Spirit, and have tasted the good word of God and the powers of the age to come, if they fall away, to renew them again to repentance, since they crucify again for themselves the Son of God, and put Him to an open shame.

These verses address the severity of apostasy. Those described have fully experienced the blessings and insights of a relationship with God through the Holy Spirit but have chosen to abandon their faith. The text suggests a dire warning: restoration to faith is exceedingly difficult, if not impossible, for those who turn away after fully embracing the gospel, as their actions metaphorically re-crucify Christ.

Hebrews 6:7-8 (NKJV)
For the earth which drinks in the rain that often comes upon it, and bears herbs useful for those by whom it is cultivated, receives blessing from God; but if it bears thorns and briers, it is rejected and near to being cursed, whose end is to be burned.

This analogy from nature illustrates the outcomes based on response to God’s blessings. Just as the earth absorbs rain and produces useful crops, so are believers expected to respond to God’s word and blessings with fruitful growth. Conversely, producing "thorns and briers," or unfruitful works, leads to rejection and destruction, mirroring the serious consequences of neglecting salvation.

Hebrews 6:9-10 (NKJV)
But, beloved, we are confident of better things concerning you, yes, things that accompany salvation, though we thus speak. For God is not unjust to forget your work and labor of love which you have shown toward His name, in that you have ministered to the saints, and do minister.

In contrast to the stern warnings, the author expresses confidence in the recipients' salvation and godly fruits. Highlighting God’s justice, the passage reassures them that their faithful service and love in ministering to other believers will be remembered and rewarded by God, encouraging them to continue in their faithful endeavors.

Hebrews 6:11-12 (NKJV)
And we desire that each one of you show the same diligence to the full assurance of hope until the end, that you do not become sluggish, but imitate those who through faith and patience inherit the promises.

The encouragement continues with a call for persistent diligence and hope. The readers are exhorted to avoid laziness and to emulate the faith and patience of those who have previously received God’s promises, thus ensuring their own spiritual inheritance.

Hebrews 6:13-15 (NKJV)
For when God made a promise to Abraham, because He could swear by no one greater, He swore by Himself, saying, “Surely blessing I will bless you, and multiplying I will multiply you.” And so, after he had patiently endured, he obtained the promise.

These verses recount God’s promise to Abraham, emphasizing God’s faithfulness and trustworthiness. The oath, made on His own name, underscores the certainty and unchangeable nature of His commitments. Abraham’s example of enduring patience that led to receiving God’s promise serves as an inspiration for believers to trust in God’s fidelity to His word.

Hebrews 6:16-18 (NKJV)
For men indeed swear by the greater, and an oath for confirmation is for them an end of all dispute. Thus God, determining to show more abundantly to the heirs of promise the immutability of His counsel, confirmed it by an oath, that by two immutable things, in which it is impossible for God to lie, we might have strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold of the hope set before us.

Humans use oaths, sworn by something greater than themselves, to confirm truth and end disputes. Similarly, God’s oath, alongside His promise, provides believers with utmost assurance. These "two immutable things"—His promise and His oath—underscore the impossibility of falsehood from God, offering profound comfort and encouragement to those who cling to the hope of salvation.

Hebrews 6:19-20 (NKJV)
This hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast, and which enters the Presence behind the veil, where the forerunner has entered for us, even Jesus, having become High Priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek.

The hope offered by God is likened to an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. It extends into the holy presence of God, where Jesus, as the High Priest in the order of Melchizedek, has preceded believers. His priesthood guarantees continuous intercession and access to God, solidifying the believer's confidence in their eternal hope.