God's Promises Bring Hope
Hebrews 6:1-12
What do you like “hot out of the oven” with a glass of cold milk:
Chocolate chip cookies?
Pound cake?
Homemade bread?
Apple pie?
Scripture Graphics
Warning Against Falling Away
11 We have much to say about this, but it is hard to make it clear to you because you no longer try to understand. 12 In fact, though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you the elementary truths of God’s word all over again. You need milk, not solid food! 13 Anyone who lives on milk, being still an infant, is not acquainted with the teaching about righteousness. 14 But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil.
6 Therefore let us move beyond the elementary teachings about Christ and be taken forward to maturity, not laying again the foundation of repentance from acts that lead to death, and of faith in God, 2 instruction about cleansing rites, the laying on of hands, the resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment. 3 And God permitting, we will do so.
4 It is impossible for those who have once been enlightened, who have tasted the heavenly gift, who have shared in the Holy Spirit, 5 who have tasted the goodness of the word of God and the powers of the coming age 6 and who have fallen away, to be brought back to repentance. To their loss they are crucifying the Son of God all over again and subjecting him to public disgrace. 7 Land that drinks in the rain often falling on it and that produces a crop useful to those for whom it is farmed receives the blessing of God. 8 But land that produces thorns and thistles is worthless and is in danger of being cursed. In the end it will be burned.
9 Even though we speak like this, dear friends, we are convinced of better things in your case—the things that have to do with salvation. 10 God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them. 11 We want each of you to show this same diligence to the very end, so that what you hope for may be fully realized. 12 We do not want you to become lazy, but to imitate those who through faith and patience inherit what has been promised.
- God is ... What do we learn about God in this passage?
- We are ... What do we learn about people in this passage?
- Why does the author hesitate to give his readers further details? How does solid food help one mature in Christ {5:14)?
- Is their fate (6:6) reversible? What does the agricultural analogy suggest (6:7-8)?
- Who are these people!:
- A true believer's gone bad?
- Those who "hung around" true believers, but ultimately turned away?
- Borderline believers, who must examine themselves?
- How and why does the author encourage his readers to do "better" (6:9-12)? What parental logic (positive and negative incentives, praises and prodding) is used here?
Spiritual Immaturity Leads to Falling Away
6:1, 2 These verses detail the aspects of elementary teachings. In Heb 5:12, the author equated such teachings with milk, not solid food. Certain basic teachings are essential for all believers to understand. Those basics include the importance of faith, the foolishness of trying to be saved by good deeds, the meaning of baptism and spiritual gifts, and the facts of resurrection and eternal life. To go on to maturity in our understanding, we need to move beyond (but not away from) the basic teachings to a more complete understanding of the faith. And this is what the author intends for his readers to do (6:3). Mature Christians should be teaching new Christians the basics. Then, acting on what they know, the mature will learn even more from God’s Word. Sin, Guilt—Christians cannot be content with being elementary school believers, always testing out the ABCs of the faith. We must repent of sins, commit ourselves wholly to Christ, and live godly lives that testify to the power of God, in us. Failure to mature is serious sin.
6:1 foundation This image refers to the basic teachings of the Christian faith. The metaphor suggests that Christians should not replace this foundation, but instead build upon it.
6:1 repentance from dead works Denotes leaving behind sin—turning back toward God and His will (9:14).
6:1 faith in God Trust that He exists, will continue to act, will fulfill His promises, and will save from sin (2:3; 6:13; 9:28; 11:1, 6). The author illustrates these faithful actions by drawing on Israel’s story (see 3:7–4:2).
6:2 ordinances, Baptism as Cleansing—Because the writer used the plural and also used the general Greek word for “washing” (baptismos) rather than the special word for Christian baptism (baptisma), he was probably including other ritual washings that these people had received or were arguing about. There were, after all, John’s baptism, Jewish proselyte baptisms, Levitical washings for religious ceremonies, and numerous ritual baptisms in the mystery religions being practiced at that time. The teaching is that we must get beyond these elementary debates and press on toward maturity (v. 1). All the “washings” in the world will not suffice if we do not grow toward maturity in Christ. There is only one baptism in the authority and name of Christ. It does not need to be repeated if it is properly performed upon a genuine believer. It is only the beginning of the Christian journey; one must go on toward maturity in Christ.
6:2 baptisms Possibly refers to ceremonial Jewish washing. The term baptisms (or washings) is plural, so it must mean more than just Christian baptism. Instruction about various washings was prevalent in first-century Judaism (see Matt 15:2; Mark 7:3). The author might also have in mind the cleansing rituals of the OT (cp. 9:13; 10:22).
6:2 laying on of hands Elsewhere in the NT, this gesture accompanies prayers of healing and blessing (Mark 5:23; Matt 19:13; Luke 13:13; Acts 28:8), designation to an office or task and acknowledgment of a person’s ministry (Acts 6:6; 13:3; 1 Tim 4:14; 2 Tim 1:6), and the coming of the Holy Spirit (Acts 8:17–19) and ritual blessing (Matt 19:13, 15).
6:2 resurrection of the dead The Greek terminology here is plural, suggesting that this refers to the future resurrection of the many (see Dan 12:2 and note). Christ’s resurrection points ahead to the general resurrection (1 Cor 15:20).
6:2 eternal judgment God is the judge of all things (Isa 33:22). Refers to God’s final judgment of all of humanity, once Jesus returns. See Rev 20:11–15.
6:3 These Christians needed to move beyond the basics of their faith to an understanding of Christ as the perfect High Priest and the fulfillment of all the Old Testament prophecies. Rather than arguing about the respective merits of Judaism and Christianity, they needed to depend on Christ and live effectively for him.
6:3 if God permits Signifying reliance upon God (see 1 Cor 16:7; Jas 4:15); referring here to the assistance the audience will need to attain spiritual maturity (Heb 6:1).
6:3 The author is implicitly exhorting his readers to maturity, not only in their understanding but in everything (cp. 4:11; 5:14; 10:23–39; 12:1–13).
6:4–8 This passage, one of the most difficult in the NT, gives a harsh warning about those who have left the Christian faith. Those who have fallen away from Christ and the church are like those who fell in the wilderness (3:15–19): The lack of faith shown in such apostasy results in devastating judgment (cp. 10:26–31).
Like earlier passages, this one uses imagery reminiscent of Israel’s wandering period (Num 14). Similar to the wilderness generation, Christians are on a faith journey. Since the subject shifts from “let us leave” (Heb 6:1) to “those who have once been enlightened” (v. 4), the passage may be rhetorical or theoretical—demonstrating the worst possible scenario. This passage—the third warning about apostasy and unbelief (2:1–4; 3:12–13; 10:26–31; 12:25–29)—is highly debated.
The discussion involves whether vv. 4–8 refers to people who had saving faith in Christ at one time but later rejected Christ. In the Gospel of John, Jesus says that no one who truly believes will fall away (John 6:39–40). However, the warning in Heb 6:4–8 seems to imply that it was, indeed, possible for people to have been truly saved and later reject that salvation. Other warnings in the NT seem to acknowledge the possibility that some people who appear to be saved actually might not be (Matt 7:21–23; 25:1–13; Luke 13:22–30). Only God knows who is truly saved (2 Tim 2:19).
Saving faith is characterized by active involvement (Phil 2:12; Jude 1:21), and those who have been truly transformed by the gospel will grow to reject sin as they become more like Christ (1 John 3:9). Warnings such as this one in Hebrews are aimed at people who persist in a life of sin while claiming to have faith in Christ. Such people can expect to hear Jesus’ statement from Matt 7:23 that he never knew them.
Just like OT Israel, they have been exposed to the reality of God’s existence and expectations, but they have confused outward obedience for internal transformation (see Isa 1:11–14; 1 Sam 15:22; Mic 6:8). Their knowledge of the truth leaves them without excuse for their unbelief (Rom 1:20). Just like the Israelites in the wilderness, they have witnessed God’s power and received his commands, but they have not responded in faith and obedience.
6:4–6 In the first century, a pagan who investigated Christianity and then went back to paganism made a clean break with the church. But for Jewish Christians who decided to return to Judaism, the break was less obvious. Their lifestyle remained relatively unchanged. But by deliberately turning away from Christ, they were cutting themselves off from God’s forgiveness. Those who persevere in believing are true saints; those who continue to reject Christ are unbelievers, no matter how well they behave.
6:4 impossible. This passage (Hebrews 6:4–6) has been very controversial, the argument has to do with whether or not it teaches that a true Christian can lose his salvation. One very clear teaching that emerges, however, is that a person can only be saved once. If a true Christian actually could fall away and be lost again, he would be eternally lost; it would be impossible to bring him again to repentance.
6:4 holy spirit, Convicts—The Holy Spirit works to convict sinners and lead them to repentance and faith. He also works in the lives of Christians to convict us of sin and to lead us to spiritual growth and maturity. Biblical students are not agreed on the interpretation of this passage. The text uses strong language to gain attention so as to lead the Christians from lingering doubts to committed faith.
6:4 been enlightened Evokes the exodus narrative, when the pillar of fire enlightened the way for the Israelites (Neh 9:12, 19; Psa 105:39). This entails experiencing God’s power, but not necessarily believing. Not all the wilderness generation believed; some later rebelled (e.g., Exod 16).
6:4 tasted Implies knowledge from experience. Jesus tasted death—He experienced it fully (Heb 2:9). Even after experiencing all that God has to offer, some people still choose to not follow Christ. They may participate in the faith community, but still walk away from faith.
6:4 heavenly gift Recalls the bread from heaven received by the exodus generation (Exod 16:4, 15; Neh 9:15; Psa 78:24). Even someone who experiences Christ directly can make the choice to not follow Him.
6:4 sharers of the Holy Spirit God’s Spirit guided the Israelites in the wilderness (Num 11:17, 25; Neh 9:20; Isa 63:11). Experiencing the Holy Spirit does not always lead to saving faith. In Acts 2:13, some of the people who witnessed the Spirit’s power among the apostles still chose to mock them. Someone can share with believers in the Spirit by witnessing its work, without knowing Christ.
6:5 good word of God Refers to the gospel message—which someone can hear without accepting it (e.g., Mark 4:1–20; Acts 15:7).
6:5 powers of the coming age Includes signs and wonders that accompany the outpouring of God’s Spirit (Heb 2:4). The coming age has burst into the present one, beginning with Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection (2 Cor 5:14–19). Many people who witnessed Jesus’ power didn’t follow Him; the same type of situation is likely in view here. world to come. In context, the author of Hebrews was warning the Jews who had professed faith in Christ not to relapse back into Jewish legalism and ritualism, but rather to go on to full maturity in Christ. Age to Come—The present experience of salvation involves a foretaste of the powers of the age to come. Aspects of the eschatological future have been brought into time. Eternal life is a present reality (Jn 5:24); the kingdom of God has come near (Mk 1:14–15); and the age to come has overlapped this present age through the coming of Christ and the powers and provisions he brings to believers.The question is whether or not they were actually born again, truly believing on Christ. Could professing Christians be enlightened partakers of the Holy Spirit, having tasted of the heavenly gift and the Word of God, as well as the energizing knowledge of the world to come, without actually being born again Christians? These criteria all certainly apply to real Christian believers, but they also seem to apply, in some measure at least, to the considerable number of men who at one time were members of evangelical churches and later became apostates from the faith. In fact, it often happens that the most vigorous opponents of true Biblical Christianity are men who once were fundamentalist Christians but later—through their studies in evolutionary science, humanistic philosophy or Biblical criticism—came to deny the faith they once had espoused. Such men never return, for they have already understood and rejected all the evidences in both the Word and the world that the gospel is true, and there is nothing more that can be said to win them back. “If we sin wilfully after we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins” (Hebrews 10:26). It is therefore vitally important that each professing Christian “examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves” (2 Corinthians 13:5). “Give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall” (2 Peter 1:10).
6:6 This verse points to the danger of the Hebrew Christians’ returning to Judaism and thus committing apostasy. Some apply this verse today to superficial believers who renounce their Christianity or to unbelievers who come close to salvation and then turn away. Either way, those who reject Christ will not be saved. Christ died once for all. He will not be crucified again. Apart from his cross, there is no other possible way of salvation. However, the author does not indicate that his readers were in danger of renouncing Christ (see 6:9). He is warning against hardness of heart that would make repentance inconceivable for the sinner.
If they shall fall away. The Greek verb used here, parapiptÅ, refers in this context to a strong stance against God epitomized by sinful behavior. This opposition to God’s will is a sign of disbelief in Christ. “If they shall fall away” from the true faith, having once fully understood it (“been enlightened,” having been made “partakers of the Holy Ghost,” etc.), then they can never return. “My Spirit shall not always strive with man” (Genesis 6:3). However, this seems to be a hypothetical situation—“if” they fall away. The question remains: can they fall away? The security of true believers in Christ is clearly taught in numerous other passages (John 10:27–29; Romans 8:35–39; Ephesians 1:11–14; 1 John 5:11–13; etc.), and all these prove that genuine Christians cannot fall away, for Christ Himself will keep them from it. Just as a babe, once born, cannot be unborn, so one who is “born again” into God’s family can never be not born-again. One is saved from hell when he truly accepts Christ, so he can never end up in hell; if he does, he certainly was not saved from it. The very concept of salvation would become meaningless. Nevertheless, the warning remains very clear. Many who appear to be true Christians and who may even believe themselves to be true Christians, can and do fall away and come to deny and oppose the faith they once thought they believed. They could not truly have believed it, however, or they would never have allowed doubts to come in and supersede the overwhelming evidences of its truth. “They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would no doubt have continued with us” (1 John 2:19).
6:6 renew them again to repentance It is impossible for humans to restore someone to a state of repentance, but God can still do so. Within the larger context, it seems that the author of Hebrews is arguing that those who have experienced the powerful things described in Heb 6:5, and then walked away, be left entirely to the work of God (vv. 8–9).
6:6 crucified again Those who reject Christ become like those in the Gospel accounts who publicly dishonored Him and put Him to death. Such people have rejected God’s truth—and thus are acting in league with forces that oppose Him. (A similar sentiment is expressed in 10:29). These people have been offered salvation once and for all and have instead chosen to act as if salvation comes at no cost—to act as if they could kill Jesus repeatedly, to achieve their own desires (compare 10:10–14).
6:6 held him up to contempt Jesus was shamed and scorned through public punishments; such contempt was associated with Jesus’ death (12:2–3; compare Num 25:4; Ezek 28:17).
6:7, 8 The writer uses an analogy from agriculture to make a simple point. Real seeds (the gospel) given genuine care by the farmer (God) and planted in a fertile field (your heart and life) will produce a bountiful crop (spiritual maturity). Weeds (temptations) threaten to overwhelm the crop. If the field produces only weeds, then the seeds are lost and the field ruined.
An unproductive Christian life falls under God’s condemnation. You have been watered by God’s grace with clear and abundant teaching and preaching. What excuse do you have fora useless or unproductive life? Don’t be a Christian in name only. Make sure your life bears fruit.
6:7 blessing from God People who have experienced God’s goodness and shared in the Holy Spirit are transformed in ways that lead to good, godly works. Subsequently, they receive a blessing from God—both at present and in the future.
6:8 end is for burning In Hebrews, fire is associated with judgment—referring to the peril of God’s enemies (Heb 6:2; 10:27; 12:29).
6:9 things that accompany salvation. This verse makes it clear that the author’s warning in Hebrews 6:4–6 was not given because he felt these Hebrew Christians were either not saved or were in danger of losing their salvation. He was aware of the things that accompany salvation in their lives (Hebrews 6:10). Note also the assurance in Hebrews 6:19 that our hope in Christ is “an anchor of the soul, both sure and stedfast.”
6:9 better things Just like the good soil in v. 7, the author believes that his audience will be eternally blessed because they are following God.
6:10 It’s easy to get discouraged, thinking that God has forgotten us. But God is never unjust. He never forgets or overlooks our hard work for him. Presently you may not be receiving rewards and acclaim, but God knows your efforts of love and ministry. Let God’s love for you and his intimate knowledge of your service for him bolster you as you face disappointment and rejection here on earth.
6:10 God is not unjust Throughout the ot, God is portrayed as just and faithful (Deut 32:4; Isa 45:21; Pss 11:7; 116:5; 145:17; Ezra 9:15; Neh 9:8).
6:11, 12 Hope keeps the Christian from becoming lazy or feeling bored. Like an athlete, train hard and run well, remembering the reward that lies ahead (Philippians 3:14).
6:11 demonstrate the same diligence The author fears that some in his audience might turn away (Heb 3:12), be hardened by sin (3:13), and fail to enter God’s rest (4:1, 11).
6:11 full assurance of your hope The Greek text here refers to complete confidence—in this case, confidence regarding God’s promises (Rom 4:21). Believers must trust in God and His Son (Heb 2:8–9) just as the wilderness generation was called to trust in God despite their circumstances.
6:11 until the end The end is either death or Jesus’ return. See note on 3:14.
6:12 imitators Chapter 11 provides a list of biblical exemplars that culminates in the call to focus on Jesus, the pioneer of faith (12:2).
6:12 those who inherit the promises Refers primarily to Abraham (Heb 6:13) and the company of the faithful in ch. 11.
- How would you describe your spiritual appetite now: a) “I’ll just nibble”? b) “A good meal now and then is nice”? c) “I’m famished for all I can get”?
- When have you been spiritually lazy? What motivated you again?
- I will ... What has the Holy Spirit revealed to us in this passage? How can I apply it to my life this week?
- What's wrong with this prolonged immaturity (6:4-6)? What does each descriptive phrase mean?
- You can ... Who do you know who needs to hear this? Feel free to share with others by social media links at the bottom of this.
"God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them." Hebrews 6:10
Satan will try to convince us that we don't count for much in God" Kingdom because we don't have a high-profile gift like preaching, teaching or leading in public. Nothing could be further from the truth: "God…will not forget your work and the love you have shown…as you…helped His people."
God sees you working behind the scenes day in and day out, caring for aging loved ones, raising your children, encouraging others and contributing where you can. Will Rogers said, "We can't all be heroes in the parade. Somebody has to sit on the curb and clap as they go by."
So when we think we're too small to do big things, try doing small things with a big heart of love. We never know what we can do until we try! The man of the hour may not be the man of the ages. A stone may sparkle but that doesn't make it a diamond. People may have money but that doesn't make them a success.
It" the seemingly unimportant people who determine the course of history. The greatest forces in the universe are never spectacular. Summer showers do more good than hurricanes, but they don't get a lot of publicity. The world would soon die but for the loyalty, creativity, and commitment of those whose names are unhonored and unsung. God values what you do.
Thought of the Day: "Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up." (Galatians 6:9)
Hebrews 6 – Persevere or Perish – Don’t Fall Away!
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Who Helps Who?
Shawn Beveridge is a crane operator in Ohio. On his latest job, from the first day he noticed a man in a wheelchair sitting on the sidewalk across from the work site. Pretty obviously a resident of the nursing home at his back, the spectator watched every day while the project moved forward. Soon, Shawn noticed that the man was on the spot every morning at 7 AM when the shift started. Then he realized that the man was eating his lunch at the same time the construction crew broke. And he saw the man still in his place at quitting time every day. And that made him curious enough to speak.
After work one day, Shawn walked over to meet the watcher, who introduced himself as Harold. In a few minutes of conversation, Shawn found out that Harold had been a crane operator for 50 years, until his failing health took him out of the field. Now, in his declining years, he was thrilled to watch Shawn work, performing his old job. Quickly, Shawn offered Harold a deal: in return for daily 7 AM coffee and lunch from his choice of location twice a week, Harold would evaluate Shawn’s skills and offer helpful advice. Harold hesitated perhaps a tenth of a second before agreeing, “Absolutely!” Now the two are forging a friendship based on a shared interest in construction and Shawn is reaping the fruits of 50 years of experience, before it is lost forever. “Always try to lighten someone’s spirits. When God chooses to take this man home, I’m happy knowing that I’ve been placed here at this location to make his days better,” concluded Beveridge.
“God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them” (Hebrews 6:10 NIV).
In the Biblical world, it was always understood that older men taught younger men throughout life. Younger men were always to be respectful of their elders because the older men made life possible for the younger ones. That’s the practical outworking of love, a servant attitude that acknowledges a debt to those who’ve gone before us. What is fascinating in the Bible verse is that God values our help to others as if we’ve helped Him directly. He is so interested in each of us that He notices and keeps track of our regard for one another.
Whether Shawn Beveridge knows it or not, he is honoring God’s desires for all of us. We can’t claim to love God and then ignore His children or treat them with contempt. It might seem a small thing for Shawn to bring a cup of coffee or lunch to a sidelined crane operator, but God counts it a very big thing indeed. So, Harold is blessed by Shawn’s acknowledgment of his worth and Shawn is blessed by Harold’s experience. And both are blessed to be drawn a little closer to each other and to God, through their mutual service. People like Shawn remind us in concrete ways that God cares how we live the normal, daily minutes. He sees, He smiles, and He will certainly reward.
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