A Call to Maturity
Because the hearers' are not mature (Hebrews 5:11...
Because the hearers' are not mature (Hebrews 5:11–14), the author encourages them to go beyond basic teachings. These six basic teachings were fundamental parts of Jewish instruction. The author may be urging them to deepen their understanding of Christ, which he explains further in 7:1–10:25.
1Therefore let us leave the elementary teachings about Christ and go on to maturity, not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works,† and of faith in God, 2instruction about baptisms,† the laying on of hands, the resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment. 3And this we will do, if God permits.
This passage is one of the most challenging...
This passage is one of the most challenging in the New Testament. It warns about those who have abandoned the Christian faith. Those who have turned away from Christ and the church are like those who fell in the wilderness (Hebrews 3:15–19). Their lack of faith leads to severe judgment (compare 10:26–31).
4It is impossible for those who have once been enlightened, who have tasted the heavenly gift, who have shared in the Holy Spirit, 5who have tasted the goodness of the word of God and the powers of the coming age— 6and then have fallen away—to be restored to repentance, because they themselves are crucifying the Son of God all over again and subjecting Him to open shame.
land: Fertile land symbolizes blessing, while barren land...
land: Fertile land symbolizes blessing, while barren land with thorns and thistles represents a curse. Burning such a field symbolizes judgment (2 Samuel 23:4–7; Isaiah 10:17; 33:12; Ezekiel 19:12–13; Matthew 3:10).
7For land that drinks in the rain often falling on it and that produces a crop useful to those for whom it is tended receives the blessing of God. 8But land that produces thorns and thistles is worthless, and its curse is imminent. In the end it will be burned.
After giving a strong warning to his hearers...
After giving a strong warning to his hearers (Hebrews 6:4–8), the author now softens it by calling them beloved. He shows confidence in them and offers more encouragement.
9Even though we speak like this, beloved, we are convinced of better things in your case—things that accompany salvation. 10For God is not unjust. He will not forget your work and the love you have shown for His name as you have ministered to the saints and continue to do so.
11We want each of you to show this same diligence to the very end, in order to make your hope sure. 12Then you will not be sluggish, but will imitate those who through faith and patience inherit what has been promised.
God’s Unchangeable Promise
Abraham was a leading example of faith. He...
Abraham was a leading example of faith. He believed God would give him a son and was ready to sacrifice that son to obey God (Hebrews 11:17–19; Genesis 15:1–5; 22:1–14). Because of Abraham's faith, God promised to bless him and increase his descendants.
This passage highlights how we can trust God's...
This passage highlights how we can trust God's promises. It uses an example (Hebrews 6:13–15), then explains a general rule (6:16), and finally makes the main point: God made an important promise (6:17–18). This promise gives us hope because it shows Jesus is our eternal high priest (6:19–20).
13When God made His promise to Abraham, since He had no one greater to swear by, He swore by Himself, 14saying, “I will surely bless you and multiply your descendants.”† 15And so Abraham, after waiting patiently, obtained the promise.
16Men swear by someone greater than themselves, and their oath serves as a confirmation to end all argument.
God also made a promise with an oath...
God also made a promise with an oath (a solemn promise), see Hebrews 7:20–22. This oath shows that God will never change his mind because it is impossible for God to lie (see Psalm 110:4).
We who have fled to take hold of the hope set before us, similiar to people in the Old Testament who accidentally killed someone and sought refuge (Numbers 35:9–34; Deuteronomy 4:41–43). Christ is like a city of refuge, where believers find safety from God's anger. Because of this, Christ's followers have great confidence.
God also made a promise with an oath (a solemn promise), see Hebrews 7:20–22. This oath shows that God will never change his mind because it is impossible for God to lie (see Psalm 110:4).
We who have fled to take hold of the hope set before us, similiar to people in the Old Testament who accidentally killed someone and sought refuge (Numbers 35:9–34; Deuteronomy 4:41–43). Christ is like a city of refuge, where believers find safety from God's anger. Because of this, Christ's followers have great confidence.
17So when God wanted to make the unchanging nature of His purpose very clear to the heirs of the promise, He guaranteed it with an oath. 18Thus by two unchangeable things in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have fled to take hold of the hope set before us may be strongly encouraged.
Christian hope is a reliable anchor for our...
Christian hope is a reliable anchor for our souls. In the first century, an anchor symbolized stability and safety.
behind the curtain: A curtain separated the outer room of the sanctuary, where only priests could enter, from the inner room, the Most Holy Place (Exodus 25:10–40). Only the high priest could enter the Most Holy Place, and only once a year on the Day of Atonement (Exodus 29; Leviticus 16:1–25). Because of Jesus's unique high priesthood, he has already entered there for us into God's presence as our eternal High Priest, and he guides us in with him (Hebrews 10:19–23).
the order of Melchizedek: This phrase introduces the discussion in 7:1–28.
Christian hope is a reliable anchor for our souls. In the first century, an anchor symbolized stability and safety.
behind the curtain: A curtain separated the outer room of the sanctuary, where only priests could enter, from the inner room, the Most Holy Place (Exodus 25:10–40). Only the high priest could enter the Most Holy Place, and only once a year on the Day of Atonement (Exodus 29; Leviticus 16:1–25). Because of Jesus's unique high priesthood, he has already entered there for us into God's presence as our eternal High Priest, and he guides us in with him (Hebrews 10:19–23).
the order of Melchizedek: This phrase introduces the discussion in 7:1–28.
19We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain, 20where Jesus our forerunner has entered on our behalf. He has become a high priest forever in the order of Melchizedek.