Heb 6 | MHM | STEP | Advancement in Holiness; First Principles. In this section, the apostle encourages the Hebrews to grow beyond spiritual childhood and become mature in their faith. He explains that while basic Christian teachings are important, believers should not always stay at the foundation level. Instead, they should build on these truths and aim for greater understanding and holiness. He also warns about the danger of falling away after receiving so much light and blessing, and uses examples to show the seriousness of true spiritual growth and the risk of apostasy. v. 1 : The apostle says we should not keep laying the same foundation again and again. We must keep the basic truths of Christianity in our hearts, but not stay at the beginning. Instead, we must build on them and move forward in our spiritual life. Even though some Christians are still spiritually young, others are growing, so both need to hear deeper truths. This helps everyone become stronger in faith.

‏ Hebrews 6

Advancement in Holiness; First Principles.

In this section, the apostle encourages the Hebrews to grow beyond spiritual childhood and become mature in their faith. He explains that while basic Christian teachings are important, believers should not always stay at the foundation level. Instead, they should build on these truths and aim for greater understanding and holiness. He also warns about the danger of falling away after receiving so much light and blessing, and uses examples to show the seriousness of true spiritual growth and the risk of apostasy.

v. 1: The apostle says we should not keep laying the same foundation again and again. We must keep the basic truths of Christianity in our hearts, but not stay at the beginning. Instead, we must build on them and move forward in our spiritual life. Even though some Christians are still spiritually young, others are growing, so both need to hear deeper truths. This helps everyone become stronger in faith.

v. 2: He lists the six foundation principles: First, repentance from dead works. This means turning away from sinful actions and changing our hearts and lives. Second, faith towards God. We must trust in God’s character, his truth, and especially in Jesus Christ. True faith and real repentance always go together and support each other.

v. 3: Third, the doctrine of baptisms. This means being baptized with water in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. It is a sign that we belong to God’s covenant. It also points to the work of the Holy Spirit, who cleanses and changes our hearts. Fourth, the laying on of hands. This could refer to confirming someone’s place in the church or appointing someone to serve as a minister. Both are special acts, done just once, and show God’s blessing and approval.

v. 4: Fifth, the resurrection of the dead. This is the belief that our bodies will one day rise again and be joined to our souls. We will then live forever, either with God or separated from him, depending on how we lived and what we believed.

v. 5: Sixth, eternal judgment. This means that after death, God will judge every person. Some will have eternal life, others will face eternal punishment. These basic truths must be clearly taught and understood, because everything else in Christianity builds on them.

v. 6: The apostle says he is ready to help the Hebrews grow in faith, saying, And this we will do, if God permit (Hebrews 6:3 ^a). He teaches that good intentions are important, but we must also depend on God for help and strength to keep growing. Leaders should not only teach, but also set an example by growing with those they lead.

v. 7: Spiritual growth helps us avoid the great danger of falling away from God. He warns that people can go far in religion and still fall back and be lost (Hebrews 6:4-5 ^b). Some people are enlightened, experience the Holy Spirit, and even taste the goodness of God’s word, but do not truly belong to Christ. For example, Balaam saw God’s truth but did not change his heart (Numbers 24:3 ^c). Some people like the message of Jesus, but do not want to give up their old lives. Others have spiritual gifts but lack real saving faith. These people may feel close to God for a time, but without true conversion, they can still fall away.

v. 8: If someone falls away after coming so close to the truth, it is very serious. The writer says it is like crucifying the Son of God afresh, and putting him to open shame (Hebrews 6:6 ^d). Such people show by their actions that they reject Jesus, just as those who crucified him did. It is very difficult—almost impossible—for people who have turned away after such blessings to be brought back to true repentance.

Cautions against Apostasy; The Divine Promise and Oath

In this passage, the apostle moves from warning about falling away to encouraging the believers with hope. He reminds them of God’s faithfulness, the rewards for serving others, and the strong foundation of God’s promises. The writer uses the example of Abraham to show how God’s promise and oath give us strong encouragement and hope, like an anchor for our souls.

v. 9: The apostle uses an example from farming. Good land drinks in the rain and produces crops, and so receives God’s blessing. In the same way, true believers receive God’s word and grow in faith, bringing honour to Christ and joy to those who teach them. God blesses those who are fruitful in their Christian life. The apostle also expresses confidence in the Hebrews, saying he is convinced of better things for them—things that accompany salvation . True salvation always shows itself by good and lasting changes in a person’s life. He encourages them to keep working out their salvation with seriousness, reminding them not to take their faith for granted.

v. 10: But bad ground only grows thorns and briers. It is not just empty, but produces what is harmful. Such ground is close to being cursed, and its end is to be burned (Hebrews 6:8 ^e). In the same way, those who turn away from God after receiving so much will face judgment. Apostasy leads to destruction. So, believers must keep growing and not go back, so they will not fall into this terrible danger. However, the apostle reassures them that God will not forget their “labour of love.” Good works that come from love for God matter to Him, especially when done to help fellow believers. Serving others in Jesus’ name is something God rewards, and what we do for His people is as if we do it for Him (Hebrews 6:10 ^f).

v. 11: He encourages them to keep showing the same diligence. Those who keep doing good and serving others can gain a full assurance of hope. This full assurance comes from perseverance and faithful living. The more we continue in faith and obedience, the more confident we become in God’s promises.

v. 12: The apostle warns them not to become lazy or careless. Instead, they should follow the example of those who have already trusted God and received what he promised. These people reached the promises by faith and patience. If we want to inherit the same blessings, we must live by faith and be patient as they were (Hebrews 6:12 ^g).

v. 13: He reminds them that God’s promises are sure because they are confirmed by God’s own oath. God made a promise to Abraham and swore by himself, saying, Surely, blessing I will bless thee, and multiplying I will multiply thee (Hebrews 6:13-14 ^h). God’s promise is absolutely trustworthy, and he will always keep his word.

v. 14: Abraham received what God promised after he waited patiently. There is always a waiting period between the promise and its fulfillment. Those who patiently endure will surely receive what God has promised (Hebrews 6:15 ⁱ).

v. 15: The writer explains that people use oaths to put an end to arguments and confirm promises. In the same way, God gave an oath to give us even greater confidence in his promises (Hebrews 6:16 ^j). This is meant to settle any doubts we might have.

v. 16: God’s promises are not accidental or random. They are based on his eternal plan and cannot be changed. God’s plans are unchanging and will never fail. We can completely trust in what he has said.

v. 17: Because of this, God’s promises and oath give us strong encouragement. These two unchangeable things—God’s promise and God’s oath—make it impossible for God to lie. This gives great comfort to those who trust in him and run to him for refuge (Hebrews 6:17-18 ^k).

v. 18: All who believe in Jesus are “heirs of the promise.” We are like people who have run to a safe place for protection. The hope God gives is meant to be an anchor for our souls, keeping us steady through life’s storms. God wants his children not only to be holy, but also to be comforted and strong.

v. 19: Our hope in God is like an anchor—sure and steadfast. This hope is based on Jesus, who has gone into heaven ahead of us, “within the veil.” Our hope holds firm because it is fixed on Christ, our Saviour, who never changes .

v. 20: Jesus is our forerunner and our High Priest for ever, after the order of Melchisedec. He has gone ahead to prepare a place for us in heaven, and he will always be there to help us. Because of him, we can have confidence and long to be with him forever, safe and satisfied in God’s presence.