Heb 6:9-12 | TNotes | STEP | Summary for Heb 6:9-12: 6:9-12 Having confronted his readers with a stern warning (6:4-8 ), the author now softens that warning by greeting them as dear friends , expressing confidence in them, and giving them further encouragement. 6:9 We are confident: Skilled speakers and writers express confidence in those they address to motivate them (cp. Rom 15:14 ). • The author is confident that his hearers’ lives give evidence of a true relationship with God, including salvation . In the New Testament, salvation primarily refers to Christ’s work on the cross (Heb 5:9-10 ; see also study note on 2:3); Hebrews places emphasis on the consummation of salvation at the end of the age (9:28 ).

Summary for Heb 6:9-12: 6:9-12 ^a Having confronted his readers with a stern warning (6:4-8 ^b), the author now softens that warning by greeting them as dear friends, expressing confidence in them, and giving them further encouragement. 6:9 ^c We are confident: Skilled speakers and writers express confidence in those they address to motivate them (cp. Rom 15:14 ^d).

• The author is confident that his hearers’ lives give evidence of a true relationship with God, including salvation. In the New Testament, salvation primarily refers to Christ’s work on the cross (Heb 5:9-10 ^e; see also study note on 2:3); Hebrews places emphasis on the consummation of salvation at the end of the age (9:28 ^f).
6:10 ^g He will not forget how hard you have worked: In showing that they love God and his people, their works bear witness to their true relationship with God (Rom 2:6-7 ^h; 1 Cor 3:13-15 ⁱ; Jas 2:14-20 ^j). God remembers (Exod 2:24 ^k; 1 Chr 16:15 ^l; Ps 106:45 ^m) and acknowledges those who are truly his.
6:11 ⁿ keep on loving others (literally show the same eager commitment): Love of other believers is a hallmark of genuine Christian faith (Jas 2:15-16 ^o; 1 Jn 3:16-20 ^p). Through diligence and focused commitment, they can make their hope in Christ absolutely certain. Assurance of salvation comes through perseverance.
6:12 ^q A focused commitment (6:10-11 ^r) is the antidote to being spiritually dull (5:11-12 ^s). By loving God and others, we follow the example of great people of the faith. The author puts a great deal of emphasis on both faith and endurance as normal requirements for God’s people (see 11:4-38 ^t).