Hebrews
Chapter 6
Overview
Hebrews 6 calls its readers to move beyond the basics and grow toward mature faith. The warning is severe: experiencing God’s gifts and then deliberately turning away has grave consequences. Yet the writer quickly adds warm confidence, remembering the readers’ loving service and urging them to remain diligent. Abraham’s long wait becomes an example of patient trust. The chapter then pictures hope as an anchor reaching into God’s innermost sanctuary, where Jesus has gone ahead as the lasting high priest. Growth may feel slow, but roots are often deepest before anything appears above ground.
1Therefore, let us move beyond the elementary teaching about the Messiah and be carried forward to maturity. We should not lay the foundation all over again: turning away from deeds that lead to death, trusting in God,
2instruction about ritual washings, placing hands on people, the resurrection of the dead, and final judgment with eternal consequences.
3And we will move forward, if God permits.
4Some people have once been brought into the light. They have tasted the gift from heaven and shared in the Holy Spirit.
5They have tasted God’s good message and experienced the powers of the age to come.
6If they then fall away, it is impossible to bring them back again to a changed life. By their actions, they are crucifying the Son of God all over again for themselves and publicly shaming him.
7Land that soaks up the rain that often falls on it and produces useful crops for those who farm it receives blessing from God.
8But land that produces thorns and thistles is worthless and close to being cursed. In the end, its growth will be burned.
9Dear friends, even though we speak this way, we are convinced that better things are true of you—things that come with salvation.
10God is not unjust. He will not forget your work or the love you have shown for him by serving his people, as you still do.
11We want each of you to show that same determination until the end, so that you may have complete confidence in your hope.
12Do not become lazy. Instead, imitate those who inherit what God has promised through faith and patient endurance.
13When God made his promise to Abraham, there was no one greater by whom he could swear, so he swore by himself.
14God said, “I will certainly bless you, and I will greatly increase your descendants.”
15Abraham waited patiently, and in this way he received what God had promised.
16People swear by someone greater than themselves, and an oath given as confirmation puts an end to every dispute.
17In the same way, God wanted to make the unchangeable nature of his purpose especially clear to those who would inherit the promise. So he guaranteed it with an oath.
18God’s promise and oath cannot change, and it is impossible for God to lie. Therefore, we who have run to him for safety can receive strong encouragement to hold firmly to the hope placed before us.
19We have this hope as an anchor for our lives, safe and secure. It reaches behind the curtain into God’s innermost sanctuary.
20Jesus entered there ahead of us and on our behalf. He became high priest forever in the priestly order of Melchizedek.