Hebrews 6
BSB1 Therefore 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, 2 instruction about baptisms, the laying on of hands, the resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment. 3 And this we will do, if God permits. 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 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. 7 For 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. 8 But land that produces thorns and thistles is worthless, and its curse is imminent. In the end it will be burned. 9 Even though we speak like this, beloved, we are convinced of better things in your case—things that accompany salvation. 10 For 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. 11 We want each of you to show this same diligence to the very end, in order to make your hope sure. 12 Then you will not be sluggish, but will imitate those who through faith and patience inherit what has been promised. 13 When God made His promise to Abraham, since He had no one greater to swear by, He swore by Himself, 14 saying, “I will surely bless you and multiply your descendants." 15 And so Abraham, after waiting patiently, obtained the promise. 16 Men swear by someone greater than themselves, and their oath serves as a confirmation to end all argument. 17 So 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. 18 Thus 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. 19 We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain, 20 where Jesus our forerunner has entered on our behalf. He has become a high priest forever in the order of Melchizedek.
Study Notes — Hebrews 6
- Chapter Summary
- Context for the Chapter
- Heart Application
- What Does This Chapter Mean?
- Voices from the Church
- Outline for Preaching
- Core Doctrines
- Lessons from Hebrews 6
- Themes from Hebrews 6
- Questions for Meditation
- Detailed Chapter Outline
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Top Cross References
- Sermons on Hebrews 6
- Matthew Henry Commentary
- What Do You Notice?
Chapter Summary
The chapter begins by urging believers to leave the elementary teachings of Christ and to move on to maturity, not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith towards God (Hebrews 6:1). The author then warns about the peril of apostasy, stating that it is impossible for those who have fallen away to be renewed again to repentance (Hebrews 6:4-6). However, the author also expresses confidence that the believers will not fall away, but will instead produce a crop of righteousness (Hebrews 6:9-10). The chapter concludes with a discussion on the nature of God's promise and the certainty of His oath (Hebrews 6:13-20).
Context for the Chapter
Hebrews chapter 6 is part of a larger discussion on the superiority of Christ and the importance of perseverance in the faith. The chapter is addressed to believers who are in danger of falling away from the faith, and serves as a warning to them to examine their hearts and to press on towards maturity. The chapter is closely tied to the rest of the book of Hebrews, which emphasizes the importance of faith and perseverance in the face of persecution and hardship.
Heart Application
This chapter serves as a solemn warning to believers to examine their hearts and to ensure that they are truly following Christ. It emphasizes the importance of spiritual maturity and the need to press on towards perfection, lest one becomes hardened against the truth. Believers are urged to take heed of the warning against apostasy and to trust in the certainty of God's promise.
What Does This Chapter Mean?
Hebrews chapter 6 is a warning to believers not to fall away from the faith. It reminds us that spiritual maturity is important and that we should trust in God's promise. The chapter also talks about the severity of apostasy and the importance of perseverance. As seen in Hebrews 6:4-6, falling away from the faith has severe consequences, but God's promise is certain, as stated in Hebrews 6:13-20.
Voices from the Church
“The apostate is one who has known the truth, and has tasted the heavenly gift, and has become a partaker of the Holy Spirit, and yet has fallen away.”
— Charles Spurgeon
“The certainty of God's promise is a anchor for the soul, and it is this which gives us confidence in the face of persecution and hardship.”
— John Calvin
Outline for Preaching
- The Need for Spiritual Maturity (Hebrews 6:1-3) — The author urges believers to leave the elementary teachings of Christ and to press on towards maturity.
- The Warning Against Apostasy (Hebrews 6:4-8) — The author warns about the peril of apostasy, stating that it is impossible for those who have fallen away to be renewed again to repentance.
- The Certainty of God's Promise (Hebrews 6:9-12) — The author expresses confidence that the believers will not fall away, but will instead produce a crop of righteousness.
- The Nature of God's Oath (Hebrews 6:13-15) — The author discusses the nature of God's oath and its guarantee of salvation.
- The Anchor of the Soul (Hebrews 6:16-20) — The chapter concludes with a discussion on the certainty of God's promise and the importance of trusting in it.
Core Doctrines
- The Perseverance of the Saints
- This chapter teaches that true believers will persevere in the faith, and that those who fall away were never truly believers to begin with.
- The Security of Salvation
- The chapter emphasizes the certainty of God's promise and the security of salvation for those who trust in Him.
- The Importance of Spiritual Maturity
- The author urges believers to press on towards maturity, leaving behind the elementary teachings of Christ.
- The Nature of Apostasy
- The chapter warns about the peril of apostasy, stating that it is impossible for those who have fallen away to be renewed again to repentance.
Lessons from Hebrews 6
- The Importance of Spiritual Growth — This chapter teaches us that spiritual growth is essential for believers, and that we should strive to move beyond the elementary teachings of Christ.
- The Danger of Complacency — The chapter warns us about the danger of becoming complacent in our faith, and of falling away from the truth.
- The Certainty of God's Promise — The chapter reminds us of the certainty of God's promise, and of the importance of trusting in it.
- The Need for Perseverance — The chapter emphasizes the need for perseverance in the face of persecution and hardship, and reminds us that true believers will persevere in the faith.
- The Importance of Faith — The chapter teaches us that faith is essential for salvation, and that it is through faith that we can trust in God's promise.
Themes from Hebrews 6
- The Peril of Apostasy — This chapter warns about the danger of falling away from the faith, and reminds us of the consequences of doing so.
- The Importance of Spiritual Maturity — The chapter emphasizes the need for believers to press on towards maturity, and to leave behind the elementary teachings of Christ.
- The Certainty of God's Promise — The chapter reminds us of the certainty of God's promise, and of the importance of trusting in it.
- The Need for Perseverance — The chapter emphasizes the need for perseverance in the face of persecution and hardship, and reminds us that true believers will persevere in the faith.
- The Importance of Faith — The chapter teaches us that faith is essential for salvation, and that it is through faith that we can trust in God's promise.
Questions for Meditation
- What is the main theme of Hebrews chapter 6?
- What is the danger of apostasy, and how can it be avoided?
- What is the nature of God's promise, and how can we trust in it?
- How can believers press on towards maturity, and what are the benefits of doing so?
- What is the relationship between faith and perseverance, and how are they connected in this chapter?
Detailed Chapter Outline
1. The Need for Spiritual Maturity (Hebrews 6:1-3)
| Hebrews 6:1 | The author urges believers to leave the elementary teachings of Christ and to press on towards maturity. |
| Hebrews 6:2 | The author lists the elementary teachings of Christ, including repentance from dead works and faith towards God. |
2. The Warning Against Apostasy (Hebrews 6:4-8)
| Hebrews 6:4 | The author warns about the peril of apostasy, stating that it is impossible for those who have fallen away to be renewed again to repentance. |
| Hebrews 6:5 | The author describes the characteristics of those who have fallen away, including their having tasted the heavenly gift and become partakers of the Holy Spirit. |
3. The Certainty of God's Promise (Hebrews 6:9-12)
| Hebrews 6:9 | The author expresses confidence that the believers will not fall away, but will instead produce a crop of righteousness. |
| Hebrews 6:10 | The author reminds the believers of God's justice, and of the fact that He will not forget their work and love. |
4. The Nature of God's Oath (Hebrews 6:13-15)
| Hebrews 6:13 | The author discusses the nature of God's oath, and how it serves as a guarantee of His promise. |
| Hebrews 6:14 | The author quotes God's oath to Abraham, in which He swears by Himself. |
5. The Anchor of the Soul (Hebrews 6:16-20)
| Hebrews 6:16 | The author discusses the nature of God's oath, and how it serves as an anchor for the soul. |
| Hebrews 6:17 | The author reminds the believers that God's oath is a guarantee of His promise, and that it is through this oath that we can have confidence in His promise. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main theme of Hebrews chapter 6?
The main theme of Hebrews chapter 6 is the peril of apostasy, and the importance of spiritual maturity and perseverance in the faith. As seen in Hebrews 6:4-6, falling away from the faith has severe consequences, but God's promise is certain, as stated in Hebrews 6:13-20.
What is the danger of apostasy?
The danger of apostasy is that it is impossible for those who have fallen away to be renewed again to repentance. This is stated in Hebrews 6:4-6, where the author warns about the peril of apostasy and its consequences.
How can believers press on towards maturity?
Believers can press on towards maturity by leaving behind the elementary teachings of Christ and by trusting in God's promise. This is emphasized in Hebrews 6:1-3, where the author urges believers to move beyond the basic teachings of Christ.
Top Cross References
| Reference | Connection | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Hebrews 6:4 → Matthew 13:20-21 | The parable of the sower warns about the danger of falling away from the faith, and the importance of perseverance. |
| 2 | Hebrews 6:13 → Genesis 22:16 | God's oath to Abraham serves as a guarantee of His promise, and reminds us of the importance of trusting in His word. |
| 3 | Hebrews 6:17 → Isaiah 45:23 | God's oath is a guarantee of His promise, and serves as an anchor for the soul. |
| 4 | Hebrews 6:18 → Numbers 23:19 | God's character is one of faithfulness and truth, and He will not lie or repent. |
| 5 | Hebrews 6:19 → Psalm 119:114 | The hope set before us is a secure anchor for the soul, and reminds us of the importance of trusting in God's promise. |
| 6 | Hebrews 6:20 → Psalm 110:4 | Jesus has entered the inner sanctuary as a forerunner for us, and serves as a high priest forever. |
| 7 | Hebrews 6:1 → John 1:1 | The elementary teachings of Christ are foundational to the Christian faith, and serve as a reminder of the importance of spiritual growth. |
| 8 | Hebrews 6:6 → Matthew 12:31-32 | The blasphemy against the Holy Spirit is a serious offense, and serves as a warning to believers to examine their hearts and to ensure that they are truly following Christ. |
| 9 | Hebrews 6:9 → 1 Corinthians 3:12-15 | The believers will produce a crop of righteousness, and will be rewarded for their faithfulness. |
| 10 | Hebrews 6:10 → Psalm 37:3-4 | God is not unjust, and will not forget the believers' work and love. |
Sermons on Hebrews 6
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
How to Experience Personal Revival by Andrew Strom | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of experiencing revival in one's life. He explains that revival is a state of continuous, close communion with God. The founda |
|
(Australia) Offended in Christ by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes that God has everything under control. The congregation is encouraged to rejoice and sing in the presence of the Lord. The preacher mentions |
|
A Final Shaking by T. Austin-Sparks | In this sermon, the speaker uses the analogy of a boat mooring to illustrate the importance of not drifting away from the truth of Christ. He emphasizes the need to hold on tightly |
|
(Deeper Spiritual Life): How Can We Enter In? by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the concept of the deeper life and how to enter into it. He bases his message on the first two verses of the sixth chapter of Hebrews. The pr |
|
|
Whatever Happened to Repentance? by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of repentance and the forgiveness of sins through the blood of Jesus. He urges the congregation to come forward and confess t |
|
|
(Deeper Spiritual Life): How Can We Enter In? Static Christian by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of turning away from the world and turning towards Jesus Christ. He explains that when our focus is on Christ, our lives are f |
|
The Man Who Kept on Running by Warren Wiersbe | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the importance of living a life of faith and surrendering to God. He uses examples from the Bible, such as Isaac and Jacob, to show that even |
|
The Meaning of Life - 1. God Only by Norman Grubb | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the importance of understanding the foundation of the universe, which is built on love. He emphasizes that God is a God of love and that the e |
|
|
(Hebrews - Part 19): Melchizedek by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the seventh chapter of Hebrews and its meaning. He acknowledges the difficulty of preaching a sermon that is clear enough to understand but n |
|
|
(Hebrews - Part 16): All Kinds of Twisting and Turning by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the preacher uses a story about a man hiring a coach driver to illustrate the importance of being close to God without falling into sin. He emphasizes that simply h |
Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on Hebrews 6
Matthew Henry's commentary on Hebrews 6 emphasizes the importance of spiritual maturity and the danger of apostasy. He notes that the author of Hebrews is urging believers to press on towards perfection, and to leave behind the elementary teachings of Christ. Henry also highlights the severity of apostasy, stating that it is impossible for those who have fallen away to be renewed again to repentance. He reminds believers of the certainty of God's promise, and of the importance of trusting in His oath. Ultimately, Henry encourages believers to persevere in the faith, and to trust in God's promise, which is guaranteed by His oath. Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →
What Do You Notice?
The Importance of Spiritual Maturity
The author emphasizes the need for believers to move beyond the elementary teachings of Christ and to press on towards maturity. This is a key theme in the chapter, and is closely tied to the warning against apostasy.
The Severity of Apostasy
The author paints a stark picture of the consequences of falling away from the faith, stating that it is impossible for those who have fallen away to be renewed again to repentance.
The Certainty of God's Promise
The chapter concludes with a discussion on the nature of God's promise and the certainty of His oath. This serves as a reminder to believers of the security of their salvation.