“Hebrews 6”

Thursday, September 07, 2017

Hebrews 5:12-6:20 is a parenthesis, a brief insert of very important information. The author has brought up Melchizedek and wants to say more, but was struck by the Hebrews’ spiritual immaturity. He addresses that lack of growth in this short section and then returns to Melchizedek in Chapter Seven.

At the end of Chapter 5, the writer contrasted milk with solid food. Here at the beginning of Chapter 6, he points out that those who grow to maturity must leave “the elementary principles” of the gospel, what he calls “the milk” (see also 1 Peter 2:2) and move on to maturity, which includes “solid food” or, as the KJV words it, “strong meat.”

The basic and fundamental first principles of God’s word are vital to the Christian’s life, but we must advance to more difficult and mature subjects as we grow in Christ. Many of the Hebrew Christians had not matured, although they had been disciples of the Lord for some time (5:12).

When a Christian leaves his commitment to Christ behind and falls from the faith, either to the world or to his old way of life in false or outdated religion, he can be difficult to restore. The writer says it is “impossible,” because there is nothing new we can say to that person that he doesn’t already know. Sometimes a reminder of the truth he knows will touch a soft place in his heart and bring him back to God. But if he doesn’t want that, however, it will never happen.

The author reminds these first century followers of Christ that God will never forget the good deeds done for the Lord. He speaks of “your work and labor of love which you have shown toward His name” (verse 10). They had sacrificed much and given their all to the Messiah and now were in danger of leaving Him. He tells them they needed to show diligence and patience, and not to become “sluggish” in their service to the Christ.

The only hope of the word is Jesus Christ. Our genuine hope in our Savior is what enables us to persevere to the end.

--Roger Hillis

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