Hebrews 6
This devotional is written by Helen Bunker.
Hebrews 6
Therefore let us move beyond the elementary teachings about Christ and be taken forward to maturity, not laying again the foundation of repentance from acts that lead to death, and of faith in God, 2 instruction about cleansing rites, the laying on of hands, the resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment. 3 And God permitting, we will do so.
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 who have fallen away, to be brought back to repentance. To their loss they are crucifying the Son of God all over again and subjecting him to public disgrace. 7 Land that drinks in the rain often falling on it and that produces a crop useful to those for whom it is farmed receives the blessing of God. 8 But land that produces thorns and thistles is worthless and is in danger of being cursed. In the end it will be burned.
9 Even though we speak like this, dear friends, we are convinced of better things in your case – the things that have to do with salvation. 10 God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them. 11 We want each of you to show this same diligence to the very end, so that what you hope for may be fully realized. 12 We do not want you to become lazy, but to imitate those who through faith and patience inherit what has been promised.
The certainty of God’s promise
13 When God made his promise to Abraham, since there was no one greater for him to swear by, he swore by himself, 14 saying, ‘I will surely bless you and give you many descendants.’ 15 And so after waiting patiently, Abraham received what was promised.
16 People swear by someone greater than themselves, and the oath confirms what is said and puts an end to all argument. 17 Because God wanted to make the unchanging nature of his purpose very clear to the heirs of what was promised, he confirmed it with an oath. 18 God did this so that, 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 greatly 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 our forerunner, Jesus, has entered on our behalf. He has become a high priest for ever, in the order of Melchizedek.
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 who have fallen away, to be brought back to repentance. To their loss they are crucifying the Son of God all over again and subjecting him to public disgrace. 7 Land that drinks in the rain often falling on it and that produces a crop useful to those for whom it is farmed receives the blessing of God. 8 But land that produces thorns and thistles is worthless and is in danger of being cursed. In the end it will be burned.
9 Even though we speak like this, dear friends, we are convinced of better things in your case – the things that have to do with salvation. 10 God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them. 11 We want each of you to show this same diligence to the very end, so that what you hope for may be fully realized. 12 We do not want you to become lazy, but to imitate those who through faith and patience inherit what has been promised.
The certainty of God’s promise
13 When God made his promise to Abraham, since there was no one greater for him to swear by, he swore by himself, 14 saying, ‘I will surely bless you and give you many descendants.’ 15 And so after waiting patiently, Abraham received what was promised.
16 People swear by someone greater than themselves, and the oath confirms what is said and puts an end to all argument. 17 Because God wanted to make the unchanging nature of his purpose very clear to the heirs of what was promised, he confirmed it with an oath. 18 God did this so that, 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 greatly 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 our forerunner, Jesus, has entered on our behalf. He has become a high priest for ever, in the order of Melchizedek.
Reflection
We’re still in Hebrews which isn’t the easiest book, but we’re in more positive, if still challenging, territory with Chapter 6.
God’s intent for us is to develop greater spiritual maturity and not to stay at base level. We’re encouraged to press on. Our spiritual maturity is built on the foundations of our faith, but it’s not enough to simply rest there, or we are vulnerable to fall away.
Like a seed, even if we’re planted in fertile soil, we need nourishment to grow and to thrive. If our environment isn’t great, we need even more to stand a chance of maturing, and bearing fruit. But what a wonderful blessing that will be.
Our continual growth will ensure we don’t miss out. The warnings of the book of Hebrews are stark but in this chapter I feel encouragement.
Growth and bearing fruit are important to prevent against falling away. When we really bear fruit, we abide in Christ. When we abide in Christ, how can we fall or turn away?
We know that God is faithful. His promises are steadfast. We can trust in Him despite everything.
Learning the truth and then slipping backwards is a risk. We’re encouraged to come back from the edge, to not only solidify foundational habits, but to continue to grow.
We hear endless advice about habits these days. Myriad books, articles, Instagram posts. There is advice everywhere.
Wherever you are in your journey with Christ my simple encouragement to you is to ask, what can you do every day to bring yourself closer to God?
My brain craves routine, I need to do something every day to make it stick, even something very simple. Make a note for 30 days’ time to check back in and see what a difference your focus has made. I will be praying for you.
God’s intent for us is to develop greater spiritual maturity and not to stay at base level. We’re encouraged to press on. Our spiritual maturity is built on the foundations of our faith, but it’s not enough to simply rest there, or we are vulnerable to fall away.
Like a seed, even if we’re planted in fertile soil, we need nourishment to grow and to thrive. If our environment isn’t great, we need even more to stand a chance of maturing, and bearing fruit. But what a wonderful blessing that will be.
Our continual growth will ensure we don’t miss out. The warnings of the book of Hebrews are stark but in this chapter I feel encouragement.
Growth and bearing fruit are important to prevent against falling away. When we really bear fruit, we abide in Christ. When we abide in Christ, how can we fall or turn away?
We know that God is faithful. His promises are steadfast. We can trust in Him despite everything.
Learning the truth and then slipping backwards is a risk. We’re encouraged to come back from the edge, to not only solidify foundational habits, but to continue to grow.
We hear endless advice about habits these days. Myriad books, articles, Instagram posts. There is advice everywhere.
Wherever you are in your journey with Christ my simple encouragement to you is to ask, what can you do every day to bring yourself closer to God?
My brain craves routine, I need to do something every day to make it stick, even something very simple. Make a note for 30 days’ time to check back in and see what a difference your focus has made. I will be praying for you.
Posted in New Testament in a year 2023
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