Hebrews 6

The author of Hebrews knows that in order for faith to mature, his readers will have to move beyond the basic principles of salvation and baptism. Although there are many disagreements as to what exactly Paul is saying in 6:4-7, I think that the best understanding is that Paul is addressing those within the congregation who have not yet believed. They participated in the community, experienced the preaching of the Word, and observed the presence of the Spirit at work around them. Even after all that, they refused to believe. They never truly embraced the gospel and displayed genuine faith, love, and service. If they had, then they would have persisted and become “imitators of those who through faith and perseverance inherited the promises.” While there are many other understandings of this passage (believers losing their faith, believers losing rewards, believers being warned by the use of hypotheticals), the argument itself seems geared to those who are genuine believers and will stay that way: “But, beloved, we are persuaded of better things for you, and things that accompany salvation, even though we speak like this.” The challenge for us is the same as the challenge to them: to grow and mature, and to make sure that we move from milk to solid food (5:12)!

The Jews would argue about the significance of oaths, and which oaths meant more because of what you were swearing them by (Matthew 23:16-22). What can God swear by that is greater than Himself? He can’t lie. He doesn’t change. He made a promise to Abraham, and He makes a promise to us through Jesus Christ. Jesus went behind the veil and offered Himself as the eternal sacrifice for our sins (Hebrews 9:6-7). He is “a high priest forever after the order of Melchizedek.”

Thought for the day: Our perseverance and growth are signs that God is with us, and a reminder that we will inherit His promises!

Ephesians 1:13-14 (WEB) “In him you also, having heard the word of the truth, the Good News of your salvation—in whom, having also believed, you were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, who is a pledge of our inheritance, to the redemption of God’s own possession, to the praise of his glory.”