Hebrews 6

We are continuing our study in the book of Hebrews. Today we are focusing on chapter 6. You can read it in your own Bible, or click here.

Here the author continues the topic of spiritual growth, which we saw in the latter part of chapter 5. Note the use of the word “therefore” to start us off. Again, he is continuing to build his points and then bring the audience guidance.

Verse 1 (ESV) says, “Therefore let us leave the elementary doctrine of Christ and go on to maturity, not laying again a foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God.”

What does the author mean by “let us leave the elementary doctrine?” Elementary means basic or fundamental. True believers will want to move past the basics and mature further in their faith.

The King James Version of verse 1 says, “Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God.”

Here I wanted to point out the phrase “let us go on unto perfection.” Scholars agree that this is better translated as “let us be carried.” It is God who carries us in our salvation and sanctification.

Let’s take a closer look at some of the things called out in verses 1-2, which says, “Therefore let us leave the elementary doctrine of Christ and go on to maturity, not laying again a foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God, and of instruction about washings, the laying on of hands, the resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment.”

First the author mentions “a foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God.” Since the audience was at risk of turning back towards Judaism, the author was also concerned they would turn back to dead works. He wanted to make a point here that works couldn’t earn their salvation. Our faith in Jesus is what brings us salvation.

This is something for us to consider to. While we may know this in our minds and hearts, sometimes we fall into patterns of thinking that if we did certain tasks then that would gain our approval with God. Let me remind you today that you can’t do anything for God to love you more than He already does. His love for you is immeasurable.

Next the author mentions “instruction about washings, the laying on of hands.” This highlights Judaism practices that the audience was familiar with. It seems they were still hanging onto them. The author is asking them to move past the rituals they held onto. Again, we must remember to place our faith in Christ, not in rituals.

And third the author mentions “the resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment.” One day there will be eternal judgment that we will all face.

“Unless Jesus Christ stands as our advocate and our substitute, we cannot stand before God in the judgment that is coming.” [1]

Followers of Jesus need not fear what’s to come. He has already made us righteous in God’s eyes.

Regarding these verses, one theologian noted, “It is significant that all of the doctrines listed in verses 1 and 2 can be associated with the Pharisees… The Pharisees were products of the pursuit of righteousness by works of the law rather than by faith… A portion of the Hebrews to whom this epistle was written may have been Pharisees.” [2]

Verse 3 says, “And this we will do if God permits.” This is a good reminder that God is always the One in control. Praying for our faith to grow is always a good thing. We can trust Him to guide us in building on the foundations we already know.

Verses 4-6 are a warning to those who might turn away from Jesus. Genuine faith is not lost. Therefore, if they turned away, then they never truly believed. There are people who will look genuine on the outside, but they truly don’t have Jesus in their hearts.

In verses 7-8 the author uses an illustration to make his point. Those verses say: “For land that has drunk the rain that often falls on it, and produces a crop useful to those for whose sake it is cultivated, receives a blessing from God. But if it bears thorns and thistles, it is worthless and near to being cursed, and its end is to be burned.”

What does this mean? I like this explanation: “Real seeds (the gospel) given genuine care by the farmer (God) and planted in a fertile field (your heart and life) will produce a bountiful crop (spiritual maturity). Weeds (temptations) threaten to overwhelm the crop. If the field produces only weeds, then the seeds are lost and the field ruined.” [3]

This is a good reflection for us as well. We might look like we are mature Christians on the outside, but God knows what’s truly in our hearts. Do we put Him first in our lives? Is our love for Him seen in our actions and our words? Can we see the fruit that comes from abiding in Him?

In verse 9 we see a change in tone. The author now approaches the audience with encouragement. He professes his belief that they are growing towards better things.

In verse 10, he reminds them that God sees their efforts and love towards others. In our own lives, it might feel like our hard work isn’t paying off and no one appreciates what we do. But God always sees. He is the one who will reward you. So keep pressing forward, and keep your eyes on Him. It’s His opinion that matters most.

Verses 11-12 remind us that as followers of Christ, we are called to honor God by living out our faith. We can endure every challenge on the road ahead, confident that God is faithful and will always be with us. He says to be “imitators of those who through faith and patience inherit the promises.”

The author goes on to point out how Abraham believed in God’s promises through faith. God made an oath to Abraham, sealing it by His own name. It was the ultimate guarantee because there was nothing greater than Himself by which He could swear. God also wanted to assure the heirs of this promise. The audience and ourselves are some of those heirs, since we have been adopted into the family of God.

I love the reminder in verse 18 that “it is impossible for God to lie.” We can always stand on His promises and on His Word.

As it says in Isaiah 55:10-11, “For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven and do not return there but water the earth, making it bring forth and sprout, giving seed to the sower and bread to the eater, so shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it.” What a comfort that is!

The final verses in this chapter have some impactful implications. First we are told “to hold fast to the hope set before us,” for this hope is a “steadfast anchor of the soul.”

Note that “the way that we use the word hope today is entirely different from how the biblical writers used the word… Hope in the Bible is a certainty and something on which we can build our lives. Indeed, hope in the Bible is as solid as an anchor.” [4]

By mentioning “a hope that enters into the inner place behind the curtain” the author is reminding the audience again that Jesus is our great high priest and has given us access to the Most High God.

And then we are told that Jesus is our forerunner. The original Greek word for forerunner in this verse means “one who goes ahead, a scout, pioneer, or advance runner.” Jesus has gone ahead of us into God’s presence and secured our path.

Hebrews 6 calls us to grow into spiritual maturity, keeping Jesus at the center of our lives. Salvation is not earned by our works but received by grace through faith in Christ alone. As we abide in Him, His Spirit transforms us, producing His fruit in our lives and deepening our love for both God and others. God sees every act of love done in His name and is faithful to remember it.

This chapter also reminds us that God’s Word and promises are unchanging and completely trustworthy. Because God cannot lie, we can place our full hope in Him. Jesus, our forerunner, has gone before us into the Father’s presence, securing our eternal hope. He is our firm anchor.

Thank you for stopping by. I hope you have a blessed week.

[1] Mohler, R. Albert, Jr. Exalting Jesus in Hebrews. Christ-Centered Exposition Commentary. Nashville, TN: Holman Reference, 2017.

[2] MacArthur, John. Hebrews: Christ: Perfect Sacrifice, Perfect Priest (MacArthur Bible Studies). Nashville, Thomas Nelson, 2007.

[3] Life Application Study Bible. Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale, 2007.

[4] Jeremiah, David. Hebrews: The Supremacy of Christ. Jeremiah Bible Study Series. Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson, 2021.

Unless noted otherwise, Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

The King James Version (KJV) is public domain in the United States.