On To Perfection (Hebrews 6)

Should we leave discussing elementary Christian teachings and move on to maturity? Can people turn away from God? Should we continue to be diligent to the very end? Is there such a thing as a lazy faith? Let’s discuss this in Hebrews 6.

Should we eventually move on beyond very basic Christian doctrines to deeper things? What are some of those elementary principles?

Therefore, leaving the discussion of the elementary principles of Christ, let us go on to perfection, not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God, of the doctrine of baptisms, of laying on of hands, of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment. And this we will do if God permits. (Hebrews 6:1-3 NKJV)

What is the grave danger awaiting those who turn away from God? Can a person turn away from God?

For it is impossible to bring back to repentance those who were once enlightened—those who have experienced the good things of heaven and shared in the Holy Spirit, who have tasted the goodness of the word of God and the power of the age to come— and who then turn away from God. It is impossible to bring such people back to repentance; by rejecting the Son of God, they themselves are nailing him to the cross once again and holding him up to public shame. (Hebrews 6:4-6 NLT)

Is turning away from God like land that produces thorns instead of a good crop? Are they burned?

For the land which has drunk the rain that comes often on it and produces a crop suitable for them for whose sake it is also tilled, receives blessing from God; but if it bears thorns and thistles, it is rejected and near being cursed, whose end is to be burned. (Hebrews 6:7-8 WEB)

What about effort, love and service? Do they go together with salvation?

But we are convinced of better things in your case, brothers and sisters, even though we are talking this way—things that go together with salvation. God isn’t unjust so that he forgets your efforts and the love you have shown for his name’s sake when you served and continue to serve God’s holy people. (Hebrews 6:9-10 CEB)

Can we just relax in a lazy faith, or should we patiently hold onto hope until God finally fulfills his promise to us?

We wish each of you would always be eager to show how strong and lasting your hope really is. Then you would never be lazy. You would be following the example of those who had faith and were patient until God kept his promise to them. (Hebrews 6:11-12 CEV)

Did Abraham eventually obtain the promise of a son and grandchildren? Was he required to patiently wait?

For when God made a promise to Abraham, since he had no one greater by whom to swear, he swore by himself, saying, “Surely I will bless you and multiply you.” And thus Abraham, having patiently waited, obtained the promise. (Hebrews 6:13-15 ESV)

Why do men and women swear oaths? What guarantees a promise from God?

For men swear by something greater than themselves, and for them a confirming oath ends every dispute. Because God wanted to show His unchangeable purpose even more clearly to the heirs of the promise, He guaranteed it with an oath, so that through two unchangeable things, in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have fled for refuge might have strong encouragement to seize the hope set before us. (Hebrews 6:16-18 HCSB)

Is Jesus like an anchor that secures a ship? Like the high priest went behind the veil into the holy of holies to make atonement for the people, has Jesus gone beyond the veil, into heaven to intercede for us?

That hope, firm and secure like an anchor for our souls, reaches behind the curtain where Jesus, our forerunner, has gone on our behalf, having become a high priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek. (Hebrews 6:19-20 ISV)

Should we leave discussing elementary Christian teachings and move on to maturity? Can people turn away from God? Should we continue to be diligent to the very end? Is there such a thing as a lazy faith? You decide!