February 25, 2024
DAILY BIBLE READING – Hebrews Chapter 6
1 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,
2 Of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment.
3 And this will we do, if God permit.
4 For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost,
5 And have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come,
6 If they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put him to an open shame.
7 For the earth which drinketh in the rain that cometh oft upon it, and bringeth forth herbs meet for them by whom it is dressed, receiveth blessing from God:
8 But that which beareth thorns and briers is rejected, and is nigh unto cursing; whose end is to be burned.
9 But, beloved, we are persuaded better things of you, and things that accompany salvation, though we thus speak.
10 For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shewed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister.
11 And we desire that every one of you do shew the same diligence to the full assurance of hope unto the end:
12 That ye be not slothful, but followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises.
13 For when God made promise to Abraham, because he could swear by no greater, he sware by himself,
14 Saying, Surely blessing I will bless thee, and multiplying I will multiply thee.
15 And so, after he had patiently endured, he obtained the promise.
16 For men verily swear by the greater: and an oath for confirmation is to them an end of all strife.
17 Wherein God, willing more abundantly to shew unto the heirs of promise the immutability of his counsel, confirmed it by an oath:
18 That by two immutable things, in which it was impossible for God to lie, we might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us:
19 Which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and stedfast, and which entereth into that within the veil;
20 Whither the forerunner is for us entered, even Jesus, made an high priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec.
King James Version. Public Domain
Commentary
Introduction:
Hebrews Chapter 6 is a powerful admonition to believers to grow in faith and reach spiritual maturity. The author urges Christians not to linger on the foundational teachings of faith but to advance toward a deeper relationship with God. This chapter strongly warns against falling away from the faith while simultaneously highlighting the hope and assurance we have in God’s promises and in Jesus Christ, our High Priest. The text emphasizes the importance of perseverance, faith, and hope, which serve as a sure anchor for our souls.
Commentary:
-
Call to Spiritual Maturity (Verses 1–3):
The author calls believers to move beyond the elementary lessons of faith and strive for perfection. The foundations—repentance, faith, baptism, resurrection, and judgment—are essential but should serve as a base for further growth. Faith is a journey that requires ongoing development and maturity.
-
Warning Against Falling Away (Verses 4–8):
This passage presents one of the most serious warnings in the New Testament. People who have understood the gospel, experienced the Holy Spirit, and tasted God’s goodness risk not being renewed to repentance if they deliberately fall away. This warning is not meant to discourage but to awaken. The imagery of the earth receiving rain illustrates that fruitfulness brings blessing, while barrenness (thorns and thistles) leads to judgment.
-
Encouragement and Assurance (Verses 9–12):
Following the stern warning comes a loving encouragement. The author is confident that the recipients are on the path to salvation. God is just and will not forget the works of love and the service rendered to the saints. Believers are exhorted to remain diligent and hold firmly to their hope until the end.
-
The Unchangeability of God’s Promise (Verses 13–20):
Abraham is presented as an example of faith and patience. God reinforced His promise with an oath to give absolute certainty to believers. This double assurance—God’s promise and His oath—is a strong comfort for us. The hope we have in Christ is like a sure and steadfast anchor for our soul. Jesus has entered as our forerunner into the “inner sanctuary behind the curtain,” the Holy of Holies, serving eternally as our High Priest after the order of Melchizedek.
Summary:
Hebrews 6 calls for spiritual maturity and warns of the consequences of willful apostasy. While the beginning of the chapter emphasizes the seriousness of this danger, the author encourages believers to hold fast to hope and continue their love in service. God’s promises are unchanging and confirmed by His oath. Our hope in Christ is a secure and firm anchor that brings us into God’s presence. Jesus Christ, our High Priest, intercedes for us and secures our access to God and eternal salvation.
WEEKLY SPIRIT OF PROPHECY READING – Ellen White | Steps to Christ
Chapter 6—Faith and Acceptance
Read online here
Commentary
Introduction
Chapter 6 shows us the path from the awakening of the conscience to the acceptance of divine gifts of grace. Through the work of the Holy Spirit, we recognize the destructive power and misery of sin, which separates us from God. This realization arouses in us a deep desire for forgiveness, cleansing, and freedom—yet we cannot obtain these graces through our own efforts, but only through steadfast faith in Jesus Christ, who bestows them upon us as a free gift from God.
Commentary
1.Awakening of the Conscience and Recognition of Sinfulness
-
Stirring by the Holy Spirit:
The conscience is awakened by the Holy Spirit, enabling us to perceive the malice, power, guilt, and misery of sin.
-
Realization of Separation:
We come to understand that sin has separated us from God and that we ourselves are trapped in a state of helplessness and selfishness.
2.God’s Gifts of Grace and Promises
-
Free Gift of Grace:
God offers us forgiveness, cleansing, peace, and love as gifts of grace—things that cannot be bought with money or human wisdom (see Isaiah 55:1).
-
Biblical Promises:
Promises such as “Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow” (Isaiah 1:18) and “I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you” (Ezekiel 36:26) show that God is able to free us from our sinfulness.
-
Jesus as an Example:
Jesus’ healing of the paralyzed man (Matthew 9:6) demonstrates that faith in His words and miracles brings immediate deliverance and healing.
3.Faith and Acceptance of the Divine Promise
-
Necessity of Faith:
The text calls us to confess our sins and yield ourselves to God. Only through steadfast faith, not through feelings, can we receive God’s promises.
-
Daily Surrender:
It is emphasized that we should daily acknowledge our belonging to Christ and live in His Spirit, thus remaining continually in His grace and mercy.
-
Condition of Prayer:
Our requests must be in harmony with God’s will, who wants to cleanse us of our failings and make us His children.
4.The Universal Power of Grace
-
Unlimited Forgiveness:
No one is so sinful that they cannot be touched by God’s infinite mercy. God wants to fill us with His blessings—strength, righteousness, and purity.
-
The Father-Heart of God:
God’s love is so great that He has accepted us even in our weakness. His immeasurable love and mercy express His eternal desire to redeem and renew us.
Summary
Chapter 6, “Faith and Acceptance,” calls us to acknowledge our own sinfulness and awaken within ourselves a deep longing for divine forgiveness and renewal. It stresses that we cannot achieve sanctification through our own power, but that God’s grace—given freely through Jesus Christ—covers all our shortcomings. By confessing our sins and holding firmly to faith in Jesus’ words and miracles, we become children of God who live in His Spirit and are healed by His mercy. Ultimately, it is unwavering faith and daily surrender that lead us into the fullness of God’s blessings and empower us to live a renewed, holy life.
Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/25-02-2025-hebrews-chapter-6-believe-his-prophets/
