Christians are generally disliked and unappreciated
by the world. Not much has changed in 2,000 years. However, Christians are
called to be like Christ in the midst of the world’s disapproval. This is only
possible if one builds upon the first principles of salvation through the grace
and grant of Christ Jesus. A failure to mature in Christ can have catastrophic
spiritual results. “Can one lose one’s salvation?” is an oft-asked question,
which is built upon the false premise of negligence alone. Salvation cannot be
“lost” but it can be forfeited. Forfeiture, however, is more than negligence.
It is a wilful act that can and must be avoided at all cost. Spiritual
immaturity coupled with never-ending ridicule and persecution can bring about
the final forfeiture of salvation. Spiritual maturity coupled with never-ending
ridicule and persecution can bring about a blessed and fruitful spiritual life.
“The Epistle of Paul the Apostle to the Hebrews” is
the title provided in my Bible to the Book of Hebrews. It is an epistle that
many have said reads more like a sermon. “Eusebius considered Paul the author.
Tertullian called it the Epistle of Barnabas. Clement of Alexandria thought
that Paul wrote it in Hebrew, and that Luke translated it into Greek” and
“Luther guessed Apollos, for which opinion there is no ancient evidence”
(Halley, 646). There are many thoughts in
regard to the human authorship of the Book of Hebrews. However, the author is
never named in the book. As such, the Book of Hebrews is technically an
anonymous writing. Timothy is known to the writer of Hebrews (13:23), which may
indicate familiarity between the Apostle Paul and the writer.
The date of Hebrews is unclear as well. “The
latest date for the composition of Hebrews is clearly fixed as earlier than 96
AD by reason of its use by Clement of Rome about that time” (Orr). A.D. 64 is the year Nero
decided to shift blame for the conflagration that engulfed Rome onto
Christians. This is probably a good early date for the writing of Hebrews
because widespread persecution by Roman authorities was not common previously.
A date later than A.D. 70 doesn’t seem plausible though. This was the year that
the temple in Jerusalem was destroyed. I think it is unlikely that an event
such as this would go unmentioned in this particular writing. It does not seem
likely that Jewish Christians would want to revert to Judaism after A.D. 70.
Prior to this date Judaism was considered a legal religion by Rome. Thus
protected one could easily understand the desire to return to a peaceful coexistence
with Rome. No such protection existed for Jews after the destruction of the
temple. A return to Judaism would offer no relief from Christianity.
“And I beseech
you, brethren, suffer the word of exhortation: for I have written a letter unto
you in few words” (Hebrews 13:22). The writer provides a source of comfort like
no other by clearly demonstrating the superiority of Jesus Christ. Christ is
presented as the superior revelation of God in Hebrews 1:1-4, superior to the
angels in 1:4-11, superior to Moses in 3:1-6, superior to the priesthood in
4:14-7:29. Jesus is also described as superior to Abraham, a superior covenant,
and superior to all sacrifices.
Our text is found
in the writer’s presentation of Jesus Christ as superior to the priesthood,
which begins in Hebrews 4:14. The discussion turns toward our text on his audience’s
inability to understand his mention of the mysterious Melchisedec as a type of
Christ and His endless priesthood (5:6-11). To be sure this is also a point of
discussion for many in the church today. Who was this mysterious character? The
writer indicates that dull (Greek: nothros) hearing (5:11) in his readers would
hinder their understanding. The author uses the same Greek word in 6:12, and is
translated slothful, relating to one’s deeds.
There are two things that become
unavoidable as one reads through Hebrews 5-6. Spiritual immaturity leads
inexorably toward spiritual death and spiritual maturity leads inevitably to
hope in the Lord Jesus Christ, the “anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast”
(Hebrews 6:19). The writer states that he is “persuaded better things of” them,
but the dangers of final rejection are very real indeed.
A lack of spiritual
maturity (6:1-3)
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, Of the doctrine of
baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of
eternal judgement. And this will we do, if God permit.
“Therefore” is the first word found
in chapter 6. The writer’s thought flow spills over from chapter 5. Specifically,
we find that his intended readers are admonished for being dull, or slothful,
of hearing the doctrines of God. As a result, they were “unskillful in the word
of righteousness” and babes in understanding. The writer then proceeds to
instruct the readers to leave “the principles of the doctrine of Christ”. The
word “principles” found in verse 1 is translated as “first” in Hebrews 5:12.
Here the writer reproves his readers for not maturing to a point where they
could teach others the doctrines of God. They were still babes who were
unskillful in the word of righteousness. His challenge to them was to become
Christians of full age by reason of use, i.e. habitual application of the word
of God in their daily life. Christian growth is directly linked to our study
habits, both good and bad. He then continues this theme in the first verse of
chapter 6. Thus, the writer is instructing his readers to leave, or progress
from, the beginning or elementary doctrines of God. In other words, they were
to move beyond a state of spiritual infancy to a state of spiritual maturity. The
goal is to go on to perfection; translated maturity in the English Standard
Version. Christians should desire to grow in Christ. How does one move from
spiritual infancy to spiritual maturity? One must not lay again the
foundational principles, which follow.
The first is repentance from dead works. The
phrase dead works is also found in Hebrews 9:14 where it clearly speaks of one
that has been saved by the blood of Jesus Christ. One is born dead in
trespasses and sins. Thus one must repent of one’s sins in order to be saved. This
kind of repentance brings about life and life everlasting for all who believe.
The second principle is faith toward God. The word “faith” is also used by the
writer in Hebrews 4:2 where we are told that the gospel cannot benefit unless
one allows the word of God to be mixed with or combined with faith. But this is
not faith in general but directed at a specific person. Faith toward the God of
the Bible, manifested in the person of Jesus Christ, is the only means of
salvation.
Third, the doctrine of baptisms or
washings as it is rendered in the English Standard Version. The Jews were used
to ceremonial washings and washings to cleanse from defilements. “In Hebrews 6:2 the writer bid
Christians to progress beyond discussion of basic matters, among which he lists
“instruction about washings” (NAS). He may be describing discussions about the
differences between Christian baptism and other ablutions. Hebrews 9:10 refers to
“various washings” (NAS) practiced by the Hebrews under the law but no longer
necessary because Christ “was once offered to bear the sins of many”(Hebrews 9:28)(Butler,)
Immaturity would cause one to question foundational truths. Baptism is
presented to Christians as a step of obedience; however, one must remember that
believer’s baptism is an outward show or demonstration of an inward work of
grace by the Lord Jesus Christ. Fourth, the doctrine of laying on of hands. The
laying on of hands was an important part of the Day of Atonement. The high
priest would lay his hands on the live goat and confess the sins of the people.
(Leviticus 16:21) This is a picture of the substitutionary atonement of the
Lord Jesus Christ. Scripture makes the connection best in Acts 8:9-17. When
Philip preached the good news and people believed this good news about “the
kingdom of God, and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized” (Acts 8:12).
In verse 17 the people who believed had hands laid upon them and they received
the Holy Ghost. One should note that the laying on of hands took place after
the act of saving faith.
The fifth principle is the resurrection
of the dead. Jesus spoke of Himself when He said, “I am the resurrection, and
the life” (John 11:25). He spoke of this in reference to the raising of Lazarus.
The resurrection of the dead is a doctrine of Christ. Interestingly, it was
also a doctrine held by the Pharisees. Because Jesus is the first fruits from
the grave (1 Corinthians 15:20) we can have faith that we too will see Jesus
face to face when we leave this world (1 John 3:1-3). Because He lives we shall
live also. The last foundational principle is that of eternal judgement. Jesus
spoke of “everlasting punishment” in Matthew 25:46, “resurrection of damnation”
to those that “have done evil” in John 5:29. Paul picks up this theme in 2
Thessalonians 1:7-10 when he said that those who do not obey the gospel would
“be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord”.
Through obedience to the gospel we can escape the eternal wrath to come. All of
these principles are foundational principles. However, a foundation is to be
built upon. The lack of spiritual growth in his readers is a great cause for
concern, as we shall see shortly. In verse 3 we discover how we are to progress
in our walk with Jesus Christ. We progress spiritually by the will and power of
God. Jesus said that all things are possible with Him. Through Christ we can
establish the foundation and then begin to gradually but steadily build upon
it.
The danger of
spiritual immaturity (v. 4-8)
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, and have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the
world to come, 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. 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: But that which beareth thorns and
briers is rejected, and is nigh unto cursing; whose end is to be burned.
The word “impossible” is translated from
the Greek word “adunatos” It appears at least10 times in the New Testament. The
writer of Hebrews uses it 4 times. He always uses it to describe complete
inability. In Hebrews 6:18 we find that it is “impossible for God to lie”, in Hebrews
10:4 “it is not possible that the blood of bulls and of goats should take away
sins”, and in Hebrews 11:6, the Hall of Faith, “without faith it is impossible
to please him.” From his use we can surmise that his intent in Hebrews 6:4 is
to describe something that absolutely cannot happen. But to whom is he referring?
The writer is addressing one who was “once enlightened”. We find this word
translated as “illuminated” in Hebrews 10:32. “But recall the former days in
which, after you were illuminated, you endured a great struggle with
sufferings.” It sounds here as if he is referring to the conversion experience”
(Forlines, Pinson, location 5427).
There is also the word tasted in
verses 4 and 5. However, not all are in agreement to the meaning of this word.
“Christ “tasting” of death (2:9) was obviously momentary and not continuing or
permanent. All men experience the goodness of God, but that does not mean they
are all saved” (MacArthur, 1856).
The word tasted in 2:9, 6:4, and 6:5 is the same word used by the same writer
in the same book. The context in which the word is used in 2:9, “that he
[Jesus] by the grace of God should taste death for every man” sets the tone for
how the author will use it in the rest of the book. Jesus Christ died for our
sins. He died completely and was buried in a borrowed tomb for three days and
three nights. In like manner, the use of the word in chapter 6 is that of one
who having “tasted the good word of God” was converted, completely and totally
converted from a life of sin. He is also one that has an appetite for God’s
Word and has experienced “the powers of the world to come.” This is said of
someone who has caught a glimpse of the spiritual realm that Jesus makes
possible for us as partakers of the Holy Ghost.
The word partaker(s) is used 6 times
in the New Testament, 5 of which occur in the book of Hebrews. From his use of
the word we understand that he is speaking of a companion or partner. In
Hebrews 3:14 the author says, “We are made partakers of Christ, if we hold the
beginning of our confidence steadfast unto the end”. The reference is to none
other than a born-again, Spirit indwelled, Christian for none other than a
born-again Christian can be described as an enlightened partaker of the Holy
Ghost who has tasted the heavenly gift. When one is saved one is indwelled with
the fullness of the Holy Spirit, which enables our spiritual growth.
But what is impossible for the
Christian who falls away? It is impossible for the apostate to be saved again having
fallen away and rejected the saving grace of Jesus Christ. The conjunction that
begins verse 6 is translated in the ESV, HCSB, NIV, and NASB as “and”. By contrast
the KJV uses the word “if”, which can sow a see of doubt. The Greek translated “they
shall fall away” is in the aorist tense. The word “and” would seem to be a
better fit than “if”, which removes the doubt in reference to the sin of
apostasy. Verse 6 continues this theme by stating that such a person cannot be
renewed because “they crucify themselves the Son of God afresh, and put him to
an open shame.” “Let us note that this is a crucifixion in relationship, that is,
to themselves…the relationship of Christ to the unsaved is that of a dead
Christ; but to the saved, He is a living Christ” (Forlines, Pinson, location
5473).
One’s salvation occurs once, and having fallen away through unbelief it can
never recur (2 Peter 2:19-22). True salvation is a precious gift purchased with
a precious price once.
It is worth noting that this is only
one of several warning passages we find in the book of Hebrews. Hebrews 2:1-4,
3:7-19, 5:11-6:12, 10:19-39, and 12:14-29 are all warnings about falling away.
A warning is only valid if a meaningful consequence awaits any violators. If it
is impossible to fall away then the warning has no meaning. If the warning has
no meaning the book of Hebrews as no meaning for the purpose in writing the
epistle was to exhort Jewish believers to remain faithful to Christ and not
turn back to the dead works of Judaism.
In verse 7 & 8 we find an
analogy that helps us understand the blessed fruitfulness of the Christian who
is strong in the Word of God in contrast to the eternal fruitlessness of the
apostate Christian who rejects the risen Christ. Christians who grow in the
word of righteousness are fruitful. Their lives bless others and honour God.
This fruitful life is the result of the blessed rains that God showers upon a
life of humble obedience to the Lord and His Word. But only thorns and briers
are brought forth in the life of a Christian through slothfulness in and dullness
to the Word of righteousness, which results in God’s curse upon a life of proud
disobedience to the Lord and His Word.
Application
Christians have often faced horrendous
persecution of one form or another since the time of Christ. Christians have
been and will continue to be presented with the decision to remain faithful to
Christ in the face of such persecution. Christians that refuse to grow
spiritually are in danger of falling away from Christ.
As a
young Christian living in the Philippines I faced spiritual warfare on a grand
scale. There were many temptations and distractions. However, I also had a
spiritual mentor who was strong in the Lord and who taught me the importance of
studying and living the Word of God. A weekly Bible study at a missionary’s
house reinforced these lessons and gave me great strength. However, we then
moved to Japan and all that was lost. I began to slip back to the first
principles as I no longer read my Bible daily and there was no proper Bible study.
I faced persecution for my faith from fellow service members as well as local
nationals. It became increasingly difficult to withstand the pressure. I grew
weaker and weaker until I was nearly gone spiritually. It was Hebrews 6:4-6
that brought me back. Realising the danger I was in I began to study more
intensely than ever before. The Lord strengthened me and made it possible for
me to fear man no longer. My continued spiritual growth is a daily effort.
Likewise,
a pastor I know who lives in London faces routine persecution from fellow
Londoners as well as from the police. He preaches in his church on Sunday and
in the streets of London throughout the week. He has been arrested or
threatened with arrest numerous times. On one occasion whilst preaching in the
street he mentioned the sin of homosexuality. He was quickly arrested and
charged with a violation of The Public Order Act. He retained a solicitor who
told him if he would simply recant his statements in regards to homosexuality
he would be released. He said that he could not and was held overnight. He is
able to withstand this sort of persecution and thus prevent the danger of
falling away because he has moved well beyond the first principles of the
doctrines of Christ. In the midst of this storm of persecution his ministry has
been blessed and he is a fruitful member of the kingdom of God.
http://www.faithchapelfwbc.com
Forlines, F. Leroy, and J. Matthew
Pinson. "The Perseverance of the Saints." Classical Arminianism: A
Theology of Salvation. Nashville, Tenn: Randall House, 2011. Kindle eBook.
MacArthur, John. “The Letter to the Hebrews.” The
MacArthur Study Bible: English Standard Version. Edited by John MacArthur. New
York: HarperCollins, 1993. 1856. Print
