Through the Book of Hebrews: exploration and discussion—Chp. 6:1-8

Brief Review:

5:10 the writer has much to say about Jesus, especially his designation by God the Father to be high priest in the order of or better translated “of the same kind as Melchizedek.”

v. 11 We have much to say about this, but ?
v. 12 By this time in their journey with Christ, they should have been what?
Milk is for who?
v. 13 The readers weren’t acquainted with teachings about ___________?
v. 14 Solid food is for the_________? What do the mature do in order to distinguish good from evil?

Chapter 6:1 Therefore, let us “move forward to achieve the goal set for us by God. That is the meaning of the word maturity…” ‘goal, purpose’ (Zodhiates, 1977).

Rayburn (1989) said of this passage, “This sentence amounts to a ringing affirmation both of the obligation laid upon believers to cultivate their spiritual life and of the importance of doctrine to sanctification. Knowledge feeds faith” (pg. 1137).
Who prompts us or even causes us to move forward? Eph 1:17-18…

What about our “goal” or “purpose” the good works we are striving to achieve, is that from God too? Eph 2:10

What are considered foundational elementary truths?
“repentance from acts that lead to death…” could this be repentance from dead works? (e.g., reverting back to Jewish rituals and legalistic practices).

“and of faith in God” Is this more than just a conviction or belief that God exists? Does “faith”/belief/trust have anything to do with our personal relationship with Christ? cf. James 2:19 Heb 11:1, 6

v. 2 instructions about washings or baptism(s) probably referring to ceremonial washings associated with Jewish tradition, cf. 9:10; Mk 7:4; John’s baptism could be considered and the baptism commanded by Jesus, Matt. 28:19; it could possibly be referring to the baptism with the Holy Spirit in Acts 1:5. The readers would have been familiar with the events recorded in Acts and Pentecost.

What foundational truths should we understand about baptism(s)?

“the laying on of hands,” historically early Christians laid hands on new converts, cf. Acts 8:17; 1 Tim 4:14; 2 Tim 1:6; An action associated with commissioning for ministry or the beginnings of Christian service; this continues to be practiced today.

“the resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment.” Basic to our hope is that this life is not our final destiny. One day we will rise from the dead and give an account of ourselves to God. 2 Cor 5:10; 1 Cor 3:11-15

v. 3 Does this verse suggest that God is in charge? God is sovereign! Nothing happens without “God permitting.” Do we plan and do as God permits everyday? Prov 16:9; 19:21; 21:1

v. 4-6 Can a genuine regenerated/transformed Christian “fall away” and
lose their salvation? Jn 6:39, 10:27-29; 1 Pet 1:3-5, 23; Matt 13:1-9, 18-30

Is it possible to grasp the plan of salvation as a concept and communicate it clearly to others as a matter of teaching and yet never really yield to the Lord?

Was Judas Iscariot enlightened or illuminated by a clear presentation of the gospel? Did he: apparently make a profession of faith and reach out to Christ as his Savior? Taste the heavenly gift and share in the Holy Spirit by being active as a disciple? Taste the goodness of the Word of God by giving “mental assent” to the gospel message? Get a taste of the “powers of the coming age” when sent out on evangelistic adventures where demons were in submission as they preached Jesus? (Lk 10:17).

Knowing that Judas betrayed Jesus for 30 pieces of silver, was he really transformed/indwelt by the Holy Spirit? Christ knew his hypocrisy, but the other disciples didn’t know who would be the betrayer. (Matt 26:19-22)

Do you think Judas was able to perform well? Are there so-called Christians who perform well today? Is it possible to profess Jesus as Savior without also taking Him as Lord? Would you say you are a new creation in Christ? Why? Would others agree? 2 Cor 5:14-17

Is it really possible to crucify the Son of God all over again and subject Him to a public disgrace? Zodhiates (1977) refers to this as “reduction to absurdity” “From false assumptions we deduce false conclusions. It is false to suppose that we could fall, because that would invalidate the crucifixion of Christ on which our repentance was based if we were to be saved to the end” (pg 1624).

v. 7-8 It seems that rain comes to true Christians and opportunity is given to produce and serve others; land that produces thorns and thistles might parallel the hypocrite or even the outward Christian that is in danger of being cursed. Jn 15:5-6
2 Pt 2:20-22; When is it too late for a person to be truly transformed?

ref: Evangelical Bible Commentary (1989) Elwell, Walter A.(ed).
Zodhiates, Spiros (1977) Hebrew-Greek Key Study Bible NAS