"Let Us Go On"

Of whom we have many things to say, and hard to be uttered, seeing ye are dull of hearing. For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat. For every one that useth milk is unskilful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe. ...: Gr, hath no experience But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil. ...: Or of an habite, or perfection of full age...: Or, perfect use...: Or of an habit, or perfection 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, principles...: Or, the word of the beginning of Christ Of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment. And this will we do, if God permit. - Hebrews 5:11-6:3

    I am aware that Hebrews 6 is one of the most controversial chapters in the New Testament. Heretics frequently point to the opening verses of this chapter and use them to try to prove that saved men and women may be lost again, that those who are the objects of God’s grace today may be the objects of his wrath tomorrow. Of course, that is both nonsense and blasphemy.

    Immutable Grace

    The gifts and callings of God are without repentance. His mercy, love, and grace are unchangeable. The grace of God is both immutable and indestructible (Mal. 3:6). His salvation is forever. He gives eternal life to whom he will, and declares that those to whom eternal life is given in Christ are saved forever. – “I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish!”

    Instruction, not Debate

    This is also a chapter about which faithful men, men who believe and preach the gospel of God’s free and sovereign grace in Christ, are often in disagreement. It is not my intention here to explore or settle those conflicts of interpretation. I gladly leave that task to those who enjoy such things. My desire is to give the instructions set before us in this passage of Inspiration, not to debate the questions men raise about it.

    The fact is, this is a very instructive, encouraging passage of Scripture. If you will read the entire passage carefully, beginning at chapter 5 verse 11, you will see that the Spirit of God has specific reasons for giving us the instruction found in these verses. Please, take a moment now to read Hebrews 5:11-6:3.

    Perseverance and Maturity

    These things are written to encourage us to persevere in the faith of Christ, to continue looking to, trusting, following, and obeying Christ. These words were written during a time of great apostasy, much like the day in which we live (2 Thess. 2:11-14; Rev. 20:7-9). The Holy Spirit here encourages believers to grow in the grace and knowledge of Christ. We do not grow in acceptance with God; but we must grow in grace. We do not grow in our position of favor before God; but we must grow in the knowledge of Christ. And this passage of Inspiration is intended to encourage those who are still babes in Christ to “go on unto perfection,” maturity in the things of God. – The passage is designed to encourage us to seek spiritual maturity, seeking to be strong, well-established, well-grounded, useful believers.