Hebrews Chapter Six Verses 1-12

HEBREWS CHAPTER SIX VS 1-12 (USING KING JAMES STUDY TEXT, STUDY BOOK WILL REFERENCE A DIFFERENT VERSION FOR READING)

Heb 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, 

Heb 6:2  Of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment. 

Heb 6:3  And this will we do, if God permit. 

Heb 6:4  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, 

Heb 6:5  And have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come, 

Heb 6:6  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. 

Heb 6:7  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: 

Heb 6:8  But that which beareth thorns and briers is rejected, and is nigh unto cursing; whose end is to be burned. 

Heb 6:9  But, beloved, we are persuaded better things of you, and things that accompany salvation, though we thus speak. 

Heb 6:10  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. 

Heb 6:11  And we desire that every one of you do shew the same diligence to the full assurance of hope unto the end: 

Heb 6:12  That ye be not slothful, but followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises. 

Main Point: An admonishment for lack of growth. Ultimately he is criticizing sinful practices. So far the context being a lack of belief manifested by disobedience.

1.   What does the Hebrew writer call “the elementary doctrine of Christ”? or PRINCIPLES – 746 commencement- beginner. Doctrine -3056 – Something said (to lay forth).
Repentance, Faith, Baptism, Laying on of Hands, Resurrection, Final Judgment.  

2.   Carefully read  verses 4-6. What does the writer say is impossible? Why is it 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 (it is impossible) to renew them again unto repentance … seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put him to an open shame”.
This is not a cut/dry scenario. There are parameters and conditions that put a soul in this position. Yes, the person who has obeyed the gospel and claims repentance but does not move beyond that initial conversion is the one in trouble here. You cannot RENEW someone to something they have not practiced, or practiced and disregarded to regress to a former position.
Analogy: Early release from prison through promise of good behavior: Go out and commit crimes.

3.   What is the main point of verses 7-8?  If I were hired to make a certain product and started out pushing a broom as a starting point: After twenty years, I should be making that certain product. If I’m still pushing a broom, I’ve made it clear I have no real interest in doing what is expected of me.
In the end the writer is looking for more from these who once believed. They should be producing fruit in their lives. Instead, they keep reverting to their old practices (including rejecting Jesus) and not working toward the goal set before them.

ADDITIONAL:

Contemporary Bible Version:
Heb 6:1  We must try to become mature and start thinking about more than just the basic things we were taught about Christ. We shouldn't need to keep talking about why we ought to turn from deeds that bring death and why we ought to have faith in God. 

Heb 6:2  And we shouldn't need to keep teaching about baptisms or about the laying on of hands or about people being raised from death and the future judgment. 

Heb 6:3  Let's grow up, if God is willing. 

 

6) Fall Away: 3895 – parapito - to fall aside, that is, (figuratively) to apostatize:  - (The concept of falling by the wayside)

This definition brings in the idea of walking on a certain path (perhaps metaphorically) and failing to stay on course. Make no mistake, these specific people were ON THE PATH.