HRC New Testament Reading Plan: daily NT reading devotional thoughts.
1 Therefore let us move beyond the elementary teachings about Christ and be taken forward to maturity, not laying again the foundation of repentance from acts that lead to death, and of faith in God, 2 instruction about cleansing rites, the laying on of hands, the resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment. 3 And God permitting, we will do so.
Hebrews 6:1-3 NIV
Are you ready to move beyond the basics?
The author presents his third exhortation: move beyond the basics and forward to maturity. This encouragement and warning started in the previous chapter, right after he introduces a new character, Melchizedek. Before he can explain who this Melchizedek is, he says they are “no longer trying to understand” (5:11), need to be taught all over again (5:12), and aren’t ready for the spiritual food of maturity (5:12-14). They need milk, not solid food!
He lists some interesting topics as “elementary teachings”. As disciples, we’re familiar with repentance and faith in God. He also mentions cleansing rites and laying on of hands, along with resurrection and eternal judgement. Some of these may seem strange as “basics”, but if you have some time look for scriptures that mention these – it’s a fascinating study.
Back to the exhortation. Hebrews 6:4-8 provides the warning part of the exhortation: without growing toward maturity, we can “fall away” and it will be impossible to be brought back to repentance. The Hebrew Christians were tempted to turn back from the faith because of their persecution and challenges, but this could lead to a point where they could not return. Once they turn away, they deny Jesus’ sacrifice so that essentially Jesus would need to die again for them, an impossible situation.
The next verses, Hebrews 6:9-12, give the encouragement part of the exhortation: “we are convinced of better things in your case”. God isn’t unjust; He sees your work and love in what you’re doing for others. The author just wants to make sure they stay diligent and not become lazy.
The thought that we could fall away is scary, but rest assured: if you have a repentant heart, you are not yet at the point of having “fallen away”. Think of unrepentant sin as walking down a foggy road with a cliff at the end: you can turn back any time but if you don’t you’ll eventually fall over the edge. We don’t know where the edge is, so don’t even get close: repent of sin or anything leading you away from God.
Move on to Maturity
The chapter continues with the encouragement that God’s promise is certain and true. He promised Abraham and confirmed it with an oath in His own name, and it’s impossible for God to lie about a promise or an oath. Be assured that God’s promise of salvation to you is certain and true. “We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure.” (Hebrews 6:19 NIV). Just make sure to move beyond the basics and grow toward maturity.
Then in verse 20, it’s almost like he’s saying: “now, where was I… oh, yes. Melchizedek”. We’ll talk about that in tomorrow’s reading.
Questions:
- Take a look at the “elementary teachings” list again. Can you find scriptures related to these? Why would it be “basic” for the early Christians to understand these things?
- The exhortation to move on toward maturity warns about falling away by unrepentant sin. What does the Bible say about repentance and why it’s important?
- What was God’s promise to Abraham? Read Genesis 22:1-18. How is your faith being tested, and what is God’s promise to you?
- If you need to confess sin, talk to someone today. Take time to pray and remind each other of the promise we have for salvation from God through Christ.