Hebrews 6

6:1-2 So, let us leave behind the elementary teaching about Christ. Let us grow up into mature Christians. We should not need to learn again about:

turning from bad actions to trust in God

Jewish ceremonies of washings

the special use of hands in religion

raising the dead

final judgement

6:3 If God allows, we shall advance from these basic truths.

6:4 They who turn against God cannot come back to him. These people once knew the truth. They have glimpsed heaven. They have had an experience of the Holy Spirit. 6:5 They have known the goodness of God’s word. They have known something of the powers of the world to come. 6:6 Now they refuse all this. It is as if such people fix the Son of God to the cross once again. They bring shame on him in public. 6:7 The ground that drinks the rain that often falls upon it makes plants grow for the people who farm. God blesses that ground. 6:8 But if the land grows nothing but weeds, it is not worth anything. In the end men will burn it.

6:9 Dear friends, although we speak like this, we are sure of better things in your case. God has saved you from your sins. 6:10 God does what is right. He will not fail to notice your work and the love that you have shown to him. You showed your love by helping his people. You are still helping them. 6:11 We want each of you to be eager to continue this to the end. Then you will be certain of your future hope. 6:12 We do not want you to become lazy. Copy those who by belief and patience will receive what God has promised.

6:13 When God gave a promise to Abraham, he made it certain by adding a vow in his own name. He could not vow in any other name, for no name is greater than his. 6:14 He said, ‘I will be sure to bless you and give you many children’ (Genesis 22:17). 6:15 Abraham was patient for a long time, and then he got what God had promised. 6:16 People make a vow in the name of someone greater than themselves. They do this to show that they will do without doubt what they promise. A vow makes the promise certain. 6:17 When God made a promise, he wanted to convince the people that he would do as he said. So he made a vow in his own name that he would keep his promise. 6:18 Nobody can change these two things, because God cannot lie. He promised with a vow, so that we who have run to him for protection can have great comfort. We know that he will do what he has promised. In this we can have a sure hope. 6:19 This hope fastens our souls as to a sure base, firm and safe. It goes right into God’s holy place. 6:20 Jesus has gone there ahead of us. God has made him the chief priest for always, like Melchizedek.