The Peril of Not Progressing
1Therefore, leaving the discussion of the elementary principles of Christ, let us go on to 6:1 maturityperfection, not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God,
2of the doctrine of baptisms, of laying on of hands, of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment.
3And this 6:3 M let us dowe will do if God permits.
4For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted the heavenly gift, and have become partakers of the Holy Spirit,
5and have tasted the good word of God and the powers of the age to come,
66:6 Or and have fallen awayif they fall away, to renew them again to repentance, since they crucify again for themselves the Son of God, and put Him to an open shame.
7For the earth which drinks in the rain that often comes upon it, and bears herbs useful for those by whom it is cultivated, receives blessing from God;
8but if it bears thorns and briers, it is rejected and near to being cursed, whose end is to be burned.
A Better Estimate
9But, beloved, we are confident of better things concerning you, yes, things that accompany salvation, though we speak in this manner.
10For God is not unjust to forget your work and 6:10 NU omits labor oflabor of love which you have shown toward His name, in that you have ministered to the saints, and do minister.
11And we desire that each one of you show the same diligence to the full assurance of hope until the end,
12that you do not become 6:12 lazysluggish, but imitate those who through faith and patience inherit the promises.
God’s Infallible Purpose in Christ
13For when God made a promise to Abraham, because He could swear by no one greater, He swore by Himself,
14saying, “Surely blessing I will bless you, and multiplying I will multiply you.”
15And so, after he had patiently endured, he obtained the promise.
16For men indeed swear by the greater, and an oath for confirmation is for them an end of all dispute.
17Thus God, determining to show more abundantly to the heirs of promise the 6:17 unchangeableness of His purposeimmutability of His counsel, 6:17 guaranteedconfirmed it by an oath,
18that by two 6:18 unchangeableimmutable things, in which it is impossible for God to lie, we 6:18 M omits mightmight have strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold of the hope set before us.
New King James Version®, Copyright© 1982, Thomas Nelson. All rights reserved.
