A Study Of The Apostle Paul’s Letter To The Hebrews Don’t drift away! Don’t neglect your salvation! Don’t Depart! Don’t fall away! Don’t cast away your

AAStudyStudyOf TheOf TheApostleApostle

Paul’s LetterPaul’s LetterTo The To The

HebrewsHebrews

Don’t Don’t drift drift away!away!

Don’t Don’t neglect neglect your your salvationsalvation!!

Don’t Don’t Depart!Depart!

Don’t Don’t fall fall awayaway!!

Don’t cast Don’t cast away your away your confidenceconfidence!!

Don’t Don’t hardeharden your n your heart!heart!

How can we neglect so How can we neglect so greatgreat

a salvation? ~ Hebrews a salvation? ~ Hebrews 2:3 2:3

Hebrews: Christ Is Superior!Superior Person (1:1—4:13)Superior Person (1:1—4:13)

Superior to Prophets (1:1-3)Superior to Prophets (1:1-3)Superior to Angels (1:4—2:18)Superior to Angels (1:4—2:18)Superior to Moses (3:1-19)Superior to Moses (3:1-19)Superior to Joshua (4:1-13)Superior to Joshua (4:1-13)

Superior Priest (4:14—7:28)Superior Priest (4:14—7:28)Superior to Aaron (4:14—6:12)Superior to Aaron (4:14—6:12)

but…We’ll only study 6:4-12 today.Superior to Melchizedek (6:13—Superior to Melchizedek (6:13—

7:10)7:10)Superior to Levi (7:11-28)Superior to Levi (7:11-28)

Hebrews: Christ Is Superior!Superior Pact to Moses’ (8:1—10:18)Superior Pact to Moses’ (8:1—10:18)

Superior Promises (8:1-13)Superior Promises (8:1-13)Superior Sanctuary (9:1-15)Superior Sanctuary (9:1-15)Superior Sacrifice (9:16-28)Superior Sacrifice (9:16-28)Superior Results (10:1-18)Superior Results (10:1-18)

Superior Principle (Faith) to Moses’ Superior Principle (Faith) to Moses’ (10:19—13:25)(10:19—13:25)

Superior Things (10:19-39)Superior Things (10:19-39)Superior Actions (11:1-40)Superior Actions (11:1-40)Superior Relationship (12:1-29)Superior Relationship (12:1-29)Superior Way of Life (13:1-25)Superior Way of Life (13:1-25)

In our study of In our study of 5:11—6:3 we found we found Paul striving to wean a 30-year old Paul striving to wean a 30-year old congre-gation from the milk of the congre-gation from the milk of the

Old Testa-ment world of Old Testa-ment world of prophecies, types, and shadows of prophecies, types, and shadows of the coming Christ and push them the coming Christ and push them forward … deeper into the New forward … deeper into the New

Testament world of their Testament world of their fulfillment in Jesus who would (and fulfillment in Jesus who would (and

did) fulfill all things in the AD 70 did) fulfill all things in the AD 70 destruction of Je-rusalem, Judaism, destruction of Je-rusalem, Judaism,

and its Temple (and its Temple (cf. cf. Luke 21:22).).

He ended that section saying, He ended that section saying, And this we will do if God permits, , indicating that he just hoped it indicating that he just hoped it wasn’t too late for them—that they wasn’t too late for them—that they weren’t already too far gone to get weren’t already too far gone to get them turned around before the them turned around before the perfection or the end occurred, be-perfection or the end occurred, be-cause they’d be destroyed (lost) cause they’d be destroyed (lost) right along with the rest of the right along with the rest of the Jews if they Jews if they didn’t get back on their didn’t get back on their previous course.previous course.

After the statement of After the statement of 6:3, Paul , Paul contin-ued with his warning by contin-ued with his warning by discussing the despair of apostasy. discussing the despair of apostasy. Let’s begin with the root Let’s begin with the root statement in… statement in…

For it’s For it’s impossible … if impossible … if they shall fall they shall fall away, to renew away, to renew them again to them again to repentance, repentance, since they since they crucify for crucify for themselves the themselves the Son of God and Son of God and put Him to an put Him to an open shame.open shame.

HebrewHebrews s 6:4a & 6:4a & 6 6

For it’s For it’s impossible … if impossible … if they shall they shall fall fall awayaway, to renew , to renew them again to them again to repentance, repentance, since they since they crucify for crucify for themselves the themselves the Son of God and Son of God and put Him to an put Him to an open shame.open shame.

The original term The original term for this phrase for this phrase means means to deviate to deviate or turn aside or turn aside fromfrom..

The original term The original term for this phrase for this phrase means means to deviate to deviate or turn aside or turn aside fromfrom..


This word is This word is related to one related to one Paul used in Paul used in Gal. 5:4 when he told when he told those Christians those Christians (who were having a (who were having a similar problem)similar problem), , You have become es-tranged from Christ, you who attempt to be justified by law; you have fallen fallen fromfrom grace..

This word is This word is related to one related to one Paul used in Paul used in Gal. 5:4 when he told when he told those Christians those Christians (who were having a (who were having a similar problem)similar problem), , You have become es-tranged from Christ, you who attempt to be justified by law; you have fallen fallen fromfrom grace..


In Hebrews Paul In Hebrews Paul wasn’t talking wasn’t talking about falling into about falling into a moral sin & not a moral sin & not repenting of it repenting of it (although that could (although that could perhaps be in-perhaps be in-cluded)cluded); he was re-; he was re-ferring to ferring to apostasyapostasy..

In Hebrews Paul In Hebrews Paul wasn’t talking wasn’t talking about falling into about falling into a moral sin & not a moral sin & not repenting of it repenting of it (although that could (although that could perhaps be in-perhaps be in-cluded)cluded); he was re-; he was re-ferring to ferring to apostasyapostasy..


To apostatize To apostatize means means to to abandon one’s abandon one’s faithfaith, which is , which is what what PaulPaul spokespoke ofof inin 3:12:: Beware, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief in de-parting from … God..

To apostatize To apostatize means means to to abandon one’s abandon one’s faithfaith, which is , which is what what PaulPaul spokespoke ofof inin 3:12:: Beware, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief in de-parting from … God..

For it’s For it’s impossible … if impossible … if they shall fall they shall fall away, to away, to renewrenew them again to them again to repentance, repentance, since they since they crucify for crucify for themselves the themselves the Son of God and Son of God and put Him to an put Him to an open shame.open shame.

The term for this The term for this word is word is interesting: There interesting: There are two Greek are two Greek words for words for new::

neosneos refers to refers to something something new in new in timetime, and, and kainoskainos

refers to refers to something something new in new in conditioncondition—to —to some-thing that some-thing that has been has been restored.restored.

The term for this The term for this word is word is interesting: There interesting: There are two Greek are two Greek words for words for new::

neosneos refers to refers to something something new in new in timetime, and, and kainoskainos

refers to refers to something something new in new in conditioncondition—to —to some-thing that some-thing that has been has been restored.restored.

For it’s For it’s impossible … if impossible … if they shall fall they shall fall away, to away, to renewrenew them again to them again to repentance, repentance, since they since they crucify for crucify for themselves the themselves the Son of God and Son of God and put Him to an put Him to an open shame.open shame.

The original word The original word here is fromhere is from

kainoskainos with a with a prefix added for prefix added for repetition. I.e., it repetition. I.e., it refers to refers to something which something which had already been had already been reconditioned reconditioned once; so to once; so to renew it was to it was to recondition it recondition it againagain..

The original word The original word here is fromhere is from

kainoskainos with a with a prefix added for prefix added for repetition. I.e., it repetition. I.e., it refers to refers to something which something which had already been had already been reconditioned reconditioned once; so to once; so to renew it was to it was to recondition it recondition it againagain..

For it’s For it’s impossible … if impossible … if they shall fall they shall fall away, to renew away, to renew them again to them again to repentancerepentance, , since they since they crucify for crucify for themselves the themselves the Son of God and Son of God and put Him to an put Him to an open shame.open shame.

Due to the way Due to the way this word is used this word is used here here (as a state or (as a state or place)place), it brings to , it brings to mind the reality mind the reality that repent-ance that repent-ance is a gift of God, a is a gift of God, a gift in the sense gift in the sense that He chose to that He chose to al-low repentance al-low repentance on the part of on the part of man in order to man in order to acquire sal-acquire sal-vation. E.g…. vation. E.g….

Due to the way Due to the way this word is used this word is used here here (as a state or (as a state or place)place), it brings to , it brings to mind the reality mind the reality that repent-ance that repent-ance is a gift of God, a is a gift of God, a gift in the sense gift in the sense that He chose to that He chose to al-low repentance al-low repentance on the part of on the part of man in order to man in order to acquire sal-acquire sal-vation. E.g…. vation. E.g….


In In Acts 11:18 we we read about how read about how God has God has granted to the Gentiles repentance to life; and in ; and in 2 Tim. 2:25 Paul spoke Paul spoke of being patient of being patient with quarrelers in with quarrelers in case God grants case God grants them re-them re-pentance, fitting pentance, fitting perfectly with perfectly with 6:3::if God permits..

In In Acts 11:18 we we read about how read about how God has God has granted to the Gentiles repentance to life; and in ; and in 2 Tim. 2:25 Paul spoke Paul spoke of being patient of being patient with quarrelers in with quarrelers in case God grants case God grants them re-them re-pentance, fitting pentance, fitting perfectly with perfectly with 6:3::if God permits..


God is the only God is the only One One who perfectly who perfectly knowsknows the heart the heart of a man of a man concerning concerning whether it’s whether it’s possible to possible to change him or change him or not, so we’re just not, so we’re just to do our duty, to do our duty, and let Him take and let Him take care of the rest. care of the rest. (But let’s not for-get (But let’s not for-get there are excep-there are excep-tions to this rule, tions to this rule, e.g., e.g., Mat. 7:6 & & 18:15-17.).)

God is the only God is the only One One who perfectly who perfectly knowsknows the heart the heart of a man of a man concerning concerning whether it’s whether it’s possible to possible to change him or change him or not, so we’re just not, so we’re just to do our duty, to do our duty, and let Him take and let Him take care of the rest. care of the rest. (But let’s not for-get (But let’s not for-get there are excep-there are excep-tions to this rule, tions to this rule, e.g., e.g., Mat. 7:6 & & 18:15-17.).)

For it’s For it’s impossibleimpossible … if … if they shall fall they shall fall away, to renew away, to renew them again to them again to repentance, repentance, since they since they crucify for crucify for themselves the themselves the Son of God and Son of God and put Him to an put Him to an open shame.open shame.

According to the According to the Greek scholars, Greek scholars, the original word the original word here cannot be here cannot be toned down to toned down to mean mean diffi-cultdiffi-cult; ; i.e., it really does i.e., it really does mean mean impos-sibleimpos-sible! ! But why? But why?

According to the According to the Greek scholars, Greek scholars, the original word the original word here cannot be here cannot be toned down to toned down to mean mean diffi-cultdiffi-cult; ; i.e., it really does i.e., it really does mean mean impos-sibleimpos-sible! ! But why? But why?


Since God rejects Since God rejects those who reject those who reject Him & His Him & His teachings (teachings (as we’ll as we’ll see in see in 6:8-9); He ); He cannot and will cannot and will not save anyone not save anyone against his/her against his/her will!will!

Since God rejects Since God rejects those who reject those who reject Him & His Him & His teachings (teachings (as we’ll as we’ll see in see in 6:8-9); He ); He cannot and will cannot and will not save anyone not save anyone against his/her against his/her will!will!


Yes, a person on Yes, a person on his own can his own can choose to choose to rereassociate associate himself with what himself with what he had previously he had previously rejected, but he rejected, but he will will notnot be forced; be forced; this is why Paul this is why Paul said said we ( (v. 3) and ) and why it’s impos-why it’s impos-sible to renew sible to renew him, implying that him, implying that it can not be it can not be accomplished by accomplished by someone else.someone else.

Yes, a person on Yes, a person on his own can his own can choose to choose to rereassociate associate himself with what himself with what he had previously he had previously rejected, but he rejected, but he will will notnot be forced; be forced; this is why Paul this is why Paul said said we ( (v. 3) and ) and why it’s impos-why it’s impos-sible to renew sible to renew him, implying that him, implying that it can not be it can not be accomplished by accomplished by someone else.someone else.


The question The question arises, arises, Why did Why did Paul speak of the Paul speak of the impossibility of a impossibility of a return? Haven’t return? Haven’t we heard of we heard of people who fell people who fell away from the away from the church & came church & came back?back? Sure. So Sure. So what is the deal what is the deal here? here? Well… Well…

The question The question arises, arises, Why did Why did Paul speak of the Paul speak of the impossibility of a impossibility of a return? Haven’t return? Haven’t we heard of we heard of people who fell people who fell away from the away from the church & came church & came back?back? Sure. So Sure. So what is the deal what is the deal here? here? Well… Well…

For it’s For it’s impossible … if impossible … if they shall fall they shall fall away, to renew away, to renew them again to them again to repentance, repentance, since since they they crucify for crucify for themselves the themselves the Son of God and Son of God and put Him to an put Him to an open shameopen shame..

Paul said this sort Paul said this sort of people would of people would be be im-possible to to restore because…restore because…

Paul said this sort Paul said this sort of people would of people would be be im-possible to to restore because…restore because…

For it’s For it’s impossible … if impossible … if they shall fall they shall fall away, to renew away, to renew them again to them again to repentance, repentance, since they since they crucifycrucify for for themselves themselves the the Son of God and Son of God and put Him to an put Him to an open shame.open shame.

This phrase likely This phrase likely means means to their to their de-trimentde-triment; see, ; see, to return to to return to Judaism would be Judaism would be to renege on to renege on Jesus being the Jesus being the Messiah, meaning Messiah, meaning that He was that He was worthy of death.worthy of death.

Besides that… Besides that…

This phrase likely This phrase likely means means to their to their de-trimentde-triment; see, ; see, to return to to return to Judaism would be Judaism would be to renege on to renege on Jesus being the Jesus being the Messiah, meaning Messiah, meaning that He was that He was worthy of death.worthy of death.

Besides that… Besides that…

For it’s For it’s impossible … if impossible … if they shall fall they shall fall away, to renew away, to renew them again to them again to repentance, repentance, since they since they crucify for crucify for themselves the themselves the Son of God andSon of God and put Him to an put Him to an open shameopen shame..

The The putting Him to an open shame idea seems to idea seems to contrast the contrast the for themselves idea; idea; i.e., they’d not i.e., they’d not only crucify Jesus only crucify Jesus to their own loss, to their own loss, but (but (by forsaking by forsaking what they once what they once professedprofessed) they’d ) they’d also bring also bring blasphemy & blasphemy & shame on Him in shame on Him in the eyes of the eyes of others. So… others. So…

The The putting Him to an open shame idea seems to idea seems to contrast the contrast the for themselves idea; idea; i.e., they’d not i.e., they’d not only crucify Jesus only crucify Jesus to their own loss, to their own loss, but (but (by forsaking by forsaking what they once what they once professedprofessed) they’d ) they’d also bring also bring blasphemy & blasphemy & shame on Him in shame on Him in the eyes of the eyes of others. So… others. So…

For it’s For it’s impossible … if impossible … if they shall fall they shall fall away, to renew away, to renew them again to them again to repentance, repentance, since they since they crucify for crucify for themselves the themselves the Son of God andSon of God and put Him to an put Him to an open shameopen shame..

Instead of Instead of glorying in the glorying in the cross, they’d be cross, they’d be encouraging encouraging people to see only people to see only the shame in it, the shame in it, for to be crucified for to be crucified as a criminal was as a criminal was an ex-tremely an ex-tremely shameful way to shameful way to die (die (Gal. 3:13 & & 5:11). Now…). Now…

Let’s return to Let’s return to verse 4 to to consider Paul’s consider Paul’s description of this description of this sort of people: sort of people:

Instead of Instead of glorying in the glorying in the cross, they’d be cross, they’d be encouraging encouraging people to see only people to see only the shame in it, the shame in it, for to be crucified for to be crucified as a criminal was as a criminal was an ex-tremely an ex-tremely shameful way to shameful way to die (die (Gal. 3:13 & & 5:11). Now…). Now…

Let’s return to Let’s return to verse 4 to to consider Paul’s consider Paul’s description of this description of this sort of people: sort of people:

HebrewHebrews s 6:4b-5 6:4b-5

……those who those who were once were once enlightenedenlightened, , and have tasted and have tasted the heavenly the heavenly gift, and have gift, and have become become partakers of the partakers of the Holy Spirit, and Holy Spirit, and have tasted the have tasted the good Word of good Word of God and the God and the powers of the powers of the age to come…age to come…

Before defining Before defining these, let me say these, let me say that I believe that I believe these 5 subjects these 5 subjects are not only in a are not only in a staircase series, staircase series, but the last 4 also but the last 4 also simultaneously simultaneously describe the first describe the first one. So let’s one. So let’s consid-er the first consid-er the first one, not just in one, not just in the series, but the series, but alsoalso inin contextu-al contextu-al significance.significance.

Before defining Before defining these, let me say these, let me say that I believe that I believe these 5 subjects these 5 subjects are not only in a are not only in a staircase series, staircase series, but the last 4 also but the last 4 also simultaneously simultaneously describe the first describe the first one. So let’s one. So let’s consid-er the first consid-er the first one, not just in one, not just in the series, but the series, but alsoalso inin contextu-al contextu-al significance.significance.


The term for The term for en-lightened could could re-fer to two re-fer to two things, either things, either separately or separately or simultaneously: It simultaneously: It could refer to could refer to un-un-derstandingderstanding in in gen-eral, bringing gen-eral, bringing in the generic in the generic idea of this word idea of this word being describ-ed being describ-ed by the following by the following four subjects. four subjects. Or…Or…

The term for The term for en-lightened could could re-fer to two re-fer to two things, either things, either separately or separately or simultaneously: It simultaneously: It could refer to could refer to un-un-derstandingderstanding in in gen-eral, bringing gen-eral, bringing in the generic in the generic idea of this word idea of this word being describ-ed being describ-ed by the following by the following four subjects. four subjects. Or…Or…


It could refer to It could refer to baptismbaptism, because , because this Greek word this Greek word was used in the was used in the first few centuries first few centuries to indicate the to indicate the result of one who result of one who came to under-came to under-stand, bringing in stand, bringing in the more specific the more specific staircase idea staircase idea with the first stepwith the first step—bap-tism. Or… —bap-tism. Or…

It could refer to It could refer to baptismbaptism, because , because this Greek word this Greek word was used in the was used in the first few centuries first few centuries to indicate the to indicate the result of one who result of one who came to under-came to under-stand, bringing in stand, bringing in the more specific the more specific staircase idea staircase idea with the first stepwith the first step—bap-tism. Or… —bap-tism. Or…


ItIt couldcould referrefer toto

both of these both of these ideas con-ideas con-currently; this is currently; this is what I believe be-what I believe be-cause the word cause the word once means means once-once-for-allfor-all, bringing , bringing up some-thingup some-thing

donedone onlyonly once —once —like like baptismbaptism, , while the last four while the last four useuse thethe word word having, con-, con-necting them to necting them to the word the word enlightened..

ItIt couldcould referrefer toto

both of these both of these ideas con-ideas con-currently; this is currently; this is what I believe be-what I believe be-cause the word cause the word once means means once-once-for-allfor-all, bringing , bringing up some-thingup some-thing

donedone onlyonly once —once —like like baptismbaptism, , while the last four while the last four useuse thethe word word having, con-, con-necting them to necting them to the word the word enlightened..


Concerning Concerning under-standingunder-standing, , we’re re-minded we’re re-minded of numerous of numerous passages, and passages, and here are a couple: here are a couple:

Concerning Concerning under-standingunder-standing, , we’re re-minded we’re re-minded of numerous of numerous passages, and passages, and here are a couple: here are a couple:


Of Jesus, Of Jesus, Zacharias said, Zacharias said, To give light to those who sit in darkness ((Luke

1:79). And Paul ). And Paul wrote of wrote of the light of … know-ledge … in the face of Christ ( (2 Cor. 4:6).).

Of Jesus, Of Jesus, Zacharias said, Zacharias said, To give light to those who sit in darkness ((Luke

1:79). And Paul ). And Paul wrote of wrote of the light of … know-ledge … in the face of Christ ( (2 Cor. 4:6).).


Concerning Concerning baptismbaptism, notice a , notice a parallel passage parallel passage later in Hebrews: later in Hebrews:

Concerning Concerning baptismbaptism, notice a , notice a parallel passage parallel passage later in Hebrews: later in Hebrews:


After speaking of After speaking of receiving the receiving the know-ledge of the know-ledge of the truth in truth in 10:26,, Paul then saidPaul then said in in verse 32, , Recall [that] after you were illuminatedilluminated, you en- dured a great strug-gle. . When did they When did they begin having begin having strug- gles?strug- gles? AfterAfter theirtheir concon--version, version, of course.of course.

After speaking of After speaking of receiving the receiving the know-ledge of the know-ledge of the truth in truth in 10:26,, Paul then saidPaul then said in in verse 32, , Recall [that] after you were illuminatedilluminated, you en- dured a great strug-gle. . When did they When did they begin having begin having strug- gles?strug- gles? AfterAfter theirtheir concon--version, version, of course.of course.


This phrase This phrase means that they means that they hadhad ex-perienced ex-perienced

Christ and His Christ and His salvation in their salvation in their lives. We’re re-lives. We’re re-minded of minded of numerous numerous passages here as passages here as well, but only well, but only have time for a have time for a few: few:

This phrase This phrase means that they means that they hadhad ex-perienced ex-perienced

Christ and His Christ and His salvation in their salvation in their lives. We’re re-lives. We’re re-minded of minded of numerous numerous passages here as passages here as well, but only well, but only have time for a have time for a few: few:

……those who those who were once were once enlightened, enlightened, and have and have tasted tasted the heavenly the heavenly giftgift, and have , and have become become partakers of the partakers of the Holy Spirit, and Holy Spirit, and have tasted the have tasted the good Word of good Word of God and the God and the powers of the powers of the age to come…age to come…

In In John 4:10 Jesus Jesus said of Himself, said of Himself, If [only] you knew the gift of God. . Then laterThen later inin 6:51 He said, He said, I am the living bread which came down from

Heaven. If any-one eats of this bread, he will live forever. And… . And…

In In John 4:10 Jesus Jesus said of Himself, said of Himself, If [only] you knew the gift of God. . Then laterThen later inin 6:51 He said, He said, I am the living bread which came down from

Heaven. If any-one eats of this bread, he will live forever. And… . And…


Speaking of Jesus, Speaking of Jesus, Peter wrote, Peter wrote, You have tasted that the Lord is gracious((1 Pet. 2:3).).

Speaking of Jesus, Speaking of Jesus, Peter wrote, Peter wrote, You have tasted that the Lord is gracious((1 Pet. 2:3).).


This phrase pro-This phrase pro-bably refers to bably refers to the idea found in the idea found in 1 Cor. 6:19: : Do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit?, , remini-scent of remini-scent of Eph. 1:13-14 which applied which applied solely to solely to Christians of that Christians of that initial gener-initial gener-ation:ation:

This phrase pro-This phrase pro-bably refers to bably refers to the idea found in the idea found in 1 Cor. 6:19: : Do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit?, , remini-scent of remini-scent of Eph. 1:13-14 which applied which applied solely to solely to Christians of that Christians of that initial gener-initial gener-ation:ation:

……those who those who were once were once enlightened, enlightened, and have tasted and have tasted the heavenly the heavenly gift, and have gift, and have becomebecome partakers of the partakers of the Holy SpiritHoly Spirit, and , and have tasted the have tasted the good Word of good Word of God and the God and the powers of the powers of the age to come…age to come…

In Christ you also trusted, after you heard the word of truth, the

Gospel of your salvation; in whom also, having believed, you were

sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise, who is the guar-antee of

our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased

posses-sion. How perfectly this How perfectly this passage parallels the one we’re passage parallels the one we’re

studying today!studying today!

This phrase is This phrase is inter-esting inter-esting because it’s because it’s suggestive of the suggestive of the various times just various times just such a phrase was such a phrase was used in the OT, used in the OT, re-ferring to re-ferring to positive things. positive things. E.g….E.g….

This phrase is This phrase is inter-esting inter-esting because it’s because it’s suggestive of the suggestive of the various times just various times just such a phrase was such a phrase was used in the OT, used in the OT, re-ferring to re-ferring to positive things. positive things. E.g….E.g….

……those who those who were once were once enlightened, enlightened, and have tasted and have tasted the heavenly the heavenly gift, and have gift, and have becomebecome partakers of the partakers of the Holy Spirit, and Holy Spirit, and have tasted have tasted the the good Word of good Word of GodGod and the and the powers of the powers of the age to come…age to come…

In In Jsh. 21:45 the the promise of promise of bringing the bringing the children of Isra-el children of Isra-el into the land of into the land of Canaan was Canaan was called a called a good word from God; from God; and in and in Jer. 29:10 the bringing of the bringing of God’s people out God’s people out of capti-vity was of capti-vity was also called a also called a good word. So it’s no . So it’s no wonder that… wonder that…

In In Jsh. 21:45 the the promise of promise of bringing the bringing the children of Isra-el children of Isra-el into the land of into the land of Canaan was Canaan was called a called a good word from God; from God; and in and in Jer. 29:10 the bringing of the bringing of God’s people out God’s people out of capti-vity was of capti-vity was also called a also called a good word. So it’s no . So it’s no wonder that… wonder that…


When the writer When the writer of of Psa. 45:1 wrote wrote of the coming of the coming Messiah, he spoke Messiah, he spoke of medi-tating on of medi-tating on a a good word,,

whichwhich fitsfits per-per-fectlyfectly herehere withwith peo-ple who were peo-ple who were ex-periencing ex-periencing the good Word of God—the fulfilling of —the fulfilling of the plea-sant the plea-sant promises of the promises of the Messianic age. Messianic age. Lastly… Lastly…

When the writer When the writer of of Psa. 45:1 wrote wrote of the coming of the coming Messiah, he spoke Messiah, he spoke of medi-tating on of medi-tating on a a good word,,

whichwhich fitsfits per-per-fectlyfectly herehere withwith peo-ple who were peo-ple who were ex-periencing ex-periencing the good Word of God—the fulfilling of —the fulfilling of the plea-sant the plea-sant promises of the promises of the Messianic age. Messianic age. Lastly… Lastly…


Let’s consider this Let’s consider this phrase:phrase: JustJust asas

when we speak of when we speak of … “the powers … “the powers that be,” the Gk. that be,” the Gk. term for term for powers here was used in here was used in reference to other reference to other things besides things besides sup-ernatural sup-ernatural interven-tion in interven-tion in the material the material universe (universe (Mat. 24:29, , Tts 3:1, & , & 1 Pet. 3:22). ). So… So…

Let’s consider this Let’s consider this phrase:phrase: JustJust asas

when we speak of when we speak of … “the powers … “the powers that be,” the Gk. that be,” the Gk. term for term for powers here was used in here was used in reference to other reference to other things besides things besides sup-ernatural sup-ernatural interven-tion in interven-tion in the material the material universe (universe (Mat. 24:29, , Tts 3:1, & , & 1 Pet. 3:22). ). So… So…

……those who those who were once were once enlightened, enlightened, and have tasted and have tasted the heavenly the heavenly gift, and have gift, and have becomebecome partakers of the partakers of the Holy Spirit, and Holy Spirit, and have tasted the have tasted the good Word of good Word of God and God and the the powers of the powers of the age to comeage to come……

Especially in the context of Especially in the context of Hebrews in general (Hebrews in general (e.g. e.g. 11:35 & &

12:22-28), and since he was ), and since he was referring to the following age—the referring to the following age—the

new covenant age—about to new covenant age—about to ((mellomello) come, it seems obvious ) come, it seems obvious that Paul was referring to those that Paul was referring to those things which that dawning new things which that dawning new

age would re-sult in: age would re-sult in: reformationreformation ((Heb. 9:9-10), ), re-freshing re-freshing

restorationrestoration ( (Acts 3:19-21), ), re-re-demptiondemption ( (Eph. 1:13-14), & ), &

resurrectionresurrection ( (Luke 20:35 & & Php. 3:8-12 in which Paul even used the term in which Paul even used the term

power). Further… ). Further…

SinceSince revelation wouldrevelation would bebe completecomplete and Christ’sand Christ’s enemiesenemies wouldwould bebe

crushed,crushed, Paul may have also been Paul may have also been including the fu-ture of the including the fu-ture of the

Gospel’s increase (Gospel’s increase (cf. cf. Isa. 9:7 & & Rev. 21—22, esp. , esp. 22:17). Remember…. Remember…

TheThe churchchurch waswas inin itsits infancyinfancy duringduring

the transition period, so if it had the transition period, so if it had tasted the greatness of the tasted the greatness of the

dawning new age dawning new age thenthen ( (theythey werewere inin

thethe processprocess ofof receiving itit after all, after all, Heb.

12:28), how great it’d be when it ), how great it’d be when it finally arrived with all of its gloryfinally arrived with all of its glory

((cf. cf. 1 Cor. 13:8-12)!)!

Now on to Paul’s illustration: Now on to Paul’s illustration:

HebrewHebrews s 6:7-8 6:7-8

For the earth For the earth that drinks in that drinks in the rain that the rain that often comes often comes upon it and upon it and bears herbs bears herbs useful for those useful for those by whom it’s by whom it’s cultivated cultivated receives receives blessing from blessing from God; God; butbut ifif itit bearsbears briarsbriars & & thorns it’s reject-thorns it’s rejected & near to ed & near to being cursed, being cursed, whose end is to whose end is to be burned.be burned.

The term for The term for earth means means landland, , with primary with primary reference to reference to a a piece of landpiece of land..

The term for The term for earth means means landland, , with primary with primary reference to reference to a a piece of landpiece of land..

For the For the earthearth that drinks in that drinks in the rain that the rain that often comes often comes upon it and upon it and bears herbs bears herbs useful for those useful for those by whom it’s by whom it’s cultivated cultivated receives receives blessing from blessing from God; God; butbut ifif itit bearsbears briarsbriars & & thorns it’s reject-thorns it’s rejected & near to ed & near to being cursed, being cursed, whose end is to whose end is to be burned.be burned.

TheThe termterm forfor herbs is theis the wordword

fromfrom which we get which we get botanybotany,, the study the study of plantsof plants..

TheThe termterm forfor herbs is theis the wordword

fromfrom which we get which we get botanybotany,, the study the study of plantsof plants..

For the earth For the earth that drinks in that drinks in the rain that the rain that often comes often comes upon it and upon it and bears bears herbsherbs useful for those useful for those by whom it’s by whom it’s cultivated cultivated receives receives blessing from blessing from God; God; butbut ifif itit bearsbears briarsbriars & & thorns it’s reject-thorns it’s rejected & near to ed & near to being cursed, being cursed, whose end is to whose end is to be burned.be burned.

The term for The term for culti-vated is the word is the word from which we from which we get the name get the name GeorgeGeorge, a name , a name that refers to that refers to a a worker of land, a worker of land, a farmer, one who farmer, one who nutures a piece of nutures a piece of ground for edible ground for edible produceproduce..

The term for The term for culti-vated is the word is the word from which we from which we get the name get the name GeorgeGeorge, a name , a name that refers to that refers to a a worker of land, a worker of land, a farmer, one who farmer, one who nutures a piece of nutures a piece of ground for edible ground for edible produceproduce..

For the earth For the earth that drinks in that drinks in the rain that the rain that often comes often comes upon it and upon it and bears herbs bears herbs useful for those useful for those by whom it’s by whom it’s cultivatedcultivated receives receives blessing from blessing from God; God; butbut ifif itit bearsbears briarsbriars & & thorns it’s reject-thorns it’s rejected & near to ed & near to being cursed, being cursed, whose end is to whose end is to be burned.be burned.

The term for The term for reject-ed is the is the same word found same word found in in 1 Cor. 9:27 where, in the KJV, where, in the KJV, Paul spoke of Paul spoke of being being a castaway..

The term for The term for reject-ed is the is the same word found same word found in in 1 Cor. 9:27 where, in the KJV, where, in the KJV, Paul spoke of Paul spoke of being being a castaway..

For the earth For the earth that drinks in that drinks in the rain that the rain that often comes often comes upon it and upon it and bears herbs bears herbs useful for those useful for those by whom it’s by whom it’s cultivated cultivated receives receives blessing from blessing from God; God; butbut ifif itit bearsbears briarsbriars & & thorns it’s thorns it’s reject-reject- eded & near to & near to being cursed, being cursed, whose end is to whose end is to be burned.be burned.

The The burning here here is the is the curse, the , the result of being result of being rejected. The . The question is, question is, Why Why did he saydid he say near to being cursed, , when the normal when the normal thing to say thing to say would have been would have been it’s re-jected and will be burned??

The The burning here here is the is the curse, the , the result of being result of being rejected. The . The question is, question is, Why Why did he saydid he say near to being cursed, , when the normal when the normal thing to say thing to say would have been would have been it’s re-jected and will be burned??

For the earth For the earth that drinks in that drinks in the rain that the rain that often comes often comes upon it and upon it and bears herbs bears herbs useful for those useful for those by whom it’s by whom it’s cultivated cultivated receives receives blessing from blessing from God; God; butbut ifif itit bearsbears briarsbriars & & thorns it’s reject-thorns it’s rejected & ed & near to near to being cursed, being cursed, whose end is to whose end is to be burnedbe burned..

I believe Paul used this I believe Paul used this time time statementstatement because he had because he had

something in mind moresomething in mind more general general than just an individual who re-jects than just an individual who re-jects Christ here; i.e., the Christ here; i.e., the end he had in he had in mind was the end of Judaism that mind was the end of Judaism that liter- liter- ally ally waswas near its cursing; so, ; so, as mention-as mentioned before, whoever ed before, whoever among the Jews rejected Jesus, among the Jews rejected Jesus, even at this late date, shouldn’t even at this late date, shouldn’t

think they’d escape God’s think they’d escape God’s judgment or curse. Let’s read a judgment or curse. Let’s read a

couple of verses here. Firstly, couple of verses here. Firstly, Heb. 2:3: : How shall we escape it we neglect so great a salvation?

Secondly, turn to and read Secondly, turn to and read Heb. 10:26-29..

The The blessing from God phrase phrase corres-ponds to corres-ponds to God being the God being the Farmer (Farmer (GeorgeGeorge). ). So in other So in other words…words…

The The blessing from God phrase phrase corres-ponds to corres-ponds to God being the God being the Farmer (Farmer (GeorgeGeorge). ). So in other So in other words…words…

For the earth For the earth that drinks in that drinks in the rain that the rain that often comes often comes upon it and upon it and bears herbs bears herbs useful for those useful for those by whom it’s by whom it’s cultivated cultivated receives receives blessing from blessing from GodGod; ; butbut ifif itit bearsbears briarsbriars & & thorns it’s reject-thorns it’s rejected & near to ed & near to being cursed, being cursed, whose end is to whose end is to be burned.be burned.

When the farmer sees that a When the farmer sees that a piece of ground yields useful piece of ground yields useful

crops, he cares for it with more crops, he cares for it with more water and so on; but if it doesn’t water and so on; but if it doesn’t yield useful crops, he wastes no yield useful crops, he wastes no more time, energy, or re-sources more time, energy, or re-sources on it, moving on to other ground. on it, moving on to other ground.

This should remind us of both This should remind us of both genericgeneric and and specificspecific ideas. I.e.… ideas. I.e.…

The The generalgeneral would apply to how would apply to how that God had tried and tried with that God had tried and tried with the Jews and had reached the end the Jews and had reached the end of His pati-ence; with this in mind, of His pati-ence; with this in mind,

Jesus once said to the Jews, Jesus once said to the Jews, The kingdom … will be taken from you and given to a na-tion bearing the

fruits of it ((Mat. 21:43).).

Now… Now…

The The specificspecific would apply to how would apply to how that Jewish Christians had plenty that Jewish Christians had plenty of time to bear fruit or be cursed; of time to bear fruit or be cursed; Jesus said, Jesus said, I’m the True Vine, and

My Father is the Vine-dresser. Every branch in Me that doesn’t

bear fruit He takes away (curses); and every branch that bears fruit

He prunes (blesses) that it may bear more fruit…. If anyone

doesn’t abide in Me, he is cast out as a branch & is withered; and

they gather them & throw them into the fire, and they are burned

((John 15: 1-2 & & 6). So again… ). So again…

This could be an This could be an either/oreither/or situation, but I believe the more situation, but I believe the more contextual way to interpret this is contextual way to interpret this is as a as a both/andboth/and situa-tion, especially situa-tion, especially if we keep in mind the audience if we keep in mind the audience and the times. Now…and the times. Now…

Just as a word of encouragement Just as a word of encouragement fol-lowed the solemn warning in fol-lowed the solemn warning in the paral-lel passage (the paral-lel passage (10:26-39), so ), so the same is true here.the same is true here.

But, beloved, But, beloved, we are we are confident of confident of better things better things con-cerning con-cerning you, yes, thingsyou, yes, things

thatthat accom-pany accom-pany salvation, salvation, though we though we speak in this speak in this manner.manner.

HebrewHebrews s 6:9 6:9

By saying this, By saying this, Paul madePaul made itit clear clear thatthat he he wasn’twasn’t sayingsaying thatthat hehe believed they believed they were were presentlypresently inin thethe statestate of being of being rejected; rather rejected; rather he was trying to he was trying to head them offhead them off,,as it were, to as it were, to point them back point them back in the right in the right direction (direction (cf. cf. 3: 12 & & 4:1).).

By saying this, By saying this, Paul madePaul made itit clear clear thatthat he he wasn’twasn’t sayingsaying thatthat hehe believed they believed they were were presentlypresently inin thethe statestate of being of being rejected; rather rejected; rather he was trying to he was trying to head them offhead them off,,as it were, to as it were, to point them back point them back in the right in the right direction (direction (cf. cf. 3: 12 & & 4:1).).

But, beloved, But, beloved, we are we are confident of confident of better things better things con-cerning con-cerning youyou, yes, things, yes, things

thatthat accom-pany accom-pany salvation, salvation, though we though we speak in this speak in this manner.manner.

ThisThis phrasephrase

describesdescribes the the better things; i.e., ; i.e., not only does this not only does this indicate that Paul indicate that Paul believed them to believed them to still be in a saved still be in a saved condition, but it condition, but it also —and also —and primarily—in-primarily—in-dicates that dicates that they’d they’d bearbear a lot a lot ofof fruit,fruit, much like much like what he what he mentioned in the mentioned in the next verse. next verse.

ThisThis phrasephrase

describesdescribes the the better things; i.e., ; i.e., not only does this not only does this indicate that Paul indicate that Paul believed them to believed them to still be in a saved still be in a saved condition, but it condition, but it also —and also —and primarily—in-primarily—in-dicates that dicates that they’d they’d bearbear a lot a lot ofof fruit,fruit, much like much like what he what he mentioned in the mentioned in the next verse. next verse.

But, beloved, But, beloved, we are we are confident of confident of better things better things con-cerning con-cerning you, yes, you, yes, thingsthings

thatthat accom-pany accom-pany salvationsalvation, , though we though we speak in this speak in this manner.manner.

For God is not For God is not un-just to forget un-just to forget your work and your work and labor of love labor of love which you have which you have shown to-ward shown to-ward His name in that His name in that you have you have ministered to ministered to the saints and the saints and do minister.do minister.

HebrewHebrews s 6:10 6:10

For God is not For God is not un-just to forget un-just to forget your work and your work and laborlabor of love of love which you have which you have shown to-ward shown to-ward His name in that His name in that you have you have ministered to ministered to the saints and the saints and do minister.do minister.

There’s no word There’s no word for for labor in the in the original; so it original; so it should read more should read more like the RSV: like the RSV: For God is not unjust as to overlook your work and the love which you showed for His sake in serv-ing the saints..

There’s no word There’s no word for for labor in the in the original; so it original; so it should read more should read more like the RSV: like the RSV: For God is not unjust as to overlook your work and the love which you showed for His sake in serv-ing the saints..

This verse demonstrates that just This verse demonstrates that just as Christ is persecuted when His as Christ is persecuted when His people are persecuted (people are persecuted (cf. cf. Acts 9:4), so God is served when His ), so God is served when His

people are served (people are served (cf. cf. Mat. 25:40); ); and a personal example of thisand a personal example of this isis

foundfound inin 10:34 wherewhere PaulPaul spoke of spoke of their ministering to his needs. By their ministering to his needs. By

the way, if this is indeed the the way, if this is indeed the church in Jerusalem, Paul might church in Jerusalem, Paul might

even have had all the benevolent even have had all the benevolent deeds of deeds of Acts 2:44-45, , 4:32-37, ,

and and 6:1-6 in mind. in mind.

And we desire And we desire thatthat each one of each one of you you showshow thethe

samesame dili-diligence gence to the full to the full assurance of assurance of hope until the hope until the end, that youend, that you dodo

notnot become become sluggish, but sluggish, but imi-tate those imi-tate those who through who through faith and faith and patience inherit patience inherit the promises.the promises.

HebrewHebrews s 6:11-126:11-12

The term for The term for desire here is a here is a very strong word, very strong word, meaning that this meaning that this is what Paul is what Paul reallyreally wanted for wanted for them!them!

The term for The term for desire here is a here is a very strong word, very strong word, meaning that this meaning that this is what Paul is what Paul reallyreally wanted for wanted for them!them!

And we And we desiredesire thatthat each one of each one of you you showshow thethe



This phrase refers This phrase refers back to back to verse 10; ; i.e., Paul was en-i.e., Paul was en-couraging them to couraging them to work just as hard work just as hard at securing their at securing their hope to the end hope to the end as they had as they had worked in serv-worked in serv-ing their ing their brethren.brethren.

This phrase refers This phrase refers back to back to verse 10; ; i.e., Paul was en-i.e., Paul was en-couraging them to couraging them to work just as hard work just as hard at securing their at securing their hope to the end hope to the end as they had as they had worked in serv-worked in serv-ing their ing their brethren.brethren.




The end is equal is equal to the time when to the time when they would they would inherit the promises,, whichwhich we’llwe’ll get to get to momentarily.momentarily.

The end is equal is equal to the time when to the time when they would they would inherit the promises,, whichwhich we’llwe’ll get to get to momentarily.momentarily.


samesame dili-diligence gence to the full to the full assurance of assurance of hope until hope until the the endend, that you, that you dodo

notnot become become sluggish, but sluggish, but imi-tate those imi-tate those who through who through faith and faith and patience patience inherit inherit the promisesthe promises..

Sluggish is an is an anto-nym for anto-nym for diligence; to the ; to the Romans Paul once Romans Paul once wrote (wrote (in para-in para-phrasephrase),), Don’t be Don’t be slothful in slothful in diligence, but be diligence, but be zealous in spirit, zealous in spirit, serving the Lordserving the Lord ((Rom. 12:11).).

Sluggish is an is an anto-nym for anto-nym for diligence; to the ; to the Romans Paul once Romans Paul once wrote (wrote (in para-in para-phrasephrase),), Don’t be Don’t be slothful in slothful in diligence, but be diligence, but be zealous in spirit, zealous in spirit, serving the Lordserving the Lord ((Rom. 12:11).).



notnot become become sluggishsluggish, but , but imi-tate those imi-tate those who through who through faith and faith and patience inherit patience inherit the promises.the promises.

The term for The term for imitate is the is the word from which word from which we get our word we get our word mimicmimic..

The term for The term for imitate is the is the word from which word from which we get our word we get our word mimicmimic..



notnot become become sluggish, but sluggish, but imi-tate imi-tate those those who through who through faith and faith and patience inherit patience inherit the promises.the promises.

Patience would would probably be probably be better translated better translated here as here as long-long-sufferingsuffering oror en-en-durancedurance ( (cf. cf. 10:32).).

Patience would would probably be probably be better translated better translated here as here as long-long-sufferingsuffering oror en-en-durancedurance ( (cf. cf. 10:32).).



notnot become become sluggish, but sluggish, but imi-tate those imi-tate those who through who through faith and faith and patiencepatience inherit inherit the promises.the promises.

This phrase more This phrase more literally reads, literally reads, those who are those who are inheriting the inheriting the promisespromises ( (cf. cf. 12:28); i.e., they, ); i.e., they, un-like those of un-like those of 11:13 & & 39, had , had the privi-lege of the privi-lege of living when the living when the promises were promises were being fulfilled.being fulfilled.

This phrase more This phrase more literally reads, literally reads, those who are those who are inheriting the inheriting the promisespromises ( (cf. cf. 12:28); i.e., they, ); i.e., they, un-like those of un-like those of 11:13 & & 39, had , had the privi-lege of the privi-lege of living when the living when the promises were promises were being fulfilled.being fulfilled.



notnot become become sluggish, but sluggish, but imi-tate imi-tate those those whowho through through faith and faith and patience patience inherit inherit the promisesthe promises..

In In 10:36 Paul Paul simi-larly said, simi-larly said, You have need of endurance so that after you have done the will of God, you may receive the promise..

In In 10:36 Paul Paul simi-larly said, simi-larly said, You have need of endurance so that after you have done the will of God, you may receive the promise..



notnot become become sluggish, but sluggish, but imi-tate imi-tate those those whowho through through faith and faith and patience patience inherit inherit the promisesthe promises..

Documents

A Study Of The Apostle Paul’s Letter To The Hebrews Don’t drift away! Don’t neglect your salvation! Don’t Depart! Don’t fall away! Don’t cast away your