Hebrews Bible Study – Chapter 6
Warnings Against Falling Away and Encouragement Toward Maturity
By Jinu Ninan

1. Therefore, concerning the elementary teachings about dead works, faith toward God, instructions about washings, laying on of hands, resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment, we should, without repeatedly dwelling on the basics, strive to advance toward full knowledge of Christ. 3. If God permits, we will do so.

From this chapter onward, the author provides more detailed teaching on Christ’s high priestly ministry and subjects that lead from the elementary lessons toward maturity.

The author urges readers to progress beyond the elementary teachings of God’s Word toward spiritual maturity. The elementary teachings are: repentance from dead works, faith toward God, instruction about washings, laying on of hands, resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment. These are foundational instructions. Yet, God’s desire is that one should not remain only at the foundation but attain complete knowledge of Christ. Scripture says that those who can only drink milk are like infants or spiritually immature.

Regrettably, in most modern Gospel churches, study tends to repeat the elementary teachings. Many congregations function merely as “nursery centers,” and because believers do not grow toward full knowledge of Christ, envy, strife, and division continue within them. Even the leaders of many such churches remain spiritually immature, which is why they compete for positions.

However, a believer must not remain at these elementary teachings but strive for full knowledge of Christ. The author gives warnings about the dangers that can arise if this effort is neglected.

Hebrews 6:3–6:
Those who once have experienced the heavenly gift, shared in the Holy Spirit, tasted the good Word of God, and the powers of the coming age, and then fall away, are impossible to renew again to repentance, since they crucify again the Son of God for themselves and put Him to an open shame.

This is a highly discussed passage with many interpretations. Often, theologians produce explanations that fit their ideas of security of salvation when this passage seems contradictory.

One important interpretation to mention is that the “falling away” here does not refer to people who have never been saved. On the contrary, those described as having experienced the heavenly gift, tasted God’s Word, and shared in the Holy Spirit are evidently saved.

Another interpretation suggests it refers not to falling from salvation but from maturity in knowledge. However, this is also incorrect because, from the first chapter, the author of Hebrews uses the word “falling away” to indicate falling away from salvation and faith. Continuous warnings indicate this leads to destruction.

As stated in the introduction, the author encourages believers to persist in faith in Christ and also warns about the consequences of rejecting Christ and falling away into unbelief.

The author repeatedly reminds readers of the eternal judgment that awaits those who abandon faith, citing examples such as Esau, who, though promised, later rejected the blessing.

One of the most debated topics for a student of theology is the security of salvation. Regrettably, those who sincerely desire to study this often lean toward either the extreme of “losing salvation immediately when sinning” or “salvation cannot be lost under any circumstance.” Many end up in these extremes due to not understanding the full meaning of Scripture.

What Scripture teaches is this: salvation is a gift from God, received by grace through faith. (Ephesians 2:5) No external power—worldly forces, demons, sin—can remove salvation once received by a believer (Romans 8:35, 38–39). God never retracts His gifts (Romans 11:29). Hence, salvation is completely secure in God’s hands.

However, Scripture also contains warnings regarding the believer’s volition. While salvation is secure in God’s power, the believer must respond faithfully. Scripture consistently issues strong warnings to believers who persist in sin without repentance.

A saved person who continues in sin will experience the Holy Spirit’s strong corrective interventions, including chastisement, giving time to repent, but God does not forcibly override the individual’s volition. Nevertheless, Scripture warns that persistent rejection hardens the heart, eventually leading to a state where the gift of salvation may be rejected through unbelief. (Hebrews 3:13)

In short: God will never lose a person who repents from sin, but a hardened heart that refuses repentance can ultimately reject God’s gift of salvation. This is the warning the author gives in Hebrews 6.

Hebrews 6:7–8:
Just as rain that falls on the earth produces useful crops if cultivated, so God’s blessing is received when His Word is planted in the heart. But if the heart resists, thorns and thistles grow, and ultimately the end is destruction.

God’s Word is like seed rain, intended to produce fruit in the heart, but human resistance hardens the heart and produces thorns instead of crops. Hence, the author repeatedly warns: “Do not harden your hearts as Israel did in rebellion.” The final result of such rebellion is judgment.

Hebrews 6:9–12:
Despite these warnings, the author assures readers that they have shared in the best blessings of salvation, and God will not forget the good works they have done. The author encourages them to persist in zeal, endurance, and faithfulness to inherit the promises fully, following the example of the faithful from the Old Testament.

The following section examines Abraham, who received God’s promises by faith and patience.

Hebrews 6:13–15:
God confirmed His promise to Abraham with an oath because there was no one greater to swear by. He promised: “I will bless you and multiply you.” Abraham patiently waited and received the promise.

Genesis 12:2–3 states God’s promise to make Abraham a great nation, bless him, and bless all families of the earth through him. Genesis 22:18 confirms that God swore by Himself that Abraham’s descendants would bless all nations.

Because there is no one greater than God, He confirmed His promise Himself, demonstrating that His purpose does not change.

Hebrews 6:18–20:
The author teaches that God’s promises and confirmations are unchangeable, giving us a strong encouragement to hold fast to hope. In the new covenant, God’s promises of access to His presence and spiritual blessings through Jesus Christ are also unchangeable, because Christ’s priesthood guarantees it (Hebrews 7:20).

Jesus has entered the heavenly sanctuary, as our High Priest according to the order of Melchizedek, securing our confident access. Through His death and resurrection, He has purified us and provided direct access to the Most Holy Place. The next chapter will explain more about Melchizedek and his priestly order.