Spiritual maturity is for every believer!

A study of Hebrews 6 brings fear to many because of the strong warning in verses 4-8. I believe a proper understanding of that warning begins in verses 1-3. I believe difficult passages must be interpreted in the light of clear passages. Based on the person and work of Jesus Christ, the warning in Hebrews can’t refer to the loss of salvation. Therefore, what is the true meaning of verses 4-8?

The purpose of Hebrews 6 is to call Christians to spiritual maturity, not to the threat of perdition. The writer declared that he and the readers needed to move on from relearning the basics of spiritual truths and grow deeper in those truths. It is easy to misunderstand what is meant by leaving the elementary doctrine of Christ. The things listed are important doctrinal issues. William L. Lane states the writer . . . is not dismissing it but regarding it as so well established that the urgent need is for a fuller appreciation and application of that teaching.

Each doctrinal point in the list was part of Judaism as well as Christianity. This week’s lesson enables one to identify the distinction between the two. A key to understanding the meaning of verses 1-3 is the relationship it has to the warning of verses 4-8. Both center on the Jewish converts’ commitment to the Christian meanings and not turning back to the Jewish meanings. Donald Hagner states a plausible reason for the readers’ immaturity, They may have been trying to survive with a minimal Christianity in order to avoid alienating their Jewish friends or relatives. Also, it is possible that the warnings in Hebrews are meant to encourage Hebrew believers not to slip back to Old Testament meanings.

Of course, the warning passages are meant for every Christian. For Gentile Christians, I believe the emphasis of this passage is the importance of pursuing spiritual maturity. It does not require complete knowledge but deeper understanding and fuller application of what has been learned. Zane Hodges, What he wanted them to do was to press forward. But he was perfectly aware that this required more than his effort to challenge his readers to make progress.

A final note concerning spiritual maturity is found in verse 3, And this we will do if God permits. I believe this statement sets the stage for the upcoming warning. It is an important reminder that spiritual maturity is not guaranteed by human effort. The writer desires that every Christian would become spiritually mature. Yet, he knows that spiritual maturity is the work of God. Thomas Constable, Spiritual maturity does not come by our striving in self-effort but by our cooperating with God as we do His will depending on His help. We could easily substitute spiritual maturity with the word sanctification which is the privilege of moving forward in conformity to Christ empowered by the Holy Spirit.

May we seek God’s wisdom as we seek to more deeply understand the doctrine of Christ. There is only one foundation which is solid and that is Jesus Christ. Let’s not only make Him our foundation but by God’s grace, may we build on that foundation lives that glorify Him.

As we continue the study in Hebrews, take to heart the words of R. Kent Hughes, It was possible for Hebrew converts to yield gradually to hostile pressures from the old life and give up more and more of the distinctives of their new faith without much notice—and some were doing just that! . . . if we are sliding, losing our grasp on things that were once clear, caring less about God and holiness and the world, we had better drop everything and tend to our souls.

May we tend to our souls as we dig deep in the Word of God. Join the study of Hebrews 6:1-3 which may be found under the Books of the Bible tab. A solid foundation is only the beginning of one’s life in Christ.