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Hebrews 6:1-8 “Stopping Means Death”

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5–8 minutes

Hebrews 6:1-8 NIV

Suggested Praise Songs:

Resources for Family Worship (with Children):

Explanation:

Starting from Hebrews 5:11, the author speaks about spiritual maturity. He expresses concern that while the readers should be ready to consume solid food, they are still at the stage of drinking milk. In Hebrews 6:1, the author rephrases “solid food” as “a mature state” and “milk” as “the elementary teachings of Christianity.” He is worried that the readers if they fail to progress in their faith and remain stuck in the basics, may eventually fall away (verse 6, “fall away”).

The author lists six important doctrines that believers should clearly understand. These six teachings can be grouped into three pairs:

  • The first pair is “repentance from dead works” and “faith in God” (verse 1).
  • The second pair is “instruction about baptisms” and “laying on of hands” (verse 2).
  • The third pair is “the resurrection of the dead” and “eternal judgment” (verse 2).

The first pair pertains to the initial stage of faith. The second pair addresses significant practices that follow believing. The term translated as “baptisms” (Greek: baptismos) can also be translated as “cleansing rites.” The “laying on of hands” may refer to the act of laying hands in prayer or for ordination. The third pair concerns the future of believers. Through this, the author emphasizes that believers must clearly understand these essential teachings — concerning the beginning, progression, and culmination of the Christian faith — in order to grow spiritually.

This growth is something we must strive for, yet it is only possible if God permits it (verse 3). Salvation originates from God. Without His permission, nothing can happen to us. Only when He shines His light can we gain a deeper understanding. However, if we close our eyes even when the light shines, we cannot benefit from it. When the light shines, we must rise and act — this is our effort toward maturity. No matter how much we strive, spiritual growth occurs only if God allows it. The readers of Hebrews are described as those who have “once been enlightened, who have tasted the heavenly gift, who have shared in the Holy Spirit, and who have tasted the goodness of the word of God and the powers of the coming age” (verses 4-5). Because of this grace, they must strive to continue growing. If they fail to do so, they risk “falling away” (verse 6), and such individuals cannot be restored again.

The author goes on to compare believers to the land. The phrase “land that drinks in the rain often falling on it” (verse 7) refers to the grace God pours out daily through the Holy Spirit. Those who remain in that grace produce “a crop useful” – good fruits. God blesses such people. On the other hand, “thorns and thistles” (verse 8) symbolize acts of unbelief and sin. Even those who claim to believe but live in such a manner become “worthless land,” which is “in danger of being cursed” and will ultimately be “burned in the fire.”

Meditation:

The Calvinist view, which emphasizes God’s absolute sovereignty, asserts that “once saved, always saved.” On the other hand, the Arminian perspective, which emphasizes human free will, argues that “salvation already received can be lost.” This debate has continued for centuries without reaching a conclusion. The book of Hebrews poses a challenge for those who emphasize God’s absolute sovereignty. Today’s passage is one of the most explicit sections in Hebrews, suggesting that “even salvation once received can be lost.”

The reason this debate remains unresolved is that God is a mystery, and our human understanding is extremely limited. While Calvinist and Arminian views on salvation may seem contradictory, they each describe different dimensions of God’s vast mystery. Neither view is entirely wrong; instead, both explain part of God’s mysterious nature. For this reason, modern discussions on this topic are less contentious than they were in the past. People have come to recognize that both perspectives contain elements of truth.

The author of Hebrews does not intend to make a doctrinal argument about salvation in today’s passage. However, he clearly acknowledges the possibility of falling away from the path of faith. He warns that neglect may lead to “drifting away” (2:1) or that one might “turn away from the living God with an unbelieving heart” (3:12). Yet, for those who have “once been enlightened, who have tasted the heavenly gift, who have shared in the Holy Spirit, and who have tasted the goodness of the word of God and the powers of the coming age” (verses 4-5), such a fall should not be allowed to happen. Instead, they must cherish the grace they have received and strive to continue growing. This is why the author of Hebrews exhorts, “Therefore let us leave the elementary teachings about Christ and go on to maturity” (verse 1).

Anything that is alive is meant to grow. For something with life, failing to grow means it is dead. If our faith is genuine, it must be alive, and if it is alive, it must continue to grow. Such a faith neither “drifts away” nor “turns away.” Recognizing the immeasurable value of the grace they have already received, true believers will strive to continue growing.

Prayer:

Lord, thank you for shining your light upon us and allowing us to taste the heavenly gift. Thank you for giving us the Holy Spirit, for enabling us to experience the power of your Word, and for allowing us to glimpse the powers of the age to come. Hold us firmly, Lord, so that through this precious gift of salvation, we may bear fruitful works and continue to grow each day. May it all be for your glory alone! In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

Discussion Questions for Children & Youth:

Key Point: Faith is like a living plant — it needs care, attention, and growth to stay healthy. If we neglect to nurture our faith, it may wither, but when we remain close to God and continue to learn and grow, our faith becomes stronger and more fruitful.

  • For Preschool-Lower Elementary
    • What do you think happens if you forget to water a plant for a long time? How is that similar to what happens when we stop praying or learning about God?
    • Can you think of one way you can help your faith grow stronger this week?
  • For Upper Elementary-Middle School
    • The Bible compares faith to a healthy, growing plant. What are some quiet ways you can care for your faith, even if you don’t feel comfortable sharing it out loud?
    • What are some “good fruits” (like kindness, patience, or love) that God wants us to show to others?
  • For High School
    • Have you ever felt like you were “drifting away” from God without meaning to? What helped you reconnect with Him?
    • Hebrews encourages us to “go on to maturity.” What’s one small but meaningful step you could take to grow deeper in your relationship with God this week?

Activity Idea (All Ages) – “Faith Garden” Craft:

  • Provide each student with a small pot, soil, and seeds. As they plant their seeds, ask them to write down one way they can nurture their faith (such as praying more, reading the Bible, or helping others).
  • Each time they water their plant at home, they can remember to care for their faith as well.

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