Hebrews 6:1

Hebrews 6:1 says, Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God,  This applies to those who have accepted Christ already.  When we accept Christ as our Savior, we can then move on to making Him the Lord of our lives.  Once we accept salvation, we do not need to daily go back and accept Him once more.  We are to daily build on the foundation of Christ.  I believe that when we are witnessing that our message will always be Jesus Christ, crucified, resurrected, and Lord, but when we are studying, either alone or as a group of believers, that we need to learn what it means to be a growing child of God.  

Verse two adds, Of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment.  One of the ordinances that Christ instituted is baptism, and we need to understand what this really means.  Baptism of itself does not bring salvation, but is merely symbolic of the death, burial and resurrection of Christ.  Still, baptism identifies us as a follower of Christ.  I believe the laying on of hands has more to do with ministers welcoming another person into the ministry.  Matthew Henry states that some see this as transferring the Holy Spirit to a new believer, but I do not see this as being the case.  The Holy Spirit is not ours to give.  Once we accept Christ as Savior, then we are immediately filled with the Holy Spirit to help us make Christ Lord.  

Verse three continues, And this will we do, if God permit.  The writer said that was what he and those who had grown in Christ, those more mature Christians, would do, if God permitted it.  We cannot do God's work without His call and blessing.  We must be attuned to God's will through the guidance of the Holy Spirit at all times.  

Verse four states, For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost,  I believe that this means that once we are saved we are always saved.  We need not go back and question our salvation if we are truly saved by faith in Christ.  

Verse five adds, And have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come,  

Verse six continues, If they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put him to an open shame.  Once we are saved, we have indeed tasted the word of God and are a part of the world to come.  Still, it is possible to fall away, or to allow sin back in our lives.  If we do we need to repent.  Though Christ died once for all sins, in effect He died for each person's sins individually.  If we fall away into sin and repent, we in effect crucify Christ again and put Him to open shame.  

Verse seven says, For the earth which drinketh in the rain that cometh oft upon it, and bringeth forth herbs meet for them by whom it is dressed, receiveth blessing from God:  

Verse eight adds, But that which beareth thorns and briers is rejected, and is nigh unto cursing; whose end is to be burned.  Both the good fruit and the bad may grow from the rain, but the bad will be burned or destroyed.  The redemption of Christ rains down on every person, but those who refuse to accept Him will be sent away into everlasting punishment.

Hebrews 5:11

Hebrews 5:11 says, Of whom we have many things to say, and hard to be uttered, seeing ye are dull of hearing.  The writer here states that there was much more that could be said about either Christ or Melchisedec, depending on which was meant by the words "of whom."  Whomever was referred to, the writer did not say more because the people, those who called themselves followers of Christ, were slow to hear.  There have been many times throughout history, and there are still times today, when God's people are slow to hear.  

Verse twelve adds, For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat.  We as followers of Christ should be teaching the world about Him, but we often need teachers to once again teach us about what God's word says.  We begin to live by the dictates of the world and our own selfishness desires instead of living by the teachings of the word of God.  We cannot serve two masters.  We either serve Christ, and grow in our faith, or we serve the world and let our faith wither.  We need to always remember the basics of our faith, beginning with Jesus Christ, crucified, resurrected, and Lord.  Sometimes we tend to forget the Lord part, and after accepting Christ as Savior fail to grow in our faith by failing to make Him Lord of our life.  

Verse thirteen continues, For every one that useth milk is unskilful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe.  This does not mean drinking milk with meals, but living off milk because someone has not matured and started to eat solid food.  If we remain babes in Christ, never attempting to learn the more meaty things of God, we will not be very effective followers of Christ.  We must grow in our faith if we are to be effective witnesses for Christ.  

Verse fourteen concludes, But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.  As we grow in Christ, just as a baby grows in the world, we can understand the difference between good and evil in the sight of God.  We might think this would be easy, but sometimes even things that look good in the eyes of the world and could even be viewed as good by God's people are still wrong in God's eyes.  If we do not grow in our faith, we may not be able to tell what is truly God's will.

Hebrews 5:6

Hebrews 5:6 says, As he saith also in another place, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec.  We do not know a lot about Melchisedec, except that he was not of the order of priests who were descendants of Aaron and was noted for his faithfulness to God.  Matthew Henry says, "God the Father appointed him a priest of a higher order than that of Aaron. The priesthood of Aaron was to be but temporary; the priesthood of Christ was to be perpetual: the priesthood of Aaron was to be successive, descending from the fathers to the children; the priesthood of Christ, after the order of Melchisedec, was to be personal, and the high priest immortal as to his office, without descent, having neither beginning of days nor end of life, as it is more largely described in the seventh chapter, and will be opened there."  Though we do not know that much about Melchisedec, we do know that Christ is our spiritual high Priest, and that He is indeed eternal, appointed by the Father.  

Verse seven adds, Who in the days of his flesh, when he had offered up prayers and supplications with strong crying and tears unto him that was able to save him from death, and was heard in that he feared;  This verse refers to Jesus and His unique qualification to be our high Priest.  Jesus did come in the flesh, making Himself subject to all the weaknesses and temptations that every person is subjected to.  I will say once more, if Christ was not truly human and subjected to the same weaknesses and temptations that everyone else is, then He cannot serve as our example.  If He did not have the ability to give in to temptation and sin, then He could not have fulfilled the Law.  He is the eternal Savior, appointed by the Father.  Jesus offered strong prayers to His heavenly Father that if there were another way that He might not have to face a cruel death on the cross.  God could have spared His only begotten Son, but He would have doomed all people in doing so.  

Verse eight continues, Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered;  Jesus learned obedience to the Father through His sufferings.  We are called to be like Christ, so if we do suffer because of our faith, we must be obedient to God, even in our suffering.  

Verse nine states, And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him;  Christ was born in perfection, but it was His faithfulness to the heavenly Father in life, even during suffering, that kept Him perfect.  Remaining perfect, Christ became the author of eternal salvation.  Only if Christ were truly human could He fulfill this requirement.  If He was unable to sin if He so chose to do so, then His life was simply for show.  

Verse ten adds, Called of God an high priest after the order of Melchisedec.  Christ, like Melchisedec, is our high Priest not by physical qualifications, but by spiritual qualifications.

Hebrews 5:1

Hebrews 5:1 says, For every high priest taken from among men is ordained for men in things pertaining to God, that he may offer both gifts and sacrifices for sins:  The high priest did not just claim this position but was appointed by God.  Christ, as our high Priest, did not just assume this position, but was appointed by the heavenly Father. The high priest was the one who went into the Holy of Holys to offer sacrifices for the people of God.  He was the only one who could do this.  When Christ became our high Priest, He eliminated this need, because He became the eternal high Priest.  

Verse two adds, Who can have compassion on the ignorant, and on them that are out of the way; for that he himself also is compassed with infirmity.  The high priest was to be able to have compassion on the ignorant and those who are out of the way.  The ignorant are those who have not come to a knowledge of God.  If we are truly followers of Christ, we must have compassion on the lost today.  We are called on to reach them with the message of salvation.  We cannot look down on any person or group of people as being unworthy of salvation.  Christ died for the worst sinner in the world, not for some select few who are somehow morally superior to others.  Since we are all sinners saved by grace, we need the compassion of Christ in order to be saved, and we can never feel superior to any other sinner saved by grace.  I believe that we can also take this a step farther and say that we should never feel superior to any sinner.  Christ died for all, and even if we are saved by His grace, we are still but a sinner.  We might want to put degrees on sin, but any sin, great or small, brings the same result, and that is separation from God.  We cannot feel superior because we consider our sins as less than someone else's.  

Verse three continues, And by reason hereof he ought, as for the people, so also for himself, to offer for sins.  The earthly high priest had to offer a sacrifice, not only for the sins of those he represented, but for himself as well.  The heavenly high Priest, Jesus Christ, instead offered Himself as a sacrifice without sin for all people.  Jesus was the only One Who could accomplish this, and He is the only One we can turn to for forgiveness of our sins.  I will state once more that we do not have to go through anyone else, living or dead, to speak to God.  We have a personal relationship through Christ and are indwelled by the Holy Spirit.  

Verse four states, And no man taketh this honour unto himself, but he that is called of God, as was Aaron.  Even earthly high priests were called by God.  Jesus, the only begotten Son of God, was called by His heavenly Father to be our eternal Priest.  When we do something for God today, it should be by His calling and for His honor.  

Verse five adds, So also Christ glorified not himself to be made an high priest; but he that said unto him, Thou art my Son, to day have I begotten thee.  This is what was just discussed above.  Jesus, the Son, was doing the will of God, the Father.

Hebrews 4:11

Hebrews 4:11 says, Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief.  This does not mean that we are to earn our salvation through our own efforts or labor.  I believe it means that after we accept Christ as Savior that we are to work to ensure that He remains our Lord.  Even in the everlasting rest that we have through Christ, we still have work to do today.  We are not to just sit back and wait for Christ's return.  

Verse twelve adds, For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.  I am not sure that we always acknowledge the power of the word of God.  God does not need an arsenal or an army to accomplish His purpose.  What He spoke into existence, He can speak out of existence.  God's word is quick and powerful.  He doesn't have to state over and over what He wants to happen.  When God speaks, things happen immediately.  God's word also brings to light not only the actions of people, but their thoughts as well.  If we are doing good works for the wrong reason, which would be reason other than to bring glory to God, then God knows this already.  

Verse thirteen continues, Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do.  God is aware of what is happening in the world today.  We cannot hide any thought, much less any action, from God.  If we are obedient followers of Christ, then this should be of no concern to us.  It is only when we attempt to allow sin back into our lives that we should be concerned.  

Verse fourteen states, Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession.  Jesus the Son of God is our high Priest in heaven.  Since the priest was the one who stood between man and God, we no longer have need of a earthly priest to serve in that capacity.  We can speak directly to God and He can speak directly to us through our faith in Christ.  

Verse fifteen adds, For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.  Christ, our high Priest, understands our weaknesses, because He was in all points tempted as we are, but without giving in to those temperatures.  I do not believe that it could be stated more clearly that Jesus had the ability to sin, but He always chose to remain faithful to His heavenly Father.  The temptations of Christ were not role playing with the script and outcome already determined but were just as real as the temptations we face.  The only way that Christ could be totally human is if He had the free will to sin if He chose to.  

Verse sixteen continues, Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.  We can come boldly to the throne of grace through our heavenly high Priest, Jesus Christ.  This does not mean that we can make selfish demands, but that we can come to God for strength and guidance.  If we are under the leadership of the Holy Spirit, then we will always ask for the right things.

Hebrews 4:1

Hebrews 4:1 says, Let us therefore fear, lest, a promise being left us of entering into his rest, any of you should seem to come short of it.  This does not mean that those who truly believe in Christ as their Savior and Lord will be left out of God's kingdom.  It is a warning to those who do not truly accept Christ as their Savior and Lord, but only claim to do so.  

Verse two adds, For unto us was the gospel preached, as well as unto them: but the word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard it.  This verse simply states that hearing the gospel of Christ is not enough.  We must have complete faith in our salvation.  If we have really accepted Christ as Savior and Lord, then the Holy Spirit will be with us to guide and strengthen us through any trial or temptation.  

Verse three continues, For we which have believed do enter into rest, as he said, As I have sworn in my wrath, if they shall enter into my rest: although the works were finished from the foundation of the world.  This is a promise of salvation, and it should leave those who believe at rest.  We cannot gain salvation by our works, but our salvation should lead us to work for God's glory.  Yet, even as we work, we should be at rest, secure in our salvation.  There is no reason to allow worry to control our lives.  The work of salvation was finished from the foundation of the world.  Though Jesus Christ was born at a particular place in time, His salvation applies for all time.  

Verse four states, For he spake in a certain place of the seventh day on this wise, And God did rest the seventh day from all his works.  God created everything in six days, then He rested on the seventh day.  When it comes to salvation, we can rest from our works.  We cannot earn salvation, but we can rest assured in the gift of salvation through Christ.  

Verse five adds, And in this place again, If they shall enter into my rest.  God rested after creating the heavens and the earth.  We cannot join God in His creating, but we can join Him at His rest.  This doesn't mean that there is nothing for us to do, but even if we have dominion over God's creation, it still occurs after He rested.  We are called to join God in His rest.  

Verse six continues, Seeing therefore it remaineth that some must enter therein, and they to whom it was first preached entered not in because of unbelief:  There are still people to be reached for Christ, and this is our purpose as followers of Christ.  Though many have refused and still refuse to believe in the salvation of Christ, this does not mean that we are to give up on witnessing.  

Verse seven says, Again, he limiteth a certain day, saying in David, To day, after so long a time; as it is said, To day if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts.  Just as God told David, there is a day when each person will hear God calling him or her.  Though many will continue to harden their hearts against God, some will not.  Today is the only time we can be certain that we have, and that is why it is so important to say yes when God calls someone.  

Verse eight adds, For if Jesus had given them rest, then would he not afterward have spoken of another day.  When we enter the rest of God, we do not need to speak of it happening someday.  After creating, God rested.  After redeeming mankind, Christ rested.  We as followers of Christ are to rest assured in our salvation.  

Verse nine continues, There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God.  We can only find true rest through our relationship with Christ.  

Verse ten concludes, For he that is entered into his rest, he also hath ceased from his own works, as God did from his.  When we accept salvation through Christ, we cease from our works to justify ourselves.  We acknowledge that we cannot do anything to earn our salvation.  Though God is still at work in the world today calling the lost to salvation, creation and redemption are already completed.  As followers of Christ, we are to work to spread the gospel to others, but we are at rest in our salvation.

Hebrews 3:12

Hebrews 3:12 states, Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God.  We are warned to not be as Israel was in the desert.  They hardened their hearts against God.  Again, this was a deliberate choice on their part.  We cannot follow God simply because He blesses us materially, but we must follow Him because He has delivered us from the power of sin.  Salvation is not about earthly riches, but is simply a matter of faith in God, no matter what.  We indeed do have an evil heart of unbelief if we depart from the living God.  This does not mean that we have lost our salvation, but if we are attempting to come to God by any method other than faith in Christ we are lost.  Also, if we are attempting to follow God for any reason than for the salvation of our souls, we are guilty of hardening our hearts.  We must be content and committed to following God, no matter what.  The people of Israel, in the desert after being delivered, looked at what they didn't have instead of praising God, and we can fall into the same attitude. 

Verse thirteen adds, But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin.  We are called on to exhort, or uplift, one another daily.  I believe that one way we can do this is through prayer.  When we begin to ignore our fellow believers, we begin to fall under the power of sin once more.  We are not saved simply so God will pour out material blessings on us.  

Verse fourteen continues, For we are made partakers of Christ, if we hold the beginning of our confidence stedfast unto the end;  We are told why we should uplift each other.   All who are saved are saved by faith in Christ and should hold fast until the end.  When we know that others are praying for and are concerned about us, it should help us to hold fast to our faith in times of trials.  

Verse fifteen states, While it is said, To day if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts, as in the provocation. I believe this means that as soon as we hear Christ call us, we should respond.  The only way to not accept His call is by hardening our hearts to His call.  Every day that we delay puts us in greater jeopardy of losing that salvation that Christ offers.  

Verse sixteen adds, For some, when they had heard, did provoke: howbeit not all that came out of Egypt by Moses.  Though the majority did, not all of those who came out of Egypt provoked Moses.  A remnant believed.  Even if this remnant did not make it into the earthly Promised Land, they certainly will make it into the spiritual one, which is what really matters.  

Verse seventeen continues, But with whom was he grieved forty years? was it not with them that had sinned, whose carcases fell in the wilderness?  God was not grieved by all of those who were called His people, but only with those who had sinned due to a lack of real faith.  I believe that is one problem with a prosperity gospel.  People make professions of faith and expect God to give them anything that they claim as theirs.  When they don't get what they want, they turn away from God.  I also think that even when God blesses them that it will never be enough.  

Verse eighteen says, And to whom sware he that they should not enter into his rest, but to them that believed not?  Those who truly did not believe in God were denied admission into the Promised Land.  

Verse nineteen adds, So we see that they could not enter in because of unbelief.  God did not fail them, but they failed Him.  We will never get into the coming Promised Land without a real faith in salvation through Christ.  Going through the motions is not enough.