Do NOT Quit God!

⁹ …. We are confident that you are meant for better things, things that come with salvation. ¹⁰ For God is not unjust. He will not forget (overlook) how hard you have worked for Him and how you have shown your love to Him by caring for other believers (saints), as you still do. ¹¹ Our great desire is that you will keep on loving others as long as life lasts, to make certain that what you hope for will come true. ¹² Then you will not become spiritually dull and indifferent (spiritual sluggards). Instead, you will follow the example of those who are going to inherit God’s promises because of their faith and endurance (patience)…. ¹⁸ So God has given both His promise and His oath. These two things are unchangeable because it is impossible for God to lie (false). Therefore, we who have fled to Him for refuge can have great confidence as we hold to the hope that lies before us. Hebrews 6:9-12, 18, New Living Translation 2^nd Edition

In the Person and mission of the Lord Jesus Christ, the fullness of the living LORD and His Kingdom with God’s Holy Spirit, which is the POWER of God, had now come to earth (e.g., see Matthew 3:2, 16-17; Matthew 9:35; Matthew 12:28; Luke 4:43; Acts 2:22; Acts 10:38; Colossians 2:9-10). Because of the Kingdom’s arrival, the Lord Jesus Christ faithfully proclaimed repentance (turning away from sin and turning to His Father the living God) (e.g., Matthew 4:17; Mark 1:14-15; Mark 6:55-56). Faith in God found His Son Jesus Christ brings our GREAT salvation, which means restoration, redemption, and recovery (e.g., Matthew 4:23-25; Mark 1:32-34, 38-41; Hebrews 2:3-5). The Kingdom of God means primarily the rule of God and His divine authority as our true King and Judge on earth and in our whole hearts (e.g., Psalm 103:19; Isaiah 33:21-22; Daniel 4:34; Daniel 6:26; Luke 17:21). Sadly, the evil one and his cronies do not want anyone to receive God’s restoration, redemption, and recovery that comes with faithfully obeying the LORD God and His Word (e.g., see Matthew 13:19; Mark 4:15; Luke 8:12).

The unknown writer of Hebrews wanted all believers to know and understand more about the goodness and power of God’s Kingdom and God’s righteous ways (Hebrews 6:4-5; see also Matthew 5:6; Matthew 6:33). However, the unknown author of Hebrews rebuked and scolded some of his listeners for their sluggishness, apathy, and laziness in the matters of God and His righteousness (Hebrews 5:11-14; Hebrews 6:12; see also Matthew 13:15). These first-century believers had been Christians (followers of Jesus) a long time now and ought to be teaching others about the Good News of Jesus Christ and leading others to God and His Kingdom as commanded by Jesus (Hebrews 5:12; see also Matthew 28:20). However, some of these first-century believers instead were “backsliding” and needed someone to teach them over again the very basic principles in God and His Son Jesus (Hebrews 5:12; see also Hebrews 6:1-3).

The fundamental and basic teachings of utmost importance that EVERYONE must know and understand include:

1.   Repenting (turning) from evil deeds and placing our wholehearted faith in God found in His Son Jesus (e.g., see Acts 2:38-40; Acts 20:21; Hebrews 9:14);

2.   Baptisms that is ritual washing and cleaning rites (e.g., see Acts 19:4-5);

3.   Laying on of hands (the giving of blessing, power, and authority) (e.g., see Acts 6:6; Acts 8:17; Acts 19:6);

4.   Resurrection of the dead (e.g., see Acts 2:24; Acts 17:18, 31-32); and

5.   God’s eternal judgment and punishment (e.g., see Acts 10:42).

The author of Hebrews wanted believers of Jesus to move beyond these elementary teaching and press on towards the living God and His righteous ways (Hebrews 6:1-3; see also Philippians 3:12-14). As we faithfully and obediently live for God, we will become mature and strong Christians for God’s honor and glory (Hebrews 5:13; Hebrews 6:1; see also 1 Corinthians 10:31; Colossians 3:17). Some translations encourage believers to move into “perfection” (e.g., see Hebrews 6:1, KJV).

The writer of Hebrews accused some of his listeners of acting “like babies” who can drink only milk and not solid food and strong meat (Hebrews 5:12; see also 1 Corinthians 3:2). Some biblical translations define “milk” as the first and basic “principles of the oracles of God” (e.g., see Hebrews 5:12, ESV) or “basic principles of God’s revelation” (e.g., see Hebrews 5:12, HCSB). Failure to mature is a serious sin. Our immaturity can lead believers of Jesus to be tossed and blown about by every wind of new teaching and philosophy that sound like God’s truth but are lies and trickery of the evil one (e.g. see 1 Corinthians 14:20; Ephesians 4:14; 1 Peter 2:2; Hebrews 13:9).

Instead, the writer of Hebrews encouraged ALL believers of Jesus to grow into maturity and live according to the righteous and good ways of God and no longer according to worldly and evil ways (Hebrews 5:14; see also e.g., Exodus 34:5-7; Galatians 4:3; Galatians 5:16-18, 22-23; Ephesians 4:15). In other words, the writer of Hebrews wanted believers of Jesus to grow into spiritual maturity and turn away from the childish and immature ways of the world, such as jealous, quarreling, division, selfishness, and hatred (e.g., see also, 1 Corinthians 3:1-3; 1 Corinthians 13:11-13; Galatians 5:19-21; Ephesians 4:13; 1 Peter 2:1-3). The Lord Jesus instructed all people to accept and enter God’s Kingdom with childlike (simple) faith, but not to act and live childish and evil, which ultimately leads to God’s wrath (e.g. Mark Matthew 19:14; Mark 10:15; Luke 18:17; see also Romans 11:22). Although the living God “carries us along” to maturity, the living God also expects believers to do their part and not become lazy, slothful, and dull of hearing (Hebrews 5:11-12; see also Hebrews 6:12).

For instance, no farmer reaps a harvest by sitting on the porch looking at the seed. Instead, good farmers are busy plowing, planting, weeding, cultivating, and watering the soil. Similarly, true believers of Jesus will do likewise (e.g., see 1 Corinthians 3:5-23)! However, spiritual maturity comes with (1) patience and endurance, (2) seeking God and obeying His Word, and (3) practicing and doing God’s Word daily (Hebrews 5:12-14).

As we continually grow closer to God, the author of Hebrews explained that believers will gain spiritual maturity, wisdom, good judgment, and insight to discern and determine the difference between right and wrong, good and evil, and practice doing righteousness (Hebrews 5:13-14; see also Genesis 3:22; 1 Kings 3:9; 1 Timothy 4:7; 2 Timothy 3:15-17). Following the righteous ways of God found in His Holy Scriptures brings true wisdom (e.g., Deuteronomy 4:5-8; Proverbs 1:1-3, 7; Proverbs 9:10). Wisdom means honoring God, turning away from evil, and walking in the good commandments of God (e.g., Deuteronomy 4:2; Deuteronomy 10:12-13 Job 1:8; Proverbs 1:7; Ecclesiastes 12:13-14). Even more, our spiritual maturity helps others to follow Jesus and grow, so that the whole body is healthy, growing, and full of love (e.g., see Matthew 28:18-20; Ephesians 4:11-12, 16).

Even more important, the author of Hebrews encouraged the people to continue in their faithfulness and obedience to the living God found in His Son, Jesus Christ (Messiah) (see Hebrews 6:4-8). Through our faith and obedience to the Lord Jesus, we discover and receive a foretaste of the good things of heaven, God’s blessings, and share in God’s Holy Spirit, which is the power of God (Hebrews 6:4-5, 7; see also John 17:21-23; 1 Corinthians 6:17; Ephesians 1:13-14). However, knowingly turning against the living God found in Jesus and turning once again to evil and sin after receiving the knowledge of the truth re-nails Jesus, who is the Son of God, again to Calvary’s Cross with all mockery, disgrace, and public shame (Hebrews 6:6; see also Hebrews 10:29; 2 Peter 2:20-21). Our genuine faith in Jesus Christ transforms our inward lives, motives, and hearts by the Holy Spirit to make us want to serve the living God (Hebrews 9:14; Hebrews 13:20-21; see also Philippians 2:12-14). Even worse, our rejection and deliberate disobedience to the living God and His righteous ways grieves God’s Holy Spirit and grace (Hebrews 6:6; see also e.g., Ephesians 4:30; Hebrews 10:29). Such intentional sin and rebellion against the living God leads to God’s wrath and eternal condemnation (Hebrews 6:8; see also Romans 11:22; 2 Thessalonians 1:7-8; Hebrews 10:26-27, 29-31).

Nevertheless, the author of Hebrews was optimistic and believed these first-century believers would produce the good fruit of righteousness that comes along with our salvation – repentance and faith in God found in His Son Jesus (Hebrews 6:9; see also Philippians 1:6, 10). A true and authentic believer of Jesus proves its worth by making spiritual progress and bearing good fruit for God's glory (e.g., see Matthew 7:15-20). The living LORD God is fair and just, and God NEVER forgets nor overlooks our hard work for His glory and honor (Hebrews 6:10; see also e.g., Deuteronomy 32:4; Psalm 25:8; Psalm 119:68; 2 Chronicles 19:7; Daniel 4:37; Revelation 15:3). The living God rewards His servants’ hard work, diligence, and faithfulness to Him and service and love to others (Hebrews 6:10; see also Matthew 10:40, 42; 2 Thessalonians 1:3; James 2:14-26). Therefore, the writer of Hebrews encourages ALL BELIEVERS to keep right on loving others, doing what is good and right, and to walk humbly with the living God found in His Son Jesus (Hebrews 6:11; see also Micah 6:6-8; Matthew 22:34-40; John 13:34-35; Philippians 1:9-11; 1 Thessalonians 3:12-13; Hebrews 12:14-17). The living LORD God rewards and blesses our continual goodness, patience, endurance, and faithfulness to Him for His Namesake, His honor, and His glory, which leads to maturity (Hebrews 6:10, 12, 15; see also e.g., Matthew 5:3-16; Matthew 10:22; Matthew 13:23; Luke 21:19; Romans 5:2-5; Colossians 1:9-10, 23; Hebrews 10:36; Hebrews 12:1-2, 12; James 1:3-4, 12).

As an example of active obedience and endurance, the author of Hebrews uses Abraham’s faithfulness to God (see Hebrews 6:13-15). The living God promised Abraham that He would bless Abraham again and again, give him a son, and make him the father of a great nation of people (Hebrews 6:14; see also Genesis 12:7; Genesis 13:14-17; Genesis 15:5; Genesis 17:1-2, 4-6). Abraham believed God’s promises, and Abraham’s trust in God declared him righteous in God’s eyes (Genesis 15:6; see also Habakkuk 2:2-4; Romans 1:16-17; Romans 4:3, 9, 13, 18, 22). Father Abraham waited years on God’s promises until finally, God gave him a son Isaac just as He had promised (Hebrews 6:15; see also Genesis 21:5; Genesis 22:15-18). The book of Genesis reveals Abraham waited 25 years from the time God had promised him a son to Isaac's birth (see Genesis 12:7; Genesis 13:14-16; Genesis 15:4-5; Genesis 17:16; Genesis 21:1-3). Thus, the writer of Hebrews encourages God’s people to patiently wait for God to act in His timing, even when our needs seem too great to wait any longer. Abraham patiently endured, and he obtained God’s promise (see Hebrews 6:15)!

The writer of Hebrews provides ALL people two immutable and absolute facts about God (see Hebrews 6:17-18). First, the writer of Hebrews remains everyone that the living LORD God is faithful (e.g., see Exodus 34:6; Deuteronomy 7:9; 2 Corinthians 1:8; 1 John 1:9), and He keeps ALL His promises (see Hebrews 6:16-18). Even more, the living LORD God is ALWAYS faithful and true (e.g., see Psalm 31:5; John 14:6, 17; John 15:26; John 16:13). When the living God makes a promise and oath, and He cannot lie (Hebrews 6:18; see also Numbers 23:19; Titus 1:2). The writer of Hebrews wanted to encourage ALL PEOPLE to come to the living God for safety, strength, and grace (Hebrews 6:18; see also Hebrews 4:16). EVERYONE who repents of their sins and remain committed to the living God found in His Son Jesus and His righteous ways will find His salvation – recovery, redemption, and restoration – both now and for eternity (see Hebrews 6:18-19).

In chapter 6 of Hebrews, verses 4 through 6 contain a section that has caused great debate and difficulty amongst biblical scholars for generations. At issue is the biblical doctrine of the perseverance of the saints. The great debate centers around the possibility of a believer falling away. The writer of Hebrews declares that when we deliberately and knowingly reject and disobey the living God, we are crucifying once again the Son of God to our own harm and holding Him up to contempt, disgrace, and public shame (see Hebrews 6:6). The living LORD God disciplines not only sinners but also believers when one deliberately and intentional sin and disobey against Him and His righteous commandments (Hebrews 12:5-8, 10; see also Psalm 94:12; Psalm 119:67, 75; Proverbs 3:11-12). Besides, our genuine faith in the living God found in His Son Jesus brings God’s heavenly blessings and refreshment that should produce spiritual fruit (see Hebrews 6:7). Sadly, our unfaithfulness and disobedience to the living God produce thorns and thistles that leads to God’s punishment and wrath (see Hebrews 6:8). So, the writer of Hebrews repeatedly encourages EVERYONE to wholeheartedly and faithfully love and obey the living LORD God found His Son Jesus and NEVER turn and fall away from faithfully following the Lord Jesus – perseverance (Hebrews 6:11-12; see also Hebrews 3:6, 12-14; Hebrews 3:6, 14; 10:23, 35-39; Hebrews 12:14-17).

In fact, the Lord Jesus specifically taught His disciples to faithfully follow His Father, the living LORD God and God’s Word. Jesus’ parable of the sower describes four different scenarios of faithfulness and obedience to His Father, the living LORD God and His Word despite the evil’s allurement, seductions of worldly glory and riches, and the trials of hardship (e.g., see Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23; Mark 4:1-9, 13-20; Luke 8:4-8, 11-15). Sadly, sometimes hardship and difficulties come to those who love and obey God and His righteous ways (e.g., see John 15:18-21; Acts 14:22; 1 Thessalonians 3:3; 2 Timothy 3:12; Revelation 1:9). However, the Lord Jesus encourages EVERYONE to endure and persevere during suffering, difficulties, and hardship because He has overcome the world (e.g., see John 14:1, 27; John 16:33; Romans 8:31, 37-39; 1 John 4:4). Importantly, our committed and wholehearted faithfulness and obedience to the living God and His Son Jesus will lead to our eternal salvation and entrance into God’s Kingdom (e.g., see Matthew 5:10; Matthew 7:21; Matthew 10:22; Mark 13:13). Entrance into God’s eternal Kingdom cannot be found anywhere once God’s Son Jesus is rejected (e.g., see Hebrews 10:26-27).

To “have fallen away” means to commit apostasy. Apostasy occurs when one receives God and His Word and believe for a while, but in the times of difficulties or life’s worries, riches and pleasures cause them to fall away from God (Hebrews 6:6; see also Luke 8:13-14; 1 Timothy 6:9-10, 17). These people who fall away to not move onto maturity and God’s blessings.  

An example of “falling away” occurred with ancient Israelites on the border of God’s Promised Land (e.g., see Numbers 13:26-14:38). These ancient Israelites at Kadesh Barnea tasted the goodness of God yet turned back because of their unfaithfulness, fear, and lack of trust in God (see Deuteronomy 1:19-26). However, the Lord Jesus taught that those who persevere and wholeheartedly love His Him and His Father, the living LORD God, and obey His Word despite life’s worries, riches, and difficulties will grow into maturity and produce spiritual growth, forgiveness of sins, and entrance into God’s Kingdom (e.g., see Matthew 13:23; Mark 4:20; Luke 8:15, 21; John 15:5, 16).

Therefore, the author of Hebrews wanted EVERYONE to move forward and pursue the prize promised by God (Hebrews 3:1; see also e.g., 1 Corinthians 9:14; Philippians 3:14). As believers of Christ Jesus, our citizenship is in heaven (e.g., see Ephesians 2:19; Philippians 3:20-21). The writer of Hebrews encourages ALL PEOPLE to continually place their sincere hope and faith in the living God found in His Son Christ and to live holy lives (see Hebrews 6:19). The Lord Jesus is our strong and trustworthy Anchor and Lifeline for our souls because He connects and unites us with His Father, the living LORD God (Yahweh) in the heavens (Hebrews 6:19-20; see also Romans 5:1-2, 10; 2 Corinthians 5:18; Ephesians 2:18; Ephesians 3:12). Hence, DO NOT QUIT GOD!

²⁰ Now may the God of peace …. equip you with all you need for doing His will. May He produce in you, through the power of Jesus Christ, every good thing that is pleasing to Him. All glory to Him forever and ever! AMEN. Hebrews 13:20-21, New Living Translation 2^nd Edition

References

Apologetics Study Bible: Understanding Why You Believe (Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers, 2012).

ESV Study Bible, English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2008).

New Student Bible (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 1992).

The Living Bible Paraphrase (Tyndale House, 1971).