Hebrews 6:1-10 (NKJV)
Therefore, leaving the discussion of the elementary principles of Christ, let us go on to perfection, not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God, 2 of the doctrine of baptisms, of laying on of hands, of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment. 3 And this we will do if God permits.
4 For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted the heavenly gift, and have become partakers of the Holy Spirit, 5 and have tasted the good word of God and the powers of the age to come, 6 if they fall away, to renew them again to repentance, since they crucify again for themselves the Son of God, and put Him to an open shame.
7 For the earth which drinks in the rain that often comes upon it, and bears herbs useful for those by whom it is cultivated, receives blessing from God; 8 but if it bears thorns and briers, it is rejected and near to being cursed, whose end is to be burned.
9 But, beloved, we are confident of better things concerning you, yes, things that accompany salvation, though we speak in this manner. 10 For God is not unjust to forget your work and labor of love which you have shown toward His name, in that you have ministered to the saints, and do minister.
We tend not to speak of “fundamental doctrines,” because people tend to think wrongly of such doctrines as “the really important ones,” while other doctrines of Scripture, they think, are less important. But the writer to the Hebrews speaks of fundamental doctrines in a different way.
In today’s reading, the inspired writer is ready to move on from the fundamental or “foundational” doctrines of the Christian faith, since they have already been laid down and discussed at length by him and by the other apostles. Such doctrines include the basic teachings of right and wrong, the call to repentance and faith in Christ, justification by faith, sanctification and good works, the Sacraments, the office of the ministry, and Christ’s return for judgment. Christians need to review these doctrines often, but the inspired teacher wishes to teach some deeper things in this letter, namely, matters of Christology and the relationship between the Old Testament and the New.
But before he does that, he issues a warning: It’s possible to fall away from faith. And what a horrific thing that would be, to know the goodness and mercy of God, to receive forgiveness through Christ, to receive His Holy Spirit—and then to turn one’s back on it all, rejecting and bringing shame to the One who died for them, whose name they bore for a time! The good tree produces good fruit and receives praise from God, while the bad tree produces bad fruit and, in the end, is uprooted by God.
The inspired writer is not accusing his readers of such apostasy, as he makes clear in vv. 9-10. No, but he wants them to beware. His warning calls Christians to sober reflection, to repentance and a renewed faith in Christ, to yearn for further instruction in the Word, and to pursue God’s will diligently. Let us take his words to heart and give thanks that God has allowed us to taste the heavenly gift!
Let us pray: Heavenly Father, we thank You for laying the foundation of sound doctrine for us through Your Word and through the faithful preachers of it. In Your mercy, preserve us in faith until the end, for the sake of Your Son, Jesus Christ. Amen.