Hebrews 5:11-6

We have much to say about this

The "this" refers to:
1. Perfection (5:9)
2. Righteousness (5:13)
3. Maturity (6:1)

The author, though, delays teaching on "this" because his audience is immature:
1. They are slow to learn (5:11)
2. They are still in 'elementary' school (5:12)
3. They are still on the bottle, spiritually (5:12)

In contrast, a mature Christian has the following traits:
1. They are able to teach the elementary truths (5:12)
2. They eat solid spiritual food (5:14)
3. They are able to distinguish b/w good & bad spiritual food (5:14)*
*unlike a baby who will put anything in its mouth

The author then calls his audience to build on the foundational teachings

Foundational Christian Teachings:
1. Repentance from acts that lead to death (6:1)
2. Faith in God (6:1)
3. Instruction about baptism (6:2)
4. Laying on of hands (6:2)
5. Resurrection of the dead (6:2)
6. Eternal judgment (6:2)
*Every Christian should have a basic, yet firm, understanding of these 6

Since some/all of these believers were (at least) considering a return to Judaism, the author describes an impossibility:

It is impossible for those...
1. Who have been enlightened by the truth (6:4)
2. Who have tasted the beginnings of salvation (6:4)
3. Who have experienced the Holy Spirit (6:4)
4. Who have been impacted by God's word (6:5)
5. Who have had a glimpse of future glory (6:5)
6. Who have, despite all of this, fallen away (6:6)
To be brought back to repentance (6:6)

Why is it impossible?
1. Because they are crucifying (present tense) Jesus all over again (6:6)
2. Because they are subjecting Jesus to public disgrace (6:6)
*Those like this are known by their fruitlessness (6:7-8)

The author has warned his audience firmly, but is confident they are not like those described in 6:4-8.

God will remember
1. Their good works (6:10)
2. Their love (helping people) (6:10)

In order to have an assurance of salvation, they must:
1. Show diligence in doing good (6:11)
2. Imitate those full of faith and patience (6:12)
3. Begin to inherit what has been promised (6:12)

They need not doubt because God has proved Himself faithful
1. He swore to Abraham (6:13)
2. He swore by His very name (6:13)
3. His promise to Abram was fulfilled (6:15)
4. He is the same God now as He was then (6:17)

Since God does not change or break His promises:
1. We may be greatly encouraged (6:18)
2. We have hope as an anchor for the soul (6:19)
3. We are firm and secure in Christ (6:19)

The author, then, is painting the following picture:
We, as Christians, have an anchor in the 'inner sanctuary' (the very presence of God). We must continue to patiently 'hold' on to the rope of hope and move towards this great glory. The only reason we have access is because of the broken body (curtain) of Christ, who has become a High Priest forever.