HEBREWS 5:11-6:12
LESSON 6
ON YOUR OWN: Study notes and observation sheet.
Hebrews can be summarized in one sentence: Jesus is better. Jesus is better than the prophets, than the
angels, than Moses, than the high priests of old; in fact, Jesus became our high priest. Along with this
simple focus, Hebrews also presents five warnings:
1. “Pay the most careful attention…do not drift away” (2:1-4)
2. “Today, if you hear His voice, do not harden your hearts” (3:7-4:13)
3. “It is impossible for those who have…fallen away, to be brought back to repentance” (5:11-6;12)
4. “If we deliberately keep on sinning after we have received the knowledge of the truth, no sacrifice
for sins is left” (10:26-31)
5. “See to it that you do not refuse Him (God) who speaks” (12:25-29)
For many, these are some of the most difficult passages to understand, especially because the warnings of
judgment are so severe. Some important things for you to remember when analyzing these passages are:
1. Recognize the context. What leads into the warning section? What does the author write about
after the section?
2. Observe all parts of the passage very carefully.
3. Do not force your personal explanation upon any difficult passage. The Scriptures themselves—both
near and far context—are the most reliable interpreters of the text.
4. Accept by faith even the truths you cannot understand.
5. After your own independent study, seek help on difficult portions from reliable outside sources.1
CAN SALVATION BE REVERSED? Many people conclude that this verse states that salvation can be
reversed. “It is impossible for those who have once been enlightened, who have tasted the heavenly gift,
who have shared in the Holy Spirit, who have tasted the goodness of the word of God and the powers of the
coming age and who have fallen away, to be brought back to repentance.” (6:4, 5). Bible scholars have
understood this warning in three ways:
1. Christians can walk away from Christ and it’s impossible to be saved a second time.
2. These verses refer to professing believers, not genuine ones. Verse 4-5 describe experiences that
fall short of salvation.
3. This passage portrays a hypothetical situation. If a Christ follower could hypothetically walk away
from salvation, then there would be no further provision for salvation.
What do you think? Carefully study the meaning of this passage and see what conclusions you come to.
1. Read Hebrews 5:17. What is “this” that we have much to say about? Is it that Jesus, the high priest,
the perfect Lamb that was slain and “became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey Him”?
2. To gain greater understanding of the context after the warning (6:4-6), Jesus, the high priest, is
more fully explained (6:13-8-13). Summarize in your own words Hebrews 8:22-25. What do you
1
Irving L. Jensen, Jensen’s Survey of the New Testament: Search and Discover (Chicago: Moody Press, 1981), 417.
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think it means to be “saved completely”? What conclusions can you make in comparing the warning
(6:4-6) with the finished work of Jesus on the cross?
3. What’s the challenge (12)? “By now you ought to be…” (Summarize this verse)? What is stated
about the mature? The context leading into this passage is to progress to maturity.
4. Consider the use of the word “us,” “Therefore let us leave the elementary teachings of Christ” (6:1).
Are these believers?
5. Who are “those” who have been enlightened? Is this speaking about the same people?
6. What point is being made in the illustration of land producing a crop (7, 8)?
7. Explain the statement, “we are confident of better thins in your case” (9)?
CHALLENGE TO BECOME SPIRITUALLY MANTURE - “We do not want you to become lazy, but to imitate
those who through faith and patience inherit what has been promised” (Hebrews 6:12). This verse
summarizes the main message of this difficult (and often misunderstood) passage. Israel wanted to go back
to Egypt; and as a result, a whole generation failed to inherit what God had promised. They were safely
delivered out of Egypt, but they never enjoyed the promised rest in Canaan. We believers today can make
the same mistake.
If you keep in mind that the emphasis in this section is on making spiritual progress, you will steer safely
through misinterpretations that could create problems. 2
ETERNAL SALVATION – Hebrews not only presents some severe warnings, it also makes statements that
salvation is eternal. As you continue to read through Hebrews, make a note of the passages that clearly give
you assurance of your salvation. Verses like, “he (the Son) became the source of eternal salvation for all
who obey him” (5:9), or “For this reason Christ is the mediator of a new covenant, that those who are called
may receive the promised eternal inheritance” (9:15). See also Romans 8:35:39; Ephesians 1:13-14.
2
Warren W. Wiersbe, The Bible Exposition Commentary, vol. 2 (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1996), 294.
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HEBREWS 5:11-6:12
LESSON 6
GROUP FOCUS:
A thirty-something businesswoman prays a prayer after her friend shares the gospel over tea and cake. Yet,
she begins to drift from the church and Christianity after two months of sporadic involvement, disillusioned
with the church’s teaching about topics such as giving, Satan, judgment, and the church’s stance on certain
social issues. A prominent black pastor leaves his church to become a Muslim, stating that Islam has
become the real impetus for social change in the American black community. A young woman of the Third
World faces terrible persecution from family and the government as a result of her conversion to
Christianity. Under pressure she finally recants, returning to her former religion. A child goes through
confirmation class at twelve years of age and seemingly is committed to Christ in the teen years but falls
away as an adult, adopting an eclectic mix of New Age spirituality, philosophy, and naturalism.
Such scenarios are all too common in the church today. Anyone engaged in Christian ministry has certainly
struggled with the pain and confusion of seeing those who have come into the church suddenly turn and
walk away as if their professions of Christ were meaningless. Some of us have family members who, to our
horror, have renounced the gospel, shaming the crucified Lord. Others, perhaps, are now walking alongside
a person who has drifted dangerously close to the chasm of apostasy. How are we to respond?
The writer of Hebrews penned words of concern to friends who claimed to know Christ, but were
retreating spiritually and falling into a deadly routine. He commended their past actions and called them to
“imitate those who through faith and patience inherit what has been promised” (v. 12).
GROUP DISCUSSION:
1. What are some ways Christ followers become lazy and their zeal turns to apathy?
Read Hebrews 5:11-6:12 then discuss the following questions.
2. Hebrews 5:11-14 presents a sad picture of immaturity by those who should be mature. How is spiritual
maturity similar and different than physical maturity?
Are you satisfied with the rate you are growing toward maturity in Christ? Are you growing, or are you
stalled/stuck in your spiritual growth process?
3. What are some examples of spiritual regression you’ve witnessed in the church? When is the problem
not with the believer but with the leadership?
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4. Why do you think the recipients of this letter were having difficulties with the simple teachings listed in
6:1-2? What are some internal reasons why Christ followers backslide? What are some external
reasons? How should we approach these challenges?
5. Warnings are helpful to make us aware of danger. Warnings can also bring fear. As you read the
warning in (6:4-6) how do you respond?
How is this warning helpful for you? How is it hard to read?
6. The condition of the soil determines the fruitfulness of the crop. Compare (6:7-8) to Mark 4:3-8, what
can you do to continue to grow and mature in you spiritual journey? What barriers are you aware of
that could distract you in your progress to maturity?
7. How does knowing that God is just (6:9) motivate you to continue to run the race and finish well?
When you have been spiritually lazy, what got you going again?
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