Hebrews 6  The author of Hebrews encourages.. and maybe even commands his readers to move on toward "maturity".. to solid food that goes beyond the basics of Christian doctrines, which they should already know quite well.. namely the doctrines of repentance, faith, baptism, etc. 

In verses 4-6 he teaches a vital lesson about salvation.  "... 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.. "  

This outlines the sequence and fulness of true salvation..  It begins with God..  He is the One who, by His grace, gives us Light.. He offers this "heavenly gift".  We choose to either receive it or reject it.  If we truly receive it.. then we will share in the Holy Spirit.. for He makes us a partaker of His Spirit who comes to live in us.  It is by the indwelling Spirit that we "taste" the "goodness of the word of God."  And it is by the Spirit that we experience the Power of God in our lives.. sanctifying power.. transforming power.. supernatural power that conforms us to the image of our Savior. 

The writer firmly states the it is "impossible"  for someone who has truly experienced this new birth.. being made a new creation in Christ.. to then fall away and then try to return to another new birth.  He is not saying that we won't sin or if we sin we can't repent.. that is contrary to all Scripture.  He is saying that there is only ONE salvation which was provided by Jesus Christ when He died on the cross.. Once for all!

Christ will not be crucified again. His sacrifice is sufficient for all sins of all men and women if we truly believe and receive Him with sincere hearts.  

Verses 7-8 Compares ground that receives the rain and grows useful fruit.. to ground that is worthless and "yields" only "thorns and thistles" that will be burned up.  It is a similar comparison that we have read many times in the Scriptures.  Jesus taught this truth in John 15 where He said "I am the true vine and My Father is the vinedresser."  When we abide in Him.. we can bear fruit.  "If anyone does not abide in Me, he is thrown away as a branch, and dries up; and they gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned." ( John 15:6)

The maturing Christian needs to understand these things.. that their salvation is secure in Christ... but it goes beyond a one-time confession.. it is a lifetime abiding in Christ.. in His Word.. and in His Spirit. Fruit is produced in a life that is fully committed to constantly abiding in our Lord. 

"We desire that each one of you show the same diligence so as to realize the full assurance of hope until the end, that you may not be sluggish, but imitators of those who through faith and patience inherit the promises." (v11-12) This is a great prayer!  Like Abraham who trusted in the promise of God.. and who waited for that promise to be fulfilled... we also are "heirs of the promise".. we have an "anchor of the soul, a hope both sure and steadfast and one that enters within the veil.."  The unchangeable God, who cannot lie.. has promised us a future inheritance.. "beyond the veil".. in His Holy Presence.. forever..

Christ, our Great High Priest has gone before us "as a forerunner" .. opening the way!  What a great and marvelous Hope we have in Him.  Praise His holy Name!

Father, thank You for the Living Hope that we have in Christ our Redeemer and King. He is our Great High Priest who has made a way for us to be with You forever. Lead us on.. lead us deeper into the fulness of Your salvation.. for Your purposes which You have confirmed by Your own oath.  You are a mighty and amazing God who has given us this gracious gift.  We desire to walk in Your Light and do Your will.. and ask for Your Spirit to fill us to the full today so that we might abide in Christ and bear much fruit to Your glory. Amen.