Hebrews 6:1-8

Hebrews 6:1-8

The failure to develop the discernment of good and evil is an invitation to disaster. The author says it is time to move beyond the foundational issues of Christianity to a faith of discernment. He does not discount the importance of the foundations; indeed, he lists them, but the readers' lack of maturity will have disastrous results if they do not develop a deeper faith. The foundation or elementary teaching listed in this passage ought to be known and understood by every believer. But they are not the end destination. The author specifically listed six foundational points for us in verses 1 and 2. 

Then the author moves on to warn about the dangers of the shallow faith that never learns discernment. Verses 4-6 warned about the danger of falling from grace into apostasy. There are those who would doubt this possibility. However, the simple, straightforward reading of scripture is clear. We must avoid contorting scripture to suit our wants or preconceptions and instead conform our thinking to scripture. This falling away is not the result of a singular sin, nor of a specific type of sin. Rather, the grammar indicates a pattern or habit of sin that comes to identify or mark the person's life. In this ongoing habit or practice of sin, they are crucifying the Savior all over again. While actively sinning, there is no repentance in their lives. Any, indeed every, sin has the potential to move from an isolated incident to a pattern that causes us to desire that evil so completely that we would crucify Jesus for it. In such a state or condition, repentance is impossible. The lack of discernment between good and evil discussed at the end of chapter 5 makes us susceptible to sin that might mean our ruin. The importance of holiness and discernment in our lives cannot be overstated.

“Lord, help me grow in holiness and in sensitivity to any and every sin. AMEN”