In reading through chapter 6, a couple of main themes jump out at me. The writer begins with a startling warning about falling away, “For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted the heavenly gift, and have become partakers of the Holy Spirit, and have tasted the good word of God and the powers of the age to come, 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.”(Hebrews 6:4-6) In my heart, I am gripped with fear after reading this. Jesus, don’t let me fall away! Father, when I mess up, do I lose my salvation?!?
I believe the Lord is speaking more about the heart condition of man than He is about His judgment of them. His mercy triumphs over judgment! The writer of Hebrews had warned the readers time and time again against disobedience. If they continue in their sin, their hearts would be hardened toward the Lord. A heart that is hardened time and time again is bitter and hateful to the Lord and it is nearly impossible for them to humble themselves before the Lord in repentance. The writer is saying, “Don’t let your hearts reach that place of un-willingness!”
After this word of caution, the writer gives us a picture of the Father’s heart toward His people. The Lord’s tenderness and love is evident in verse 10, “For God is not unjust to forget your work and labor of love which you have shown toward His name…” God doesn’t give up on us! Ever! Even when we fall away and dabble in sin, He never forgets those moments when we had set our face before Him, He waits patiently for hearts to return to Him with more longing in His heart than we can imagine. Jesus exemplified this response as He bore the cross for our sins, He knew every time we would turn away, He knew every disobedient choice we would make, but He chose to give His life for the treasure He created us to be.
I want to know the Father in such a way that I am not afraid to return to Him when I mess up, don’t you? Let’s ask the Lord together for a revelation of His mercy that He has promised to us everyday.
Father, I want to live my life before Your eyes, with a tender heart, humble in repentance when I mess up. Teach me about Your heart, teach me about what Your Son did for me on the cross. Help me to remain steadfast and obedient to You, even in the small things. Thank You for Your great mercy that is new for me every day, help me to access that mercy. In Jesus name, amen.
Read my blog post on chapter 6 here.