Hebrews 6:1 These words are a guiding and inspiring principle, alike in the life of the whole Church and in our individual souls. I. The unlimited going on to perfection is the law only of a life that is spiritual, "hid with Christ in God." In all that is material, the law is of alternate growth a... [ Continue Reading ]
Hebrews 5:11-6 Growth in Grace and Knowledge. I. The comparison between a newly-converted man and a babe is, like all comparisons, imperfect. For, in one sense, a Christian is born by the Holy Ghost full-grown, as Adam came into the world a perfect man. The babe in Christ learns very easily and ve... [ Continue Reading ]
Hebrews 6:4 The Renewal of Those Who Fall Away. The words of the Apostle in the text are very strong and very startling, and I can easily believe that they have often caused pain and misgiving to Christian minds. I. I conceive that in the text the Apostle is speaking of no less a sin than that of... [ Continue Reading ]
Hebrews 6:4 Exhortation. I. The danger of apostasy. The Hebrews had become lukewarm, negligent and inert; the Gospel, once clearly seen and dearly loved by them, had become to them dim and vague; the persecution and contempt of their countrymen, a grievous burden under which they groaned, and with... [ Continue Reading ]
Hebrews 6:6 I, Various as have been God's dealings with the world, there is, after all, a terrible impartiality in His dispensations to His rational creatures. He can hear us all in the same court, and judge us out of the same books. He can see through the intricacies of His own diversified governme... [ Continue Reading ]
Hebrews 6:12 Indolence. I. It can never be unnecessary to dwell upon the warfare of sloth in the body. Better any diligence than any sloth. Better the strenuous idleness of bodily exercise than the sluggish, purposeless lounging which is the alternative for many. Not even that absorption of the fac... [ Continue Reading ]
Hebrews 6:19 The Anchor of the Soul. Note a series of practical lessons. I. The ship that is kept by an anchor, although safe, is not at ease. It does not, on the one hand, dread destruction; but neither, on the other hand, does it enjoy rest. "Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery t... [ Continue Reading ]
Hebrews 6:20 The lessons of comfort and instruction which we are to derive from the appearance of Melchisedec to Abraham are as clear as they are important. I. The word "Melchisedec" leads our thoughts at once to that remarkable passage in Jeremiah xxiii., where it is declared of Christ that this... [ Continue Reading ]