Hebrews 6:9-12

A Better Expectation

However, the writer's warnings of apostasy should not be taken to mean that he had no hope for them. He expected a better end for them than burning, since they still walked in the path of salvation. They had a hope of a promise if they endured until the end of life. He went on to assure them of the justness of God's nature. Their good works, which were done in God's name, would not be forgotten. They had shared in the afflictions and persecutions of others. They had showed compassion for the imprisoned even to the point of suffering personal loss (Hebrews 6:9-10; Hebrews 10:33-34; Matthew 25:31-46).

The writer desired, or had a deep longing (compare Luke 22:15), that they would continue in those good works until the end of life. This would have given them the assurance of their hope, being eternal life. They faced the ever present danger of giving up before achieving their purpose. He further hoped that they would not become lazy in their work. He wanted them to continue faithfully and patiently until the end where they had hope of a promise. This they were to do as others, such as Abraham, had done before them. Fudge says that the word here rendered "sluggish" is the same one translated "dull" in 5:11 (Hebrews 6:11-12).