God Is not Unjust

Hebrews 5:11-6:12

 

You Need Milk

In our first passage (5:11-14) the writer of Hebrews begins to take his readers to task. He has much to say, he tells us, which is difficult because we “are slow to learn” as the NIV translates it. The NASB has a more literal translation, and tells us that we “have become” a simple people – indicating that we once were among those blessed who hunger and thirst after righteousness (Matthew 5:6) but have stalled in our natural development, and are now satisfied with milk.

Immaturity is natural among the young, but the writer tells us that maturity does not come simply with years. It comes with constant practice and training. When the disciples were unable to drive out a demon, Jesus told them that it required prayer and fasting (Matthew 17:14-21 – in NIV, see footnote on verse 20). Prayer, Bible study, and Worship are not only the means of our basic nourishment, but are disciplines of the life of faith, bringing to maturity the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:18-23).

Elementary Teachings

What, then, does the author ask us to leave behind? The elementary teachings he gives us (6:1-3) are both expected and startling. Depending on your denomination and background, you may have a thorough understanding of baptism or of the laying on of hands, and depending on your background and denomination, this understanding may be different from mine. It is understandable that a recent convert should acquire and move beyond these principles. But what of repentance? What of faith in God?

So much of evangelical Christianity is established upon the basis of faith that we often fail to move beyond it. If we repent, we turn from our former ways. The author of Hebrews tells us that it is not enough to stand with our backs to our sins, our faith should lead us on.

If They Fall Away

The next passage (6:4-6) seems at first to be a departure from the author’s discourse. It is, in fact, a statement based upon the groundwork the author has been laying. But before we address the essentially practical application the author has in mind, we should consider the doctrinal implications of the passage.

The doctrine of the Eternal Security of the Believer holds that anyone who believes on the Lord Jesus Christ is from the moment of belief forever saved. The most common passage used in support of this doctrine is the familiar and powerful confession of Paul (Romans 8:31-39) but there are many others, including the words of Christ himself (John 10:27-30; Deuteronomy 32:39). Detractors of this doctrine point to the current passage, as well as the words of Christ himself (Matthew 24:4-13) which seem to say that, while no power can separate us from God, we may simply wander off (1 Timothy 6:10).

If we are saved forever, does it then make no difference what we do? This is an idea that cannot be supported, either by those who hold to, or are opposed to, the doctrine. The sins we committed before we believed are forgiven, but no one can say that they did not matter. Regardless of the affect these sins may have had on others, they were injurious to ourselves. In the same way, the sins we commit once we believe will be forgiven, but no one can say they will not matter.

Christ gave up his life freely for all. As the writer of Hebrews acknowledges, those of us who have accepted that sacrifice and then continue to sin selfishly sacrifice him again. If we depart from the disciplines of faith, we fall into the disorder of sin. If we do so habitually and become inured to the sacrifice, the writer tells us it will become impossible for us to return to repentance.

God Is not Unjust

The following verses (6:7-8) emphasize the author’s idea that it matters what we do: it makes the difference between a blessing and a curse – a curse which may ultimately lead to destruction. This is why we must mature beyond babes drinking milk to competent adults who continually practice our righteousness.

But if it the way we behave is so important, will we not ask again with the disciples, “Who then can be saved?” (Matthew 19:25-26) The author, having challenged us, now comforts us: God is not unjust (6:9-12).

In fact, God is more than just. We have been weighed in the balance and found wanting (Daniel 5:27) but God has placed his son in the balance for us.

God puts people right through their faith in Jesus Christ. God does this to all who believe in Christ, because there is no difference at all: everyone has sinned and is far away from God’s saving presence. But by the free gift of God’s grace all are put right with him through Christ Jesus, who sets them free.

(Romans 3:22-24 GNB)