Warning against Retrograding, which leads to Apostasy—Encouragement to Steadfastness from God’s Faithfulness to His Word and Oath. Heb. 6:1-20
The sixth chapter of Hebrews does not commence a new section of the Epistle but continues the digression into which the apostle had entered at Hebrews 5:11. In view of the disability of those to whom he was writing receiving unto their edification the high and glorious mysteries which he desired to expound… First, he declares his intention positively: to “go on unto perfection” v. 1. Second, he names, what he intended to “leave,” namely, “the word of the beginning of Christ” v. 1–3. Third, he warns of the certain doom of apostates v. 4–8. Fourth, he softens this warning in the case of the converted Hebrews v. 9–14. Fifth, he gives an inspiring encouragement to faith, taken from the life of Abraham v. 15–20. Pink Arthur W.
“Therefore, leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ v.1. The word “principles” in this verse is the same as rendered “first” in Hebrews 5:12. The word “doctrine” is found in its plural form and is translated “oracles” in Hebrews 5:12. The word “perfection” is given as “of full age” in Hebrews 5:14. Bagster’s Interlinear, which gives a literal word for word translation of the Greek, renders it, “Wherefore, having left of the beginning of the Christ discourse.” This expression is parallel with the “first principles of the oracles of God” in Hebrews 5:12. It has reference to what God has made known concerning His Son under Judaism. First, prophecies of His coming into the world; second, types and figures of the work He should perform. These predictions had now received their fulfillment, those shadows had now found their substance, in the incarnation, life, death, resurrection and ascension of the Son of God. This, the “holy brethren” Heb. 3:1 among the Jews had acknowledged. Thus, they had “left” the ABCs, for the Word Himself, the pictures for the Reality. “Let us go on unto perfection.” “The Perfection” is obviously set in apposition to “The word of the beginning of Christ:”-the Messiah. It is the contrast, once more, between Judaism and Christianity. That which is here referred to as “The Perfection” is the full revelation which God now made of Himself in the person of His incarnate Son. No longer is He veiled by types and shadows, His glory is seen fully in the face of Jesus Christ 2Cor. 4:6. Having triumphantly finished the work, which was given Him to do, He has been “received up into glory” 1Tim. 3:16. Since God has now spoken to us in His Son…Heb. 1:1-3. In consequence of His successful prosecution of this stupendous work been “crowned with glory and honor;” and, seeing that He is immeasurably superior to Moses, Joshua, and Aaron; —let us give Him His due place in our thoughts, hearts, and lives. It is, from the practical side, a “perfection” of knowledge, spiritually imparted by the Holy Spirit. It is a perfection of knowledge in revealed truth. Yet, of course, it is only a relative “perfection,” for an absolute apprehension of the things of God is not attainable in this life.” Pink Arthur W. Now “we know in part” 1Cor. 13:9, 1Cor. 8:2. Paul said, “Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth…” Phil. 3:13-15, Pr. 4:18, Matt. 5:48, 1Cor. 13:10, 2Co. 7:1, Ep. 4:12, Col. 1:28; 4:12, Jas. 1:4, 1Pet. 5:10.
