Title of Work Epistles of Paul - Hebrews Chapter 6
46 Papyrus 46 is 300 Chapters of the New Testament - Found Intact and exactly as shown. Owned by the University of Michigan Hebrews 6
Therefore let us move beyond the elementary teachings about Christ and be taken forward to maturity, not laying again the foundation of repentance from acts that lead to death.
And of faith in God, 2 and of instruction about washings,[Baptism] the laying on of hands, the resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment. 3 And this we will do if God permits.
4 For it is impossible, in the case of those who have once been enlightened, who have tasted the heavenly gift, and have shared in the Holy Spirit, 5 and have tasted the goodness of the word of God and the powers of the age to come, 6 and then have fallen away, to restore them again to repentance, since they are crucifying once again the Son of God to their own harm and holding him up to contempt. 7 For land that has drunk the rain that often falls on it, and produces a crop useful to those for whose sake it is cultivated, receives a blessing from God. 8 But if it bears thorns and thistles, it is worthless and near to being cursed, and its end is to be burned.
9 Though we speak in this way, yet in your case, beloved, we feel sure of better things—things that belong to salvation.
10 For God is not unjust so as to overlook your work and the love that you have shown for his name in serving the saints, as you still do.
11 And we desire each one of you to show the same earnestness to have the full assurance of hope until the end, 12 so that you may not be sluggish, but imitators of those who through faith and patience inherit the promises.
13 For when God made a promise to Abraham, since he had no one greater by whom to swear, he swore by himself, 14 saying, “Surely I will bless you and multiply you.”
15 And thus Abraham, having patiently waited, obtained the promise.
16 For people swear by something greater than themselves, and in all their disputes an oath is final for confirmation.
17 So when God desired to show more convincingly to the heirs of the promise the unchangeable character of his purpose, he guaranteed it with an oath,
18 so that by two unchangeable things,
in which it is impossible for God to lie,
we who have fled for refuge might have strong encouragement to hold fast to the hope set before us.
19 We have this as a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul, a hope that enters into the inner place behind the curtain, 20 where Jesus has gone as a forerunner on our behalf, having become a high priest forever after the order of Melchizedek.
Why did Paul leave the Jews if he wished himself accursed if this would lead to them accepting the Salvation of Jesus?
Paul saw the Old rituals the Jews repeated as not giving them the relationship with Jesus Christ. No longer did Paul see animal sacrifice as giving the Mercy of God. Instead Baptism invites the Holy Spirit to make the believer the Temple of God.
I would guess Paul saw Jews becoming Christians and slipping back into Jewish customs to appease their family and neighbors. This type of behavior led Paul in the not-very-Jesus move of condemning Peter in front of the assembly about circumcision. (Scriptures tell us we should address our concerns privately before publicly.) Paul must have found this slipping between Judaism and Christianity as grievous.
Paul later saw gentiles act as if Jesus was a waiter to just hand out freebie and cheap grace. Paul calls this working against Salvation.
The Scriptures are Living and Active telling us to hold our Salvation dear to us. To act as if Salvation is important to us in our daily lives. To assure others when we sincerely believe they live in His Salvation Promises. And to remember we need this strong encouragement daily. Never fail to expect Jesus to fulfill all His Promises to us.
Paul is telling us - Run this Race. Life has winding effects. The reference to Abraham's patience tells us the road is long. Not to waiver or falter from these Promises from our Father God of Profound Love, Forever. God gives His Very Word. Expect God to do these Promises Completely.
Father God, Your Hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us. You show Your love for us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
Your Love, Father God is genuine. Help us to give honor and show affection. Beloved, let us love one another, for love fulfills the law. We will pray for one another. We will work not to grieve one another.
Father God, Your Promises are so Large, we are unprepared for Your Glory beyond our imaginings. With Your Love, we will be built up.
Father God, You know us so well. Our Scriptures end with the Book of Life. You are Love and help us to live Your Plan and to encourage us and our Loved Ones. Help us to be fishers of mankind to know Your Love. You are for us. Bless this Nation to Love and Serve You. In Jesus. Amen.
♔ Lord Jesus Saves †
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