The 6th chapter of Hebrews has posed numerous problems in understanding just who is being referenced; as well as the meaning of being unable to be
renewed again to repentance.
The book of Hebrews presents the deity and the preeminence of the Lord Jesus Christ.
My understanding is that the book of Hebrews is written to the believing remnant of Israel. It is written for them in two different time settings. The first setting is when they are scattered following the persecution.
"And Saul was consenting unto his death. And at that time there was a great persecution against the church which was at Jerusalem; and they were all scattered abroad throughout the regions of Judaea and Samaria, except the apostles." Acts 8:1
The second is in the future, the last days or the tribulation period.
"Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds;" Hebrews 1:2
This book exhorts the Jewish believers to remain steadfast and to grow in the faith.
The book of Hebrews establishes the Lord Jesus as The High Priest:
"Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people." Hebrews 2:17
The believers are urged to take heed from departing from the living God due to unbelief.
They were urged to labor to enter into the promise of rest from their own works, not to fall from unbelief, and to hold fast their profession:
"Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession." Hebrews 4:14
The scripture establishes Christ Jesus as being:
"Called of God an high priest after the order of Melchisedec."
Hebrews 5:10
The scripture is chiding the believers for being immature in the faith and prompting them toward maturity. The writer is conveying that he would like to expand on this Melchisedec of the past, and how he portrays truth in regard to the priestly capacity of the Lord Jesus:
"Of whom we have many things to say, and hard to be uttered, seeing ye are dull of hearing.
For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which [be] the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat.
For every one that useth milk [is] unskilful in the word of righteousness: for he is ababe.
But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, [even] those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil."
Hebrews 5:11-14
The writer of Hebrews now exhorts the readers to go onto perfection:
"Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto
perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God,
Of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of thedead, and of eternal judgment.
And this will we do, if God permit." Hebrews 6:1-3
"For [it is] impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost,
And have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come,
If they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put [him] to an open shame."
Hebrews 6:4-6
If those fall away in unbelief it is impossible to renew them again to repentance seeing they crucify the Son of God afresh by reverting back to the old priesthood and Levitical system of sacrifice.
The Old Testament sacrificial system was a figure, or type of the Lord Jesus and his perfect sacrifice. By adherence to the old priesthood and offering animal sacrifice they are crucifying The Lord Jesus afresh; in essence this is shaming him and the efficacy of the once and for all sacrifice of himself. The context of the text places "those" who fall away in contrast to "us", which remain steadfast in regard to their profession of faith and moving toward perfection.
The letter to the Hebrews will expand on the principles that will prompt the
Hebrews to cease the backslide of adherence to Levitical sacrifice. The doctrine will dictate the necessity for the Hebrews to grasp: the purpose of the Levitical priesthood; the priesthood of the Lord Jesus; the assurance of holding fast their profession of faith; the right perspective on persecution; the sufficiency of the sacrifice of Christ Jesus; the severity of disregard for the blood of Christ; the receiving of the promises and blessings.
The following verses will illustrate these doctrines and show that the understanding of Hebrews 6:4-6 presented is in context and accord with the theme and purpose of this book.
Following we have the warning for falling away.
"For the earth which drinketh in the rain that cometh oft upon it, and bringeth forth herbs meet for them by whom it is dressed, receiveth blessing from God:
But that which beareth thorns and briers [is] rejected, and [is] nigh unto cursing; whose end [is] to be burned." Hebrews 6:7-8
So much better is the consolation:
"But, beloved, we are persuaded better things of you, and things that accompany salvation, though we thus speak." Hebrews 6:9
The desire is for the Hebrews to be diligent followers laboring in love toward God and the saints; to come to full assurance as a product of such obedient labor, and to obtain the promises through faith:
"And we desire that every one of you do shew the same diligence to the full
assurance of hope unto the end:
That ye be not slothful, but followers of them who through faith and patience
inherit the promises." Hebrews 6:11-12
The promises of God are sure; resting on past and continual fulfillment. God has laid the foundation of the assurance of his promises by his oath: by two immutable things, the blessing and the multiplying sworn to Abraham. Christ Jesus has entered into the holiest within the veil as the forerunner : a high priest forever after the order of Melchisedec:
"For when God made promise to Abraham, because he could swear by no greater, he sware by himself,
Saying, Surely blessing I will bless thee, and multiplying I will multiply thee.
And so, after he had patiently endured, he obtained the promise.
For men verily swear by the greater: and an oath for confirmation [is] to them an end of all strife.
Wherein God, willing more abundantly to shew unto the heirs of promise the
immutability of his counsel, confirmed [it] by an oath:
That by two immutable things, in which [it was] impossible for God to lie, we
might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us:
Which [hope] we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and stedfast, and which entereth into that within the veil;
Whither the forerunner is for us entered, [even] Jesus, made an high priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec." Hebrews 6:13-20
Perfection is not obtained by the Levitical priesthood:
"If therefore perfection were by the Levitical priesthood, (for under it the people received the law,) what further need [was there] that another priest should rise after the order of Melchisedec, and not be called after the order of Aaron?"
Hebrews 7:11
The Levitical priesthood was made after the law, but Melchisedec after a lively priesthood; to whom Levi paid tithes while in the loins of Abraham. This better hope gives the means to draw near unto God:
"And it is yet far more evident: for that after the similitude of Melchisedec there ariseth another priest,
Who is made, not after the law of a carnal commandment, but after the power of an endless life.
For he testifieth, Thou [art] a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec.
For there is verily a disannulling of the commandment going before for the
weakness and unprofitableness thereof.
For the law made nothing perfect, but the bringing in of a better hope [did]; by the which we draw nigh unto God." Hebrews 7:15-19
The Lord Jesus ensures a better testament: arising by oath as a priest forever after the order of Melchisedec:
"By so much was Jesus made a surety of a better testament." Hebrews 7:22
The Hebrews are exhorted to remain steadfast in Christ Jesus, who living forever, has an unchangeable priesthood; unlike the Levitical priesthood which had a succession of priests by reason of death. Christ Jesus, a High priest who needed not to offer sacrifices often; for this he did once by the sacrifice of himself:
"But this [man], because he continueth ever, hath an unchangeable priesthood.
Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them.
For such an high priest became us, [who is] holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and made higher than the heavens;
Who needeth not daily, as those high priests, to offer up sacrifice, first for his own sins, and then for the people's: for this he did once, when he offered up himself. For the law maketh men high priests which have infirmity; but the word of the oath, which was since the law, [maketh] the Son, who is consecrated for evermore."
Hebrews 7:24-28
The Hebrews are urged to have full assurance and reliance on Christ Jesus; the High Priest in the heavens:
"Now of the things which we have spoken [this is] the sum: We have such an high priest, who is set on the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens;"
Hebrews 8:1
Christ Jesus sitting in the heavenly places is the minister of the true tabernacle, as opposed to the earthly priests, which are the example. The Hebrews are being urged to grasp that they have a priest that has obtained a more excellent ministry; the mediator of a better covenant since the old covenant is ready to vanish away:
"For if he were on earth, he should not be a priest, seeing that there are priests that offer gifts according to the law:
Who serve unto the example and shadow of heavenly things, as Moses was
admonished of God when he was about to make the tabernacle: for, See, saith he, [that] thou make all things according to the pattern shewed to thee in the mount.
But now hath he obtained a more excellent ministry, by how much also he is the mediator of a better covenant, which was established upon better promises."
Hebrews 8:4-6
The Hebrews are being exhorted to lay hold to the fact that the high priest of the old covenant had to enter into the holy place of the tabernacle often with the blood of other sacrifices; but Christ Jesus, by his own blood, entered once into the holy place and obtained eternal redemption :
"For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands, [which are] the figures of the true; but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us:
Nor yet that he should offer himself often, as the high priest entereth into the holy place every year with blood of others;
For then must he often have suffered since the foundation of the world: but now once in the end of the world hath he appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself." Hebrews 9:24-26
The Hebrews are again admonished that the law was only a shadow, and not the image of the good things to come. The Levitical sacrifices could not take away sins, nor purge the conscience; they only served to purify the pattern of heavenly things until the efficacious sacrifice of Christ Jesus:
"Above when he said, Sacrifice and offering and burnt offerings and [offering] for sin thou wouldest not, neither hadst pleasure [therein]; which are offered by the law; Then said he, Lo, I come to do thy will, O God. He taketh away the first, that he may establish the second.
By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once [for all].
And every priest standeth daily ministering and offering oftentimes the same
sacrifices, which can never take away sins:
But this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God;
From henceforth expecting till his enemies be made his footstool.
For by one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified."
Hebrews 10:8-14
The Hebrews are to stand fast in the new covenant and draw near to God; to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way; and to have full assurance to hold fast the profession of their faith. Since sins have been forgiven on the basis of the sacrifice of Christ Jesus, there is no need for, or acceptance of, more offerings:
"And their sins and iniquities will I remember no more.
Now where remission of these [is, there is] no more offering for sin."
Hebrews 10:17-18
"Let us hold fast the profession of [our] faith without wavering; (for he [is] faithful that promised
" Hebrews 10:23
Emphasized once again is the fact that there remains no sacrificial offerings of the law that will take away sins. The Hebrews are not to regress to the sacrifices of the Levitical priesthood; by not holding fast to the profession of faith only indignation can be foretold:
"For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins,
But a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall
devour the adversaries." Hebrews 10:26-27
The Hebrews are once again warned of despising the blood of the new covenant:
"Of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace?
For we know him that hath said, Vengeance [belongeth] unto me, I will
recompense, saith the Lord. And again, The Lord shall judge his people.
[It is] a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God." Hebrews 10:29-31
The Hebrews are commanded not to cast away their confidence and lose reward,but rather, to receive the promises:
"Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompence of reward.
For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise.
For yet a little while, and he that shall come will come, and will not tarry.
Now the just shall live by faith: but if [any man] draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him.
But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition; but of them that believe to the saving of the soul." Hebrews 10:35-39
The Hebrews are warned not to lose their promises and reward by being profane as Esau, who having sold his birthright, found no place of repentance when he would have inherited the blessing. Once he gave up his birthright, there was no way to get it back.
"Lest there be any fornicator, or profane person, as Esau, who for one morsel of meat sold his birthright.
For ye know how that afterward, when he would have inherited the blessing, he was rejected: for he found no place of repentance, though he sought it carefully with tears." Hebrews 12:16-17
The Hebrews are urged not to turn away from him that speaketh from heaven, to serve God and enter the kingdom:
"Wherefore we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear:
For our God [is] a consuming fire." Hebrews 12:28-29
The Hebrews were counseled to go unto Jesus bearing his reproach, and by him to offer the only acceptable sacrifice left; praise from their lips:
"By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of [our] lips giving thanks to his name." Hebrews 13:15
"Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, Make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is wellpleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom [be] glory for ever and ever. Amen." Hebrews 13:20-21
renewed again to repentance.
The book of Hebrews presents the deity and the preeminence of the Lord Jesus Christ.
My understanding is that the book of Hebrews is written to the believing remnant of Israel. It is written for them in two different time settings. The first setting is when they are scattered following the persecution.
"And Saul was consenting unto his death. And at that time there was a great persecution against the church which was at Jerusalem; and they were all scattered abroad throughout the regions of Judaea and Samaria, except the apostles." Acts 8:1
The second is in the future, the last days or the tribulation period.
"Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds;" Hebrews 1:2
This book exhorts the Jewish believers to remain steadfast and to grow in the faith.
The book of Hebrews establishes the Lord Jesus as The High Priest:
"Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people." Hebrews 2:17
The believers are urged to take heed from departing from the living God due to unbelief.
They were urged to labor to enter into the promise of rest from their own works, not to fall from unbelief, and to hold fast their profession:
"Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession." Hebrews 4:14
The scripture establishes Christ Jesus as being:
"Called of God an high priest after the order of Melchisedec."
Hebrews 5:10
The scripture is chiding the believers for being immature in the faith and prompting them toward maturity. The writer is conveying that he would like to expand on this Melchisedec of the past, and how he portrays truth in regard to the priestly capacity of the Lord Jesus:
"Of whom we have many things to say, and hard to be uttered, seeing ye are dull of hearing.
For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which [be] the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat.
For every one that useth milk [is] unskilful in the word of righteousness: for he is ababe.
But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, [even] those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil."
Hebrews 5:11-14
The writer of Hebrews now exhorts the readers to go onto perfection:
"Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto
perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God,
Of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of thedead, and of eternal judgment.
And this will we do, if God permit." Hebrews 6:1-3
"For [it is] impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost,
And have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come,
If they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put [him] to an open shame."
Hebrews 6:4-6
If those fall away in unbelief it is impossible to renew them again to repentance seeing they crucify the Son of God afresh by reverting back to the old priesthood and Levitical system of sacrifice.
The Old Testament sacrificial system was a figure, or type of the Lord Jesus and his perfect sacrifice. By adherence to the old priesthood and offering animal sacrifice they are crucifying The Lord Jesus afresh; in essence this is shaming him and the efficacy of the once and for all sacrifice of himself. The context of the text places "those" who fall away in contrast to "us", which remain steadfast in regard to their profession of faith and moving toward perfection.
The letter to the Hebrews will expand on the principles that will prompt the
Hebrews to cease the backslide of adherence to Levitical sacrifice. The doctrine will dictate the necessity for the Hebrews to grasp: the purpose of the Levitical priesthood; the priesthood of the Lord Jesus; the assurance of holding fast their profession of faith; the right perspective on persecution; the sufficiency of the sacrifice of Christ Jesus; the severity of disregard for the blood of Christ; the receiving of the promises and blessings.
The following verses will illustrate these doctrines and show that the understanding of Hebrews 6:4-6 presented is in context and accord with the theme and purpose of this book.
Following we have the warning for falling away.
"For the earth which drinketh in the rain that cometh oft upon it, and bringeth forth herbs meet for them by whom it is dressed, receiveth blessing from God:
But that which beareth thorns and briers [is] rejected, and [is] nigh unto cursing; whose end [is] to be burned." Hebrews 6:7-8
So much better is the consolation:
"But, beloved, we are persuaded better things of you, and things that accompany salvation, though we thus speak." Hebrews 6:9
The desire is for the Hebrews to be diligent followers laboring in love toward God and the saints; to come to full assurance as a product of such obedient labor, and to obtain the promises through faith:
"And we desire that every one of you do shew the same diligence to the full
assurance of hope unto the end:
That ye be not slothful, but followers of them who through faith and patience
inherit the promises." Hebrews 6:11-12
The promises of God are sure; resting on past and continual fulfillment. God has laid the foundation of the assurance of his promises by his oath: by two immutable things, the blessing and the multiplying sworn to Abraham. Christ Jesus has entered into the holiest within the veil as the forerunner : a high priest forever after the order of Melchisedec:
"For when God made promise to Abraham, because he could swear by no greater, he sware by himself,
Saying, Surely blessing I will bless thee, and multiplying I will multiply thee.
And so, after he had patiently endured, he obtained the promise.
For men verily swear by the greater: and an oath for confirmation [is] to them an end of all strife.
Wherein God, willing more abundantly to shew unto the heirs of promise the
immutability of his counsel, confirmed [it] by an oath:
That by two immutable things, in which [it was] impossible for God to lie, we
might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us:
Which [hope] we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and stedfast, and which entereth into that within the veil;
Whither the forerunner is for us entered, [even] Jesus, made an high priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec." Hebrews 6:13-20
Perfection is not obtained by the Levitical priesthood:
"If therefore perfection were by the Levitical priesthood, (for under it the people received the law,) what further need [was there] that another priest should rise after the order of Melchisedec, and not be called after the order of Aaron?"
Hebrews 7:11
The Levitical priesthood was made after the law, but Melchisedec after a lively priesthood; to whom Levi paid tithes while in the loins of Abraham. This better hope gives the means to draw near unto God:
"And it is yet far more evident: for that after the similitude of Melchisedec there ariseth another priest,
Who is made, not after the law of a carnal commandment, but after the power of an endless life.
For he testifieth, Thou [art] a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec.
For there is verily a disannulling of the commandment going before for the
weakness and unprofitableness thereof.
For the law made nothing perfect, but the bringing in of a better hope [did]; by the which we draw nigh unto God." Hebrews 7:15-19
The Lord Jesus ensures a better testament: arising by oath as a priest forever after the order of Melchisedec:
"By so much was Jesus made a surety of a better testament." Hebrews 7:22
The Hebrews are exhorted to remain steadfast in Christ Jesus, who living forever, has an unchangeable priesthood; unlike the Levitical priesthood which had a succession of priests by reason of death. Christ Jesus, a High priest who needed not to offer sacrifices often; for this he did once by the sacrifice of himself:
"But this [man], because he continueth ever, hath an unchangeable priesthood.
Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them.
For such an high priest became us, [who is] holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and made higher than the heavens;
Who needeth not daily, as those high priests, to offer up sacrifice, first for his own sins, and then for the people's: for this he did once, when he offered up himself. For the law maketh men high priests which have infirmity; but the word of the oath, which was since the law, [maketh] the Son, who is consecrated for evermore."
Hebrews 7:24-28
The Hebrews are urged to have full assurance and reliance on Christ Jesus; the High Priest in the heavens:
"Now of the things which we have spoken [this is] the sum: We have such an high priest, who is set on the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens;"
Hebrews 8:1
Christ Jesus sitting in the heavenly places is the minister of the true tabernacle, as opposed to the earthly priests, which are the example. The Hebrews are being urged to grasp that they have a priest that has obtained a more excellent ministry; the mediator of a better covenant since the old covenant is ready to vanish away:
"For if he were on earth, he should not be a priest, seeing that there are priests that offer gifts according to the law:
Who serve unto the example and shadow of heavenly things, as Moses was
admonished of God when he was about to make the tabernacle: for, See, saith he, [that] thou make all things according to the pattern shewed to thee in the mount.
But now hath he obtained a more excellent ministry, by how much also he is the mediator of a better covenant, which was established upon better promises."
Hebrews 8:4-6
The Hebrews are being exhorted to lay hold to the fact that the high priest of the old covenant had to enter into the holy place of the tabernacle often with the blood of other sacrifices; but Christ Jesus, by his own blood, entered once into the holy place and obtained eternal redemption :
"For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands, [which are] the figures of the true; but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us:
Nor yet that he should offer himself often, as the high priest entereth into the holy place every year with blood of others;
For then must he often have suffered since the foundation of the world: but now once in the end of the world hath he appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself." Hebrews 9:24-26
The Hebrews are again admonished that the law was only a shadow, and not the image of the good things to come. The Levitical sacrifices could not take away sins, nor purge the conscience; they only served to purify the pattern of heavenly things until the efficacious sacrifice of Christ Jesus:
"Above when he said, Sacrifice and offering and burnt offerings and [offering] for sin thou wouldest not, neither hadst pleasure [therein]; which are offered by the law; Then said he, Lo, I come to do thy will, O God. He taketh away the first, that he may establish the second.
By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once [for all].
And every priest standeth daily ministering and offering oftentimes the same
sacrifices, which can never take away sins:
But this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God;
From henceforth expecting till his enemies be made his footstool.
For by one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified."
Hebrews 10:8-14
The Hebrews are to stand fast in the new covenant and draw near to God; to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way; and to have full assurance to hold fast the profession of their faith. Since sins have been forgiven on the basis of the sacrifice of Christ Jesus, there is no need for, or acceptance of, more offerings:
"And their sins and iniquities will I remember no more.
Now where remission of these [is, there is] no more offering for sin."
Hebrews 10:17-18
"Let us hold fast the profession of [our] faith without wavering; (for he [is] faithful that promised
" Hebrews 10:23Emphasized once again is the fact that there remains no sacrificial offerings of the law that will take away sins. The Hebrews are not to regress to the sacrifices of the Levitical priesthood; by not holding fast to the profession of faith only indignation can be foretold:
"For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins,
But a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall
devour the adversaries." Hebrews 10:26-27
The Hebrews are once again warned of despising the blood of the new covenant:
"Of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace?
For we know him that hath said, Vengeance [belongeth] unto me, I will
recompense, saith the Lord. And again, The Lord shall judge his people.
[It is] a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God." Hebrews 10:29-31
The Hebrews are commanded not to cast away their confidence and lose reward,but rather, to receive the promises:
"Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompence of reward.
For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise.
For yet a little while, and he that shall come will come, and will not tarry.
Now the just shall live by faith: but if [any man] draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him.
But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition; but of them that believe to the saving of the soul." Hebrews 10:35-39
The Hebrews are warned not to lose their promises and reward by being profane as Esau, who having sold his birthright, found no place of repentance when he would have inherited the blessing. Once he gave up his birthright, there was no way to get it back.
"Lest there be any fornicator, or profane person, as Esau, who for one morsel of meat sold his birthright.
For ye know how that afterward, when he would have inherited the blessing, he was rejected: for he found no place of repentance, though he sought it carefully with tears." Hebrews 12:16-17
The Hebrews are urged not to turn away from him that speaketh from heaven, to serve God and enter the kingdom:
"Wherefore we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear:
For our God [is] a consuming fire." Hebrews 12:28-29
The Hebrews were counseled to go unto Jesus bearing his reproach, and by him to offer the only acceptable sacrifice left; praise from their lips:
"By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of [our] lips giving thanks to his name." Hebrews 13:15
"Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, Make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is wellpleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom [be] glory for ever and ever. Amen." Hebrews 13:20-21
