Hebrews:On to Perfection

The Greek word, teleiotes, ties this section together. After beginning his discussion of the priestly function of the Lord Jesus Christ, Paul presents the profound truth that His experience as an obedient servant to the father qualified Him to be a priest after the order of Melchizedec (5:7–10; made perfect–teleiotes–through suffering).

At this point, Paul paused the discussion to rebuke the Hebrew Christians for being dull in hearing. There is a definite connection between hearing and obeying (Rom. 10:16). Eternal life is for those who obey Him (5:9). Those who obey Him are those who are mature (teleiotes), having their powers of discernment trained (5:14). Therefore, Paul urges these believers who are acting as infant Christians (5:13) to “go on to maturity (teleiotes; 6:1).

The immaturity of these professed believers was seen in their tendency to repeatedly reestablish the foundation of the faith (6:1b). The apostle demonstrates that such activity is impossible, for it would require re-crucifying Christ (6:4–6). Were these Hebrews needing only a rebuke for their childishness or was a greater problem evidenced in their condition. Soil that is fruitful and beneficial to others is so because it is blessed of God with rain. Soil that bears only weeds is worthless, evidencing the curse of God. The only end of such land is burning.