Hebrews 6:10 - Printer Friendly

ESV: 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.

NIV: God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them.

NASB: For God is not unjust so as to forget your work and the love which you have shown toward His name, by having served and by still serving the saints.

CSB: For God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you demonstrated for his name by serving the saints—and by continuing to serve them.

NLT: For God is not unjust. He will not forget how hard you have worked for him and how you have shown your love to him by caring for other believers, as you still do.

KJV: For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shewed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister.

NKJV: For God is not unjust to forget your work and labor of love which you have shown toward His name, in that you have ministered to the saints, and do minister.

As in verse 9, the writer of Hebrews seeks to comfort those reading the letter. The early parts of chapter 6 were ominous, with warnings about how spiritual immaturity leads to faithlessness and God's judgment. In verse 9, it is made clear that the Jewish Christians reading this letter are not necessarily doomed to this fate. Their good deeds, on behalf of God, are obvious.

This verse continues to emphasize this idea. The idea that God is absolutely fair—or "just"—in His attitude towards their good deeds is a preview of the next passage. The people who were criticized for being spiritually immature, and in danger of "falling away," are at the same time living out a very Christ-like love for others.

This is a useful point to remember when discussing spiritual maturity. According to this passage, a person can serve God, loving others with good works, and yet still suffer from an immature approach to Christian truth. The intent of Scripture here is not to dismiss love and service, of course, but it is also not meant to relax the threat of "falling away." Service to God is a good thing, and a sign of sincerity. But it's important to love truth, and grow in wisdom, just as much as it's important to live out our love for other people.

As in all other New Testament instances, the term "saints" is a general reference to all saved Christians. This is not a special category of religious heroes.

Hebrews 6:9–12 provides a softer tone than the prior passage. The writer has criticized the Hebrew Christians for their lack of spiritual maturity, and warned them of the serious danger presented by such a shallow faith. At the same time, these verses indicate that they were doing well in their service to God and their love for others. This section of Scripture reassures the reader that the intent here is to encourage them to continued growth—not to frighten or intimidate them. The next verses will highlight the reasons all Christians can approach their faith with confidence.

Chapter 6 expands on the dangers of a shallow, immature faith. Rather than attempting to re-explain the basics, the author intends to press on. According to this passage, shallow faith opens up the risks of doubt, discouragement, and disobedience. These lead to a situation where one's only hope for restoration is through judgment, much as Israel experienced for forty years in the wilderness. Since our hope is anchored in the proven, unchanging, perfect, absolute nature of God, we should be confident and patient, rather than fearful.

Chapter 6 completes a warning begun in the last verses of chapter 5. The author has deep points to make, but doubts that the readers are ready for them. Yet the only course of action is to press on: there is no time to re-establish the ABCs of the faith. Spiritual immaturity prevents growth, leading to doubt, discouragement, and eventually to judgment. Those who only scratch the surface of Christianity, then fall into disobedience, can't be restored to good standing until they've experienced some level of judgment. Rather than make that mistake, we should trust in the absolute promises of God, and the work of Christ, as we patiently pursue godly wisdom. Chapter 7 will resume the extensive discussion of Melchizedek's priesthood.

The book of Hebrews is meant to challenge, encourage, and empower Christian believers. According to this letter, Jesus Christ is superior to all other prophets and all other claims to truth. Since God has given us Christ, we ought to listen to what He says and not move backwards. The consequences of ignoring God are dire. Hebrews is important for drawing on many portions of the Old Testament in making a case that Christ is the ultimate and perfect expression of God's plan for mankind. This book presents some tough ideas about the Christian faith, a fact the author makes specific note of.