Hebrews 6:15 - Printer Friendly

ESV: And thus Abraham, having patiently waited, obtained the promise.

NIV: And so after waiting patiently, Abraham received what was promised.

NASB: And so, having patiently waited, he obtained the promise.

CSB: And so, after waiting patiently, Abraham obtained the promise.

NLT: Then Abraham waited patiently, and he received what God had promised.

KJV: And so, after he had patiently endured, he obtained the promise.

NKJV: And so, after he had patiently endured, he obtained the promise.

As weak, limited people, we have a tendency to expect immediate results. Even if we know, intellectually, that some things take time, we still drift into doubt when events don't play out according to our preferred schedule. The worst outcome of this human flaw is despair: to assume that, since a promise has not yet been fulfilled, that maybe it never will be. Or, that there was no truth behind the promise in the first place.

The book of Hebrews was written to persecuted Jewish Christians. They faced pressure to abandon the promises of their Christian faith. For some, this was especially dangerous; doubt and spiritual immaturity placed them at risk of "falling away." A major component of solving this problem, according to the writer, is a purposeful approach to growing in both truth and love. This requires confidence: a personal conviction that what we're seeking after is true.

For these same Jewish believers, there would have been no greater example of patient faith than Abraham. He waited a long time to see God's promises fulfilled (Genesis 12:7; 17:5; 18:18; 22:16–18). In some cases, God did not completely fulfill those oaths until after Abraham had died. The Greek term used here for "patience" is makrothymēsas, which includes the idea of tolerating abuse from others without retaliating. In other words, Abraham needed to be patient towards his situation, and his struggles, while waiting for God to make good on His word. This purposeful, trusting, confident faith is presented as a mirror-image to the laziness denounced in Hebrews 5:11 and Hebrews 6:12.

Fortunately, history would show that God's vows are unbreakable. This was meant to give the original readers of this letter confidence. Even more than Abraham, they had evidence that God's Word, and His oaths, are absolutely proven true. Despite persecution, and what felt like a delay in God's rescue, they could trust in Him. The ultimate "anchor" for this hope, explained in the next passage, is found in Jesus Christ.

Hebrews 6:13–20 completes the transition from dire warning, to encouragement, back to the prior topic. Prior sections gave a strong warning against believers ''falling away'' due to a shallow, immature faith. The passage immediately prior encouraged the readers that their good works proved sincerity. Here, the writer outlines the assurance which allows Christians to grow in their faith despite persecution. With Abraham as a prime example, these verses explain that Christians have the ultimate source of confident hope: the perfect high priesthood of Jesus Christ.

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.