Hebrews 6:3 - Printer Friendly

ESV: And this we will do if God permits.

NIV: And God permitting, we will do so.

NASB: And this we will do, if God permits.

CSB: And we will do this if God permits.

NLT: And so, God willing, we will move forward to further understanding.

KJV: And this will we do, if God permit.

NKJV: And this we will do if God permits.

The primary intent of the book of Hebrews is encouragement. The world attempts to poison our faith, attacking it through doubts, persecution, ridicule, and harassment. Due to some combination of these factors, the original readers of this letter are stuck in a rut of spiritual immaturity. Rather than growing a deeper faith, they are trapped as spiritual infants. The danger of this, according to the next passage, is doubt and disobedience, which can only lead to judgment.

Verses 1 and 2 give examples of basic doctrines, particularly those which would have led to conflict between early Christians and their Jewish neighbors. A recurring theme in the book of Hebrews is the need to "hold fast" to Christ, rather than falling back into an imperfect understanding of God. The purpose of Old Testament rituals, sacraments, the Law, and so forth, is a key distinction between the ministry of Christ and the teachings of Judaism.

The author's hope, expressed here, is that by skipping over these basics, and pressing on to deeper ideas, the readers will come to a better understanding. The phrasing is welcoming: "let us leave…this we will do." Instead of wallowing in simplistic faith, the writer of Hebrews hopes to pull others into a fuller, more confident faith. This is done not only through dire warnings, as in the next few verses, but also with encouragement, as in the last parts of chapter 6.

These verses are important when interpreting the next part of Scripture. The imagery of verses 4 through 8 is set up as a contrast between moving forward with a growing faith, versus wallowing in an immature, unproductive one.

Hebrews 6:1–3 is the author's answer to the problem posed at the end of chapter 5. The readers are spiritually immature, and so there is a good chance they will miss the deeper meanings which the book of Hebrews means to explore. Here, however, the author resolves not to waste time on elementary teachings. Instead, he will press on and allow the audience to ''catch up'' as they are able.

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.