Hebrews 6:11 - Printer Friendly

ESV: And we desire each one of you to show the same earnestness to have the full assurance of hope until the end,

NIV: We want each of you to show this same diligence to the very end, so that what you hope for may be fully realized.

NASB: And we desire that each one of you demonstrate the same diligence so as to realize the full assurance of hope until the end,

CSB: Now we desire each of you to demonstrate the same diligence for the full assurance of your hope until the end,

NLT: Our great desire is that you will keep on loving others as long as life lasts, in order to make certain that what you hope for will come true.

KJV: And we desire that every one of you do shew the same diligence to the full assurance of hope unto the end:

NKJV: And we desire that each one of you show the same diligence to the full assurance of hope until the end,

Scripture is clear that we cannot earn our salvation by good works (Titus 3:5; Romans 11:6), but we are called on to pursue them (Matthew 5:16; Hebrews 10:24; James 3:13). Likewise, we cannot lose our salvation (John 10:28–30), but we are still warned against the dangers of "falling away" into doubt or disobedience (Hebrews 6:1–8). In verses 11 and 12, we see yet another example where believers are encouraged to seek a full, mature, purposeful faith in Christ, so that they can experience all of the hope and confidence we are promised (Hebrews 11:32–34; Galatians 6:9; Ephesians 4:13–15).

The intent is not for us to pay for our own redemption, or avoid losing it. Rather, verses such as this are about how we, as fallible people, perceive our own faith. Growing in service, like growing in truth, provides us with a reassuring proof that we're following the will of God.

Verse 10 also anchors this reassurance to the character of God. Since God is absolutely fair—or "just"—there is no doubt that He will recognize the good deeds and hard work of His people. This reminder sets up the theme of the last verses in chapter 6: that our trust in God is secure because He is unchanging and incapable of lying.

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.