Hebrews 6 : Easy-to-Read Version
6 So we should be finished with the beginning lessons about Christ. We should not go back to the things we started with. We began [our life in Christ] by turning away from the evil things we did before and by believing in God. 2At that time we were taught about baptisms,* and about the special act of a person putting his hands on people.* We were taught about people rising from death and about the judgment that will continue forever. But now we need to go forward to more mature (advanced) teaching.* 3And we will do this if God allows. 4-6After people have left [the way of Christ], can you make them change their life again? I am talking about people who have learned the truth. They received God's gift and also shared in the Holy Spirit.* Those people heard the things God said, and they saw the great powers of God's new world. And they saw for themselves that those things are very good. But then those people left [the way of Christ]. It is not possible to make those people change their lives [and come to Christ] again. Why? Because those people [that leave Christ's way] are really nailing Christ to the cross again. Those people bring shame to Christ before all people. 7[Those people are like] land that gets plenty of rain. A farmer plants and cares for that land so that it will give food for people. If that land grows plants that help people, then that land has the blessing of God. 8But if that land grows thorns and weeds, it is worthless. That land is in danger that it will be cursed by God. And that land will be destroyed by fire. 9Dear friends, we are saying these things to you. But really we expect better things from you. We feel sure that you will do the things that are a part of salvation. 10God is fair. God will remember all the work you have done. And God will remember that you showed your love to him by helping his people. And God will remember that you continue to help his people. 11We want each of you to continue with the same hard work all your lives. Then you will surely get that great thing you hope for. 12We don't want you to become lazy. We want you to be like those people who get the things that God promised. Those people get God's promises because they have faith and patience. 13God made a promise to Abraham.* And there is no one greater than God, so God used himself to vow (promise) that he would do what he said. 14God said, "I will truly bless you. I will give you many, many descendants.*"* 15Abraham waited patiently for this to happen. And later Abraham received what God promised. 16People always use the name of someone greater than themselves to make a vow (promise). The vow proves that what they say is true. And this ends all arguing about what they say. 17God wanted to prove that his promise was true. God wanted to prove this to those people who would get what he promised. God wanted those people to understand clearly that his purposes (plans) never change. So God said something would happen, and he proved what he said by also making a vow (promise). 18Those two things cannot change. God cannot lie when he says something and he cannot lie when he makes a vow. So those things give great comfort to us who came to God for safety. Those two things give us comfort and strength to continue in the hope that God gives us. 19We have this hope. And it is like an anchor. It is strong and sure and keeps our soul safe. It goes into [the most holy place] behind the curtain [in the heavenly temple]. 20Jesus has already entered there and opened the way for us. Jesus has become the high priest* forever the same as Melchizedek.*
baptisms The word here may mean Christian baptism (a brief burial in water), or it may mean the Jewish ceremonial washings. putting his hands on people This was done to show that the people were given a special work or blessing. now we need ... teaching In the Greek text these words are in verse 1. Spirit, Holy Spirit Also called the Spirit of God, the Spirit of Christ, and the Comforter. Joined with God and Christ, he does God's work among people in the world. Abraham The most respected ancestor of the Jews. descendants A person's children and all their future families. I will ... descendants Quote from Gen. 22:17. high priest Most important priest for God's people. Melchizedek A priest and king who lived in the time of Abraham. (Read Gen. 14:17-24.)