Understanding God’s Word Ministry

Fleeing to Christ, Our Refuge and Hope in Difficulties pt. 2

Hebrews 6
18 That by two immutable things (they are the Promise to Abraham of the coming Redeemer, and the Oath given as it regards Christ being a Priest forever after the Order of Melchisedec), in which it was impossible for God to lie (refers to the moral impossibility of such), we might have a strong consolation (refers to assurance), who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us (carries the idea of the sinner fleeing to one of the Cities of Refuge in Israel; in effect, he was fleeing to the High Priest who has offered Atonement for him and his sin [Deut. 4:42]; using that as a type, we are to flee as well to our High Priest, the Lord Jesus Christ):19 Which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and stedfast (presents the Apostle changing the illusion from safety in the Cities of Refuge to a ship reaching harbor after a tempestuous voyage, knowing that her anchor is sure and steadfast), and which enters into that within the Veil (refers to the Holy of Holies, which Jesus has entered on our behalf);20 Whither the Forerunner is for us entered, even Jesus (presents the imagery of the Great Day of Atonement, when the High Priest entered the most Holy Place on behalf of the people; all of that was a Type of Christ, Who has entered the Holiest for us), made an High Priest forever after the order of Melchisedec. (This presents Christ as not in the line of Aaron, but another Order altogether. The old Levitical Order had an ending. This Order has no ending. Christ is an Eternal High Priest.)
Swaggart, J. (2005). The Expositor’s Study Bible (pp. 2126–2127). Jimmy Swaggart Ministries.

Fleeing to Christ Our Refuge and Hope in Our Difficulties

Hebrews 6
 
 
GOD’S PROMISE
13 For when God made Promise to Abraham (presents the Patriarch as the most illustrious example of those who “inherit the Promises” [Jn. 8:58]), because He (God) could swear by no greater (refers to the solemnity and power of this Promise), He swore by Himself (a guarantee with resources of Heaven behind it that the Promise will be kept),14 Saying, Surely blessing I will bless you (refers to “Justification by Faith,” and is taken from Gen. 22:17), and multiplying I will multiply you. (This refers to his seed becoming a nation, and more importantly, every Believer being a “Child of Promise” [Gal. 4:28].)15 And so, after he had patiently endured (there’s always a distance between the Promise and the Possession, and that distance is never uneventful), he obtained the Promise. (The immediate meaning was the birth of Isaac. However, the eternal meaning was Justification by Faith, which would come about from Isaac’s seed, Who is Christ [Gal. 3:16].)16 For men verily swear by the greater (men never swear by one who is inferior to themselves): and an oath for confirmation is to them an end of all strife. (In our modern terminology, this means a contract has been agreed upon and signed by all parties, which ends all strife.)17 Wherein God, willing more abundantly to show unto the heirs of Promise (refers to the Lord working in accordance with this universal custom) the immutability (refers to the fact that God will not change His Position as to His Promise) of His counsel, confirmed it by an oath (refers to the guarantee of the Pledge or Promise):18 That by two immutable things (they are the Promise to Abraham of the coming Redeemer, and the Oath given as it regards Christ being a Priest forever after the Order of Melchisedec), in which it was impossible for God to lie (refers to the moral impossibility of such), we might have a strong consolation (refers to assurance), who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us (carries the idea of the sinner fleeing to one of the Cities of Refuge in Israel; in effect, he was fleeing to the High Priest who has offered Atonement for him and his sin [Deut. 4:42]; using that as a type, we are to flee as well to our High Priest, the Lord Jesus Christ):19 Which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and stedfast (presents the Apostle changing the illusion from safety in the Cities of Refuge to a ship reaching harbor after a tempestuous voyage, knowing that her anchor is sure and steadfast), and which enters into that within the Veil (refers to the Holy of Holies, which Jesus has entered on our behalf);20 Whither the Forerunner is for us entered, even Jesus (presents the imagery of the Great Day of Atonement, when the High Priest entered the most Holy Place on behalf of the people; all of that was a Type of Christ, Who has entered the Holiest for us), made an High Priest forever after the order of Melchisedec. (This presents Christ as not in the line of Aaron, but another Order altogether. The old Levitical Order had an ending. This Order has no ending. Christ is an Eternal High Priest.)
Swaggart, J. (2005). The Expositor’s Study Bible (pp. 2126–2127). Jimmy Swaggart Ministries.

Looking Past Present Circumstances and Going Forward with Christ to Maturity

Hebrews 6
Better Things for You
 
 Heb 6:9
¶
But, beloved, we are persuaded better things of you, and things that accompany salvation, though we thus speak.
 
 Heb 6:10
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.
 
 Heb 6:11
And we desire that every one of you do shew the same diligence to the full assurance of hope unto the end:
 
 Heb 6:12
That ye be not slothful, but followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises.
 
 Heb 6:13
¶
For when God made promise to Abraham, because he could swear by no greater, he sware by himself,

Going On Unto Perfection pt. 2

Hebrews 6
THEREFORE leaving the Principles of the Doctrine of Christ (speaks of the “first principles,” which refers to the Old Testament; Christ is the Centerpiece of the entirety of the Bible), let us go on unto perfection (speaks of the New Testament Sacrifice, the Lord Jesus, and the Testament He inaugurated with His Work on the Cross); not laying again the Foundation of Repentance from dead works (refers to these Jewish Christians going back to the Old Sacrificial System, etc.), and of Faith toward God (refers to Faith toward God in the realm of the Old Testament Way, which God will not accept now inasmuch as Jesus has fulfilled the Old Testament Law),2 Of the Doctrine of Baptisms (should have been translated, “the Doctrine of Washings”; this concerned the many “washings” contained in the Old Testament Sacrificial System), and of laying on of hands (goes back to the Levitical Offerings of the Old Testament; when the person brought the animal for Sacrifice, he had to lay his hands on the head of the innocent victim, confessing his sins, thereby transferring them to the innocent animal which would be slain [Lev. 16:21]), and of Resurrection of the dead (refers to Resurrection as taught in the Old Testament; there, this Doctrine was very incomplete, even as all Doctrine in the Old Testament was incomplete; the true meaning could not be given until after the Cross and the Resurrection of Christ, which the Lord gave to Paul [I Cor., Chpt. 15]), and of Eternal Judgment. (In the Old Testament, the Lord was looked at more so as a Judge than anything else. Since the Cross, He is looked at more as the Saviour.)3 And this will we do (in other words, if we don’t do this [refers to going on to the perfection of Christ], the results will be disastrous), if God permit. (This refers to the fact that all dependence must be in Christ and the Cross. God will not allow any other type of Faith.)4 For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened (refers to those who have accepted the Light of the Gospel, which means accepting Christ and His great Sacrifice), and have tasted of the Heavenly Gift (pertains to Christ and what He did at the Cross), and were made partakers of the Holy Spirit (which takes place when a person comes to Christ),5 And have tasted the good Word of God (is not language that is used of an impenitent sinner, as some claim; the unsaved have no relish whatsoever for the Truth of God, and see no beauty in it), and the powers of the world to come (refers to the Work of the Holy Spirit within hearts and lives, which the unsaved cannot have or know),6 If they shall fall away (should have been translated, “and having fallen away”), to renew them again unto Repentance (“again” states they had once repented, but have now turned their backs on Christ); seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh (means they no longer believe what Christ did at the Cross, actually concluding Him to be an imposter; the only way any person can truly repent is to place his Faith in Christ and the Cross; if that is denied, there is no Repentance), and put Him to an open shame (means to hold Christ up to public ridicule; Paul wrote this Epistle because some Christian Jews were going back into Judaism, or seriously contemplating doing so).7 For the earth which drinks in the rain that comes oft upon it (presents the Apostle using natural things to represent spiritual realities, which is common throughout Scripture), and brings forth herbs (presents the natural result of ground that is properly cultivated and receives rain; there will be a harvest) meet for them by whom it is dressed (received by individuals who do the cultivating of the land, etc.), receives Blessing from God (presents the inevitable result of proper Faith):8 But that which bears thorns and briers is rejected (this speaks of Believers who have turned their backs on Christ and the Cross, and now bring forth no proper fruit, but rather “thorns and briars”), and is nigh unto cursing (refers to judgment); whose end is to be burned. (This refers to the simple fact that if a person who was once a Believer remains in that state, he will lose his soul.)9 But, Beloved (presents the fact that these Christian Jews were not only the object of God’s love, but also of Paul’s care and concern), we are persuaded better things of you (he is speaking specifically to those who were seriously contemplating turning their backs on Christ), and things that accompany Salvation (the Blessings which will come if the Believer properly anchors his Faith in Christ and the Cross), though we thus speak. (The Apostle is not speaking from guesswork, but from many years of experience.)10 For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love (presents a glorious and wonderful Promise), which you have showed toward His Name (reflects that everything must be done in His Name), in that you have Ministered to the Saints, and do Minister. (The Apostle is telling these Christian Jews to not turn their backs on what they have previously done.)11 And we desire that every one of you do show the same diligence to the full assurance of hope unto the end (don’t stop now!):12 That you be not slothful (means to be sluggish and lazy toward the things of the Lord), but followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the Promises (refers to the Faith worthies of the Old Testament).
Swaggart, J. (2005). The Expositor’s Study Bible (pp. 2125–2126). Jimmy Swaggart Ministries.

Going On unto Perfection (Growth and Maturity in Christ)

Hebrews 5
13 For every one who uses milk (doesn’t refer to one who has just been saved, but rather to those who have been saved for quite some time, and should have advanced in the Word of the Lord) is unskilful in the Word of Righteousness (refers to the benefits of the Cross, from which Righteousness is derived): for he is a babe. (This refers to the individual who does not understand or know all the benefits of what Jesus did at the Cross.)14 But strong meat belongs to them who are of full age (refers to those mature in the Lord), even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil. (Such a person is walking after the Spirit. This refers to placing one’s Faith in the Cross and not after the flesh, the flesh refers to depending on other things [Rom. 8:1–2, 11].)
Hebrews CHAPTER 6(A.D. 64)
APOSTASY
THEREFORE leaving the Principles of the Doctrine of Christ (speaks of the “first principles,” which refers to the Old Testament; Christ is the Centerpiece of the entirety of the Bible), let us go on unto perfection (speaks of the New Testament Sacrifice, the Lord Jesus, and the Testament He inaugurated with His Work on the Cross); not laying again the Foundation of Repentance from dead works (refers to these Jewish Christians going back to the Old Sacrificial System, etc.), and of Faith toward God (refers to Faith toward God in the realm of the Old Testament Way, which God will not accept now inasmuch as Jesus has fulfilled the Old Testament Law),2 Of the Doctrine of Baptisms (should have been translated, “the Doctrine of Washings”; this concerned the many “washings” contained in the Old Testament Sacrificial System), and of laying on of hands (goes back to the Levitical Offerings of the Old Testament; when the person brought the animal for Sacrifice, he had to lay his hands on the head of the innocent victim, confessing his sins, thereby transferring them to the innocent animal which would be slain [Lev. 16:21]), and of Resurrection of the dead (refers to Resurrection as taught in the Old Testament; there, this Doctrine was very incomplete, even as all Doctrine in the Old Testament was incomplete; the true meaning could not be given until after the Cross and the Resurrection of Christ, which the Lord gave to Paul [I Cor., Chpt. 15]), and of Eternal Judgment. (In the Old Testament, the Lord was looked at more so as a Judge than anything else. Since the Cross, He is looked at more as the Saviour.)3 And this will we do (in other words, if we don’t do this [refers to going on to the perfection of Christ], the results will be disastrous), if God permit. (This refers to the fact that all dependence must be in Christ and the Cross. God will not allow any other type of Faith.)4 For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened (refers to those who have accepted the Light of the Gospel, which means accepting Christ and His great Sacrifice), and have tasted of the Heavenly Gift (pertains to Christ and what He did at the Cross), and were made partakers of the Holy Spirit (which takes place when a person comes to Christ),5 And have tasted the good Word of God (is not language that is used of an impenitent sinner, as some claim; the unsaved have no relish whatsoever for the Truth of God, and see no beauty in it), and the powers of the world to come (refers to the Work of the Holy Spirit within hearts and lives, which the unsaved cannot have or know),6 If they shall fall away (should have been translated, “and having fallen away”), to renew them again unto Repentance (“again” states they had once repented, but have now turned their backs on Christ); seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh (means they no longer believe what Christ did at the Cross, actually concluding Him to be an imposter; the only way any person can truly repent is to place his Faith in Christ and the Cross; if that is denied, there is no Repentance), and put Him to an open shame (means to hold Christ up to public ridicule; Paul wrote this Epistle because some Christian Jews were going back into Judaism, or seriously contemplating doing so).
Swaggart, J. (2005). The Expositor’s Study Bible (pp. 2125–2126). Jimmy Swaggart Ministries.

Maturing in Christ pt. 2- Are You Dull of Hearing (Slow to Act on Truth) the Word?

 
Hebrews 5
12 For when for the time you ought to be teachers (refers to the fact that they had been saved long enough to be mature in the Word by now), you have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the Oracles of God (pertains to the Old Testament and what it really meant, instead of the way it was being erroneously taken by these Christian Jews); and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat (refers to their lack of maturity).13 For every one who uses milk (doesn’t refer to one who has just been saved, but rather to those who have been saved for quite some time, and should have advanced in the Word of the Lord) is unskilful in the Word of Righteousness (refers to the benefits of the Cross, from which Righteousness is derived): for he is a babe. (This refers to the individual who does not understand or know all the benefits of what Jesus did at the Cross.)14 But strong meat belongs to them who are of full age (refers to those mature in the Lord), even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil. (Such a person is walking after the Spirit. This refers to placing one’s Faith in the Cross and not after the flesh, the flesh refers to depending on other things [Rom. 8:1–2, 11].)
Swaggart, J. (2005)

Maturing in Christ - From Milk to Solid Foods

Hrebrews 5
6 As He said also in another place (Ps. 110:4), You are a Priest forever after the order of Melchisedec. (This is the distinguishing characteristic of this order of Priesthood, and proclaims it as an Eternal One.)7 Who in the days of His flesh (proclaims the Incarnation of Christ), when He had offered up prayers and supplications with strong crying and tears unto Him (presents the prayer-life of the Master) Who was able to save Him from death (presents the prayer for Resurrection), and was heard (proclaims the fact that God heard and answered His Prayer) in that He feared (the picture in the word “feared” is that of a cautious taking hold of, and a careful and respectful handling; it is Christ taking into account all things, not only His Own desire, but the Will of the Father);8 Though He were a Son (stresses Deity, but at the same time the role of Christ as “Son of Man”), yet learned He obedience (doesn’t mean He had to learn to obey, for that would mean He had sinned; it means He actively sought out the path of obedience, and then unfailingly walked therein) by the things which He suffered (concerned the entire course of His Life, but more so the Cross);9 And being made perfect (refers to being brought to the goal fixed by God, which had to be if He was to be the Perfect Sacrifice), He became the Author of Eternal Salvation (proclaims a perfect Salvation, because He was and is the Perfect Redeemer, because He was the Perfect Sacrifice) unto all them who obey Him (we obey Him by exhibiting Faith in the Cross, which then gives the Holy Spirit latitude to work; this Truth was given to Paul [Rom. 6:3–5, 11, 14; Gal. 1:11–12]);10 Called of God an High Priest (the Title is conferred on Him by God the Father) after the order of Melchisedec. (Christ was not to be a great High Priest merely for the Jews, but for the Gentiles as well; in order for this to be, His Priesthood would have to rest in something other than the Levitical Order; being after the Order of Melchisedec satisfied both demands, because Melchisedec preceded Israel as a people [Gen. 14:18–20; Ps. 110:4].)
FAITH
11 Of Whom we have many things to say (refers to Christ), and hard to be uttered (his difficulty was in adapting the interpretation to the capacity of his readers), seeing you are dull of hearing. (These Jewish Christians were slow and sluggish regarding their understanding of the teaching of New Testament Truth. This made it difficult to teach them.)12 For when for the time you ought to be teachers (refers to the fact that they had been saved long enough to be mature in the Word by now), you have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the Oracles of God (pertains to the Old Testament and what it really meant, instead of the way it was being erroneously taken by these Christian Jews); and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat (refers to their lack of maturity).13 For every one who uses milk (doesn’t refer to one who has just been saved, but rather to those who have been saved for quite some time, and should have advanced in the Word of the Lord) is unskilful in the Word of Righteousness (refers to the benefits of the Cross, from which Righteousness is derived): for he is a babe. (This refers to the individual who does not understand or know all the benefits of what Jesus did at the Cross.)14 But strong meat belongs to them who are of full age (refers to those mature in the Lord), even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil. (Such a person is walking after the Spirit. This refers to placing one’s Faith in the Cross and not after the flesh, the flesh refers to depending on other things [Rom. 8:1–2, 11].)
Swaggart, J. (2005). The Expositor’s Study Bible (pp. 2124–2125). Jimmy Swaggart Ministries.

Christ - Our Source of Eternal Salvation

6 As He said also in another place (Ps. 110:4), You are a Priest forever after the order of Melchisedec. (This is the distinguishing characteristic of this order of Priesthood, and proclaims it as an Eternal One.)7 Who in the days of His flesh (proclaims the Incarnation of Christ), when He had offered up prayers and supplications with strong crying and tears unto Him (presents the prayer-life of the Master) Who was able to save Him from death (presents the prayer for Resurrection), and was heard (proclaims the fact that God heard and answered His Prayer) in that He feared (the picture in the word “feared” is that of a cautious taking hold of, and a careful and respectful handling; it is Christ taking into account all things, not only His Own desire, but the Will of the Father);8 Though He were a Son (stresses Deity, but at the same time the role of Christ as “Son of Man”), yet learned He obedience (doesn’t mean He had to learn to obey, for that would mean He had sinned; it means He actively sought out the path of obedience, and then unfailingly walked therein) by the things which He suffered (concerned the entire course of His Life, but more so the Cross);9 And being made perfect (refers to being brought to the goal fixed by God, which had to be if He was to be the Perfect Sacrifice), He became the Author of Eternal Salvation (proclaims a perfect Salvation, because He was and is the Perfect Redeemer, because He was the Perfect Sacrifice) unto all them who obey Him (we obey Him by exhibiting Faith in the Cross, which then gives the Holy Spirit latitude to work; this Truth was given to Paul [Rom. 6:3–5, 11, 14; Gal. 1:11–12]);10 Called of God an High Priest (the Title is conferred on Him by God the Father) after the order of Melchisedec. (Christ was not to be a great High Priest merely for the Jews, but for the Gentiles as well; in order for this to be, His Priesthood would have to rest in something other than the Levitical Order; being after the Order of Melchisedec satisfied both demands, because Melchisedec preceded Israel as a people [Gen. 14:18–20; Ps. 110:4].)
Swaggart, J. (2005). The Expositor’s Study Bible (pp. 2124–2125). Jimmy Swaggart Ministries.