What is the meaning of Hebrews 6:12? Then - “Then” points back to the call in Hebrews 6:11 to “demonstrate the same diligence to the very end.” The writer is saying: if you keep pursuing diligence, a certain result follows. - Scripture regularly uses a “then” hinge to connect obedient action with divine outcome (Deuteronomy 28:1–2; James 4:7–8). - The thought sequence is: pursue diligence → “then” God works in you → promised blessing appears. You will not be sluggish - The word “sluggish” pictures spiritual laziness, an unmotivated heart that drifts instead of presses on (Hebrews 5:11). - God’s remedy for sluggishness is wholehearted zeal: • “Do not lag in zeal; be fervent in spirit” (Romans 12:11). • “Go to the ant, O slacker; observe its ways and be wise” (Proverbs 6:6–8). - The verse assures the reader that diligence empowered by God’s grace delivers us from half-hearted discipleship and keeps spiritual muscles toned. But will imitate those - Scripture invites imitation of godly models, not because they are perfect, but because they demonstrate lived-out faith (Hebrews 13:7; 1 Corinthians 11:1; 3 John 11). - Imitation is active. It means studying the lives of the faithful in Scripture and in the church, then patterning decisions, habits, and attitudes accordingly. - This is discipleship by example: watching, learning, and reproducing Christ-centered traits seen in others. Who through faith and patience - Two qualities blend here: • Faith—confidence that God is who He says He is and will do what He says (Hebrews 11:1, 6). • Patience—steadfast endurance that refuses to quit when the promise tarries (James 1:3–4; Romans 4:20–21). - Faith lays hold of God’s promise; patience holds on until fulfillment. Together they keep hope alive during delays or trials. Inherit what has been promised - “Inherit” stresses that the blessing is a guaranteed family possession, not a wage earned (Romans 8:17; Ephesians 1:13-14). - The ultimate promise includes eternal life, the kingdom, and every covenant gift secured by Christ (1 Peter 1:3–4; Galatians 3:29; Hebrews 9:15). - Faith and patience do not create the inheritance—they position us to receive it in God’s timing and enjoy fore-tastes now (John 10:10). summary Hebrews 6:12 urges believers to replace spiritual sluggishness with diligent, faith-filled imitation of proven saints. By marrying faith with patient endurance, we stay spiritually alert and are brought into the promised inheritance God has guaranteed for His children. |
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