Hebrews — Chapter 6

Attending church is not sufficient for salvation. The greatest sin of the modern person is that they live as if they own themselves, but they do not. In this sermon on Hebrews 6:7–8 titled “A True Belief,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones declares that no one is their own and He focuses on the illustration of two fields. The whole world was created by God and made for Him. Every life will go on to judgment in relation to their response to this gospel. The value of one soul is such that no one can put too much emphasis on listening. Those who reject this word are utterly hopeless. It is the reaction to the treatment of the gospel that distinguishes Christians from the rest of the world. Listeners are encouraged to contrast the dramatic difference between the two products that are produced and examine that which pleases the creator of this world. The natural life alone is useless before God. The marks of a true believer are repentance and belief in this message of God’s salvation in Christ. It is not enough to simply know the gospel. Everyone must deny themselves and take up their cross, following Him and leaving everything else.

The Christian was always meant to have full assurance and happiness. In this sermon on the assurance of hope from Hebrews 6:11–12 titled “A Full Assurance of Hope,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones dives into the epistles and discovers how they were written for the assurance of believers. He also focuses on the circumstances of uncertainty that surrounded these believers and what hope they received. Dr. Lloyd-Jones touches on the three assurances of faith, understanding, and hope, with special focus on the full assurance of hope. He encourages the preaching of sanctification by preaching the hope and the glory of Christ. This is not a message that is subjective to human feelings. Christianity is primarily and essentially other-worldly and the Christian should put aside earthly prospects to follow Him. The Christian is encouraged to know of the “first fruits” and meditate on the Scriptures. “Endure by seeing Him who is invisible.” Faith is the substance, and hope is the outcome of this faith. What is meant by the “state of hope”? When all else gives way, Christ is the solid rock that can be stood upon. God provides the diligence and faith that is necessary. Look to Him and have full assurance unto the end.

In this sermon on Hebrews 6:16 titled “In the Refuge of God,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones provides counsel for the troubled soul. He exhorts his listeners that the author of Hebrews focuses on believers having peace in spite of their bad circumstances. Dr. Lloyd-Jones proclaims how wonderful a truth this is in a world that has so much calamity and uncertainty. A Christian’s hope is not in their circumstances, but rather in the Lord who has redeemed the soul. Dr. Lloyd-Jones preaches that the Bible teaches believers how to live in this world; it is a manual that has passed the test of time. With this manual in hand, Christians can enjoy peace even if there was another world war, Dr. Lloyd-Jones preaches. The reason Christians may have such peace is that the Gospel provides a refuge for the soul. He is quick to clarify that there is no promised refuge for the body found in the pages of Scripture; many have been martyred for their faith. Rather, the Christian may be comforted in that God has secured their soul. All must consider the truth about their eternal soul before given this refuge, and they must repent to the Lord for God to rescue them. In Christ, Christians may have an anchor within the veil.