DiscipleDeck
Get started
Bible Commentary

Hebrews 6:3

Hebrews 6:3

The Pulpit Commentary · Joseph S. Exell and contributors · Public Domain

Deo volente.

"And this will we do, if God permit." We have in these words—

I. AN EXCELLENT RESOLUTION EXPRESSED.

1. The thing resolved upon is good. "This will we do;" i.e. leave the first principles of the doctrine of Christ, and press on unto perfection. Wishing and hoping are of little avail without resolution.

2. The form of the resolution is good. "This will we do." The writer had himself long passed beyond the elementary principles of Christianity, and had made considerable progress towards perfection; but, placing himself by the side of his readers, he says, "This will we do." It is far more inspiring to say, "Let us do," than to say, "Do ye."

II. AN IMPORTANT CONDITION RECOGNIZED. "If God permit." This does not indicate any doubt on the part of the writer as to whether Christian progress was in harmony with the will of God or not. But it is a becoming acknowledgment of:

1. The absolute sovereignty of God. Our times are in his hand. "Man proposes, God disposes." The apostles frequently realized and expressed this. St. Paul: "I will return again unto you, if God will" (; see also ; 1 Corinthians 4:19; ).

2. The uncertainty of human life and opportunities. "God in whose hand thy breath is, and whose are all thy ways." "Thou takest away their breath, they die, and return to their dust." "Ye ought to say, If the Lord will, we shall both live, and. do this, or that."

3. Human dependence upon the Divine will and help. In the matter of Christian progress we depend upon him for many things; e.g. for the preservation of our reason, the continuance of the means of grace, the help of his Holy Spirit, etc. "Apart from me," said Christ, "ye can do nothing." Let all our plans be formed in subordination to the will of God. It is not necessary that we should frequently express this sentiment; in words, saying, "If God will," or "Please God," or "If God permit," or writing "D.V." Perhaps these expressions are most frequently used by those who but feebly realize their dependence upon him. It is to be feared that as used by many they are empty forms of speech, and that in the sight of Heaven their use is an insincerity, an irreverence, and a taking of the holy Name in vain. But in all things let us cultivate the spirit of humble and hearty dependence upon the holy will of God.—W.J.

The Daily Devotional

One devotional. Every morning.

The full reading, the passage behind it, and where to go deeper — in your inbox before the day starts. No ads, ever.

We'll send one email to confirm it's really you. Unsubscribe in one tap, any time.

Continue tomorrow

Turn Bible study into a daily habit

Read today's devotional, save your progress, and receive a gentle daily reminder.

Read today's devotionalSave my progress

Recommended reading

More for Hebrews 6:3

Continue with other commentaries and DiscipleDeck content connected to this verse, chapter, or topic.

Other commentaries

Hebrews 6 — OverviewHebrews 6 · Matthew Henry's Commentary on the Whole BibleIn this chapter the apostle proceeds to persuade the Hebrews to make a better proficiency in religion than they had done, as the best way to prevent apostasy, the dreadful nature and consequences of which sin he…Hebrews 6 — OverviewHebrews 6 · Treasury of Scripture KnowledgeHebrews 6:1, He exhorts not to fall back from the faith; Hebrews 6:11, but to be stedfast, Hebrews 6:12. diligent, and patient to wait upon God; Hebrews 6:13, because God is most sure in his promise.Hebrews 6 — OverviewHebrews 6 · John Gill's Exposition of the Entire BibleIn this chapter the apostle exhorts the believing Hebrews not to rest in the rudiments of the Christian religion they had learned; and much less to lay them again in the foundation after the Jewish manner, of which he…Hebrews 6:1-8Hebrews 6:1-8 · Matthew Henry's Commentary on the Whole BibleWe have here the apostle's advice to the Hebrews--that they would grow up from a state of childhood to the fullness of the stature of the new man in Christ. He declares his readiness to assist them all he could in…Hebrews 6:1-3Hebrews 6:1-3 · The Pulpit CommentaryFirst principles. I. NOTICE THE FIRST PRINCIPLES OF THE TEACHING WHICH THESE BELIEVERS HAD ENJOYED. The foundations had been laid in those essential truths which embraced" faith toward God," whose constant presence,…Hebrews 6:1-3Hebrews 6:1-3 · The Pulpit CommentaryPressing forward to the end. It is obvious that the two leading words of this passage are those respectively rendered "principles" and "perfection." They indicate the beginning and the end. Every right ἀρχὴ looks…
commentaryRecommended resourceExplore this resource connected to the verse you are reading.commentaryRecommended resourceExplore this resource connected to the verse you are reading.commentaryRecommended resourceExplore this resource connected to the verse you are reading.devotionThe Gift CardReligion is 'I obey so God will love me.' Gospel is 'God loves me, so I obey.' Stop trying to pay a bill that Jesus already covered.DiscipleDeckdevotionThe Hammer and the DoorThe Reformation unchained the Bible. The best way to honor that history is to read it. Open your Bible to Romans 3:21-26 today. It is the "Magna Carta" of the Christian faith. Read it slowly and thank God that you don't have to crawl to get to Him.Discipledeck devotionThe Dirty Shirt and the Royal RobeJesus didn't just clean you; He traded places with you. He wore your dirty rags so you could wear His royal robe. You are accepted today not because of your behavior, but because of your new clothes.DiscipleDeck devotionThe Gift, Not the WageReligion says "I obey, therefore I am accepted." The Gospel says "I am accepted, therefore I obey." The order matters. If you are working for salvation, you are a slave. If you are working from salvation, you are a son. Rest in the "Done."Discipledeck devotion The Anchor in the StormIf your hope is anchored in your success, your relationships, or your health, you will sink when the storm hits. Hook your anchor to the Throne Room. Here is how to make your soul storm-proof.DiscipleDeck