作者於此處所謂「道理的開端」有：懊悔死行、信靠上帝、各樣洗禮、按手之禮、死人復活以及永遠審判。這類基本教義是儘早就應該學會的。但若想竭力進到完全地步的人來說，則需要深入瞭解這些基督道理開端的來龍去脈和前因後果。作者本卷書是寫給「希伯來」的信徒們──這些百姓都擁有並繼承舊約中獻祭禮儀、體系的豐富傳統。（為了更進一步的研討此論題，請參閱希伯來書導論的最後一段）作者以多采多姿、變幻豐富的詞句描繪著一幅畫面──「幔內的至聖所，其內作先鋒的耶穌，就為我們進入幔內。」（6：19~20上）

        作者對這群希伯來讀者說話，又回到希伯來民族歷史的創始時期。他說論上帝向亞伯拉罕所立的約：「當初上帝應許亞伯拉罕的時候，因為沒有比自己更大可以指著起誓的，就指著自己起誓說：論福，我必賜大福給你；論子孫，我必叫你的子孫多起來。」（6：13~14）並且指向應許和起誓時，就如「藉這兩件不更改的事，上帝絕不能說謊……」（6：18）在他們的文化背景中，若所立的約（應許）是藉由指著比自己更偉大之名起誓證明或作證的話（例如國王或族長之類），這些誓言就會具有特殊的影響力。最要緊的是上帝的應許、允諾本來已足夠敲定了，不須要任何誓言或其他保證。而我們的上帝，卻還加上祂自己的誓言來為祂的應許蓋印，在這份約書上簽上上帝聖潔的名字。上帝永不會失信。這就是為何希伯來的信徒能「逃往避難所，持定擺在我們前頭指望的人，可以大得勉勵……這指望如同靈魂的錨，又堅固又牢靠。」（6：18b，19）

        這指望且「通入幔內」；也就是說，這指望絕對強過「夢幻式」的幻想。更好的是，這指望無論怎麼說都因耶穌而得以具體實現；耶穌已經作了先鋒，且為我們進入幔內。上帝兒子成了榮耀的盼望，並且也是我們的大祭司。

        主，感謝您，單單讀您的話語，就能叫我們踏入您豐富屬靈知識和真理的寶庫之內。懇求您特別的眷顧、幫助我們眾人與您同行，並且竭力進到完全成熟的地步。奉主耶穌聖名，阿們！

English

        Notice what the author calls "elementary teachings": repentance, faith in God, baptism, laying on of hands, resurrection, and eternal judgment. These are the foundational doctrines and are to be learned early. But, for those who are "going on to maturity", there is a need to understand the reasons behind these "elementary teachings about Christ". Remember, the author has addressed this book to "Hebrew" believers — these are people who have a rich heritage and tradition in the sacrificial system of the Old Testament (see the Introduction to Hebrews, the last paragraph, for further discussion on this). The author is describing in colourful and rich word pictures the world of "the inner sanctuary behind the curtain, where Jesus, who went before us, has entered on our behalf" (v.!9-20a, NIV).

        So, speaking to Hebrews, the author goes back to the very beginning of Hebrew history. He talks about the promise God made to Abraham: "When God made His promise to Abraham, since there was no one greater for Him to swear by, He swore by Himself, saying, 'I will surely bless you and give you many descendants'" (vv.13-14, NIV). He refers to the promise and the oath as "two unchangeable things in which it is impossible for God to lie..." (v.18, NIV). In a culture where a promise (or contract) was sealed by swearing in the name of someone greater than oneself (a king or patriarch etc.), these words had special impact. First of all, God's promise is enough — there's no need for an oath. But God, for good measure, seals His promise by swearing by Himself — His own holy name is written on the promise. God will not fail. That's why the Hebrew believers "have fled to take hold of the hope... as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure" (vv.!8b,19, NIV).

        That hope "enters the inner sanctuary"; that is, it is more than just wishful thinking. Rather, it's a hope that is somehow personified in Jesus who has already gone before us and has "entered on our behalf". The Son is our Hope, and He is also our Priest.

        Thank You, Lord, for the wealth of spiritual knowledge we can tap into by reading Your Word. We ask for Your special help for all of us to go on to maturity in our walk with You.