A study of Hebrews part 6

Before we get started, please read my previous article, here; A study of Hebrews part 5, and if you want to see my latest on Locals, go here; Reflecting on America's 250th birthday

“Wherefore leaving the word of the beginning of Christ, let us go on o the things more perfect, not laying again the foundation of penance from dead works, and of faith towards God, of the doctrine of baptisms, and impositions of hands, and of the resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgement . And this will we do if God permit. For it is impossible for those who were once illuminated, have tasted also the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost, Have moreover tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come, And are fallen away: to be renewed again to penance, crucifying again to themselves the Son of God, and making him a mockery.

For the earth that drinketh he rain which cometh upon I and bringeth forth herbs meet for them by whom it is tilled, receiveth blessing from God. But that which bringeth forth thorns and briers is reprobate, and very near unto a curse, who end is to be burnt.

But, my dearly beloved, we trus better of you, and nearer to salvation; though we speak thus. For God is not unjust, that he should forget your work, and the love which you have shewn in his name, you who have ministered, and do minister to the saints. And we desire that every one of you shew forth the same carefulness to the accomplishing of hope unto the end: That you become not slothful, but followers of them, who through faith and patience shall inherit the promises. For God making promise to Abraham because he had no one greater by whom he might swear, swore by himself, Saying: Unless blessing I shall bless thee, and multiplying thee. And so patiently enduring he obtained the promise. For men swear by one greater than themselves: and an oath for confirmation is the end of all their controversy. Wherein God, meaning more abundantly to shew to the heirs of the promise of immutability of his counsel to interpose an oath; That by two immutable things, in which it is impossible for God to lie, we may have the strongest comfort, who have fled for refuge to hold fast the hope set before us. When we have an anchor of the soul, sure and firm, and which entereth in even in the veil; Where the forerunner Jesus is entered for us, made a high priest for ever, according to the order of Melchisedech”. (Hebrews 6:1-20)

So, there are a few places that I absolutely want to focus on. Like always, during this study, I'm using the Douay Rheims. Let's start with verses 1-5, “Wherefore leaving the word of the beginning of Christ, let us go on o the things more perfect, not laying again the foundation of penance from dead works, and of faith towards God, of the doctrine of baptisms, and impositions of hands, and of the resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgement . And this will we do if God permit. For it is impossible for those who were once illuminated, have tasted also the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost, Have moreover tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come”.

Now, I think some people are going to say “see? Sacraments aren't important”, if all they do is read verses 1-2. The problem is, is that's not what it says, “ Wherefore leaving the word of the beginning of Christ, let us go on o the things more perfect, not laying again the foundation of penance from dead works”.

In fact! I think what's important to note is, in Catholicism and Eastern Orthodoxy, who usually administers the Sacraments? Such as, baptism, holy orders, confirmation. So, I mean, those aren't dead works, those are works that God does through the priest.  Namely, through his Son, Jesus Christ.

Now, having said that, we'll get there eventually.

Speaking of which, since we've mentioned the priesthood, and since we've already mentioned Christ's priesthood (a lot),
“Where the forerunner Jesus is entered for us, made a high priest for ever, according to the order of Melchisedech”.
That's going to have to be it for today, but, remember, Sacraments aren't done by the administer of the Sacraments, per se, but, by God through the minister of the Sacraments.

Adam Charles Hovey is the founder of the Catholicism, news, and whatever community on Locals, if you want to help him out, go here.