Hebrews 6:12

12 that you won't be sluggish, but imitators of those who through faith and patience inherited the promises.

Hebrews 6:12 Meaning and Commentary

Hebrews 6:12

That ye be not slothful
With respect to hearing the word, and attendance on every ordinance; with respect to the use of means for the increase of knowledge, faith, and hope; and with respect to ministering to the saints; but on the contrary, should take every opportunity of improvement and doing good:

but followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the
promises;
or things promised; not the land of Canaan, nor the coming of the Messiah; but either grace and salvation by Christ; or eternal Life, which is expressed by a promise, to show that it is not by any works, or merits of men; that it is wholly of grace, and shall certainly be enjoyed: and it is expressed in the plural number, "promises", because it is the grand promise, which is inclusive of all others; and because it has been given out at various times, and in different manners: and the possession of it being signified by "inheriting", it shows that this is their Father's gift and legacy, which they have as children; and which comes to them through the death of Christ, and of which the Spirit is the seal; and comes not by works of righteousness done by them: and the means through which saints that are gone before are come to the enjoyment of this happiness, are "faith and patience"; not that "faith" is the cause of, or what gives right to the inheritance, but it designs a course and walk of believing, at the end of which, saints come to glory; and faith is connected with salvation, and salvation with that; and through faith believers are preserved unto it: and "patience" is joined with faith, as a fruit and evidence of it; and supposes troubles which are patiently endured before men come to the possession of the inheritance: now the apostle exhorts these Hebrews to be followers and imitators of such, in diligence, faith, and patience, when they need not doubt of inheriting the same promised blessedness they do.

Hebrews 6:12 In-Context

10 for God is not unrighteous, so as to forget your work and the labor of love which you shown toward his name, in that you served the saints, and still do serve them.

11 We desire that each one of you may show the same diligence to the fullness of hope even to the end,

12 that you won't be sluggish, but imitators of those who through faith and patience inherited the promises.

13 For when God made a promise to Abraham, since he could swear by none greater, he swore by himself,

14 saying, "Most surely I will bless you, and I will surely multiply you."