Hebrews 6

The Doctrine of Christ

Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God, Hebrews 6:1

The first principles (faith, repentance, baptism, laying on of hands, resurrection, judgment) are the doctrine of Christ. The Joseph Smith Translation reads 'not leaving' them, but building on them toward perfection.

How we know: the verse itself names Him · the chapter heading names Him

• the same title in 2 Nephi 31:21 — This is the doctrine of Christ.
• the same title in 3 Nephi 11:31-39 — Christ declares His doctrine.

Crucify the Son of God afresh

If they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put him to an open shame. Hebrews 6:6

Those who fully receive the light and then deliberately turn against Christ are, in effect, crucifying Him again and shaming Him openly.

How we know: the verse itself names Him · the chapter heading names Him · a footnote points to Him · a Church study aid lists it

• alluded to by D&C 76:35 — Sons of perdition crucify Him unto themselves and put Him to an open shame.

Jehovah's oath to Abraham

For when God made promise to Abraham, because he could swear by no greater, he sware by himself, Hebrews 6:13–14

After Abraham offered Isaac, the LORD swore by Himself to bless him. Latter-day Saints understand this covenant God of Abraham as Jehovah, the premortal Christ.

How we know: the chapter heading names Him

• quotes Genesis 22:16-17 — By myself have I sworn, saith the LORD.
• interpreted by Abraham 1:16 — Abraham's God names Himself Jehovah.

The Forerunner within the veil

Forerunner — one who goes ahead to open the way for those who follow

Which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and stedfast, and which entereth into that within the veil; Hebrews 6:19–20

Our hope is anchored behind the veil, in God's presence, because Jesus has already gone there ahead of us as our eternal High Priest, fulfilling what the high priest did on the Day of Atonement.

How we know: the verse itself names Him · the chapter heading names Him · a Church study aid lists it

• typified by Leviticus 16:15 — The high priest brings the blood within the veil.
• fulfils Psalm 110:4 — A priest for ever after the order of Melchizedek.