Hebrews 6:1 Teaches That “Dead Works” Cannot Save

Hebrews 6:1-3, “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, Of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment. And this will we do, if God permit.”

I read the following tremendous words today from 'The Strand Study Bible,' which I bought recently and cherish it. In fact, I bought two of them from Amazon I am so pleased with it. Proverbs 23:23, “Buy the truth, and sell it not; also wisdom, and instruction, and understanding.” You can purchase a much cheaper used one at Abe'sBooks (from time to time). Here is the last portion of Brother Strands exegesis for Hebrews 6:1...

6:1c The work done to secure salvation was not done through “dead works” (i.e., human effort - Jn 1:13). It's not our works that save us or are saving us (Gal 3:1-3), but Christ's “WORK” of redemption on the cross (Exo 14:13, 30-31, Hab 1:5, Rom 13:11, Titus 3:5a and John 6:28-29). Salvation is of the Lord (Jonah 2:9). We are not headed to Heaven because we're good, but because Christ is good (II Cor 5:21 Mt 19:16-17). 

NOTE - Whereas religion says, “Look what I've done for Jesus. I've been good, baptized, faithful to church, etc.” (i.e., religious works), Christianity says, “Look what Jesus did for me. I was headed to Hell and He offered me salvation and I accepted it.” (i.e., grace). 

SOURCE: Pastor Brad Strand, 'The Strand Study Bible,' p. 2070; © 2009

Bravo! I am so thankful for Pastor Strand's time and intense labor in putting together his life's work in this helpful Bible commentary. It took him 33 years and over 30,000 hours of labor! It is worth every penny!

In the Bible we find that truth is synonymous with righteousness. The word “truth” is mentioned 41 times in the Old Testament book of Psalms. Psalms 119:30, “I have chosen the way of truth: thy judgments have I laid before me.” It is tragic that most believers can sit in front of the television for hundreds of hours each month without getting bored, but find it a chore to read and study the Holy Bible for 5 minutes each day. That ought not be! Of course, the words of no man should ever be placed on equal footing with the inspired Words of God. A Bible commentary helps guide us, but the Word of God is our final and only authority in all matters of life and faith.

It is important to notice that Hebrews 6:1 doesn't say to “turn from your sins” to be saved, it says to repent of your “dead works.” Dead works are self-righteous works that you've done. No one has ever been saved by WORKS. Romans 4:4, “Now to him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt.” A dangerous false teacher lurking in many Baptist churches today is Dr. William P. Grady, who foolishly says that no one was ever saved in the Old Testament. Mr. Grady is also a religious Zionist who idolizes manmade Israel. True Israel hasn't existed since 586 BC, and won't exist again until Jesus Christ returns at His Second Coming (Hosea 3:4-5). Please beware of William Grady's false teachings!

You won't find any theological garbage in 'The Strand Study Bible' which teaches the Devil's lies of Lordship Salvation, or that you must turn from your sinful habits, to be saved; nor any other grace-corrupting rubbish that is commonly taught in corrupt churches nowadays. Brother Strand is 100% free grace Gospel and I love him for it. Like never before there is a need for Christian saints “to earnestly contend for the faith” (Jude 1:3b) in these perilous times of doctrinal deception in the Bible colleges, religious radio and churches. I encourage you to get yourself a copy of 'The Strand Study Bible' while they're still available. I am confident that you won't be disappointed my friend. Thank you for reading my blog.