Answer
After issuing a warning against apostasy or rejecting the truth of the gospel (Hebrews 5:11—6:8), the author of Hebrews delivers this encouragement to readers, acknowledging their faithfulness: “But, beloved, we are confident of better things concerning you, yes, things that accompany salvation, though we speak in this manner. For God is not unjust to forget your work and labor of love which you have shown toward His name, in that you have ministered to the saints, and do minister” (Hebrews 6:9–10, NKJV).
Understanding the language and the context of the teaching is necessary in this passage to discern the meaning of God is not unjust to forget. Beginning with context, it’s crucial to consider the serious admonition against apostasy issued in the previous verses. This warning is aimed at people who claim to have faith in Christ yet continue to pursue a life of sin.
Genuine saving faith, as the Bible reveals, is not a passive belief but an active, ongoing obedience to the will of God (Philippians 2:12; Jude 1:21; James 2:20, 26). The person who is truly born again will be transformed by the gospel of Jesus Christ and the inner workings of the Holy Spirit (Romans 6:4; Galatians 2:20; 5:22–26; 6:14–15). This profound transformation will lead to spiritual maturity, enabling one to overcome sin and become more like Christ (1 John 3:9; Romans 12:2; 2 Corinthians 3:18; 1 Peter 2:24).
The writer of Hebrews observes some people in the church who have been exposed to the reality of God’s existence. They know what God expects of them, but they have never experienced authentic inner transformation leading to saving faith and obedience (see Hebrews 6:4–8). The author of Hebrews addresses others in the church whom he recognizes as “dear friends” (NIV, NLT) or “beloved” (ESV, NKJV). These are genuine, born-again Christians, to whom he writes, “Dear friends, even though we are talking this way [warning against apostasy], we really don’t believe it applies to you. We are confident that you are meant for better things, things that come with salvation. For God is not unjust. He will not forget how hard you have worked for him and how you have shown your love to him by caring for other believers, as you still do” (Hebrews 6:9–10, NLT).
These are true believers because they have demonstrated their love for God and faith in Him “by caring for other believers.” They have actively obeyed God’s Word. The warning against apostasy does not apply to them because they are recipients of God’s salvation. God is not “unjust,” which means God is not unfair. On the contrary, God is just, fair, and faithful (Deuteronomy 32:4; Isaiah 45:21; Psalm 145:17). He will not “forget,” meaning God will not ignore or overlook the evidence of their salvation. He will never forget that these people have proven through hard work, endurance, and demonstrations of love that they are devoted to serving Him.
The meaning of the statement God is not unjust to forget is further illustrated in this immediately preceding parable: “Land that drinks in the rain often falling on it and that produces a crop useful to those for whom it is farmed receives the blessing of God. But land that produces thorns and thistles is worthless and is in danger of being cursed. In the end it will be burned” (Hebrews 6:7–8). Land proves its worth by bearing fruitful crops, and a true believer proves his salvation by growing into maturity and bearing spiritual fruit for God’s glory (see also Matthew 7:15–20; 13:1–9).
The severe warning followed by the encouragement, “God is not unjust to forget,” reflects opposite sides of the same biblical truth. If God’s righteous justice demands that a person’s spiritual rebellion not be overlooked, then it is equally valid that God’s righteous justice requires that a person’s faithful service not be forgotten (1 Samuel 12:14–15; Numbers 14:9; Psalm 2:10–12).
