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Key Scriptures & Catechism
The anchor texts of Hebrews 5, with related Scripture on sanctification and growth, and Westminster Shorter Catechism questions on the Spirit’s work in the believer.
The Anchor Passage
Hebrews 5:11–14
Of whom we have much to say, and hard to explain, since you have become dull of hearing. For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the first principles of the oracles of God; and you have come to need milk and not solid food. For everyone who partakes only of milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, for he is a babe. But solid food belongs to those who are of full age, that is, those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.
Hebrews 5:11–14
Related Texts
Romans 12:1–2
“And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.”
The renewed mind is the instrument of discernment.
Ephesians 4:11–15
“till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ;”
Maturity is ecclesial — it happens in and through the body.
Hebrews 6:1–2
“Therefore, leaving the discussion of the elementary principles of Christ, let us go on to perfection, not laying again the foundation of repentance…”
Progress, not mere repetition of the foundations.
1 Peter 2:2
“as newborn babes, desire the pure milk of the word, that you may grow thereby,”
Milk is right for infants — the goal is always to grow.
Isaiah 7:15
“Curds and honey He shall eat, that He may know to refuse the evil and choose the good.”
Christ himself is the pattern of weaned maturity.
Hebrews 7:25
“Therefore He is also able to save to the uttermost those who come to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them.”
Our great High Priest is the source of all growth.
Westminster Shorter Catechism
On Sanctification and Its Benefits
Questions 35–38 treat the Spirit’s work of sanctification — the very process Hebrews 5:14 describes as “senses exercised to discern both good and evil.”
Q35. What is sanctification?
Sanctification is the work of God’s free grace, whereby we are renewed in the whole man after the image of God, and are enabled more and more to die unto sin, and live unto righteousness.
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Q36. What are the benefits which in this life do accompany or flow from justification, adoption, and sanctification?
The benefits which in this life do accompany or flow from justification, adoption, and sanctification are: assurance of God’s love, peace of conscience, joy in the Holy Ghost, increase of grace, and perseverance therein to the end.
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Q37. What benefits do believers receive from Christ at death?
The souls of believers are at their death made perfect in holiness, and do immediately pass into glory; and their bodies, being still united to Christ, do rest in their graves till the resurrection.
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Q38. What benefits do believers receive from Christ at the resurrection?
At the resurrection, believers, being raised up in glory, shall be openly acknowledged and acquitted in the day of judgment, and made perfectly blessed in the full enjoying of God to all eternity.
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