1. The context of Heb 6 begins in chapter five where the author begins the discussion of maturity–note contrast between milk of the Word verses eating solid food from the Word.
2. The word “therefore” in 6:1 is inferential showing that the author is continuing the discussion of chapter 5 (maturity) in the faith.
3. The first verse talks about moving on from the ABCs of the faith in order to move on to maturity in the faith.
4. Verse 3 says “this we will do.” The antecedent of “this” is maturity in verse one.
5. The word “for” in verse 4 explains going on to maturity.
6. “Repentance” is often used of the Christian life as well as initial salvation in the NT
7. “Salvation” is often used of the Christian life as well as for initial salvation. The context determines which is the best use.
8. The key phrase in Hebrews is “better than.” The argument is that Jesus is the anti-type so He is better than the types. The OT offerings were ongoing whereas the sacrifice of Christ was once for all. To go back to the OT sacrifices will violate the finished work of Christ. That is the issue of Hebrews 6:4ff, i.e., there is no restoration if a Christian reverts to the OT sacrifices.
9. This is a difficult passage where there are over 60 interpretations–to base a doctrine of Scripture on a highly debated passage would be a mistake.

Regarding your question about translation, the words “being guarded” is an articular present passive participle indicating that God is in the business of contently guarding our salvation. Present in the Greek in ongoing. Passive means that the subject receives the action by another. Participle indicates that it is ongoing.

I’m not sure this is a reasonable conclusion to make about the text. Hebrews 6v5-6 says it is impossible to restore them again to ‘repentance’. Repentance isn’t a matter of maturity, surely, but of salvation?

“they are crucifying once again the Son of God to their own harm and holding him up to contempt. For land that has drunk the rain that often falls on it, and produces a crop useful to those for whose sake it is cultivated, receives a blessing from God. But if it bears thorns and thistles, it is worthless and near to being cursed, and its end is to be burned.
Though we speak in this way, yet in your case, beloved, we feel sure of better things—things that belong to salvation.”

Doesn’t sound like a discussion about maturity to me? “It’s end is to be burned”, “worthless”, “near to being cursed”.

Does this text not clarify itself when it says “We feel sure of better things… things that belong to salvation”?

Sorry, I didn’t intend to jump in, but I don’t feel that’s close to even an honest discussion of Hebrews 6, let alone a valid explanation.

Anyway, my question on 1 Peter 1:5 (the reason I found this post) I was looking at the difference between the ESV translation:

“who by God’s power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.”

and the NLT:

“And through your faith, God is protecting you by his power until you receive this salvation, which is ready to be revealed on the last day for all to see.”

I wonder if you had any thoughts (regardless of your theology on the matter) as to which is a more faithful translation of the Greek?

There is a principle whereby a person cannot have eternal life and that is to reject the finished work of Christ on the cross for their sin.

The book of Hebrews is addressed to Christians, not non-Christians. Christians were in danger of reverting back into Judaism. If they did this, they would stunt their maturity. The last half of chapter five shows this is the subject. The “therefore” at 6:1 indicates continuation of that subject. The phrase “this we will do” refers to leaving the ABCs of the Christian life and going on to maturity.