Verse 9
The "better things" in view reflect the writer’s confidence that his readers would not turn away from the truth. He based his confidence on their realizing the dreadful consequences of apostasy that he had just explained and avoiding it. "Salvation" refers to the full salvation ahead of them, about which he had been speaking throughout this epistle (cf. Hebrews 1:14).
"The things to which he refers are defined in the following verses (Hebrews 6:10-12): work and love, diligence to the end, and faith and patience. Salvation is the victorious participation with Christ in the coming kingdom as it is in Hebrews 1:14, which only those who persevere as companions of the King will inherit. The writer obviously expects that his readers will persevere to the end, enter into rest, and obtain these blessings." [Note: Dillow, p. 132.]
This is the only place in the epistle where the writer referred to his readers as "beloved" (dear friends). This affectionate address softens the severity of the warning just given (Hebrews 6:4-8). Hebrews 6:9-12 provide strong evidence, I believe, that genuine Christians are in view throughout this warning passage.
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