Hebrews

Thursday, 1 November 2018

…that you do not become sluggish, but imitate those who through faith and patience inherit the promises. Hebrews 6:12

The “same diligence to the full assurance of hope until the end” which was stated in the preceding verse is now explained by saying, “that you do not become sluggish.” To become sluggish implies a change from one state to another. In this case, it is going from diligence to sluggishness. This word was introduced in verse 5:11 as “dull” as in “dull in hearing.” This is now its last use in the Bible. It signifies being lackadaisical, lazy, and so on. The author is imploring his Hebrew audience to not allow this type of attitude to prevail, but rather to remain diligent. He then explains the rest of the words from 5:11, and which contrast being sluggish in this verse by saying, “but imitate those who through faith and patience inherit the promises.”

Some older translations say that they are to be “followers” of those examples. This misses the force of the thought. One can follow without imitating. Rather, we are to emulate them. Further, the Greek of the verb for “inherit” is in the present tense. It should say, “are inheriting.” There is no doubt about their state. They are in the process of inheriting the promises, and the author asks his readers to imitate them as they conduct their lives in Christ with the same diligence. In this, they will remain confident of the hope they possess. They too are inheriting the promises, but to become sluggish in their attitude will cause them to lose the confidence they should possess in this. When one lacks confidence, they become ineffective in the matters in which their confidence is lacking.

Some of those who are referred to in this verse will be explicitly named in Chapter 11, the “Hall of Fame” of the faith. It is those who persevere in faith and good works that will receive the greater blessing on that day. All who have come to saving faith in the Lord’s promises (as are realized in Messiah), the redeemed of the ages, will be there. However, there will certainly be different rewards and many losses based on what we do in this life. But one should never feel that his contribution is insignificant compared to great scholars, evangelists, or theologians. Hebrews 11 will show that whatever is worthy of reward is that which is done in faith. One can be a great Bible scholar, but possess little faith in the Bible. Another can be a janitor with little theological training, and yet he can possess complete faith in what the Bible proclaims. Which of the two is on the more sure footing?

Life application: Although there is surely a ranking within the gifts which God portions out to His people, it doesn’t necessarily mean the reward for exercising a lesser gift will be less than that of exercising a greater gift. If a person who has a greater gift doesn’t exercise it, by faith, to his utmost, can he expect greater rewards than someone who cheerfully and humbly exercises his lesser gift in total faith? Each person is given a gift and the ability to exercise it, in faith, to the glory of Christ Jesus. Let us ever strive to do so to the utmost of our ability!

Thank you O God, for the gifts that You have given to us in our Christian walk. Help us to be aware of them, exercise them to our utmost, and to do this in a manner which brings glory to You and not to us. May we never look down on, or in envy of, others as they pursue the exercise of their gifts. Glory to You for how You have dealt with us! Amen.

Wednesday, 31 October 2018

And we desire that each one of you show the same diligence to the full assurance of hope until the end, Hebrews 6:11

The author just spoke of his audience’s “labor of love,” which was that they had “ministered to the saints.” He now says, “And we desire that each of you show the same diligence.” It is obvious that he was speaking in general terms in the previous verse. There was a labor of love that was evidenced in the people he is writing to, but that did not necessarily extend to all of the people in the congregation. He is now imploring each to add in his own labors so that all would be a part of this labor of love. He then adds in, “to the full assurance of hope until the end.”

The Greek word translated as “full assurance” is used by Paul in Colossians 2:2 concerning a full assurance of understanding. It was then used in 1 Thessalonians 1:5 when speaking of the full assurance of the gospel which was presented by Paul and those with him. It is now used in this verse in Hebrews concerning hope, and it will be used one more time in Hebrews 10:22 concerning faith. It signified “entire confidence.” He is admonishing these people to be diligent in their good words so that they won’t lose their confidence, not that confidence will be lost in them by the Lord. If someone becomes a sluggard in his attitude toward the Lord, it will inevitably make them question their own assurance of hope.

He is not in any way implying that good works are necessary to continue in salvation. Rather, he’s stating that if someone fails to show diligence to the end, it is a failing of their walk with the Lord. One who has a failing walk with the Lord is not excluded from His grace, only from rewards for his conduct. Further, and this is usually not the case, it may reflect that the person wasn’t saved in the first place. A large problem among believers is that some people link doing good works with proof of salvation. This leads to high-handedness, and an often arrogant attitude towards people who never do good things for others, or some type of work to promote the goals of the church.

Despite this, it’s simply not possible to tell if a person is or isn’t saved based on some dubious standard of good deeds. The entire book of 1 Corinthians is written to a group of people who were immature believers, caught up in bad living, etc. There’s very little to reflect the notion that these people were saved based on their “works,” and yet Paul never questions their salvation – even a person who was engaged in gross immorality. Rather, he firmly held that if these people made a profession of faith and believed in their hearts the gospel message, they were saved. He remained unwavering in this stand and we should have the same attitude.

Life application: To go around questioning the salvation of others shows rather immature behavior in a person. It is God, not us, who judges the hearts and minds of our fellow humans. Instead of attempting to do this then, we need to show diligence in our own works, and attempt by doing so to induce others to accomplish them as well. In the end, though, the necessary task we must accomplish is trusting in Christ and His great deeds. Everything else pales in comparison to that and it is this trust and faith which is the greatest thing we can ever participate in on a personal level. It is this, and this alone, which leads to salvation. Having a diligence in our works after salvation will add a confidence to our walk that otherwise may be lacking.

Lord, let us never be ashamed of the doctrine of justification by faith in Jesus’ work. Help us to turn from any works-based system which is nothing more than what all false religions have to offer. Instead, the work of Christ alone is what restores us to You. Thank You for this wonderful gift. In Jesus’ name we pray! Amen.

Tuesday, 30 October 2018

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 6:10

The author now turns onto the works-highway for the next three verses. But, it is a “works of faith after salvation,” not a “works for salvation” that he will speak of. His thoughts are in line with all of Scripture which speak of salvation as being by grace through faith. As Paul said –

“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast.” Ephesians 2:8, 9

With this understanding, he begins with, “For.” This is based on the words of verse 9 which spoke of those things “which accompany salvation.” Their deeds, done in Christ, are deeds which are acceptable to God, and for which they will receive their just reward. As he says, “for God is not unjust to forget your work and labor of love.” Some manuscripts leave out the word “labor.” Regardless as to whether it belongs there or not, the labor cannot be that of looking “for salvation,” but rather that which is considered acceptable “in salvation.” As noted in the previous verse, the author’s words clearly speak of those who are saved believers in Christ.

They have produced fruit in their salvation, and God will remember what they have done. One of God’s attributes is that He is just. In His justice, He will not fail to remember what His people have done as deeds of righteousness while in Christ and for the sake of God’s glory. These things are as a “work and a labor of love” worthy of God’s attention because of the love they have, as the author says, “shown toward His name.”

The verb for “have shown” is one which indicates “proof which demonstrates something which is undeniable” (HELPS Word Studies). It is a verb which always occurs in the middle voice in the Greek, and thus it underlines the “high level of personal interest shown by the one making something very evident” (HELPS Word Studies). The work so spoken of here is “toward His name.” In other words, it is undeniable that these are saved believers who have demonstrated faith by displaying works which glorify God. As no works are acceptable before God without the covering of Christ, these are saved believers who are working out their salvation through demonstrations of it.

The author then finishes with, “in that you have ministered to the saints, and do minister.” Their labors involved a careful attention to the needs of the other believers. The types of ministering are not named, but they could be helping financially, hiding believers during times of persecution, feeding them as they passed through on journeys, or whatever other way their needs were evident. These believers who are being addressed extended their faith to helping the other saints and to the glory of God.

Life application: There is no thing that we can do to earn God’s favor leading to salvation except to receive Jesus’ work which was accomplished by Him on our behalf. This is because we are, by nature, unholy. Nothing unclean can enter God’s presence. By receiving Christ, we are covered by His blood and are declared righteous in the presence of God. This is in no way intended to mean that we should sit idly by and not accomplish righteous works for His glory. We were bought at a high price – the price of the cross – and therefore should naturally desire to glorify God by helping his people.

What works are acceptable then? Other than a few instances in the New Testament, nothing specific is given, but we can be inventive in our desire to bring glory to God. Ultimately, any deed which will lead sinners to repentance should be considered first. To feed the hungry without introducing the gospel is pointless. The “social gospel” is no gospel at all. When venturing out to do good deeds, the glory of Jesus needs to be included or nothing of lasting value has been accomplished.

Help us, O Lord, to accomplish those deeds which will lead others to know You and to see Your glory. Let our actions never be for our own glory or to exalt a particular ministry. Rather, may our hearts and souls be filled with longing to lead others to the salvation provided by the cross of Jesus. Amen.

Monday, 29 October 2018

But, beloved, we are confident of better things concerning you, yes, things that accompany salvation, though we speak in this manner. Hebrews 6:9

The word, “But,” is given to contrast the unhappy end of things mentioned in verse 6:8. There he spoke of the land which bears thorns and briers as being rejected, near to being cursed, and whose end is to be burned. As explained, that was speaking of those who hear the word but are not productive in it. As was seen, it has been speaking about the Hebrew people and their fate as they apply or reject the word of God. He will explain the contrast that he expects in his audience, but first, he begins with “beloved.”

In saying beloved, he is speaking now of those who are believers in Christ. He understands that they have professed faith in Him, and the fate of the nation may be one end, but the fate of those who have found faith in Christ may be different. Even if the whole nation walks away and is destroyed, for those in Christ, he says, “we are confident of better things.” In the Greek, there is an article before “better things.” It says, “the better things.” This is then referring to what was said in verse 7 about the land which drinks in water and bears herbs useful for those by whom it is cultivated, and which receives a blessing. As he says, “the better things concerning you.”

They have come to Christ, and he knows that their end is one of blessing. This is so certain that he continues, “yes, things that accompany salvation.” He is writing to a Hebrew audience, he has addressed them as “beloved,” and he understands that they have faith in the Messiah. Again, the fate of Israel may be that of a curse, and indeed it turned out to be so. However, for those who received the word and applied it to their lives in faith concerning Messiah, the better things which accompany salvation are their happy lot. The things they do, in Christ, are considered acceptable works because of Christ. Thus, those things “accompany salvation.” To show that he understands this, and that he wants them to see the difference between the two, he finishes with, “though we speak in this manner.”

He has told of a scary fate that may lay ahead for the collective whole, but for those who have come to Jesus in faith, his words about the curse and destruction do not apply. In Jesus, there is the surety of salvation.

The words here are not at all speaking of these people turning away in apostasy and losing their salvation. Rather, they are showing a distinction between two categories of people, within the greater body of Israel, who have chosen (or who will choose) one of two different paths. For those who choose the good path, there is assurance. These very verses, which people confuse with a possible loss of salvation, when looked at properly actually speak of the impossibility of it. By simply hearing the word which tells of Jesus, and then in accepting it, salvation is granted. Paul couldn’t be any clearer on this issue –

“And you also were included in Christ when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation. Having believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is the guarantee of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, to the praise of His glory.” Ephesians 1:13, 14

Isn’t it wonderful to know that our salvation, after coming to Christ, isn’t up to us! When one hears the word of truth and believes (that’s it!) he is marked with a seal – the promised Holy Spirit. After that, salvation is no longer up to the individual maintaining a perfect testimony. If it were, every single person – EVER – would be lost again. We all fall, we all sin, and we all fail our Lord. O! But He is ever faithful to keep us from ourselves. Hallelujah and Amen!

Life application: Each individual must decide what they will do with Christ. There may be a congregation that comes together which has heard the word and completely misused it, not coming to Christ in their hearts. But even within such a group, there may be some that choose another path. This then would be similar to what is said in Revelation 3:4, where the congregation at Sardis is said to have some who were worthy, and who would walk with Christ in white – meaning they were saved. Be sure to come to Christ. No matter what church or denomination you belong to, don’t follow the crowd if the crowd is heading in the wrong direction.

Glory to God in the highest for His ever-faithful and ever-strong hand of salvation! Lord, we look to You in awe for Your ability to keep us, even from ourselves. Thank You Lord Jesus for the work You accomplished and for the eternal security You provide! Again, glory to God in the highest! Amen.

Sunday, 28 October 2018

…but if it bears thorns and briers, it is rejected and near to being cursed, whose end is to be burned. Hebrews 6:8

This verse is set as a contrast to what was said in the previous verse. That said, “Land that drinks in the rain…”

The rain was likened to the word of God. Although not evident in some translations, which incorrectly show a distinction between the land in the two clauses, the land in this clause drinks in the same rain as in the first clause. This is evident by the words, “but if it.” The subject “land” hasn’t changed. Despite this, the soil is bad – whether rocky, full of clay, full of sand, etc. – it simply doesn’t absorb it. And so it is with people who hear the same word and yet the yield is completely different. This group hears the word and simply rejects it. Like the good land which receives the rain, this land is also explained in the same general manner by Jesus in the parable of the sower in Matthew 13:4-23. In this case, the land bears “thorns and briers.”

The terminology goes all the way back to Genesis 3. There we read in the curse upon Adam, “Both thorns and thistles it shall bring forth for you” (Genesis 3:18). This land has received the same rain as the previous land. It has received the same care of cultivation as well. And yet it only produces that which came from the curse, thorns and briers. The result of the curse, which came upon man at the very beginning for his disobedience, is produced in the unproductive land and thus it is “rejected and near to being cursed.”

What more can be done to such an unproductive piece of land? To spend time on it would be futile. To invest more money and resources on it would be a waste. The result would be a piece of land which is not only unproductive concerning a good harvest, but which would actually be counter-productive by sending forth a bad harvest. There would be just one remedy: Its “end is to be burned.” The symbolism of the burned land is found in the words used by Moses in Deuteronomy 29 –

“The whole land is brimstone, salt, and burning; it is not sown, nor does it bear, nor does any grass grow there, like the overthrow of Sodom and Gomorrah, Admah, and Zeboiim, which the Lord overthrew in His anger and His wrath.” Deuteronomy 29:23

The context of this verse from Deuteronomy is the curse of the Lord upon Israel. This is explicit before the verse, and it is repeated again after it with these words –

“Then the anger of the Lord was aroused against this land, to bring on it every curse that is written in this book. ²⁸ And the Lord uprooted them from their land in anger, in wrath, and in great indignation, and cast them into another land, as it is this day.” Deuteronomy 29:27, 28

Understanding this, it is the same audience that Moses was speaking to in Deuteronomy that the author of Hebrews is again speaking to, meaning the Hebrew people. Though any such example is given for the Gentile-led church to learn from, it is the Hebrew people who are the subject of the matter. The people are being warned that they have been given abundant rain, and they have been carefully cultivated, but what they produce will result in what happens to them?

Unfortunately, they produced (as a collective whole) thorns and briers. Because of this, the curses of the covenant did fall on them. They were scattered and destroyed for two thousand years. However, the words of the covenant also promise restoration at some point. That time has begun. The prophets foretold of the time when they would again be in the land and they would be given the chance to produce a proper harvest. This is why Hebrews is placed after the Gentile-led church age epistles. Though written to the first-century Jews, God knew that they would produce a bad harvest, and be cursed. However, after the church is taken out at the rapture, things will change. The tribulation period will refine them, and they will come out at the end of it by calling on Jesus and acknowledging His New Covenant.

Life application: Though this is addressed to the Hebrew people as a collective whole, those in the Gentile-led church age can learn the same lesson concerning individual salvation. For those who receive the word and produce a good harvest, they will receive their just reward. For those who reject it, a great Day of Judgment is coming. It says in Revelation 20:15, “If anyone’s name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire.” Make the right choice today, while you still can. Drink in the water, cultivate your soil properly, and receive blessing from God.

Thank you Jesus that you have given us the chance to bear fruit for You. What we deserve is destruction, but you graciously took our sin and nailed it to the cross, if we will only believe. Help us to make that choice and then to glorify you through changed lives throughout all our days. Amen.