Saturday, 25 August 2018
For both He who sanctifies and those who are being sanctified are all of one, for which reason He is not ashamed to call them brethren, Hebrews 2:11
The word “For” is given to build upon what was just said concerning Christ’s work of “bringing many sons to glory,” which was “through sufferings.” The author will continue to speak of the trials of the Savior in connection with our own trials and suffering later in this chapter. He next says, “both He who sanctifies and those who are being sanctified.” The suffering (For) is being tied in with sanctification. The idea here is that “sanctification” is being used in the sense of a restored relationship with God. In both uses of the word of this verse, it is in the present tense and active voice. Thus, it more rightly says, “…both He who is sanctifying and those who are being sanctified.” It is an ongoing process of what is occurring in those being brought to glory. It is the path to the glory which lies yet ahead.
The author then says, “are all of one.” The words can be taken in a couple of ways. It is possibly speaking of God, who is One. Or, it may be speaking of both Christ, the Sanctifier, and those who are being sanctified. They are all one despite the highly exalted and glorious position which Christ fills. The latter is probably the correct interpretation based on the second clause, “…for which reason He is not ashamed to call them brethren.”
“He” refers to Jesus. Despite His infinite glory, He is bringing His fallen creatures on the path to glory. It is a certain fact that it will occur, despite the fact that it is presently on-going. But because we are heading there, it is as if we are there. The end is assured. Thus we are “all of one.” And because of this, Christ Jesus is “not ashamed to call” us brethren.
What the author is telling us in these words is that because of Christ’s taking on humanity and suffering for us, there is now such a strong bond and union between us that we are united as one. It is a bond of brotherhood which now exists. The verse is another implicit reference to the doctrine of eternal salvation. For Christ to save someone, bringing them into the bond of His sufferings, and then to cast them off is contrary to the very idea of unity of oneness and the fellowship of being brethren. The verses ahead will continue to describe the bond which now exists because of those who have, by faith, trusted in the work of Jesus Christ.
Life application: We fall, we fail, and we err in our walk. This is true. However, Jesus is fully capable of maintaining our salvation for us. He is our Mediator and our Advocate. He has set us on the path to glory and the end is assured. Be confident that you are (and will remain) saved, despite yourself.
Heavenly Father, thank You for the wonderful promise of glory which is given to those who have trusted in Christ Jesus. We have been set on that promised path, and in Your mind, we are already there in the heavenlies in Him. We have absolute assurance that we have been, and will remain, saved. This is despite ourselves. You don’t err. We have surety in Your promises! Thank You for this, O God. Amen.