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Hebrews 6:9-12
Hebrews 6:9-12
9 But, beloved, we are persuaded better things of you, and things that accompany salvation, though we thus speak. 10 For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shewed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister. 11 And we desire that every one of you do shew the same diligence to the full assurance of hope unto the end: 12 That ye be not slothful, but followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises.
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1. Tim Clifton
Saved to Serve:
But, beloved, we are persuaded better things of you, and things that accompany salvation, though we thus speak. (6:9)
"But beloved...." What a wonderful and radical shift from the previous four verses! Verses 9 through 12 could be summarized by 1 Cor. 15:58: "Therefore, my 'beloved' brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord." We, who do not go back, are God's beloved. "But my dearest..."; "but my favorite..."; "but my well loved...," are all synonyms, and are all very easy on the ear and on the heart. Do we ever tire of hearing an honest, 'I love you'? There are those who are the objects of God's love. Peter could parallel this passage in this way, "Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless" (2 Peter 3:14).
"better things...." Of the 18 times this word translated 'better' is used in the New Testament, 12 of them are in Hebrews. "A better hope," "a better testament," "a better covenant," "better promises," "better sacrifices," "a better country," and here, "better things," are some of the precious truths made alive in Hebrews. It could be called the "better epistle" because Christ Jesus is better than anything that has gone before or ever could come after. Perhaps one of the most comforting "betters," after the stern warning which was just delivered against apostasy, is here in verse 9. The reader seriously thinks, "What if 'I' am in that lot that goes back?" But take heart; there is something "better" for those beloved of the Father!
"things that accompany salvation...." There is something better than being enlightened and tasting of God. It is salvation! Salvation is better than the scenario just given, where they were not saved. There is something better for God's beloved than the things of false professors and nominal Christians, and that is "things that accompany salvation"! AMEN! We see this scenario revisited in Hebrews 10, and we see the same "But," and the same superiority of salvation: "But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition; but of them that believe to the saving of the soul" (Heb. 10:39). The moral is the same as the conditional 'ifs' of Hebrews, which is this: Whom God truly saves, is saved indeed!
For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shewed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister. (6:10)
"labour of love.." This word "labour" refers to the weariness and fatigue brought about by our work. We get tired out; we get burned out; we get weary in well-doing, but in due season, we will reap. And why? We will reap because God is not unrighteous to forget us. We are not among those who have gone back, but among those who hang in the ranks and sometimes get very tired of the constant drain by the world, the Adversary, and our flesh. Don't faint in your walk; God hasn't forgotten you! Without works, your faith is dead indeed, but "ye have ministered and DO minister." You have a better promise than the apostates, so don't give up.
And we desire that every one of you do shew the same diligence to the full assurance of hope unto the end: 6:11)
"unto the end..." Your carefulness in the things of the Lord will turn to confidence in the blessed hope, which is eternal life through the better covenant, obtained by Messiah. There is no going back to the old ways, no dropping out in the middle of the race; but this hope is "unto the end," and we are Christ's house "if we hold fast the confidence and the rejoicing of the hope firm unto the end" Heb. 3.6. Here we see themes and currents of sovereignty flowing through Hebrews for Jesus is the Author and Finisher of our faith, and we will endure unto the end by the bringing in of a better hope: "For the law made nothing perfect, but the bringing in of a better hope did; by the which we draw nigh unto God" (Heb. 7:19). No wonder the author can be persuaded of better things of true saints. "For by one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified" (Heb. 10:14). Praise His Name!
That ye be not slothful, but followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises. (6:12)
More exhortation to stay in the fight here (be not slothful), as well as one of those above mentioned currents in Hebrews - that of perseverance of the saints. All of the 'Ifs' and all of the 'Betters' add up to the fact that true believers endure unto the end, or it might be stated, "through faith and patience inherit the promises." "Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them" (Mt.7:20). Turn on a light bulb, and the light floods the room. How do you tell if the power is in the bulb? Of course by the light on the wall. How do you tell if the new heart is in the person? Of course, by their fruits: "Ye shall know them by their fruits" (Mt. 7:16). So don't be lazy or too tired; but work "while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work" (John 9:4). God's people WILL make it to the end. Just remember to give all the glory and honor to God, who is the cause and source of your labors, "being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:" (Php 1:6 ).
In Christ,
Tim Clifton
tclifton@hotmail.com
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2. Maurice Bergerson
We are persuaded better things of you. (6:9)
The writer, and those with him, confidently believed the best and most salutary things about these dear ones. Even if they sounded harsh, it was their intent to encourage these Hebrew professors onward in the enjoyment of the New Covenant He has established in His Son. The writers confidently believed they would see more of Christ working through the lives of these people.
It is the hope of a father to see his child walk more perfectly after he has seen him stumble about. "Bow down thine ear, and hear the words of the wise, and apply thine heart unto my knowledge" Pr. 22:17.
For God [is] not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love. (6:10)
God was not so unjust as to overlook their past and present actions and their favors towards His holy ones. Through their labors they had clearly demonstrated love for His name. These are the sure visible evidences that God is doing a work among them. There is some fruit after all. Such evidence is an encouragement to any overseer.
Are these the evidences we would look for in a church? Verse ten brings out a most remarkable thought. In our day churches are rarely, if ever, marked out by their love and patience towards the saints. American churches are more than likely to known for other, less important, things. They are known to be Pentecostal, Charismatic, Calvinistic, Fundamentalist, Four Square, Baptist, Methodist, rich, poor, or whatever, but rarely are they described as "working and loving." To drive my point home, consider the testimony of the church of Rome as Paul had heard of it:
To all that be in Rome, beloved of God, called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ. First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for you all, that your faith is spoken of throughout the whole world. For God is my witness, whom I serve with my spirit in the gospel of his Son, that without ceasing I make mention of you always in my prayers; (Rom. 1:7-9)
May your assembly be known to possess love and labor toward His precious ones.
Show the same diligence. (6:11)
The writers fervently desired to see them doing more of the same (labor and love), while showing the same determination to fulfill what they professed, so they would reach their goal and not slack off.
...but followers of them. (6:12a)
Though these Hebrews had not advanced much in the way of knowledge, they had at least shown the fruits of the love of Christ in their ministry to the saints. The writers would have them study the lives of the heroes of the faith such as Abraham and Moses, and the martyrs, like Stephen and James. It is always refreshing to the soul and instructive to know what God has accomplished through the lives of His elect.
...Faith and patience. (6:12b)
If there be no faith (trust in God) there certainly will be no patience. The second (patience) is born out of the first and means simply to wait carefully upon God.
Brethren, take care not to rush in judgment of weaker believers. God does not seek what we placard before the world. He still looks for the fruit that is born out of the changed heart that finds great joy in the care of his saints. Those are the precious things that the Spirit would placard before the world.
"And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me." (Mt. 25:40)
Maurice Bergeron
ic@mdc.net
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3. Michael Cruz
When we reach verse nine, we have cleared a significant hurdle. We have finished with the hard verses that the author has fed us, and we are ready for some good news. The writer compliments his audience by assuring them that what he has said does not apply to them just as it does not apply to those of us who truly believe. We, too, can be confident of the better things that are spoken of in verse seven. We can be sure of the fruit of our salvation.
6:10-12. From verse ten we can be sure that we have a gracious and loving God. He has forgotten all of our sins and we can glory in Psalm 103:12 as David did, knowing that God has removed our transgressions as far as the east is from the west. But, rest assured He will remember the acts of selflessness that we have performed for the benefit of His people and His kingdom. Therefore it should behoove us to put all of our strength and resources into the living of the Christian life, and we are to keep on living it until we reach the celestial city where we will fully enjoy the Glory of Christ. We should be sure to keep ourselves busy lest temptation befall us. The relationship of laziness to temptation is mentioned by our Lord twice at the gardern of Gethsemene in Luke's Gospel so we can be assured that this is important. Laziness begets opportunity for sin to take root in our lives, so we must make every effort to be fruitful, and there is no better way than to follow the example of those who live productive Christian lives.
Michael Cruz
a_la_cruz@technologist.com
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3. Kenneth Mick, Jr.
But, beloved...(6:9a)
So often in Scripture we are given a contrast connected by the word BUT. We were "dead in trespasses and sins"; we were "children of wrath," "BUT God..." (Eph. 2:1-4). Again, we were "in bondage under the elements of the world," "BUT when the fulness of the time was come, GOD . . ." (Gal 4:4). So also, here in our verse before us, some may draw back to perdition, "BUT, beloved, we are persuaded better things of you, ...." This is another "BUT God...."
Why do we say so? Grace always produces a genuine work in the heart. Although there may be danger signals of a wavering heart, grace will reign supreme. Earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered to the saints (Jude 3). Show that your heart is really alive.
Are you troubled by verses 4-8? Very well and good. May it stir you on to greater works proving your calling and election sure. Is there true life in your soul? Is there - yes, we see things accompanying salvation. It is true some people fall away, BUT you show signs of life. The blood of salvation appears to be pumping through your veins, not poison and death disguised as true life.
Though we thus speak. (6:9b)
We are persuaded of better things concerning you. "The great principle which gives rise to this confidence is the absolute sovereignty of the God of grace and the indefectibility of His work in the lives of men. From first to last regeneration is of God." Philip Edgcumbe Hughes. A Commentary on the Epistle to the Hebrews. p.225.
For God is not unrighteous...(6:10)
There is no unrighteousness with God. The Judge of all the earth does right.
I know thy works, and thy labor, and thy patience, and how thou canst not bear them which are evil: and thou hast tried them which say they are apostles, and are not, and hast found them liars: And hast borne, and hast patience, and for my name´s sake hast labored, and hast not fainted. Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love. Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent. But this thou hast, that thou hatest the deeds of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate. (Rev. 2:2-6)
Are you laboring and working in love? The eyes of the LORD are in every place keeping watch over the evil and the good. Keep with it. Keep on keeping on. God never sleeps and never slumbers. He will not forget your work. Heb. 10:32-35; I Thes. 1:2-4; Col.1:3-5. Love for the Lord is measured in part by loving service to His sheep.
And we desire that every one of you.... (6:11)
The writer makes it personal. Every one of you. That means you and me, does it not? Let us continue on to perfect maturity.
. . . "Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure. (Philippians 2:12, 13)
For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them. (Ephesians 2:10)
That ye be not slothful, but followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises. (6:12)
"...be not slothful," Again, we see this word "dull" ( lazy, stupid) from Chapter 5:11. Let us not be dull, slothful followers. Let us seek to keep pace with the other racers in the Christian race. Are you tired? So were they. Are they persecuted? so were the others. Look around you and throughout history. You can last; the martyrs of the ages have proven it. Look at your fellow brethren throughout the world (I Peter 4:12). The Hebrews were to look even to some in their own midst who were serving hard even at the moment.
"Patience" is that blessed fruit of the Spirit worked into us by the giver of the fruit. Have you ever sought patience on your own? You know you will fall. The fruit is not something we so much do, but is something we are, by the Spirit. As we walk in the Spirit, we will not fulfill the lusts of the flesh. Flee youthful lusts. All that desire to live godly shall suffer persecution, so why does it take us by surprise? Will we have the easy life, or the life of the Savior and fill up that which is behind in the afflictions of Christ for the sake of the church? Christ, for the joy set before His endured the cross, shall not we follow His walk? Let us not become weary and lose heart (Heb. 12). Take up your cross daily and follow Him. "I have decided to follow Jesus, no turning back." How can we turn back if the Spirit of Christ has begun a good work in us? May we repent of our laziness to get in the Scriptures and be on our spiritual knees in prayer, seeking the power of God to live the Christian life, while serving our brethren and honoring Christ. May we learn the words to the song as a real experience in our lives, "All to Jesus I surrender . . .I surrender" yes, all.
Kenneth Mick Jr.
kmickjr@juno.com
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5. Jim McClarty
A BRIEF REVIEW:
In order to get the full import of this week's passage, it's helpful to look over what's gone before, building up to this message of hope.
The author's previous section of teaching began way back at Chapter 5:11. He had been declaring the preeminence of Christ over all other priests when he took a sudden shift toward exhorting and instructing his readers. He stated there were many more things he wished to reveal to them - and would, God permitting - but they were dull of hearing. He likened them to babes who craved mother's milk instead of the foods appropriate for mature folk. At a time when they should have been teachers, they were still in need of instruction. So, it was necessary for them to move past the rudimental elements of Christian thinking, past the foundational doctrines - repentance, faith, baptism, laying on of hands, resurrection, and eternal judgment. And, in this context, he points out that it's impossible for those who have been indwelt by the Spirit and have responded, reacting to the Word and living in the miraculous power of God, to be restored to repentance should they fall away. He adds that it's a travesty against Christ, an open humiliation, to think such a thing, because it would require a new and better crucifixion of Christ to accomplish their renewal.
Putting all that together, another aspect of this instruction jumps out. The central point is that they are not to return over and again to the elemental teachings. They are to grow, and the author intends to feed them "grown-up food." The first fundamental he mentions in 6:1 is "repentance from dead works." Experientially, that's where conversion starts. We turn from our own way toward God's way, leaving our works and resting in His work. Meanwhile, v.6 points out, "(it is impossible) if they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance." Again, that would be the starting place - repentance.
So (stay with me here, I'm building steam), the Hebrew audience is instructed not to stagnate on the primary building blocks, and the writer tears down any rationale for wanting to camp there.
Their first rationale appeared to be that it was simple. They could get the basics, teach the basics, excel at the basics and never be challenged to dig deeper or face theological insights which might challenge their traditions or personal suppositions. His answer - grow up. Don't be babes. Move on into the depth of the glory of Christ.
Their second rationale appeared to be the continuing effort to restore folk who were "in the fellowship" and then "out of fellowship." Every time such a one would leave, he would have to start with the basics, beginning with repentance. But, the author shows them the folly of their thinking. We know from numerous scriptures, both in and out of Hebrews, that we are eternally secure as a result of Christ's finished redemption. So, the author states that if a truly "spirit-indwelt" person could fall away, it would be pointless to go back and try to restore him via the fundamentals because it's impossible to use those same foundations a second time.
Hence, there's no reason to accentuate the basics to the exclusion of the deeper truths. Necessary and true as they may be, the first principles alone would not help them mature, and they could not help the apostate.
What ruthless logic! And, why is it important to grow and not stagnate? Because (v.7-8), God will judge. He will decide the quick and the dead. The good fruit will be gathered to the "dresser" who planted and watered, and the weeds will be plucked up and cast into the fire.
But!!!!
THE CURRENT STUFF:But, beloved, we are persuaded better things of you, and things that accompany salvation, though we thus speak. (6:9)
Despite having sternly warned them of God's full intention to judge and eternally punish, the author makes clear he is not pointing his warning directly at the recipients of this letter. Rather, he is certain they will escape the fiery judgment and share in salvation.
So, the previous passages stand as direct instruction and theological correction, topped off by the declaration that ignorance of God's Words and Ways will result in destruction. But, to press my point, he wasn't directly warning them to flee any impending consequential judgment, considering the author's conviction that his audience was secure in their salvation.
So, that sets a new tone to this whole passage - "Grow up, and I'm confident you will. Consider the things of God wisely, and I trust He will reveal even more to you."
Nevertheless, these were still mere "babes" in the faith. This is the same audience that was being exhorted to "go on unto perfection." So, what evidence did the author see in them which bolstered his confidence in their salvation?
Two things: first, God's faithfulness. And, second - their love of the brethren.
For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shewed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister. (6:10)
The primary evidence that a person belongs to Christ, according to Jesus own testimony, is that he will show sacrificial love toward his brethren.
A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another. (John 13:34-35)
Look closely at that new commandment. Jesus didn't say "love each other" and leave it at that. He added "as I have loved you." That raises the bar a few notches. If he had not defined the peculiar type of love he was commanding, we would have been content to define it according to our own ability and "comfort level." Plus, Jesus used a particular Greek word which will help us understand His intention.
In the English language we are stuck with only one word - love. And, we've had to stretch its meaning to cover a dizzying variety of circumstances. I may say that I love my wife, I love pizza, I love to play music, I love my dog, and I love God. Despite the huge variation in type and depth, I'm stuck with that one word. But, the Greek language had three primary terms, all translated "love."
- "Eros" is a fleshly, erotic form of emotion. It's not found anywhere in Scripture.
- "Phileo," in simplest definition, most closely represents tender affection. It's an "I'll scratch your back if you'll scratch mine" type of love. It's the type of love most humans are capable of when dealing with other humans. But, in John 5:20, it's even used of the love of the Father for the Son. Interestingly, though, Phileo is never used in a command to men to love God.
- "Agapao" (and it's corresponding noun "Agape") is a word not found in classical Greek literature; it is distinct to revealed religion. Often times it's translated "charity" in the Bible, meaning "benevolent love." But, to quote from Spiros Zodhiates, "Its benevolence is not shown by doing what the person loved desires, but what the one who loves deems as needed by the one loved." In other words, God's love for us was such that He gave His only begotten Son to die, despite the fact that we neither wanted, expected, nor recognized the gracious gift. Thus, God's love for man was demonstrated in giving Christ. And, Christ's love was revealed in His sacrificial death on behalf of His beloved. So, the distinction of "agapao" is its willingness to love the unlovely, sacrificially and without condition.
And, that's the word in Heb. 6:10, " your work and labour of agape." They had a love which transcended simple, fleshly desires. They had a love which rose above brotherhood or kinship. They had a love which gave sacrificially of themselves for Christ's sake without worrying about whether they would be embraced or beloved in return. And, that "agape" manifested itself. They didn't simply sit around and declare "I love you, man!" They were motivated to serve. They ministered to each others needs. They humbled themselves to tend to one another's lack. They loved "as I have loved you."
One more thing - this type of love is not natural. It's not of the flesh. It's not in the heart of men to exorcise their natural lusts and give themselves to the service of others. It takes the indwelling of the Holy Spirit to produce such love. Thus, Christ could make it the evidentiary mark of those who were His.But, that's only half of the reason our author gave for trusting that these people were secure. Even if they rose to the occasion time and again but God paid no attention, it would have been of no eternal profit. But, "God is faithful" (1Cor.1:9). He will never forget their "work and labour of agape." And watch how this builds! They had ministered to the other believing saints, and continued to minister, never resting on their laurels. That sacrificial service to one another was evidence of their love not only for one another, but toward God! - "Which ye have shewed toward His name."
So, let's put it all together and apply it. One of the primary evidences that we have been indwelt by God's Spirit is that we have a supernatural love for Him and for the One He sent. We express this love by serving and ministering to others who also love Him. And, in so doing, God takes it personally and declares that we have done these things "in His name," loving Him through loving others.
And, the best part, He will never forget it.
I won't take the time to go through Matt. 25, but in it we find Jesus teaching this same equation - "Verily I say unto you, inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me" (Matt. 25:.40).
And we desire that every one of you do shew the same diligence to the full assurance of hope unto the end: 6:11)
How can we know for sure that we are secure? How may we have any assurance of our salvation? Be diligent to serve. It's easy to assume we would help if the opportunity arose. But, it's another thing to seek out brethren in need and put the effort into ministering to them. And, even tougher, we need to minister humbly, not looking back to make sure they appreciated it or noticed how magnanimous it was of us to stoop down. Rest in the knowledge that God knows. Love because He loved. Help because He helped. Minister because He ministered. Sacrifice because He sacrificed. Give because He gave. And, wait for Him to lift you up. He will, you know? He will because He is faithful to remember and won't be unrighteous to forget. And, He'll reward you. He'll make you a joint-heir with Christ. He'll credit your love of the brethren as love for Him and He will give you peace and assurance.
Be diligent. Never give up. Press on until the end.
That ye be not slothful, but followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises. (6:12)
Don't wait for someone else to do it. Don't take your rest and assume that "God will understand." That was the author's exhortation to his audience. He hoped everyone of them would learn from the example of the faithful because they would be the recipients of long-standing promises given to the progenitor of the Hebrews....but, that's next week.
Once more - Be diligent to serve. Never give up. Press on until the end.
Love God. Love the brethren.
Jim McClarty
McClartyfam@juno.com
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6. Kevin Hartley
Commentary
Persuasion is the saint's yoke that binds us one to another. Apart from persuasion we would be hard pressed to discern godliness in this deceptive world. We would be ever prone to error and wolfish attack and we would find our charitable labors in Christ ill placed. Persuasion is a good thing. Many in our day fear a judgmental spirit. One of our day's most abused texts are the words of our Lord, "Judge not, that ye be not judged." These words are abused because they have become a battle cry for the inclusive and indiscriminate unity movement flowing from godless Christendom in our day. Question a doctrine, a practice, or a tradition, and the cry of 'judge not' shall echo harshly in your ears. This should not be the case, for Christians are to be a discriminating people.
We who rightfully understand the need for doctrinal discrimination and care, do we rightfully understand the need for discrimination in true godliness? The author of Hebrews is not ashamed to discern the current spiritual status of his readers. Like a physician he tells them truthfully of their illness. He rightfully informs them of their sloth, their error, and their need. Yet his bedside manner is commendable, for he does not leave the patients to despair and hopelessness. Informing the readers of their perilous condition, he quickly reassures them of their blessed and hopeful prognosis. They bear the marks and evidences of true and lasting faith. The readers who heard threats and warnings in the first half of this chapter might by this point be cowering and trembling in doubt, knowing their current slothfulness, thinking their condition deadly and incurable. But with the hands of a merciful and gracious healer, the Holy Spirit does add salve to the searing wound.
Christian, persuasion is the assurance and confidence that relieves the painful itch of sin and douses the burning threats of sloth. When our behavior is far from godly, when our concern is less than admirable for the things of Christ, when our hearts are cold toward Him, and when our labors in charity falter, we have this medicine of our souls. We have this persuasion; "Look at the evidences of faith Christian, for in them lies your assurance." Our author, having mentioned the troubles of apostasy and failure turns to his readers assuring them, "this is not the case with you. I am persuaded, I am confident, I am trusting that yours is not such a perilous malady. Yes there are signs of a terminal disease, yes the body is growing cold, but when I set the stethoscope of faith to your heart I hear the heart of faith beating."
But where does our author's confidence lie? Where ours should find epistemological evidence. We have intrinsic trust in that we have professed Christ the Lord as ours, but it is lived faith that gives abiding confidence to the believer. True faith produces works of charity that bring assurance to the soul. Charitable work is the balm that is placed upon the festering soul when the heart is unsure. Our author's confidence and assurance rises from the evidences of faith. He sees evidences that his readers do not suffer a terminal disease and that their spot is only skin deep; the evidences are their labors in love. Like the lepers of Israel, the readers of Hebrews have come to be examined in their unclean condition. Like the High Priest of Israel, the author sends them to seclusion for seven days to wait. Upon examining them he notes the disease to be a temporal surface infection, rather than an incurable lasting malady. Thus while he sees their spots he sends them away another seven days to wait and see it the spot will grow or fade away. He is confident that the disease is not lasting, that they are not to be declared unclean nor cast from the covenant community of God's people. He is certain that they show more signs of health than of death.
Christian, where does your confidence lie when sin besets you? How is it, when you have fled the cross of this life seeking shelter from the hatred of this world or the difficulty of your day, you find an easy course back before your Father? You have such confidence as our author, a persuasion that is set upon true and lasting faith, but where is it found? This is your persuasion;
My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth. And hereby we know that we are of the truth, and shall assure our hearts before him. (I John 3: 18), and, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous. (I John 2: 1)
We have the assurance of the blood of Christ and of our justified stand before the Father by His imputed righteousness by faith alone, while at the same time we know our faith not to be a dead faith, but a living faith. Thus as James we can declare,
What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him? If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food, And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit? Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone. (James 2: 14 - 17)
In Israel lawfulness was mediated by external action alone, where a man could be cut off from the covenant by a physical impurity. In this new Israel, where Christ doth reign, lawfulness is mediated first by Christ alone internally and then by His Spirit within us that does by faith produce the fruits of righteousness intrinsically and externally. Thus lawfulness under this the New Covenant is our perfect law of liberty, a law from Christ found in charity.
The author of Hebrews stresses his own confidence at the beginning of the ninth verse. The verb Pepeivsmeqa, a perfect passive form of the verb peivqw, speaks of the evidences of true faith that brings forth assurance to the troubled soul. The perfect here "procures a stative aspect in which the speaker conceives the verbal idea as a condition or state of affairs."1 Rather than viewing a one time event, the author considers all the arrangements, conditions, and accompanying events, thereby declaring his confidence based upon their history of charity. But like the High Priest only time will tell if the symptoms of death are more than skin deep. For those who persevere and endure unto the end are declared to rightfully be called the sons of God. Perseverance is certain for the true people of God who by faith alone demonstrate that faith in Christ's law of charitable liberty.
To conclude, let us restate the matter that Christians must be a discerning people. When a man confesses Christ we must be discriminating of his confession, that his faith alone is in Christ's merit and blood for His salvation. This is the intrinsic evidence of faith-- a man's profession. Equally, we have the epistemological evidences of charity and Christlikeness that are the evidences of true and lasting faith. Let us ask then, why must we look for these evidences?
1. That we the church might dwell together in unity; one faith, one Lord, one baptism, one god and Father.
2. That we might not be rent asunder with error and trouble, by schism and heresy.3. That we might with confidence encourage one another in days when our confidence wanes.
In these things let us then be a people persuaded, that we might love as we have been loved. May our Lord bless these feeble words. Amen.
1Young, Richard A. Intermediate New Testament Greek: A Linguistic and Exegetical Approach, (Nashville: Broadman Press), 1994, p. 126.
Kevin Hartley
kartleyk@erols.com
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