1522. Christians and Their Confident Calling

Christians and Their Confident Calling

"Wherefore, holy brethren, partakers of the Heavenly calling" (Heb_3:1).

Under this division, we must group three things gathered from chapters 3, 4 and 6.

1. The calling stated. It is a Heavenly calling. The Apostle Paul said that he counted everything but dung that he might win Christ. He wanted to know Christ, and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed unto His death, if by any means he might attain the out-resurrection from among the dead.

In all of this, Paul said: "I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus" (Php_3:14).

The "high," or, "upward" calling toward which Paul pressed, is in line with the "heavenly" calling of Heb_3:1.

2. The rejoicing hope. In Heb_3:6, we are urged to "hold fast the confidence and the rejoicing of the hope firm unto the end."

The "hope," of the Book of Hebrews, is a basis for exultant joy. It is not a gloomy perspective, but a glad one.

The "hope," in Hebrews, includes Christ as a Son over His own house, and the saints as members of His household.

The "hope," includes every blessed feature of the Lord's Return, set forth in the whole Epistle. This "hope" will grow upon us as we proceed in this study.

In the 6th chapter the "hope" is set before us as a refuge, to those who lay hold upon it; it is a hope, which is an anchor of the soul, both sure, and steadfast, and which entereth into that within the veil (see Heb_6:18-20).

This same "hope" is spoken of by Paul, as the "Blessed Hope" (Tit_2:13). It is the "crown of rejoicing" (1Th_2:19). It is the "pacifying hope" (see Jam_5:7-8). It is the "comforting hope" (see 1Th_4:14-18).

3. The unwavering confession. In chapter Heb_4:14, we read the striking expression: "Let us hold fast our confession." This is not an admonition to hold fast our profession of faith in saving grace. It is an admonition to hold fast to our confession of anticipating hope.

In Heb_3:14 of chapter 3, we are told that we are made partakers of Christ, "if we hold the beginning of our confidence stedfast unto the end." In Heb_3:6, of the same chapter, we are reckoned as members of the household of Christ, "if we hold fast the confidence and the rejoicing of the hope firm unto the end."

Chapters 3 and 4 present an example of wavering and faltering trust. The children of Israel were saved out of Egypt by the blood, but they were overthrown in the wilderness. We are told, that they failed to enter in to their rest. With the example before us, the warning is given: "Let us, therefore fear lest, a promise being left us of entering into His rest, any of you should seem to come short of it" (Heb_4:1).

These chapters discuss the "Reign," not the "Rapture." There is no basis here for a "partial rapture," but for a "limited reign." "If we suffer, we shall also reign with Him." Our position in the Kingdom, must be in ratio to our patient endurance in our earth life.

Chapter 6 gives a timely warning. Certain of Israel had been enlightened; had tasted of the Heavenly gift; had been made partakers of the Holy Ghost; had tasted the good Word of God, and the powers of the age to come; these were in danger of falling away. The danger is seen in the words, "If they shall fall away." If they refused Him who spoke; they would reject His Kingdom, and crucify the Son of God afresh, putting Him to open shame–their end would be cursing and burning.

After this warning is given, the Holy Spirit assures the believing Hebrews that He expects better things of them, even the things that accompany salvation, although He had thus spoken.

He concludes in Heb_6:11, and Heb_6:12, "And we desire that every one of you do shew the same diligence to the full assurance of hope unto the end: that ye be not slothful, but followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises."

Thus, the "salvation" of Heb_6:1-12, like the salvation, all through Hebrews, is a future and not a past salvation. The vision is concerning things to come. The warning given is that we may press on to a full inheritance in the age to come, and not cast away our confidence. The thousand-year reign of Christ, the day of Sabbath keeping that remains, is in view, and not "Heaven."

Autor: R.E. NEIGHBOUR