To this list should be added `The Finisher', teleiotes (Heb. 12:2) in

connection (a) with running a race and (b) associated with Hebrews 2:10 where

the word `Captain' is the translation of the same Greek word that is rendered

`Author', and so by the use of these two words, `Author' and `Finisher',

emphasizing the double idea of beginning and end.

Over against the idea of `going on' (Heb. 6:1) the apostle places the

idea of `drawing back' (Heb. 10:39), the one to `perfection' the other to

`perdition'.  The Oxford Dictionary says of `perdition', that theologically,

it means `the condition of final damnation; the fate of those in hell,

eternal death'.  Now, those addressed in Hebrews 10 are believers, who had

endured much, but were losing patience, and were exhorted to `cast not away

therefore your confidence, which hath great recompense of reward' (Heb. 10:32

-37).  The loss of possible reward is entirely in line with both the teaching

of Hebrews, and the epistle to the Philippians, but the possibility that any

redeemed child of God could draw back to `final damnation' is entirely

opposed to the whole teaching of the Scriptures.

Turning to Philippians, where the same word occurs and is translated

`destruction', we again perceive that it is impossible to believe that the

Philippians needed a warning not to imitate those who were on the road to

`final damnation'.  In Philippians 3 the apostle is not dealing either with

salvation or damnation, but with attaining or losing `the prize of the high

calling'.  In Matthew 26:8 we find the word which is translated both

`perdition' and `destruction' employed naturally, without the taint of

theological prejudice.  It is employed by the disciples when they said `to

what purpose is this waste?' The unfruitful field is `nigh unto' cursing,

truly, but not actually cursed.  Its end is to be burned, but such burning,

while it destroys the crop of weeds, leaves the earth free even as the

believer whose `works' may be burned up in that day, will himself be saved,

yet so as by fire.

These two words, `perfection' and `perdition', are further enforced and

illustrated by the figure of a race, a contest and a prize, figures that fit

the main purpose of these two epistles, but which are foreign to the message

of the Ephesian epistle.

The Race

`Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of

witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so

easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set

before us' (Heb. 12:1).

`I press toward the mark' (Phil. 3:14).

The Prize

`... looking unto Jesus the Author and Finisher of our faith; Who for

the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame,

and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God' (Heb. 12:2).

`Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompense

of reward' (Heb. 10:35).

`Esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in

Egypt: for he had respect unto the recompense of the reward' (Heb.