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As space is limited we leave this passage without comment, except to touch upon the
meaning here of the word perdition. In some contexts perdition may express the most
awful punishment of the ungodly. In one context at least no element of punishment can
possibly be allowed. The two foci of the epistle to the Hebrews may be expressed in the
words:--
"Let us go on unto PERFECTION" (Heb. 6: 1).
"Not draw back unto PERDITION" (Heb. 10: 39).
It may be questioned, however, whether "perdition" is a true antonym to "perfection";
some would think that salvation and perdition would be truer. Our only authority must be
the Word, and if we can find other passages where perfection is used in contrast to
perdition, the question will be answered. The first passage we turn to is Phil. 3:
Readers will remember that on more than one occasion we have called attention to the
parallel lines of teaching of Philippians and of Hebrews. Without quoting the passage in
full, we give the context of the two words:--
"Let us therefore, as many be PERFECT, be thus minded . . . . . walk . . . . . for many
walk . . . . . whose end is PERDITION . . . . . who mind earthly things" (Phil. 3: 15-19).
The relation of these two words is evident to all. The second passage is in "The
Sermon on the Mount":--
"Be ye therefore PERFECT . . . . . Broad is the way, that leadeth to PERDITION"
(Matt. 5: 48, 7: 13).
It may be objected that in this case the two words are removed too far to constitute an
argument. The word "perfect" is introduced with the argument:--
"That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven; for He maketh His
sun to rise on the evil and on the good."
The word "perdition" is introduced with the argument:--
"If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much
more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask Him."
The distance between the two words is greater than in Phil. 3: by reason of the long
chapter devoted to "reward", either present or future, that comes in between. This,
however, but connects it more strongly with Hebrews. While these two passages clearly
demonstrate the fact that perdition is a true alternative to perfection, one other occurrence
will reveal the reason why:--
"There came a woman having an alasbaster box of very precious ointment . . . . . To
what purpose is this WASTE" (Matt. 26: 7, 8).
It would not be good sense to translate the word here "perdition", but nevertheless it is
the same. Its usage throws vivid light upon the danger that threatened the Hebrews.