Again observe, the alternative to suffering loss, is receiving a REWARD

(I Cor. 3: 14). The alternatives in Hebrews are "going on unto perfection" or "drawing

back unto perdition" and we must not so interpret "perdition" as to leave in the mind that

the alternatives are "going on unto salvation" or "drawing back to eternal punishment".

The former word "perfection", with its associated meanings, influences the application of

the latter word "perdition" with its associated warnings.

We have seen the scope of this epistle set out in the structure and have some idea of

the meaning of the alternatives set before the reader. We must now return to the

opening chapter to learn what encouragements are offered and what warnings given to

accomplish the twofold purpose of these exhortations. We close the present study with a

comparison. What the Sermon on the Mount is to the calling of the kingdom on earth,

and what Hebrews is to the high calling of the Mystery. In each we have the alternations

of Perfection or Perdition (Matt. 5: 48; 7: 13; Heb. 6: 1; 10: 39 and Phil. 3: 12, 19)

together with Reward or Prize. It will therefore be a fitting close to the present study if

we exhibit the extraordinary literary correspondence that exists between Hebrews and

Philippians.