 |  |
Christ"; this too refers to something which is in addition to redemption. The word
"partakers" is the same as that which is rendered "fellows" in Heb. 1: 9. The idea in
these passages is that of association with Christ in "the joy that was set before Him", the
"oil of gladness" being that of exultation or extreme joy. Heb. 3: 1 places no "if"
against the statement that those addressed were "associates of the heavenly calling". The
association with Christ, however, is different. Rom. 8: 17 contains a parallel with
these two conceptions.
"And if children, then heirs; heirs of God" (parallel with Heb. 3: 1).
"And joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with Him, that we may be also
glorified together" (parallel with Heb. 3: 14).
We shall find that the teaching of this epistle focuses upon the few verses with which
chapter 12: opens. The exhortation is "so run that ye may obtain".
Chapters 3: and 4: are bounded by the word "confession":
"Consider the Apostle and High Priest of our confession" (3: 1 R.V.).
"Let us hold fast our confession" (4: 14 R.V.).
It is evident that the Hebrew believers were exhorted to consider Christ as an Example
in the matter of this "confession". A somewhat parallel double occurrence is
I Tim. 6: 12-14 where Timothy's "good confession" is associated with that of Christ
before Pontius Pilate. The word contains an element of danger and opposition, and the
exhortation is to hold it fast unto the end. The one great feature which is singled out by
the apostle in the case of Christ Himself is that He "was FAITHFUL" (Heb. 2: 17; 3: 2).
Therefore within the bounds set by 3: 1 and 4: 14 will come some further teaching,
example, exhortation, encouragement and warning, such as will, by the grace of God,
help the tried believer to hold on his way.
The one characteristic of Christ which the Hebrew believers were called upon to
consider was His faithfulness; the one great warning which follows is that against
unbelief:
"Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of UNBELIEF, in
departing from the living God" (3: 12).
"So we see that they could not enter in because of UNBELIEF" (3: 19).
"The word preached did not profit them, because they were not united by FAITH to
them that heard" (4: 2 margin).
The great example is "the provocation". This word comes from pikraino--`to be
bitter', and illuminates Heb. 12: 15, 16, where another type for the believer's warning
(Esau) is closely linked with a `root of bitterness'. The great `text' of the writer in these
two chapters is taken from Psa. 95:, which he introduces with the solemn words, "As
the Holy Ghost saith".
It is evident that we must know something of this `provocation' on the part of Israel if
we would profit by the Scripture before us. In Numb. 14: we have the record. Caleb