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word "near" or "nigh" unto cursing. Adokimos = "disapproved" is best understood by
observing the context of the word in I Cor. 9: 27. The scene is the Corinthian
racecourse.
"Know ye not that they which run in a race course run all, but one receiveth the prize?
So run, that ye may obtain. But every one that striveth in the games, in all things useth
self-control; They indeed then that a corruptible crown they may receive; but we an
incorruptible. I therefore so run, not as uncertainly. I am boxing, as not beating air, but I
am beating my body under, and leading it captive, lest by any means having proclaimed
the contest to others, I myself should become disapproved" (I Cor. 9: 24-27 not AV JP).
The verses that follow, viz. I Cor. 10:, are very strongly reminiscent of Heb. 3: and 4:
The argument hinges upon the "all" and the "many". All may have passed out from
Egypt as the redeemed of the Lord, but all did not enter the promised land. We now see
that the whole of Heb. 6: is dealing with the question of "going on unto perfection", or
of being disqualified or disapproved in the race. The entry into the land of promise is
placed in the same place as the crown at the end of the race. The showers of God's love
and grace had fallen for many years upon Israel, but comparatively few brought forth
fruit.
We must observe that it does not say that the alternatives are blessing or cursing, but
blessing or disapproval, which places such nigh unto a curse. Take for example the
two servants of Matt. 24: 44-51. The one is rewarded by being made ruler over all his
Lord's goods, the other servant is cut asunder, and finds his position with the hypocrites,
where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. The same fate awaits the unprofitable
servant of Matt. 25: who hid his talent in the earth.
Both suffer loss and are certainly perilously "near unto a curse". In neither case is
salvation in view, but service. "The end of which is for burning." When a field produces
thorns and thistles "the end" is burning. The field itself is not destroyed, but that which it
has produced. This is quite in harmony with I Cor. 3: The foundation remains
unchanged whether the building be destroyed by fire or whether it stands the test:
"He shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; YET SO AS BY FIRE" (I Cor. 3: 15).
In Heb. 12: 16, 17, Esau is brought before us as one who forfeited his birthright.
There is an evident parallel with Heb. 6:, the words "he found no place of repentance"
echoing "it is impossible to renew unto repentance". So also the word adokimos
(disapproved or rejected) is echoed by Heb. 12: 17, apodokimazo ("rejected").
The "blessing" also is one received "by inheritance". The chapter ends with the words
"For our God is a consuming fire", which are parallel with the words "whose end is
burning". The whole situation is summed up in Heb. 6: 9 where the Apostle says:
"But, beloved, we are persuaded of you THE BETTER THINGS" (not AV JP).
Readers will remember that the word "better" is a key word of Hebrews, closely
associated with "perfect" throughout the epistle. "The better resurrection" is expressed
by the words, "The spirits of perfected righteous ones". Here in chapter 6:, those who