After explaining examples of the heroes of faith, the author exhorts the readers to fix their eyes upon Jesus the supreme example of faith. Christian life is a race and it must be run with patience looking unto Jesus. Heroes of faith testify us of the power of faith and we must follow their example. Christ is the beginning and the end of Christian life. He is the pioneer and the perfecter of our faith. Consider the example of Christ who willingly endured the cross despising the shame of death because of the joy of becoming the redeemer of the world. Christ's example would motivate us to lay aside every form of sin that hinders our spiritual progress. Consider, how much greater was Christ's suffering than ours and the eternal blessings of it. The writer reminds the readers that though they suffered scorn and opposition, they have not suffered death. So let us run the race set before us by looking to Jesus who is seated at the right of God in heaven.
From verses 5 to 13, the writer encourages the readers to regard their suffering as fatherly discipline of God.
Here the author quotes proverbs 3:11-12. This suffering is actually a growth process in their spiritual life. Suffering is not always the proof of sin.Though Christ was sinless,He learned obedience through suffering and became the author of eternal life(5:8,9). The discipline of these readers are compared with the suffering of Christ. God's children receive His chastening. Believers who sin and never be chastened are not actually saved. God disciplines us so that we might share in His holiness. In fact chastening is a training process to get in shape spiritually. Chastening gives assurance of God's love towards us. No disciple is joyous for a while but afterward it will yield peaceable fruit of righteousness(12:11).
So readers are encouraged to stand firm on their shaky legs so that they may not become spiritually disable. Pursue straight path, so that you may not be dislocated and get worse. When few slip away from faith, it is easier for many to fall. So encourage each other and live in harmony. Christians must try to live in peace with everyone. Also they should live a consecrated or holy life. Without holiness no one will see God. Practical sanctification is essential for growing into the likeness of Christ(1 Thess 5:23). The writer warns the danger of
apostasy. Apostates would not receive the blessings of the grace of God. Apostates are the defectors from the truth though they profess to be Christians. They are like poisonous root that corrupt many by their doubts and denials. It can lead to immorality and godlessness(2 Peter 2:10). Esau is an example. He traded his birthright for a single meal. Afterward when he wanted to inherit the blessing, he was rejected. It was too late for Isaac to change his mind or reverse the blessing. Those who willingly renounce Christ for worldly gains or pleasure, can not be renewed to repentance. Such is the solemn warning against apostates.
In verses 18 to 29 , a comparison is drawn between old covenant and new covenant. Here the writer warns the danger of obeying the old covenant and rejecting the new covenant which Christ established. The old covenant was inaccessible and intimidating. Like rest of the warning, the purpose of this warning is to prevent the readers from turning way from Christ and His blessing. The scene of Mount Sinai was one of blackness of darkness and fearful.. Men and animals faced death even by touching where God stood( Ex 19:12,13). Moses said about this place that "I am terrified and trembling"(12:21). But Under the new covenant, we come to a figurative mount Zion, which is the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem. Those who believe in Christ have access to this place under the new covenant. They will enjoy it's fullest blessing when Lord returns.
Angels minister there. This is the place of the general assembly and where the church of the firstborn are assembled. There we see God, the judge of all people. Here believers are made perfect by Jesus the mediator of the new covenant. His sprinkled blood speaks of cleansing and pardon, unlike the blood of Abel which cry out for vengeance. Those who disobeyed God under the old covenant have perished. Then, how much more the punishment of those who reject Christ? Now God speaks from heaven through Christ. When God spoke, it shook the earth and heaven(Ex 19:18). God will shake the earth and heaven again (Haggai 2:6). Probably this is going to happen at the return of Christ. All things are temporal and will be destroyed. Only the spiritual and heavenly things will remain. Believers will inherit a kingdom that cannot be destroyed . So let us be thankful and please God by worshiping Him with reverence. The writer closes the chapter with a warning."Our God is a consuming fire"(Deut 4:24). Now God is speaking through Christ. Do we hear His voice and obey Him? May God help us.
From verses 5 to 13, the writer encourages the readers to regard their suffering as fatherly discipline of God.
Here the author quotes proverbs 3:11-12. This suffering is actually a growth process in their spiritual life. Suffering is not always the proof of sin.Though Christ was sinless,He learned obedience through suffering and became the author of eternal life(5:8,9). The discipline of these readers are compared with the suffering of Christ. God's children receive His chastening. Believers who sin and never be chastened are not actually saved. God disciplines us so that we might share in His holiness. In fact chastening is a training process to get in shape spiritually. Chastening gives assurance of God's love towards us. No disciple is joyous for a while but afterward it will yield peaceable fruit of righteousness(12:11).
So readers are encouraged to stand firm on their shaky legs so that they may not become spiritually disable. Pursue straight path, so that you may not be dislocated and get worse. When few slip away from faith, it is easier for many to fall. So encourage each other and live in harmony. Christians must try to live in peace with everyone. Also they should live a consecrated or holy life. Without holiness no one will see God. Practical sanctification is essential for growing into the likeness of Christ(1 Thess 5:23). The writer warns the danger of
apostasy. Apostates would not receive the blessings of the grace of God. Apostates are the defectors from the truth though they profess to be Christians. They are like poisonous root that corrupt many by their doubts and denials. It can lead to immorality and godlessness(2 Peter 2:10). Esau is an example. He traded his birthright for a single meal. Afterward when he wanted to inherit the blessing, he was rejected. It was too late for Isaac to change his mind or reverse the blessing. Those who willingly renounce Christ for worldly gains or pleasure, can not be renewed to repentance. Such is the solemn warning against apostates.
In verses 18 to 29 , a comparison is drawn between old covenant and new covenant. Here the writer warns the danger of obeying the old covenant and rejecting the new covenant which Christ established. The old covenant was inaccessible and intimidating. Like rest of the warning, the purpose of this warning is to prevent the readers from turning way from Christ and His blessing. The scene of Mount Sinai was one of blackness of darkness and fearful.. Men and animals faced death even by touching where God stood( Ex 19:12,13). Moses said about this place that "I am terrified and trembling"(12:21). But Under the new covenant, we come to a figurative mount Zion, which is the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem. Those who believe in Christ have access to this place under the new covenant. They will enjoy it's fullest blessing when Lord returns.
Angels minister there. This is the place of the general assembly and where the church of the firstborn are assembled. There we see God, the judge of all people. Here believers are made perfect by Jesus the mediator of the new covenant. His sprinkled blood speaks of cleansing and pardon, unlike the blood of Abel which cry out for vengeance. Those who disobeyed God under the old covenant have perished. Then, how much more the punishment of those who reject Christ? Now God speaks from heaven through Christ. When God spoke, it shook the earth and heaven(Ex 19:18). God will shake the earth and heaven again (Haggai 2:6). Probably this is going to happen at the return of Christ. All things are temporal and will be destroyed. Only the spiritual and heavenly things will remain. Believers will inherit a kingdom that cannot be destroyed . So let us be thankful and please God by worshiping Him with reverence. The writer closes the chapter with a warning."Our God is a consuming fire"(Deut 4:24). Now God is speaking through Christ. Do we hear His voice and obey Him? May God help us.
