But we do not belong to those who shrink back and are destroyed, but to those who have faith and are saved.
Hebrews 10:39
We left off in the last post earlier today with the question: What is destruction? Please remember the context, we are still speaking about this in context!
It would seem entirely consistent with the context of this passage within the letter to the Hebrews, and within the New Testament, that our author is telling us that we could lose everything we have in Christ. And of course, as soon as I say that, the screaming and hollering will begin…
Before we go off the deep end, and before you post comments full of verses pasted in out of context as usually happens when I say this, can we pause just a moment at take a deeper look at what is going on here in Hebrews 10? This chapter falls at the high point of the letter. We’ve seen that our superior high priest has brought a superior sacrifice to establish a super covenant based on superior promises. We’ve seen that the old Law is gone, and that the New has come, and that the New is the reality that was only illustrated by the Old. We have learned that we can enter the Most Holy Place, the very presence of God with confidence, and we have been warned to hold on to what we have in Christ, even in very difficult times, because what we have is so great and so wonderful that nothing can compare with it.
Dear Reader, this is a message of love and encouragement, not a threat or a warning about a God who wants to zap you! Some have suggested that this passage is too harsh, others have suggested that it must be adapted to fit a doctrine. Why? Too harsh, really? Would we have God hide things from us and then fall away out of ignorance? That, dear reader would be the actions of a God looking for a “gotcha” moment, not a God of love! Doctrinal traditions… would we really rather use this for an argument to be “right” about something that may or may not be right, when it is a message of encouragement? Really?
All we have in the passage is a message that our hope is awesome, so hang on to your faith come what may, and you will be in an amazing place for all eternity… this strikes me as wonderful! You know why? Because I can do it, and so can you! This is not a burden, at least not until we make it one. This isn’t negative, it’s positive… until we make it negative… and it certainly isn’t complicated until we impose our doctrines upon it and make it complicated… so why do that?
Here’s a challenge for you, just for fun: Forget everything you’ve heard and everything you’ve read, including what you’ve read here. Then go back and read chapter 10 over again, verses 1-39. Don’t think about anything it doesn’t say… and then see if you haven’t just read the most amazing and encouraging thing ever!
Life Project Blog 
There is nothing for me to “doctrinalize.” I know I just made up a new word in “Christian-ease.” The scriptures explain themselves if we leave them within their context.
Thanks again, and very wise!
Yet again I am wallowing in confusion. Not with these posts nor your walk through the 10 chapters. Wallowing in confusion as to why this seems to be a “contentious” writing. Gloriously ignorant of the wider debate over these chapters – my take on them is simply for the audience to whom these words were written and directed.
Because what struck me throughout was this audience faced the same horrible death as we venerate Jesus for facing. Horrible barbaric torture and death. Different ways of dying horribly maybe – but no less barbaric. The very death of Jesus for which we have an Easter Weekend every year. Yet these were not God Jesus in human form – these were just simple bible guys. Folk like you, me and him over there. And here they are facing the same as Jesus did. WOW! Now put me in their situation facing the choices they faced. Mmmmmm ….
Yet your “margin notes” and warnings? There seems to be “modern bible guys” division and detachment. I see love, one-ness and relationship – “love one another” stuff under the severest testing.
My goodness, Paul, but you have brought up something very interesting, and so you win the prize! As my kids could tell you, that usually meant the got to do the dishes, but for you, we’ll have to come up with something grand! 🙂
This text looks entirely different if you’ve been to seminary, because if you have, you know that it is a bit of a minefield for competing doctrines, and putting all one’s attention on avoiding mines causes people to miss the point you brought up. Sad…
You are completely right; this text is full of love. God’s love for us, our love for God and love for one another It isn’t about “aha! see, I was right and you are wrong!” and all of that. No, it’s God reminding us to remain true to Him and He will remain true to us in the face of the worst the Devil can throw at us. It’s wonderful!
I am good with dishes!! 🙂
LOL, yep me too!
I think I posted too early on the previous post; it’s coming out, slowly, but it’s coming. 🙂 vw
🙂
I do believe the book of Hebrews are the best posting I have read from you. Just my opinion. vw
Thanks, I appreciate that very much. One day I’d like to get this blogging thing right, but I have a ways to go in learning the medium… it’s different that things I’ve done before, that’s for sure!
Just do it from your heart and be led by God’s spirit; your readers can tell the difference.vw
Thanks
I have been to hell and back. And I can tell you “yes” remaining faithful during the worst the devil can throw at you. You stand and you keep standing, could have easily been destroyed if not for Jesus asking me “do you trust me?” I smiled and said “yes” then you ignore everything thing else. Till He brings deliverance and restoration. Praising God for His love!
Amen!
This was great to read! At first I thought parts of it were over my head in understanding and perhaps some parts are, but by this third portion, I was beginning to feel a lot more comfortable that I was understanding you pretty well and understanding the scripture. Thank you for making it simpler for a simple woman to understand!
Well thank Elaine, simple is the general goal in all this, and it’s usually the case in scripture as well