Page 79 - Hebrews- Student Textbook
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3. The use of so many OT quotes related to the tabernacle, the use of the term synagogue (cf.
10:25), and the roll call of faith, all point toward a reader familiar with the OT.
Therefore, after exegeting the text I think the best overall explanation (not without its own problems
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and assumptions) is the supposed historical reconstruction of R. E. Glaze, Jr.
Hebrews seems to be a specialized book, to a select group. Does that mean it has no message for today?
The warnings of this inspired author (along with James, Peter, and the writer of I and 2 John) should
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motivate believers to continue to run the race! The answer does not lie in an easy believism, nor in a
fear-generated legalism, but in a godly life of faith, a striving toward holiness, produced by an attitude
of gratitude in a full, finished, and final salvation (cf. 10:14) through Christ by faith.
Note: A person, who cannot suffer or die for Christ in a given event, lacks biblical evidence of salvation
(Matt. 10:33, 38, 39; Luke 9:23-26; I Tim. 2:12). Also, think of Baptism in the first century.
who hath trodden under foot the ... " hath counted the blood of the covenant wherewith he was
sanctified an unholy thing" The question here relates to the VERB (AORIST PASSIVE INDICATIVE). Is this
referring to the initial rejection of the new covenant or is this a turning away from the new covenant?
The AORIST PARTICIPLES in the previous phrase and the AORIST PASSIVE PARTICIPLE in the following phrase
imply an initial rejection.
The problem with this interpretation is that every place in Hebrews that "sanctified" is used it refers to
believers (cf. 2:11; 9:13; 10:10,14; 13:12). For me the issue is one of covenant-keeping. The sovereign
God has produced a covenant relating to salvation. It is free; it is for all, but it must be received (human
free will), not just in an emotional response (cf. Matt. 13:20-22), nor in a uniting with a church (cf. 1 John
2:19). Believing is the key. Those who believe/faith/trust (all possible translations of pisteuō) are saved
and have assurance. The dual warning of Hebrews is to (1) receive the gospel offer and (2) walk in it. If
one fails to receive—judgment; if one doesn’t abide in it—judgment!
"and has insulted the Spirit of grace" He convicts of sin, brings us to Christ, baptizes us into Christ and
forms Christ in us as believers (cf. John 16:8-11). The Spirit is insulted or outraged when unbelievers
reject His wooing and convicting. Some of the recipients of this book were rejecting Christ in the
presence of clear revelation from other members of the synagogue (see Introduction, Recipients).
10:30 "VENGEANCE" This is a quote from the Septuagint of Deut. 32:35a and 36a. This is not anger, but
full justice handed out to all involved
"THE LORD WILL JUDGE HIS PEOPLE" This is a further quote from the Septuagint of Deut. 32:36a. The Hebrew
text has "vindicate" instead of "judge." Does this phrase imply that the ones wilfully sinning were once
God's people? Usually only one aspect of the OT quote is intended. It is probably "judge" that is the focal
point of the quote, not that in its original context it referred to idolatrous Israel. The author has been
using God's rejection of His own people in judgment as a warning throughout the book.
54 Glaze, R. E. Jr., No Easy Salvation, Insight Press, (1966).
55 Bruce F. F., Answers to Questions, (pp. 124-125).
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