Page 81 - Hebrews- Student Textbook

die (product), but Christlikeness now!! God wants to restore His image in mankind so that He can reach
fallen humanity with His free offer of salvation in Christ. We are saved to serve! Security is a by-product
of a life of service and discipleship.

10:39 But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed, but of those who have faith and
preserve their souls.

"of those who shrink back" This is an allusion to Habakkuk 2:4 in the LXX "if he should draw back, my
soul has no pleasure in him." The issue in Hebrews for believers is faithfulness to the end. The great
danger is "shrinking back."

The interpretive question in this verse is to whom does the phrase "those who shrink back" refer.
1. Israelites in Habakkuk's day
2. The two groups of Heb. 6:1-12, one Jewish and the other believing Jews; the unbelieving
group have shrunk back from clear gospel witness to destruction
3. Believers in general who do not hold out to the end in faithfulness

The context of the book as a whole and 6:9-12 supports #2.

NASB "but of those who have faith to the persevering of the soul"
NKJV "but of those who believe to the saving of the soul"
NRSV "but among those who have faith and so are saved"
TEV "Instead, we have faith and are saved"
NJB "we are the sort who keep faith until our souls are saved"

The opposite of "shrink back" is faithfulness. This quote from Habakkuk is used in a different way than
Paul uses it in emphasizing the need for initial faith apart from works (cf. Rom. 1:17; Gal. 3:11), while
Hebrews uses it for continuing faith. This statement sets the stage for the role call of faithful in chapter
11. This role call shows that faith often causes persecution, even death. It emphasizes that these OT
believers, even amidst great difficulties (cf. vv. 32-33) continued in faith! The author of Hebrews asserts
his confidence that his believing readers will also continue in faith to the end.

12.4 Let’s Practice…

1. Which OT reference does the author use to develop his argument in cha. 10?

2. YHWH shows displeasure with the OT sacrifices not because of the system itself, but
because they were not accompanied by:

3.What is the name given to a heretical group which states that the body is evil and only the spirit is
good, thereby denying the humanity of Christ?

4. Continuing faith is the key to individual of salvation

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