Today’s reading comes from Hebrews 6-8 follow the link provided here to read the ESV online.
In Hebrews 6 the biblical author charges his hearers to persevere in their faith, noting that if they were to fall back, they would be making it evident that their faith was not genuine. The first few verses of chapter six can be confusing, but note the metaphor of rain in verses 7-8, that help us understand the intention of the author. The same rain falls, but different plants grow. What shows up is evidence of what was planted. Some plants are useful herbs, others are thorns and thistles. The rain doesn’t determine the plant, but as the plant grows it reveals itself as either good or bad. In the same way, persecution doesn’t make someone a believer, but it helps reveal genuine faith by what it brings out.
Some have taken this passage to teach that you can lose your salvation. If you follow that hermetical approach, you would also need to note that the passage clearly does teach that you can’t be saved a second time (6:4-6). Which is somewhat the point. Salvation isn’t something that can be picked up, put down, and picked up again. You are either saved or you aren’t. You have either experienced the things of God or you didn’t. If you did, you will not fall away (6:9-10).
Chapters seven and eight go on to detail the need for a new high priest according to the order of Melchizedek. Melchizedek was a mysterious priest who showed up in the time of Abraham. His origins weren’t known. Some even suppose that he was the pre-incarnate Christ. It was supposed that he lived forever. The high priests that Israel had according to the tribe of Levi and the family of Aaron died and a new high priest would be appointed, but Jesus was a better high priest who could not be defeated by death and therefore offered a better covenant (7:22).
FATHER, We pray that we would be those who have a persevering faith. We pray that our hearts affection never grows cold. We ask that we would stand firm against any temptation that would come our way. Give us grace when we understand a passage in a different way than some of our brothers and sisters in Christ. Bring us all to maturity in Christ. We rejoice in Jesus who is the better priest who makes intercession for his people. Thank you for the joy of leading your people. Protect us from enemies seen and unseen. IN JESUS NAME, AMEN.
What did you take away from today’s reading? What are your thoughts or questions? Feel free to comment below and enter the discussion.
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