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Quoting from Habakkuk 2:3-4, Paul said: "'For yet a little
while, and He who is coming will come and will not tarry. Now the
just shall live by faith; but if anyone draws back, my soul has
no pleasure in him'" (Heb. 10:37-38).
The theme of Hebrews is: Live by faith. Do not draw back to destruction.
We can break the epistle down in five major sections: 1. The reason
that we should press forward to salvation and not draw back to destruction
(1:1-10:18). 2. Conclusions from section one: Our responsibility
to live by faith and the consequence of not living by faith (10:19-39).
3. Definition and exemplification of faith (11:1-40). 4. Living
by faith (12:1-13:17). 5. Concluding thoughts and exhortations (13:18-25).
Why should we live by faith? Because of the superiority of Jesus
(the Son of God) and our salvation (1:1-3:19). Because of the future
promised rest (4:1-13). Because of the superiority of Christ as
King and Priest (4:14-5:11; 7:1-8:13). Because it is impossible
to renew those who have fallen away (5:12-6:12). Because of God's
infallible purpose in Christ (6:13-20). Because of the superiority
of the second covenant (9:1-10:18).
What is our responsibility to live by faith and the consequence
of not living by faith? We must boldly enter the Holiest by the
blood of Jesus (10:19-21). We must draw near to God with a true
heart in full assurance of faith (10:22). We must hold fast our
confession (10:23). We must consider one another not forsaking the
assembling of the saints (10:24-25). And if we do not live by faith
thus drawing back in unbelief to destruction, we have a certain
fearful expectation of judgment (10:26-39).
What is faith? "Now faith is the substance of things hoped
for, the evidence of things not seen" (11:1). Faith is total
and complete trust in God resulting in obedience; thus, Christians
believe to the saving of the soul (10:39-11:40).
Living by faith: is a race (12:1-2), is being chastened by God
(12:3-11), requires spiritual strength (12:12-17), is living in
the kingdom of Christ (12:18-24), requires that we hear the voice
of Christ (12:24-50), requires living morally with brotherly love
(13:1-6), requires obedience to those ruling over us and obeying
God (13:76-17).
Are you living by faith to the saving of your soul? Or, are you
drawing back to destruction having a fearful expectation of judgment?
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