Page 15 - December 2025 - Truth & Tidings

several heartfelt exhortations, the tenor of withdrawing from God, unbelief and
which is this: “Let us go forth therefore disobedience (3:7-4:11). Strong admoni-
unto him without the camp, bearing his tion is directed towards apathy, laziness
reproach” (13:13). and lagging behind in spiritual develop-
Each exhortation is supported by a ment, and a warning is issued against
rich exposition of truth, demonstrable falling alongside, whether by trespass,
evidence and examples from the Old erring or barrenness (5:11-6:8). Solemn
Testament, and endearing words of en- warnings are sounded against sinning wil-
couragement. The combined force of each fully, despising holy things and shrinking
exhortation calls for unwavering affection back from God (10:25-31). Finally, we are
and unstinting devotion to God’s beloved warned against despising the chastening
Son, who loved us and gave Himself for of the Lord (12:5), falling short of attaining
us. It also calls for steadfast endurance God’s grace through bitterness, immo-
against giving up under sore trial and rality and insensitivity to divine things
chastisement. While the writer affection- (12:15-16), and refusing to listen to the One
ately empathises with the Hebrews’ per- speaking from heaven (12:25).
secution and suffering, he tackles the key The warnings in Hebrews are as rel-
obstacle to their progress in the Christian evant for us today as for those to whom
race – unbelief. They had not exercised the letter was first addressed. God has
faith. Consequently, they could not grasp exercised infinite grace to redeem us from
invisible, eternal and spiritual realities and eternal judgment and to share with us
were taken up with temporal and material the righteous standing and glory of His
things. Thus, an entire chapter is devoted beloved Son. And since the redemption of
to rekindling faith. our souls cost no less than the death of His
Each exhortation is also supplemented Son, if we continue to ignore His Word,
with an earnest warning. Why? The persist in wilful disobedience and sin,
consequences of not heeding the or do not develop in grace as we ought,
exhortations are real and may be felt here God will not leave us alone without do-
via God’s chastisement, or afterward at ing something about it. Thus, He chastens
the time of review by recompense and us, not to discourage us but to develop
reward. Either way, the implications are Christ-like character and capacity that is
solemn, perilous, and can have irreversible fitting for future spheres of service in the
outcomes. For these reasons, harsh and kingdom.
confronting terms are used to warn It is for this reason that the writer so
and admonish the readers of the letter. often emphasises the incomprehensible
Nonetheless, they are issued with sincere, privileges belonging to sons, and lays
fervent affection and tender care, for grave warnings upon dismissing the
“whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and associated responsibilities. Hence, the
scourgeth every son whom he receiveth” warnings are directed to our hearts so that
(12:6). we do not forsake our privileges, but that
We are warned against drifting from we, “as obedient children” (1Pe 1:13-15),
the Word and neglecting the full orb and fulfil our obligations as sons of God who
blessing of God’s salvation (2:1-3). We are are “called ... unto his kingdom and glory”
cautioned against hardening the heart, (1Th 2:12).
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