What is the meaning of Hebrews 10:39? But we are not • The writer identifies himself with his readers—“we”—drawing a clear line of solidarity with believers who remain steadfast. • This confident assurance echoes earlier encouragements (Hebrews 3:6; 6:9), reminding us that God’s people are marked by perseverance, not retreat. • Cross reference: Philippians 1:6 affirms that “He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion,” underlining God’s active role in keeping His people. of those who shrink back and are destroyed • “Shrink back” pictures turning away when faith is tested, the opposite of trusting endurance (Matthew 13:20-21). • Destruction here is ultimate ruin, not momentary setback (Hebrews 3:18-19). It echoes the warning in Hebrews 10:26-31 that persistent unbelief meets judgment. • Cross reference: Luke 9:62—“No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God”—shows Jesus placing the same demand for unwavering commitment. but of those who have faith • Faith is active reliance on God’s promise, soon defined in Hebrews 11:1. • This faith looks forward, confident in what is unseen, as modeled by Abel, Enoch, Noah, Abraham, and the rest of the chapter. • Cross reference: Romans 1:17—“The righteous will live by faith”—the very verse the writer quoted in Hebrews 10:38 to ground his argument. and preserve their souls • “Preserve” describes the outcome of persevering faith: life safeguarded for eternity (John 10:27-29). • Far from a tenuous hope, this is a guaranteed result because the object of faith—Christ’s once-for-all sacrifice (Hebrews 10:14)—is fully sufficient. • Cross reference: 1 Peter 1:5 speaks of believers “who through faith are shielded by God’s power until the coming of the salvation ready to be revealed.” summary Hebrews 10:39 draws a sharp contrast: those who turn away face destruction, while believers marked by enduring faith gain the preservation of their souls. The writer stands with his readers, confident that genuine believers will not abandon Christ but will continue trusting Him, assured of eternal security because God completes what He starts. |
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