How Do You Continue?

How Do You Continue?

The Hebrews had an unusually good beginning, but they did not continue the way they had begun.

“But recall the former days in which, after you were illuminated, you endured a great struggle with sufferings: partly while you were made a spectacle both by reproaches and tribulations, and partly while you became companions of those who were so treated; for you had compassion on me in my chains, and joyfully accepted the plundering of your goods, knowing that you have a better and an enduring possession . . . .” Heb. 10:32-34.

You can hardly have a better beginning, and the apostle reminds them of it, because their further progress was not good. They had become dull of hearing: “For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the first principles of the oracles of God; and you have come to need milk and not solid food.” Ch. 5:12.

You cannot float along on a good beginning; you must show the same diligence to the full assurance of hope until the end, or you will not obtain the promises. The apostle gives them a special reminder about sinning after having learned to know the truth, and about the fact that all things are naked and open to the eyes of Him to whom we have to give account. “For our God is a consuming fire.” “It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.” Ch. 4:13, 6:4-8, 10:26-31, 12:28-29.

The Hebrews had experienced tremendous grace, and if you have learned to know the truth, you, too, have experienced great grace. However, with much grace also comes much responsibility. God is not fooled by a sudden spurt—a good beginning. We need patience so that after we have done God’s will, we may receive the promise. Ch. 10:36. Through patience it is revealed whether we love God or just love His gifts and blessings. This is how Abraham’s patience was severely tried, even to the point of sacrificing Isaac whom he had received by being very patient. Then God said to him, “Now I know that you fear God, seeing you have not withheld your son, your only son, from Me.” Gen. 22:12. He was also called God’s friend. The bride consists of only such tried and genuinely true souls. Rev. 14:5. Therefore the apostle gives this exhortation to the Hebrews: Let us go on to perfection! “Pursue peace with all men, and sanctification, without which no one will see the Lord.” Ch. 12:14.