Hebrews 11:1 Now faith is…the evidence of things not seen.
The NKJV’s use of “evidence,” is translated, “conviction,” in the RSV, ESV and NASB, and “proof,” in the HCSB. Furthermore, faith is the evidence of the unseen. Paul writes, “For we are saved in this hope, but hope that is seen is not hope; for why does one still hope for what he sees?” Romans 8:24.
Hebrews 11:1 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for,
With chapter 11 we have arrived at a lynchpin in Scripture. Verse 1 follows the line of thought culminating in Hebrews 10:39, the latter portion of the verse stating, “but of those who believe to the saving of the soul.” Those who believe are, of course, synonymous with those who profess and exercise faith.
Hebrews 10:39 But we are not of those who draw back to perdition, but of those who believe to the saving of the soul.
At once it is arresting to note how the author contrasts those who draw back with those who believe. Both actions also have their attendant consequences listed. The ones that draw back do so to their destruction, or perdition. Those who believe, do so to the saving of their souls. It must also be noted that this verse specifically addresses professing believers and the ultimate outcome of their spiritual walk: either the broad road or the narrow one that leads to life.
Hebrews 10:36 For you have need of endurance, so that after you have done the will of God, you may receive the promise: [37] “For yet a little while, and He who is coming will come and will not tarry. [38] Now the just shall live by faith; but if anyone draws back, My soul has no pleasure in him.”
The author commends endurance for the purpose of doing the will of God. What is the will of God for a believer? Jesus once said, “My doctrine is not Mine, but His who sent Me. If anyone wills to do His will, he shall know concerning the doctrine, whether it is from God or whether I speak on My own authority,” John 7:16, 17.
Hebrews 10:35 Therefore do not cast away your confidence, which has great reward.
The Jewish Christians are instructed not to cast away, or throw out, their confidence, which has great reward. Two words in this verse merit closer inspection: confidence
and reward.
Hebrews 10:32 But recall the former days in which, after you were illuminated, you endured a great struggle with sufferings: [33] partly while you were made a spectacle both by reproaches and tribulations, and partly while you became companions of those who were so treated; [34] 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 for yourselves in heaven.
Having issued a severe warning against apostasy, the author now deescalates the message. Notice the similarity in verse 32 with Hebrews 6:9. We read: “But beloved, we are confident of better things concerning you, yes, things that accompany salvation, though we speak in this manner.” 6:10 continues: “For God is not unjust to forget your work and labor of love which you have shown toward His name, in that you have ministered to the saints, and do minister.”
Hebrews 10:30 For we know Him who said, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord. And again, “The Lord will judge His people.” (31) It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.
The OT verses cited by the author are taken from Deuteronomy 32:35, 36. The account in Deuteronomy, beginning with verse 28, speaks about Israel being a nation void of understanding, spiritual understanding, that is.
This passage in Luke explains the nature of knowing “of” someone or something, verses intimately knowing. Jesus refers to the people addressed in this parable as stewards, Luke 12:42. A steward is defined in Oxford as, “a person employed to manage a large house or estate.” Paul says, “it is required in stewards that one be found faithful,” 1 Corinthians 4:2.
Hebrews 10:28 Anyone who has rejected Moses’ law dies without mercy on the testimony of two or three witnesses. (29) Of how much worse punishment, do you suppose, will he be thought worthy who has trampled the Son of God underfoot, counted the blood of the covenant by which he was sanctified a common thing, and insulted the Spirit of grace?
This passage would recall a particular part of the Torah for the Jewish Christians, found in Deuteronomy chapter 17. We will quote the passage at length, since the cause for the given effect listed (the death penalty) is very telling to what the writer is presently attempting to convey.
Hebrews 10:27 but a certain fearful expectation of judgment, and fiery indignation which will devour the adversaries.
Leading out of verse 26, the writer continues his exhortation. There no longer remains an offering for sin, if one willfully sins after receiving the knowledge of the truth, but a #1) certain, #2) fearful, #3) expectation of judgment and fiery indignation which will devour the adversaries.
Hebrews 10:26 For if we sin willfully after we have received the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins,
Like my previous post addressing the topic of Hebrews 6:4-8, I had also written a sequel, contending with Hebrews 10:26-31, which may be found here.
Hebrews 10:24 And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, [25] not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the day approaching.
Twice so far in Hebrews we have read about “dead works;” first in 6:1, and then in 9:14. In Hebrews 6:1 the Hebrew Christians are reminded that repentance from dead works precedes faith toward God. When we are finally willing to acknowledge the futility of works done to merit life, then we may transplant that faith from Self to God.
