Beware of unbelief
Christ has done marvelous things for us, and we should focus on him as the Apostle and High Priest of our confession (Hebrews 3:1). An apostle is one sent on a mission, and Jesus fulfills this role as God’s messenger (John 3:16-17; Matthew 26:39; 1 John 4:14). The author of Hebrews establishes that Jesus is also our High Priest (Hebrews 2:17-18). Like the high priest under Moses’ law, who offered sacrifices on the Day of Atonement and entered the holy of holies, Jesus reconciles us to God through the offering of his blood in heaven.
The term "confession" signifies a public declaration of faith as well as a way of life for Christians (Romans 10:9-10; 1 Timothy 6:12). Jesus is the focus of our confession because he was both sent by God and the one who made the ultimate offering. Both Christ and Paul emphasize the necessity of confession if we wish to be acknowledged by Christ before His Father (Matthew 10:32; Romans 10:9-10).
Moses and Jesus were faithful in their appointed roles within God’s house (Hebrews 3:2-4). However, Jesus is held in higher esteem. While Moses served as a part of Israel’s household, Jesus is the builder and sustainer of that house. The greatness of the builder is evident, as the writer notes that God is the builder, which affirms the divinity of Jesus.
Moses was faithful as a servant, and his faithfulness testifies to the truth of his message (Hebrews 3:5). His service foreshadowed the greater things to come (Colossians 2:17; Hebrews 10:1). In contrast, Jesus is the Son over his own house. As members of the church, Christians are part of this divine household (1 Timothy 3:15). This truly is Christ’s house, as he stated in Matthew 16:18. One can be added this church (Acts 2:47), but remaining faithful requires boldly speaking of it and holding fast to our hope until the end (Hebrews 3:6).
The writer quotes Psalm 95:7-11, emphasizing worship and caution against disobedience. This psalm serves as a warning to the Hebrew people against hardening their hearts and rejecting God. Their ancestors rebelled in the wilderness and were barred from entering God’s "rest," or the promised land. The wilderness events illustrate that God does not tolerate unbelief after demonstrating his power (Hebrews 3:7-11). The phrase "in any of you" underscores the concern for individual church members. A "heart of disbelief" leads to distrust in God and ultimately turning away. Rejecting Christ is tantamount to rejecting God (Hebrews 3:12).
Christians are called to encourage one another daily to prevent sin from hardening their hearts. This support must happen "today," before the inevitable night of death. Those who remain steadfast in hope will share in Christ’s rest, unlike the first-generation Israelites who lost faith and died without entering Canaan (Hebrews 3:13-14).
A repetition of Psalm 95:7 reinforces the importance of guarding one’s heart against hardening. The question, "Who were they who heard and rebelled?" points to those Moses led out of Egypt. Only Joshua and Caleb remained faithful, while all others who experienced deliverance died because of their unbelief (Hebrews 3:15-16).
The downfall of Israel illustrates that falling away is possible (Numbers 14:28-32). They had initially trusted God’s promises, but their unbelief denied them the promised rest. Their deaths in the wilderness were due to their lack of trust, not Moses’ unfaithfulness or God’s inability. They simply ceased to trust in God (Hebrews 3:17-19; Deuteronomy 32:20). We must strive to remain firm in our faith and encourage our brethren to do likewise.
Image produced by hotpot.ai.
- Beware of unbelief - 2024-09-19
- Christ’s work in man’s restoration - 2024-09-12
- Christ is superior to angels - 2024-09-05