The Possibility of Apostasy (10)

(Hebrews 3:4-13)

Mike Johnson

The inspired writer wrote the book of Hebrews to the Hebrews (or Jews).  Many of them had become Christians, and there was a tendency to return to the religion they formally practiced.  They wanted to return to the Law of Moses and observe the various ceremonies therein.  This book shows the superiority of Christ and Christianity over Moses and the Law of Moses, and it aims to keep them from departing from the faith by returning to the old law.

In verses 4-6 of chapter 3, the writer shows the superiority of Christ over Moses.  He describes Christ (v. 6) as a son over his own house.  On the other hand, he depicts Moses as “faithful in all his house” and a servant.

After speaking of Christ as a “son over his own house,” verse six says, “whose house we are if we hold fast the confidence and the rejoicing of the hope firm to the end.” We are “His house,” which is “the church” (1 Tim. 3:15).  The “if” shows that the Christian must, however, persevere (Note also verse 14).

Milligan, in his commentary on Hebrews, gives a paraphrase that helps us to see the connection between this section of Scripture and the section which follows.

Since it is true, he says in substance, that Jesus as the Apostle of God is so much superior to Moses; and since it is also true, that your belonging to the house of God under him, and your enjoying the blessings of the New Covenant through him, depend on your holding fast the confidence and the boasting of your hope even to the end of life, you should now take as a warning to yourselves the following solemn admonition made by God to your fathers; and beware lest there be also in any of you an evil heart of unbelief.  (Robert Milligan, A Commentary on the Epistle to the Hebrews)

In verses 7-8, the children of Israel are given as examples of people not to follow.  It says, “Do not harden your hearts as in the rebellion, in the day of trial in the wilderness, where your fathers tested Me, tried Me, and saw My works forty years.” Israel frequently provoked God in the wilderness.” This provocation may refer specifically to the time near Mt. Horeb when Israel murmured for water (Ex. 17:1-7).  Here, Israel sinned, and they were unable to enter their “rest,” which would be the land, which God had promised them.  When they sinned and died in that state, they lost salvation.

In verse 12, the writer warns the Hebrews not to make the same mistake the children of Israel had.  He said, “Beware, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief in departing from the living God.” First, these verses show us that the heart of a child of God can become evil.  Second, they show that a child of God can depart from Him.

Verse 12 speaks to Christians, which is the whole scope of the book.  He addresses them as “brethren.” He speaks of “departing from” God indicating that they were Christians.  It would be nonsense to urge a person not to depart from God if it is impossible.  God will not save the alien sinner in unbelief; He will not save the Christian in disbelief.