"...Christ's house are we, if we hold fast the confidence, and the rejoicing of the hope, firm unto the end." —Hebrews 3:6 [KJV]
The tabernacle, with its furniture—the ark of the covenant— the institution of sacrifices, etc. were appointed by Jehovah, to shew the nature of His house—to typify God's dwelling in the human nature of Jesus—His sacrifice for and special presence with the household of faith. David asks, "Lord, who shall dwell with Thee?"—Psalm 15:1. The answer is, Only those whose hearts are furnished with the graces of Jesus, and whose lives evidence it.
It bespeaks a person's propriety of and delight of residence in a house, when He adorns and furnishes it. This Jesus doth by the hearts of all His members. He is our brother in flesh. He complies with His own command, When thou lettest a servant go free, "thou shalt furnish him liberally."—Deuteronomy 15:14. Out of the fullness of Jesus, most liberally, His members receive grace for grace. Hence they have the confidence of faith, the rejoicing of hope.
But why doth the apostle put an IF here? Is it to weaken our confidence and damp our joys, as though Jesus was not faithful to US? or that our own efforts could make salvation more secure than His blood and righteousness have? Is it to keep us always in a state of diffidence and uncertainty? Far from it; this would counteract the grace of Jesus, weaken faith and hope in Him, and strengthen the pride and vain glory of us sinners, as though Jesus was the foundation, but our own arm, our own faithfulness was to raise the superstructure, and bring forth the head-stone of salvation with shoutings, not of grace, grace to Him; but glory, glory to us. Most detestable thought!
We are assured that all those whose names are written in the Lamb's book of life, shall enter into His glory.—Rev. 21:27. There are no Ifs, no doubt of this. But who is of that happy number? This we can only know by the Spirit given unto us, whereby we cleave unto Jesus in heart and affection, as our only hope; renounce both the righteousness and sinfulness of the flesh, and continue to hold fast and persevere in the faith of the gospel; "and walk worthy of the vocation wherewith we are called."—Eph. 4:1. "Wherefore, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure; for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall."—2 Pet. 1:10.
Hold fast your trust, retain your hope, In spite of Satan and of sin; Thus honor Christ your Saviour's word, Till you his glorious kingdom win.
All of thy house shall persevere, They of thy fulness shall partake: Thy word is try'd, thy promise sure, Thou, Lord, thine own wilt ne'er forsake.
William Mason (1724-1797 A.D.)
Comments