Hebrews 6:17-20 Wherein God, willing more abundantly to show to the heirs of promise the immutability of his counsel, confirmed it by an oath:… I. THAT THEIR SALVATION FROM SIN SHALL BE A COMPLETE AND PERFECT SALVATION. This is the avowed design of — 1. All His purposes (Ephesians 1:4; 2 Timothy 1:9; 1 Corinthians 1:2; Hebrews 3:1; 1 Peter 1:2; Romans 8:29: Ephesians 2:10). 2. All His promises (Isaiah 1:18; Jeremiah 31:31-34; Ezekiel 11:19, 20; 2 Corinthians 12:1; 2 Peter 1:4; 1 John 1:9). 3. The earthly mission of His Son (Matthew 1:21; John 1:29; Corinthians L 21-22; Titus 2:11-14; 1 John 1:7; Hebrews 9:26). 4. The constant operations of His Spirit (Ephesians 5:9; 2 Thessalonians 2:13). 5. The heaven which He has prepared for their eternal residence. Only the pure in heart shall see God. "Without holiness," &e. II. THAT THEIR COMPLETE AND PERFECT SALVATION FROM SIN SHALL BE EFFECTED BY THEIR OWN PERSEVERANCE. 1. What is the perseverance of the sailors? (1) An increasing acquaintance with God's word, implying diligent examination, thoughtful investigation, careful comparison of part with part, and discriminating deductions from the whole. (2) An increasing confidence in God's promises; implying intelligent trust in Him for pardon of sin, sanctification of spirit for seasonable strength in temptation, support in trouble, and victory in death. (3) An increasing conformity to the image of Christ; implying the embodiment of Christianity in our lives, making our practice agree with our profession, yielding to Christian impulses, cherishing Christian affections, displaying Christian tempers, speaking Christian words, practising Christian actions 2. The proposition that God secures the complete salvation of His people by their own perseverance, is confirmed by — (1) The injunctions of Scripture. (2) The nature of the case. Can you teach a child to walk without its constant effort and perseverance? (3) The example of saints (Philippians 3:13, 14). III. THAT THEIR PERSEVERANCE SHALL BE SECURED BY GOD'S OWN BLESSING. 1. It is God's counsel that the salvation of His people shall be a complete and perfect salvation. 2. It is also God's counsel that this shall be secured by their own perseverance. 3. It is also God's counsel that their perseverance shall be secured by His own blessing. (B. Preece.) Parallel Verses KJV: Wherein God, willing more abundantly to shew unto the heirs of promise the immutability of his counsel, confirmed it by an oath: |
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