Hebrews 10:23 - Printer Friendly

ESV: Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful.

NIV: Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful.

NASB: Let’s hold firmly to the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful;

CSB: Let us hold on to the confession of our hope without wavering, since he who promised is faithful.

NLT: Let us hold tightly without wavering to the hope we affirm, for God can be trusted to keep his promise.

KJV: Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;)

NKJV: Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful.

The book of Hebrews was originally written to Jewish Christians who were experiencing persecution. They were under pressure to return to a more popular, easier religion. Namely, Judaism. Much of the letter, to this point, has been explaining reasons to be confident that Jesus Christ, not the old covenant priesthood, is God's ultimate plan for mankind's salvation. Part of the encouragement to "hold fast" given here comes from that perspective (Hebrews 3:14). Christ is the fulfillment of God's will for mankind, so we should resist the pressures of anything which tries to take us away from Him.

At the same time, this statement comes in the context of several warnings. The writer of Hebrews has cautioned the reader about the dangers of being careless, shallow, or dismissive of their Christian faith (Hebrews 2:1–4; 6:1–8). A prominent example is given in chapter 3, regarding Israel's failure in the desert, at the borders of the Promised Land (Hebrews 3:12–19). There, Israel succumbed to fear and doubt, and did not "hold fast" to their trusting faith in God. Christians are called not to make this mistake. Instead, we should embrace the confidence we have in Christ, and His salvation, and act accordingly.

Hebrews 10:19–25 is an encouraging bridge between two major sections of the book of Hebrews. Earlier verses completed a long, detailed explanation of why the new covenant is superior to the old covenant. This section is meant to inspire Christians to be confident, courageous, and uplifted in living out their faith. The following passage is perhaps the sternest warning given in this letter about the danger of ''falling away'' from the faith.

God's own words, found in the Old Testament Scriptures, declare His intention to replace the old covenant with a new covenant. Jesus fulfills all of these prophecies, and all of the symbolism found in the system of priests, the tabernacle, and animal sacrifices. Knowing that Jesus Christ is, undoubtedly, God's remedy for our sin, we should be encouraged in holding on to our faith in the face of persecution. However, that same confidence means dire spiritual consequences for those who know Christ's salvation, but choose to act in defiance of His will.

Chapter 10 completes the long, detailed explanation of why the new covenant is superior to the old covenant. Starting in chapter 7, the writer gave various arguments and Scriptures to support this idea. The theme of these points is that God had always intended to send Jesus, as the real fulfillment of the old covenant's symbolism. The second half of this chapter transitions into more practical ideas, including an extremely dire warning about the dangers of apostasy.

The book of Hebrews is meant to challenge, encourage, and empower Christian believers. According to this letter, Jesus Christ is superior to all other prophets and all other claims to truth. Since God has given us Christ, we ought to listen to what He says and not move backwards. The consequences of ignoring God are dire. Hebrews is important for drawing on many portions of the Old Testament in making a case that Christ is the ultimate and perfect expression of God's plan for mankind. This book presents some tough ideas about the Christian faith, a fact the author makes specific note of.