Hebrews 6:18 - Printer Friendly

ESV: so that by two unchangeable things, in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have fled for refuge might have strong encouragement to hold fast to the hope set before us.

NIV: God did this so that, by two unchangeable things in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have fled to take hold of the hope set before us may be greatly encouraged.

NASB: so that by two unchangeable things in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have taken refuge would have strong encouragement to hold firmly to the hope set before us.

CSB: so that through two unchangeable things, in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have fled for refuge might have strong encouragement to seize the hope set before us.

NLT: So God has given both his promise and his oath. These two things are unchangeable because it is impossible for God to lie. Therefore, we who have fled to him for refuge can have great confidence as we hold to the hope that lies before us.

KJV: That by two immutable things, in which it was impossible for God to lie, we might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us:

NKJV: that by two immutable things, in which it is impossible for God to lie, we might have strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold of the hope set before us.

The first part of this verse refers to "two unchangeable things" which prove that God's oaths are absolutely reliable. One of these is the very nature of God: He is all-powerful (Psalm 68:34; Job 42:2), He cannot change (Malachi 3:6), and He cannot lie (Numbers 23:19), therefore whatever He promises is absolutely certain. The second item is the evidence of His truth as given in His word; this means real-world history as described by the Bible. That which God has promised to do, history proves He actually has done. In the case of the original readers of Hebrews, this includes seeing how God fulfilled His promises, even if Abraham did not live to see all of them completed.

The second part of this verse begins an interesting combination of images, used to describe the level of confidence Christians can have in the promises of God. The first image, given here, is that of fleeing to a refuge. In the Old Testament, there were cities of refuge where fugitives could run in order to escape vigilante justice (Numbers 35; Joshua 20). People of that era also used fortified buildings, caves, or cliffs as safe-houses against invaders or disasters. As it applies to the Christian experience, this suggests the idea of escaping death, or at least the condemnation brought by the world.

Later verses will add two additional images to this statement. First is that of an anchor, which represents hope and security. The other is the inner sanctuary of the Temple, something the book of Hebrews will mention frequently (Hebrews 6:19; 9:11–12).

Hebrews 6:13–20 completes the transition from dire warning, to encouragement, back to the prior topic. Prior sections gave a strong warning against believers ''falling away'' due to a shallow, immature faith. The passage immediately prior encouraged the readers that their good works proved sincerity. Here, the writer outlines the assurance which allows Christians to grow in their faith despite persecution. With Abraham as a prime example, these verses explain that Christians have the ultimate source of confident hope: the perfect high priesthood of Jesus Christ.

Chapter 6 expands on the dangers of a shallow, immature faith. Rather than attempting to re-explain the basics, the author intends to press on. According to this passage, shallow faith opens up the risks of doubt, discouragement, and disobedience. These lead to a situation where one's only hope for restoration is through judgment, much as Israel experienced for forty years in the wilderness. Since our hope is anchored in the proven, unchanging, perfect, absolute nature of God, we should be confident and patient, rather than fearful.

Chapter 6 completes a warning begun in the last verses of chapter 5. The author has deep points to make, but doubts that the readers are ready for them. Yet the only course of action is to press on: there is no time to re-establish the ABCs of the faith. Spiritual immaturity prevents growth, leading to doubt, discouragement, and eventually to judgment. Those who only scratch the surface of Christianity, then fall into disobedience, can't be restored to good standing until they've experienced some level of judgment. Rather than make that mistake, we should trust in the absolute promises of God, and the work of Christ, as we patiently pursue godly wisdom. Chapter 7 will resume the extensive discussion of Melchizedek's priesthood.

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.