Both the writer and readers were second-generation Christians, having
heard the message fromt those who heard Christ (Heb 2:3). The original
readers were in danger from some form of spiritual decline, and the author's
aim was to give them reasons and encouragement to regain their spiritual
strength. There are a few instances in the letter that seem to discuss
the idea of proclamation and response at conversion time.
| Text | Observations |
| HEB 1:1 God, after He spoke long ago to the fathers in the prophets in many portions and in many ways, [2] in these last days has spoken to us in His Son, whom He appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the world. | God's ultimate message did no come in words only, but in the life of Jesus Christ. |
| HEB 2:1 For this reason we must pay much closer attention to what we have heard, lest we drift away from it. [2] For if the word spoken through angels proved unalterable, and every transgression and disobedience received a just recompense, [3] how shall we escape if we neglect so great a salvation? After it was at the first spoken through the Lord, it was confirmed to us by those who heard, [4] God also bearing witness with them, both by signs and wonders and by various miracles and by gifts of the Holy Spirit according to His own will. | Salvation is connected to the message, which must be
heeded even after conversion! The message of salvation was "announced"
by the Lord but "confirmed" to the author and readers by those who heard
the Lord.
This statement confirms that the apostolic proclamation and response was not an arbitrary invention of the apostles but something from the Lord himself (ref. Mat 16:19, Acts 2:38-41). |
| HEB 3:14 For we have become partakers of Christ, if we hold fast the beginning of our assurance firm until the end. | Part of Christian conversion consists of some level of assurance of faith. |
| HEB 4:1 Therefore, let us fear lest, while a promise remains of entering His rest, any one of you should seem to have come short of it. [2] For indeed we have had good news preached to us, just as they also; but the word they heard did not profit them, because it was not united by faith in those who heard. | In order for the proclamation to have an effect upon people, it must be believed. |
| HEB 5:11 Concerning him we have much to say, and
it is hard to explain, since you have become dull of hearing. [12] For
though by this time you ought to be teachers, you have need again for someone
to teach you the elementary principles of the oracles of God, and you have
come
to need milk and not solid food. [13] For everyone who partakes only of
milk is not accustomed to the word of righteousness, for he is a babe.
[14] But solid food is for the mature, who because of practice have their
senses trained to discern good and evil.
HEB 6:1 Therefore leaving the elementary teaching about the Christ, let us press on to maturity, not laying again a foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God, [2] of instruction about washings, and laying on of hands, and the resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment. [3] And this we shall do, if God permits. |
While discussing the reader's lack of maturity, the author
touches on what he terms "foundation," "elementary teachings" and "milk"
about Christ, in three couplets:
- repentance from dead works and faith toward God
|
| HEB 10:22 let us draw near with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. [23] Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful; | The Hebrew writer refers to past instances of "sprinkling"
and "washing" with perfect participles, indicating past actions whose effects
continue. The sprinkling is a reference to the once-for-all sacrificed
blood of Christ replacing the blood of sacrifices in the Law (Heb 9:21-22),
"washing with pure water "is probably a reference to that lasting impact
of baptism.
There is also a mention of the "confession of hope" which seems to connect with conversion in this context. |
| HEB 13:7 Remember those who led you, who spoke the word of God to you; and considering the result of their conduct, imitate their faith | Here is another reference to those who preached the word to the readers. The message itself is not mentioned, but the conduct and example of these teachers were intended to have a lasting impact as a model to the readers. |
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Comments Copyright © 2002 John Engler. All rights
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