HebrewsNäide

At this point, the author of Hebrews makes a parenthetical remark. It almost seems as if he is a bit frustrated that he has to explain these basics again, because the readers should have understood them long ago and be able to teach others. Yet they seem to have forgotten fundamental truths. Everything he has written so far are the basics—the foundational truths of the faith—summarized in the fact, that Jesus has been made perfect, He became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey Him.

Should the readers now worry about whether they are still “in the race”? In Hebrews 9:4–8, the author speaks hypothetically: if someone who has been “enlightened” falls away from the faith, there would be no further opportunity for salvation. But from verse 9 onward, he makes it clear that this does not apply to the readers. Despite their backsliding into old habits, God’s promise remains. It is not they themselves who hold on to God, but the “heavenly anchor”—Jesus—who keeps them connected to the heavenly sanctuary.

Reflection

Even when we fail, God holds us. His faithfulness is constant. What grace! What a promise!