Hebrews 6:17
Verse
Context
God’s Unchangeable Promise
16Men swear by someone greater than themselves, and their oath serves as a confirmation to end all argument.17So when God wanted to make the unchanging nature of His purpose very clear to the heirs of the promise, He guaranteed it with an oath.18Thus 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 strongly encouraged.
Sermons
Don CourvilleDon Courville
Stephen Kaung
Rolfe BarnardDon Courville
A.W. TozerSummary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
The heirs of promise - All the believing posterity of Abraham, and the nations of the earth or Gentiles in general. The immutability of his counsel - His unchangeable purpose, to call the Gentiles to salvation by Jesus Christ; to justify every penitent by faith; to accept faith in Christ for justification in place of personal righteousness; and finally to bring every persevering believer, whether Jew or Gentile, to eternal glory.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Wherein--that is, Which being the case among men, God, in accommodation to their manner of confirming covenants, superadded to His sure word His oath: the "TWO immutable things" (Heb 6:18). willing . . . counsel--Greek, "willing . . . will"; words akin. Expressing the utmost benignity [BENGEL]. more abundantly--than had He not sworn. His word would have been amply enough; but, to make assurance doubly sure, He "interposed with an oath" (so the Greek). Literally, He acted as Mediator, coming between Himself and us; as if He were less, while He swears, than Himself by whom He swears (for the less among men usually swear by the greater). Dost thou not yet believe, thou that hearest the promise? [BENGEL]. heirs of promise--not only Abraham's literal, but also his spiritual, seed (Gal 3:29).
John Gill Bible Commentary
That by two immutable things,.... God's counsel and oath, which never change and alter, and from which he never varies: in which it was impossible for God to lie; fail or deceive, nor, indeed, in anything else, besides his counsels, promises, and oath, see Tit 1:2 we might have a strong consolation; the saints often stand in need of consolation, by reason of sin, Satan, and the world; and it is the will of God that they should be comforted; and he would have them have strong consolation; that which is solid and an abundance of it; and this much depends on the immutability of God's counsel and oath: who have fled for refuge; either in allusion to mariners, as some think; who make all the haste they can to their port and haven, and are glad when they arrive there, and there cast anchor; of which mention is made in the next verse: or to runners in a race, who make up to the mark, in order to lay hold on the prize; hence Christ is afterwards spoken of as a forerunner: or rather to such as fled to the cities of refuge, which were a type of Christ; the names of these cities were, Kedesh, Shechem, Hebron, Bezer, Romath, and Golan; Jos 20:7 and the situation of them, according to the Jews (s), was like two rows in a vineyard. Hebron in Judah was over against Bezer in the wilderness; Shechem in Mount Ephraim was over against Ramoth in Gilead; Kedesh in Mount Naphtali was over against Golan in Bashan: the names of these several cities agree with Christ; Kedesh signifies "holy", as Christ is, both as God and man, and is made sanctification to his people; Shechem is "the shoulder", and Christ has not only bore the sins of his people in his own body, on the tree, but he bears and carries their persons, and has the government of them on his shoulders, where they are safe and secure; Hebron may be interpreted "fellowship", and the saints have not only fellowship with Christ; but with the Father through him; Bezer may be rendered a "fortified place"; Christ is a stronghold, a tower, a place of defence, whither the righteous run, and are safe; Ramoth signifies "exaltations"; and may fitly be applied to Christ, who is exalted at God's right hand, and who will exalt those that trust in him in due time: Golan may be translated "manifested"; Christ the Son of God has been manifest in the flesh, to destroy the works of the devil; and he will be revealed from heaven in a glorious manner at the last day: these cities were known to be such; and they were open to all Israelites and proselytes, that killed any person at unawares; and they were open at all times; and the way to them was made plain and large; every year care was taken to make the way good, to remove every hillock, or anything that hindered; if there was a river in the way, to make a bridge over it; and where more ways met, to set up pillars with a hand to them, and these words written on it, , "refuge, refuge"; nor was the road to be less in breadth than thirty two cubits (t); and there was always room in these cities; and whoever fled there was safe; but those that were found without died: thus Christ is known to be a refuge for distressed sinners; and he is open to all that come unto him, and at all times; the way of life and salvation by him is plainly pointed out in the Gospel, and by the ministers of it; who are appointed to direct unto him, and to remove all impediments and discouragements from such who are seeking to him; and though so many have been received and saved by him, still there is room for more; and whoever betake themselves to him are safe, but those that are without him die and perish: so Philo the Jew (u) makes the divine Word, or Logos, to be the chief and most profitable refuge to fly unto, of all the six which he takes notice of; and the Jews have a notion that in the time to come, in the days of the Messiah, three other cities of refuge will be added (w). There is in some things a difference between Christ and these cities of refuge; there were six of these, but there is no other than Christ; the cities of refuge were only for such who shed blood ignorantly, but Christ is a refuge for all sorts of sinners; they were in a kind of exile who fled to them, but in Christ is complete liberty; it was possible that such might die in them, but those that are in Christ never die the second death; and at best those who fled thither were only saved from a temporal death, whereas those who betake themselves to Christ are saved with an everlasting salvation. Now "fleeing" to Christ, implies danger in the persons that flee, as such are in danger, in themselves, of the curse and condemnation of the law, of the wrath of God, and eternal death; it supposes a sense of this danger, which when right comes from the Spirit of God; it shows guilt of conscience, and a consciousness of the insufficiency of other refuges, and a knowledge of Christ; as a suitable one; and is expressive of haste and hearty desire to be there: to lay hold on the hope set before us; by which is meant, not the grace of hope, but either heaven hoped for, or rather Christ the object of hope; who is not only set down at God's right hand, but is set forth in the Gospel and in the ordinances, both by the Spirit of God, and by the ministers of the word; that men may look and go to him, and trust and believe in him, to the saving of their souls; where he is in sight, near at hand, accessible to; the way to him is straightforward; and here he abides: and he is set before us to be laid hold upon, which intends an act of faith; which grace lays hold on the person, blood, and righteousness of Christ; and is done in a view of fulness and safety in him, and under a sense of danger otherwise; it supposes grace, and that in exercise and somewhat strong; and some degree of resolution and courage of faith, and the steadfastness and continuance of it; the soul determining, if it perishes it will perish here; and it shows that Christ and his grace are to be touched and laid hold upon by faith. (s) T. Bab. Maccot, fol. 9. 2. (t) T. Hieros. Maccot, fol. 31. 4. Bemidbar Rabba, sect. 23. fol. 232, 3. 4. Maimon. Hilchot Rotzeach, c. 8. sect. 5. Moses Kotsensis Mitzvot Torah, pr. Affirm, 76, Bartenora in Misn. Maccot, c. 2. sect. 6. (u) De profugis, p. 464. (w) T. Hieros. Maccot, fol. 32. 1. Maimon. ut supra, (Hilchot Rotzeach, c. 8.) sect. 4.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
6:17-18 God also bound himself with an oath: See 7:20-22. God’s oath makes it clear that he would never change his mind . . . because it is impossible for God to lie (see Ps 110:4). • We have fled to him for refuge, like those in the Old Testament era who killed someone accidentally (Num 35:9-34; Deut 4:41-43); Christ is like a city of refuge, where believers escape God’s wrath. Christ’s followers, therefore, have great confidence.
Hebrews 6:17
God’s Unchangeable Promise
16Men swear by someone greater than themselves, and their oath serves as a confirmation to end all argument.17So when God wanted to make the unchanging nature of His purpose very clear to the heirs of the promise, He guaranteed it with an oath.18Thus 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 strongly encouraged.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Attributes of God (Series 2): The Immutability of God
By A.W. Tozer4.8K43:13Attributes of GodMAL 3:6MAT 6:33HEB 6:17JAS 1:16In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the unchanging nature of God and His Word. He highlights that while everything in the world may change, God remains constant. The preacher encourages the audience to turn to Jesus Christ, who is the same yesterday, today, and forever. He recommends Jesus as the solution to their problems, the answer to their questions, and the source of life, cleansing, rest, and resurrection. The sermon also acknowledges the concept of change in the physical world and in human behavior, but emphasizes the possibility of transformation through the grace of God.
Marriage and Divorce - Part 3
By Don Courville1.3K32:18Marriage and DivorceMAT 6:33MRK 10:6LUK 16:18HEB 6:17HEB 13:8In this sermon, the preacher discusses the importance of church order and the role of men in their homes and marriages. He emphasizes that church order is crucial for the functioning of society and that the family is the foundation of society. The preacher references biblical passages, such as Genesis 2 and 1 Corinthians 7, to support his teachings. He warns against the destruction of the family and emphasizes the need for husbands to be devoted to their wives and remain married until death.
Marriage and Divorce - Part 4
By Don Courville1.3K32:18Marriage and DivorceMAT 6:33MRK 10:6LUK 16:18HEB 6:17HEB 13:8In this sermon, the preacher discusses the importance of church order and the role of men in their homes and marriages. He emphasizes that church order is crucial for the functioning of society and that the family is the foundation of society. The preacher references biblical passages, such as Genesis 2 and 1 Corinthians 7, to support his teachings. He warns against the destruction of the family and emphasizes the need for husbands to be devoted to their wives and remain married until death.
Exhortation #1: So Great a Salvation
By Stephen Kaung1.0K1:12:27MAT 6:33HEB 2:1HEB 6:17HEB 13:22In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of paying attention to the word of God and not letting it slip away. He warns against taking the word for granted and encourages listeners to hold onto it tightly. The preacher suggests that the reason people forget the word is because their hearts are not fully engaged with it. He urges believers to mingle the word with faith and to pray over it in order to retain and apply it in their lives.
The Preaching of the Cross
By Rolfe Barnard94858:14HEB 6:17In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of not being familiar with God and Christ. He highlights that familiarity with God is foreign to those who have truly seen Him, specifically referencing His crucifixion. The preacher also discusses the concept of dispensationalism and how it can help in understanding difficult passages in scripture. He encourages the audience to hold on to Jesus Christ and to have a personal relationship with Him. The sermon concludes with a reminder of the preciousness of Jesus and the need to preach the cross of Christ to a world that takes it for granted.
On Eagles' Wings Pt 452
By Don Courville33832:18Radio ShowMAT 6:33MRK 10:6LUK 16:18HEB 6:17HEB 13:8In this sermon, the preacher discusses the importance of church order and the role of men in their homes and marriages. He emphasizes that church order is crucial for the functioning of society and that the family is the foundation of society. The preacher references biblical passages, such as Genesis 2 and 1 Corinthians 7, to support his teachings. He warns against the destruction of the family and emphasizes the need for husbands to be devoted to their wives and remain married until death.
False Hope and Certain Hope
By A.W. Tozer0HopeAssurance in ChristHEB 6:17A.W. Tozer emphasizes that true hope is exclusive to Christians, as it is rooted in the power of God and His unchanging promises. He contrasts this with false hopes held by those who lack a relationship with Christ, warning that without the great High Priest, their expectations are baseless. Tozer reassures believers that their hope is secure, anchored in the promises of God, and encourages them to align their anticipations with Scripture. He highlights the importance of recognizing the difference between worldly hopes and the certain hope found in God's love and mercy. Ultimately, he concludes that hope is essential for enduring life's challenges and is a source of joy in the promise of eternal life.
Introspectionism
By Conrad Murrell0ISA 59:2HEB 6:17HEB 10:35HEB 12:11JN 1:9Conrad Murrell preaches about the dangers of qualificationism in salvation, highlighting the struggles of individuals like Chuck and the young man who felt lost despite their spiritual comprehension and repentance efforts. He delves into the history of Reformation and Puritan literature, emphasizing the importance of justification by faith alone and the errors of introspectionism that hinder true salvation. Murrell warns against the harmful effects of seeking subjective criteria for salvation and the obsession with determining who is saved or lost, urging believers to focus on Christ's work and the assurance found in Him alone.
Of the Internal Acts and Works of God; and of His Decrees in General.
By John Gill0Divine DecreesGod's SovereigntyPRO 16:4ISA 14:24ISA 28:29DAN 4:35MAT 10:29JHN 5:17ACT 15:18ROM 9:11EPH 1:9HEB 6:17John Gill expounds on the internal acts and works of God, emphasizing that God's decrees are eternal, sovereign, and immutable. He explains that God's internal acts, which include His purposes and decrees, are essential to understanding His nature and operations. These decrees encompass all things that come to pass, from creation to individual destinies, and are rooted in God's wisdom and sovereignty. Gill highlights that God's decrees are not influenced by external factors and ultimately serve to glorify Him. The sermon calls believers to recognize the depth of God's plans and the assurance that His purposes will be fulfilled.
Matthew 5:33-37. Christ Forbids Irreverent Swearing.
By Favell Lee Mortimer0DEU 6:13ISA 65:16MAT 12:36HEB 6:17JAS 5:12Favell Lee Mortimer emphasizes the importance of being mindful of the words we speak, as the Lord Jesus observes and is displeased with every irreverent and profane expression. While ungodly people may habitually use disrespectful exclamations, those who revere God will speak with solemn awe and simplicity. Although there are occasions where solemn oaths are permissible, it is crucial to remember God's condescension in confirming His promises with an oath, providing strong consolation to those who seek Him.
On Christian Privilege
By Thomas Reade0PSA 27:1PSA 51:10ISA 12:2JHN 4:14JHN 14:6ROM 8:171CO 2:14HEB 6:171JN 2:1Thomas Reade preaches about the unveiling of great privileges of the church of God under the old and new dispensations, emphasizing the need for spiritual discernment to understand the wisdom and power of God. He highlights the journey of the convinced sinner from self-abasement and guilt to longing for salvation and discovering Jesus as the only atonement and refuge. Reade explains the believer's deepening relationship with Jesus, finding in Him wisdom, righteousness, and strength, leading to a life of holiness and happiness through faith. He concludes by pointing out the blessed assurance of faith, the peace in leaving events with God, and the future destination of believers as heirs of God and joint-heirs with Christ.
On the Cautions and Warnings of Scripture
By Thomas Reade0PRO 14:27MAT 7:21JHN 14:15JHN 15:51CO 10:12HEB 6:17HEB 10:261PE 1:151JN 2:3JUD 1:12Thomas Reade preaches on the importance of heeding the cautions and warnings found in the Word of God, emphasizing the need for vigilance against the subtlety of Satan, the deceitfulness of sin, and the treachery of our own hearts. The sermon highlights the necessity of relying on Jesus for strength and guidance, as apart from Him, we can do nothing. It stresses the significance of self-examination, humility, and obedience as essential components of a genuine Christian life, warning against spiritual pride and false professions of faith.
We Have Peace With God
By Jonathan Edwards0JHN 14:27ROM 5:12CO 1:22EPH 1:13HEB 6:17Jonathan Edwards preaches about the profound concept of having peace with God, emphasizing the nature of this peace, how it is attained, its distinguishing marks, the benefits it brings, and the necessary steps to obtain and enjoy it. He delves into the real and sensible aspects of peace with God, highlighting the believer's reconciliation and favor with the Creator, as well as the inward calm and quietness of soul that arises from a sense of union with God. Edwards also discusses the divine sources of this peace, the role of Christ's sacrifice, the union with Christ through faith, and the sanctification process that leads to a tangible peace with God.
The Meaning of "Kosmos" in John 3:16
By A.W. Pink0GEN 38:17PSA 119:140PRO 17:18MAT 5:372CO 1:212CO 5:5EPH 1:14HEB 6:171JN 2:27Greek Word Studies for aid_number 34614 delves into the concept of 'arrabon' as a pledge, which is the payment of part of a purchase price in advance, serving as a guarantee for the completion of a transaction. This term is used figuratively in the New Testament to describe the Holy Spirit as the down payment of blessings promised by God, ensuring believers of their future inheritance. The possession of the Spirit now is a guarantee of the full blessings to come in the future, symbolizing a divine engagement ring between the church and Christ.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
The heirs of promise - All the believing posterity of Abraham, and the nations of the earth or Gentiles in general. The immutability of his counsel - His unchangeable purpose, to call the Gentiles to salvation by Jesus Christ; to justify every penitent by faith; to accept faith in Christ for justification in place of personal righteousness; and finally to bring every persevering believer, whether Jew or Gentile, to eternal glory.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Wherein--that is, Which being the case among men, God, in accommodation to their manner of confirming covenants, superadded to His sure word His oath: the "TWO immutable things" (Heb 6:18). willing . . . counsel--Greek, "willing . . . will"; words akin. Expressing the utmost benignity [BENGEL]. more abundantly--than had He not sworn. His word would have been amply enough; but, to make assurance doubly sure, He "interposed with an oath" (so the Greek). Literally, He acted as Mediator, coming between Himself and us; as if He were less, while He swears, than Himself by whom He swears (for the less among men usually swear by the greater). Dost thou not yet believe, thou that hearest the promise? [BENGEL]. heirs of promise--not only Abraham's literal, but also his spiritual, seed (Gal 3:29).
John Gill Bible Commentary
That by two immutable things,.... God's counsel and oath, which never change and alter, and from which he never varies: in which it was impossible for God to lie; fail or deceive, nor, indeed, in anything else, besides his counsels, promises, and oath, see Tit 1:2 we might have a strong consolation; the saints often stand in need of consolation, by reason of sin, Satan, and the world; and it is the will of God that they should be comforted; and he would have them have strong consolation; that which is solid and an abundance of it; and this much depends on the immutability of God's counsel and oath: who have fled for refuge; either in allusion to mariners, as some think; who make all the haste they can to their port and haven, and are glad when they arrive there, and there cast anchor; of which mention is made in the next verse: or to runners in a race, who make up to the mark, in order to lay hold on the prize; hence Christ is afterwards spoken of as a forerunner: or rather to such as fled to the cities of refuge, which were a type of Christ; the names of these cities were, Kedesh, Shechem, Hebron, Bezer, Romath, and Golan; Jos 20:7 and the situation of them, according to the Jews (s), was like two rows in a vineyard. Hebron in Judah was over against Bezer in the wilderness; Shechem in Mount Ephraim was over against Ramoth in Gilead; Kedesh in Mount Naphtali was over against Golan in Bashan: the names of these several cities agree with Christ; Kedesh signifies "holy", as Christ is, both as God and man, and is made sanctification to his people; Shechem is "the shoulder", and Christ has not only bore the sins of his people in his own body, on the tree, but he bears and carries their persons, and has the government of them on his shoulders, where they are safe and secure; Hebron may be interpreted "fellowship", and the saints have not only fellowship with Christ; but with the Father through him; Bezer may be rendered a "fortified place"; Christ is a stronghold, a tower, a place of defence, whither the righteous run, and are safe; Ramoth signifies "exaltations"; and may fitly be applied to Christ, who is exalted at God's right hand, and who will exalt those that trust in him in due time: Golan may be translated "manifested"; Christ the Son of God has been manifest in the flesh, to destroy the works of the devil; and he will be revealed from heaven in a glorious manner at the last day: these cities were known to be such; and they were open to all Israelites and proselytes, that killed any person at unawares; and they were open at all times; and the way to them was made plain and large; every year care was taken to make the way good, to remove every hillock, or anything that hindered; if there was a river in the way, to make a bridge over it; and where more ways met, to set up pillars with a hand to them, and these words written on it, , "refuge, refuge"; nor was the road to be less in breadth than thirty two cubits (t); and there was always room in these cities; and whoever fled there was safe; but those that were found without died: thus Christ is known to be a refuge for distressed sinners; and he is open to all that come unto him, and at all times; the way of life and salvation by him is plainly pointed out in the Gospel, and by the ministers of it; who are appointed to direct unto him, and to remove all impediments and discouragements from such who are seeking to him; and though so many have been received and saved by him, still there is room for more; and whoever betake themselves to him are safe, but those that are without him die and perish: so Philo the Jew (u) makes the divine Word, or Logos, to be the chief and most profitable refuge to fly unto, of all the six which he takes notice of; and the Jews have a notion that in the time to come, in the days of the Messiah, three other cities of refuge will be added (w). There is in some things a difference between Christ and these cities of refuge; there were six of these, but there is no other than Christ; the cities of refuge were only for such who shed blood ignorantly, but Christ is a refuge for all sorts of sinners; they were in a kind of exile who fled to them, but in Christ is complete liberty; it was possible that such might die in them, but those that are in Christ never die the second death; and at best those who fled thither were only saved from a temporal death, whereas those who betake themselves to Christ are saved with an everlasting salvation. Now "fleeing" to Christ, implies danger in the persons that flee, as such are in danger, in themselves, of the curse and condemnation of the law, of the wrath of God, and eternal death; it supposes a sense of this danger, which when right comes from the Spirit of God; it shows guilt of conscience, and a consciousness of the insufficiency of other refuges, and a knowledge of Christ; as a suitable one; and is expressive of haste and hearty desire to be there: to lay hold on the hope set before us; by which is meant, not the grace of hope, but either heaven hoped for, or rather Christ the object of hope; who is not only set down at God's right hand, but is set forth in the Gospel and in the ordinances, both by the Spirit of God, and by the ministers of the word; that men may look and go to him, and trust and believe in him, to the saving of their souls; where he is in sight, near at hand, accessible to; the way to him is straightforward; and here he abides: and he is set before us to be laid hold upon, which intends an act of faith; which grace lays hold on the person, blood, and righteousness of Christ; and is done in a view of fulness and safety in him, and under a sense of danger otherwise; it supposes grace, and that in exercise and somewhat strong; and some degree of resolution and courage of faith, and the steadfastness and continuance of it; the soul determining, if it perishes it will perish here; and it shows that Christ and his grace are to be touched and laid hold upon by faith. (s) T. Bab. Maccot, fol. 9. 2. (t) T. Hieros. Maccot, fol. 31. 4. Bemidbar Rabba, sect. 23. fol. 232, 3. 4. Maimon. Hilchot Rotzeach, c. 8. sect. 5. Moses Kotsensis Mitzvot Torah, pr. Affirm, 76, Bartenora in Misn. Maccot, c. 2. sect. 6. (u) De profugis, p. 464. (w) T. Hieros. Maccot, fol. 32. 1. Maimon. ut supra, (Hilchot Rotzeach, c. 8.) sect. 4.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
6:17-18 God also bound himself with an oath: See 7:20-22. God’s oath makes it clear that he would never change his mind . . . because it is impossible for God to lie (see Ps 110:4). • We have fled to him for refuge, like those in the Old Testament era who killed someone accidentally (Num 35:9-34; Deut 4:41-43); Christ is like a city of refuge, where believers escape God’s wrath. Christ’s followers, therefore, have great confidence.