Lest anyone fall...
Text: Hebrews 4:11
TWO VERY CONTRASTING STATEMENTS
Let us look at the following text very carefully another time.
“Let us therefore be diligent to enter that rest,
lest anyone fall according to the same example
of disobedience.”
Hebrews 4:11
1. Let us therefore be diligent to enter that rest
The construction of the sentence is of great significance:-
a) The expression “Let us be diligent” is equivalent to an imperative (This is a classic example of what is known as a “hortatory subjunctive” in Greek grammar… “spoudasomen”)
b) The inferential particle “therefore” must take us back to preceding arguments, leading to this conclusion:-
i) There is a very real promise of an eternal rest (Hebrews 4:1, 10).
ii) The Gospel of salvation ought to be received with faith (Hebrews 4:2).
iii) There is every assurance given to those who believe (Hebrews 4:3).
2. Lest anyone fall according to the same example of disobedience
a) The example of disobedience is clearly cited.
i) It is a reference to those who rebelled against God in the days of Moses (Hebrews 3:8).
ii) It is a reference to those who have hardened the heart (Hebrews 3:8).
iii) It is a reference to those who kept testing God (Hebrews 3:9).
iv) It is a reference to those who always go astray (Hebrews 3:10).
v) It is a reference to those who walk in disobedience (Hebrews 3:11).
b) The characteristics described above would indicate the following:-
i) They are not true believers and thus they “fall in disobedience”.
ii) They may be in the company of believers, but do not share the same faith.