2. What is it to “hold fast this profession?” The words we so render are xariyw, xparéw, and sometimes éyw singly, as 1 Thess. v.21. Karéyw and xpuréw are indefinitely used to this end, Heb. iil. 6, iv. 14; Rev. 11. 25, ii. 11. So that which is here xaréyamev Thy djworoyicy, IS xpardipmer rig omoroyins, chap. iv. 14,
And there is included in the sense of either of these words,— (1.) A supposition of great difficulty, with danger and opposition, against this holding the profession of our faith. (2.) The putting forth of the utmost of our strength and endeavours in the defence of it. (8.) A constant perseverance in it, denoted in the word keep ; —possess it with constancy.
3. This is to be done “ without wavering ;” that is, the profession must be immovable and constant. The frame of mind which this is opposed unto is expressed, James i. 6, d:axpivéwevog,— one that is always disputing,” and tossed up and down with various thoughts in his mind, not coming to a fixed resolution or determination. He is like a wave of the sea, which sometimes subsides and is quiet, and sometimes is tossed one way or another, as it receives impres- sions from the wind. There were many in those days who did hesitate in the profession of the doctrine of the gospel; sometimes they inclined unto it and embraced it; sometimes they returned again unto Judaism; and sometimes they would reconcile and com- pound the two covenants, the two religions, the two churches to-
VER. 19-23. | EPISTLE TO THE HEBREWS. 517
_gether,—with which sort of men our apostle had great contention.
As men’s minds waver in these things, so their profession wavers; which the apostle here condemneth, and opposeth unto that “full as- surance of faith” which he requireth in us. ’AxAsse¢ is, “not to be bent one way or another,” by impressions made from any things or causes; but to abide firm, fixed, stable, in opposition to them. And it is opposed unto,—(1.) A halting be- tween two opinions, God or Baal, Judaism or Christianity, truth or error, This is to waver doctrinally. (2.) Unto a weakness or irre- solution of mind as unto a continuance in the profession of faith against difficulties and oppositions. (8.) To a yielding in the way of compliance, on any point of doctrine or worship contrary unto or inconsistent with the faith we have professed. In which sense the apostle would not give place, “no, not for an hour,” unto them that taught circumcision. (4) To final apostasy from the truth, which this wavering up and down, as the apostle intimates in his following discourse, brings unto.
Wherefore it includes positively,—(1.) A firm persuasion of mind as to, the truth of the faith whereof we have made profession. (2.) A constant resolution to abide therein and adhere thereunto, against all oppositions. (8.) Constancy and diligence in the performance of all the duties which are required unto the continuation of this profession. This is the sum and substance of that duty which the apostle with all sorts of arguments presseth on the Hebrews in this epistle, as that which was ‘indispensably necessary unto their salva- tion.
Obs. XX. There is an internal principle of saving faith required unto our profession of the doctrine of the gospel, without which it will not avail,
_ Obs. XXI. All that believe ought solemnly to give themselves up unto Christ and his rule, in an express profession of the faith that is in them and required of them
Obs, XXII. There will great difficulties arise in, and opposition be made unto, a sincere profession of the faith.
Obs. XXIII. Firmness and constancy of mind, with our utmost diligent endeavours, are required unto an acceptable continuance in the profession of the faith.
Obs. XXIV. Uncertainty and wavering of mind as to the truth and doctrine we profess, or neglect of the duties wherein it doth consist, or compliance with errors for fear of persecution and suffer- ings, doth overthrow our profession, and render it useless.
Obs. XXV. As we ought not on any account to decline our pro- fession, so to abate of the degrees of gine of spirit therein is dangerous unto our souls,
Secondly, Upon the proposal of this day the apostle in his
"ANAIVG
518 AN EXPOSITION OF THE [CHAP. X.
passage interposeth an encouragement unto it, taken from the assured benefit and advantage that'should be obtained thereby: “For,” saith
Werks dp De “he is faithful that hath promised.” And we may
lors ‘cp i :
é iwayyead- Observe, in the opening of these words, the nature of aia the encouragement given us in them.
1. It is God alone who promiseth. He alone is the author of all gospel promises; by him are they given unto us, 2 Pet. 1. 4, Tit. i, 2. Hence in the sense of the gospel, this is a just periphrasis of God, “ He who hath promised.”
2, The promises of God are ot that nature in themselves, as are suited unto the encouragement of all believers unto constancy and final perseverance in the profession of the faith. They are so, whether we respect them as they contain and exhibit present grace, mercy, and consolation; or as those which propose unto us things eternal in the future glorious reward.
8. The efficacy of the promises unto this end depends upon the faithfulness of God who gives them. “ With him is neither variable- ness nor shadow of turning.” “The Strength of Israel will not lie nor repent.” God’s faithfulness is the unchangeableness of his pur- pose and the counsel of his will, proceeding from the immutability of his nature, as accompanied with almighty power for their accom- plishment, as declared in the word. See Heb. vi. 18; Tit. 1. 2.