The Pulpit Commentary — Hebrews — Section 72

the Saviou_r ar~ rec~ived in!o glory; (3) _the prevalence of_ true religio~ throughout the world, which 1s bemg rapidly accomplished, and the triumph of Divine grace over hu~an sin, which may be continued for many long ages before the end of this dispen- sat10n ;-these and other things encourage the belief that our Lord will lead to glory an overwhelming majority of our race. 3. The inspiring relation which our Lord sustains to true Christians. He is "the Captain [Revised Version, ' Author'] of their salva- tion." The word in this place certainly bas a deeper significance than "captain" or leader. Salvation originated in the heart of God, but it wa.s accomplished by Christ. He redeemed us unto God by bis blood; and now he inspires and empowers and leads us onward to complete victory. 4. The illustrious destiny to which he leads true <Jhris- tians. ." Unto glory." This is th? crowning result of their salvation. They shall be sharers m thfl blessedness and maJesty of God to the fullest extent of which they are capable (cf. John xvii 22-24; Rev. iii. 21). 5. The pathway by which he leads them to their destiny. Like himself, they also must be made "perfect through sufferincrs." "If we endure, we shall also reign with him" ( cf. 1 Pet. v. 10, 11). Wherefore let 118 not be afraid of suffering. Only let us be sure that we suffer with our Saviour'and in his spirit; so shall we ultimately share his bliss and glory.-W. J. Vers. 11, 12.-The oneness of the Sanctifier and the sanctified. "For both he that sa11ctifieth and they who are," etc. L THE o:NENESS OF oUB LORD WITH MAN. "Both he that sanctifieth and they who arc sanctified are all of one." 1. Our Lord is of one nature with man. This is what many take to be the meaning of the writer in this place. The Saviour was truly human. As a man, he hungered and thirsted, ate and drank, was wearied and slept, sorrowed and wept, suffered and died. His humanity was a real thing. 2. But unity of spiritual relation seems to be set forth here. 'l'he text certainly points to something higher than the mere physical oneness of Christ with all men. It is not his relation to all men that is here expressed, but his relation as Sanctifier to all who are being sanctified through him. It is this union of spiritual relationship which is here meant. The Sanctifier and the sanctified are all of one God and Father. They "are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus;" they "have received the Spirit of adoption," etc. Our Lord not only stooped down to our nature, but he lifts our nature into fellowship and oneness with God. Thus the Sanctifier and they who are being sanctified are all of one " God, the spiritual Father as of Christ, so also of those who are descended from Christ" (cf. John x.x. 17). II. THE WORK OF oon LORD FOB MAN. He is hero represented as the Sanctifier of his people. The word used in the text suggests the ideas of: 1. Expiation. It does not seem to us that we are warranted in making this interpretation exclusive of others (as M. Stuart does, who translates "both he who maketh expiation and they for whom expiation is made"). But ~:y,&(w may point to the atoning death of Christ. "While we were enemies, we were reconciled to God through the death of his Son." "God reconciled 118 to himself through Christ." Sanctification is impossible apart from reconciliation to God, and that reconciliation is effected by means of the death of Christ. "We have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ" ( eh. x.. 10). 2. Consecration. They who are sanctified have consecrated themselves to God. They are devoted to him ; they do not live with common aims or for common end,,; but at all times, and even in commonest duties, they live for God and for his glory. They have presented themselves "a living sacrifice, holy, accepto.ble to God," etc. 3. Transformation. "They who are sanctified;" literally, "they who Rre being sanctified," are being made true and right in word and deed, in thought and feeling. 'l'hey are not sinless or perfect. '!'heir sanctification is not yet complete, but it is in progress. They are being transformed into the image of their Lord and Saviour. But how can our Lord be said to be the Sanctifier? The Holy Spirit is the great Agent in the transforming process; but the expiation or atonement was mRde by Christ. And while consecration, or dedication to God, is the act of the Christian, the mighty impulse from which that act springs comes from the Christ, And in the transforming work Christ sends "the sancti(ying Spirit; be is the Head of all sanctifying influences, The Spirit sanctifieth as the Spirit of Christ." UL 'l'HJa: coN011BC,'ENSION OF ouB LORD TOWARDS MAN, "For which cause be is no~ <JB, n.1-18.] THE EPISTLE TO THE HEBREWS. 63