The Pulpit Commentary — Hebrews — Section 108

assume~ _attractive disguises; it propounds plausible reasons ; it exhibits fascinating Jet fict1t1ous prospects. For example, to those who are " not far from the kinp;dom of Godt and who are almost entirely decided to serve him heartily and wholly, the deceitful and dangerous suggestion is presented that to-morrow will be more favourable in circumstances than to-day for beginning a decided Christian life, that a more "con- venient season" for genuine personal religion will speedily arrive. And:. so the holy decision and consecration are deferred; procrastination becomes habitual ; the heart hardens in procrastination. Again, to the Christian the temptation to unbelief is never presented in its real character, or it would be rejected immediately and decisively, It approaches the heart in fair forms, and with a show of reasonableness and righteousness. 'l"hus, if a man be not on his guard, the hardening process will have begun ere he is aware of it. Hence the awful peril. II. AN INSPIRED PREVENTIVE. "Exhort one another daily, while it is called To- day." 1. The nature of this preventive. "Exhort one another." The word translated "exhort" indicates two exercises. (1) Admonition of each other. Stuart translates, "Admonish one another." Let Christians warn each other when they detect impending ,langers. (2) Encouragement of each other. Let Christians endeavour to inspire their disheartened brethren with new hopes, to comfort their troubled brethren with Christian consolations. "Wherefore, lift up the hands that hang down," etc. (eh. xii. 12, 13). Christians, being children of one l<'ather, disciples of one Master, members of one great community, cxpoRed to similar perils, sustained by similar influences, and inspired by co=on hopes, ought thus to "exhort one another." Moreover, there is a preventive mentioned in the preceding verse against this dread peril which each one must exercise for himself. '' Take heed." Be watchful, etc. 2. The season for the e.x,ercise of this preventive. "Exhort one another daily ,1' or, "day by day." Mutual oversight and help should be continuous. Watchfulness and prayer and Christian P.ffort must not be irregular or intermittent, but steady and constant; not occasional exercises, but abiding dispositions. 3. The limit to the exercise of this preventive. "While it is ea.lied To-day." This may mean while our present form of life shall last; as in our Lord's words, "I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day," etc. Or it may mean while the day of grace continues. Adopting either interpretation, the season for this mutual exhortation is limited and uncertain. " We have but an uncertain season for the due performance of most certain duties; how long it will be called To-day, we know not; the day of life is uncertain, and so is the day of the gospel; a. summer's day for clearness, a winter's day for shortness; our working day is a. wasting day." Let the solemn gravity of the peril lead each of us to a diligent use of the Heaven-inspired preventive.-W. J. Ver. 19.-The dread disability. "So we see that they could not enter in because of unbelief." Our text- I. REFUTES SEVERAL ASSIGNED BEA.SONS FOB MAN'S FAILURE TO ATTAIN SALVATION. If any one does not enter the spiritual rest which God has graciously provided for man, it is: 1. Not by reason of anything in the purposes or predestinations of God. .His purposes are the purposes of a Being of perfect righteousness, and of infinite wisdom and love. He could not ordain an evil thing, or have any intentions which are inimical to the well-being of his creatures; for he is God-the Supremely Good (cf. Ezek. xxxiii. 11; 1 Tim. ii. 4-6). 2. Not by reason of any deficiency in God's redemptive provisions. These are abundant, inexhaustible, and entirely free. The atonement of Jesus Christ, which is perfectly adapted to reconcile man to God, is as efficacious for a. million hearts as it is for one (cf. Isa. Iv. 1, 2, 6, 7; Matt. xxii. 1-10; Luke xiv. 16-23; John iii. 14-17; Rev. xxii. 17). 3. Not by reason of any inability to accept God's redemptive prD'Disions. '.l'he condition upon which salvation is appropriated by man is sincere and hearty faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. Every sane man can comply with this condition if he will. 4. Not by reason of any deficiency of evidence for the essential truths of Christianity. '£he Christian religion is founded upon fe.cts, which are as well attested as any facts of history. lL AFFiliMB '.1.'IIE TRUE REASON FOR MAN'S FAILURE TO ATTAIN SALVATION. "They were not able to enter in because of unbelief." This unbelief is not intellectual or theoretical, but practical, and resulting in disobedience. The unbelief of the Israelites OH. IIT. 1-19.] THE EPISTLE TO THE HEBREWS. 99