The Pulpit Commentary — Hebrews — Section 171

them. Rather, we 11re to leave them as a tree leaves its root, and yet never lets it go; as a full-grown man leaves slops for solid food, and yet does not abjure the use of milk; as a building leaves its " foundation" (ver. 1), and yet rests its whole weight upon it. When the foundation-principles are once securely laid, that work should be regarded as i;ettlcd and done with; what remains is, to proceed with the superstructure. 'l'he apostle instances, in vers. 1 and 2, a few of the elementary principles, connecting them together in couples. 1. Two inward experiences. (Ver. 1.) Repentance and faith, being indispensable to the very beginning of the life of piety, occupy a primary place among the foundation-doctrines of Christianity. 2. Two outward ceremonies, (Ver. 2.) Rites and forms are merely the external framework of religion. Advanced piety uses them only as means and helps to spirituality. 3. Two future events. (Ve... 2.) The doctrines of the resurrection and of the judgment, with its eternal issues, are rudimentary doctrines ; because the idea of responsibility to the Supreme is one of the simplest conceptions connected with religion, Of such elements as these six was "the simple gospel" composed in the apostolic age. If to our minds these clauses savour of "strong meat" rather than of "milk," is not that an indication that Christians in these times are troubled with weak digestion? We need rrace to appreciate the apostle's admonition (ver, 1) and to realize the hope which he e~presses (ver. 3). II. THE DANGER OF SIIBINKING llACK UNTO PERDITION. (Vers. 4-8.) These verses drop from the apostle's pen like live thunderbolts. There is a solemnity in them which it is impossible to exaggerate. This passage is confessedly difficult-to all, at least, who accept the doctrine of the perseverance of the saints. As we believe, however, that this doctrine is very clearly taught in Scripture, both by our Lord and his apostles, the declension here referred to must be that of professed believers who were never true believers. Notice, then: 1. The lofty privileges which apostates may enfoy. (Vers. 4, 5.) An unrenewed man may be well instructed in the doctrines ot grace, may enjoy the study of saving truth, may experience the operations of the Spirit, may be filled with the happiness which the gospel brings (Matt. xiii. 20), and may even obtain glimpses of the eternal glory. But these attainments will avail him nothing so long as he remains unrenewed. 'fhat faith is spurious and ephemeral which is based only upon the moral evidence of the truth, and which is not connected with genuine conversion to God. 2. The aggravated wickedness which apostates may commit. (Ver. 6.) They may "fall away" finally and irretrievably. "By theii· fruits ye shall know them." Sooner or later the unfruitful field will be covered with a harvest of "thorns and thistles" (ver. 8). lt'alse professors may abandon the gospel to return to Judaism, or to plunge into atheism, or to sink into immorality, or to degenerate into worldliness. And in the bitterness of their malice against the cross in which they once professed to glory, such persons take rank with the long succession of those who in their lives repeat spiritually the dreadful crime of Calvary. 3. The fear/tit destruction into which apostates may fall. (Vers. 6, 8.) Deliberate apostasy from Christ, on the part of one who has known him intimately, destroys by a natural law the very capacity for repentance and spiritual life. Confirmed impenitence extinguiRhes the eyes of the soul, and makes the heart "past feeling." High-handed, malicious resistance of the Holy Spirit, culminating in outspoken blasphemy of himself and his work,-that is the unpardonable sin. Those who commit such wickedness are " rejected" even here; and their final doom shall resemble that of the barren land, "whose end is to be burned." Learn, in conclusion, that-in spite of all appearances~nly he is e. Christian who has undergone the new birth, and who is living the new life of likeness to Christ, which flows from it. Vers. 9-20.-.Another exhortation to steadfastness. Each stage in the argument of the Epistle is relieved by a hortatory passage intended to confirm and cheer the Hebrews in their Christian faith. Indeed, the one duty upon which the whofo boo.II: lays stress is that of believing steadfa~tness. I. THE EXHORTATION. It assumes various forms. 1. 11 Be not sluggish." (Ver. 12.) The Hebrews, in the perplexity of their situation by reason of the temptations of Judaism, bad begun to sink into spiritual listlessness. We, too, are extremely prone <lH. \'I. 1-20.] 'l'HE EPIS'£LE TO THE HEBREWS. 165