The Pulpit Commentary — Hebrews — Section 178

Vor. 12.-Imitating the inheritors of the promiseR. "That ye be n0t slothfnl, but followers of them," etc. Great is our ignorance as to the life and condition of those who have left tbie world. '!'he ancient heathens speculated as to the state and circum- stances of the departed. 'l'he Old Testament Scriptures afforded wme light on the question; but not very much. "Our Saviour Jesus Uhrist abolished death, and brought life and ineorruption to light through the gospel." But still at times anxious inquiries arise within us. When the awful subject has been pressed upon us as we have looked upon some one passing through the experience of death, the questions arise, "Where is he? Where are the departed? And what are they? Are they asleep or awake? In heaven or in hell? or in some not final, intermediate state?" In addition to the light which comes directly from Christ, we learn from our text that the good have entered upon the promised blessings, have taken possession of their patrimony. This should afford us great satisfaction and encouragement. We may profitably dwell upon three facts suggested by our text. J. THERE ARE THOSE WHO EA VE ENTERED UPON THE POSSESSION OF THE BLESSmGS PROMISED BY GoD TO rus FAITHFUL PEOPLE. "Them who through faith and patience inherit the promises." What are these promises? What is this inheritance? It is variously described. "Perfection" (ver. 1); "the joy of our Lord" (Matt. xxv. 21); a "mansion" in our "Father's house" (John xiv. 2); the rest which remaineth for the people of God (eh. iv. 9); "an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled," etc. (1 Pet. i. 4). In a word, it is "eternal life "-heaven. There are some who have taken possession of this inheritance. ·with them it is not future, but present; not believed in, but realized; not hoped for, but enjoyed. 'l'he eleventh chapter of this Epistle refers to a great number who have entered upon the inheritance. St. John saw "a great multitude, which no man could number," etc. (Rev. vii. 9, 10). Millions more have joined them from prison-cells, from the martyr's gory block and fiery stake, from dread battle-fields, from wrecks on furious seas, from the wards of noble hospitals, and from the quiet chambers and gentle ministries of loving homes. The countless hosts are increasing every hour. How inspiring is this fact ! If. THEY HAVE ENTERED UpPN THIS POSSESSION BY THE EXERCISE OF FAITH AND PATIENCE. Faith in the existence of the promised blessings and in the promise to bestow them, is what is meant here. Faith in the unseen, in the future •life, in heaven, in God and his promises. Many who inherit the promises were giants in faith (eh. xi. 33-35). .,fod patience. '!'hey were sorely tried, but they patiently eudured. '!'hey had to wait the fulfilment of the promises, and they waited patiently, But "patience" here does not simply mean passive endurance, but active fidelity ; not merely quiet waiting, but diligent working. It is "patience in well-doing" (Rom. ii. 7). By these means they entered upon the inheritance-faith, patience, and diligence; believing, waiting, and working. III. THESE mHERITORS OF THE PROMISED BLESSINGS ARE EXAMPLES TO us. "That ye be not slothful, but imitators of them," etc. We are greatly influenceJ. by examples. We are imitators by nature. To a great extent we have become what we are by imitiition. Unconsciously we imitate others. Unconsciously others imitate us. But as to intentional imitation-whom shall we imitate? There is but One whom we may imit&te in all things ; but one perfect Example. But to a certain extent all holy 1uen are examples to us; all who have entered heaven are worthy of imitation in some respects. "\Ve tread the same path which they trod-" the King's highway of holiness." We iiim at the same end-perfection, eternal life, heaven. They have gained their end, succeeded in their pursuit, reached the goal. Let us imitate them: 1. In their faith. Believe in God's promises of perfection and blessedness. But this involves faith in Jesus Christ; because (1) he revealed to us perfection, eternal life, and heaven; (2) he is for us the only way to perfection and heaven. "In none other is there salvation," etc. (Acts iv. 12). Hold fast your confidence in eternal life, and trust in the Lord and Saviour for its attainment. 2. In their patienc~. In darkness and tempest, in sin and sorrow, let us not lose heart or hope; but trust and wait. And, like theirs, let our waiting be joined with working. "Be uot slothful." Their lives were active and earnest. Shall we be slothful in an age like this? slothful in a life like ours? slothful when heaven is at stake? Let us be imitators of the illustrious host who inherit the promises. "De ye steadfast, immova.blll, always abounding  172 THE EPISTLE TO THE HEBREWS. [ OH. VI. 1-20.