Be careful then, dear brothers and sisters. Make sure that your own hearts are not evil and unbelieving, turning you away from the living God. You must warn each other every day, while it is still “today,” so that none of you will be deceived by sin and hardened against God. For if we are faithful to the end, trusting God just as firmly as when we first believed, we will share in all that belongs to Christ .
(Hebrews 3:12-14)
Perseverance is the underlying theme that runs throughout the Book of Hebrews. The author speaks on various issues, but they all coalesce into one singular point – “Persist in believing in Christ until the end.” Our base nature has a propensity for deception that can easily erode and jeopardize our faith. Many become skeptical when confronted with life’s challenges, and they quickly yield to ‘every wind of doctrine.’ The original recipients of this letter were teetering on the verge of apostasy, threatened by the challenges they faced. After emphasizing the supremacy of Christ, the author urged them to remain steadfast until the end. This is why he mentioned “today,” so that they may not assume they have tomorrow to repent. That is what sin does. It deceives you into thinking there is more time. It says, “Why rush, enjoy small for there is always tomorrow to repent.” By the time you come to yourself, it might be too late. For this reason, the writer of Hebrews mentioned, “today.” If you hear or read, do not harden your heart as the Israelites did in the wilderness.
This is the reason why the writer admonishes, “You must warn each other,” reminding us that anyone can become a victim of sin’s hardening. He goes on to say, “For if we are faithful to the end, trusting God just as firmly as when we first believed, we will share in all that belongs to Christ.” Our participation in all that Christ has promised us is contingent on our endurance until the end. If we falter or stumble along the way, we will receive nothing. Thus, the author issues a stern warning that each one of us must persevere. It doesn’t matter how far we’ve come; if we don’t endure until the end, then woe unto us. Blessed are those who will persist until the end.
Moreover, the writer highlights the importance of community in supporting one another. He says, “We must encourage each other every day, as long as it is called ‘today,’ so that none of you will be deceived by sin and hardened against God.” The writer reminds us that sin is deceitful and can lead us astray from God; thus, we need one another to keep us accountable and on the right path.
In conclusion, the writer’s words still hold relevance in our lives today. We are still susceptible to sin’s hardening, and we need to endure until the end to receive our reward. Let us encourage one another every day, keeping each other accountable to stay on the right path. Let us not lose sight of the ultimate prize, which is sharing in all that belongs to Christ. May our faith remain firm until the end.
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