Warning against Retrograding, which leads to Apostasy—Encouragement to Steadfastness from God’s Faithfulness to His Word and Oath. Heb. 6:7-8
“The commonwealth of Israel was the type of Christendom as a whole; the “remnant according to the election of grace” in Israel Rom. 11:5, represented the regenerated people of God now. Hence in both the Tabernacle and the Temple, those who are merely nominal Christians are the outer-court worshippers; the regenerated Christians, who have been made “kings and priests unto God” Rev. 1:6, worship in the holy place Heb. 10:19. Both classes are contemplated in Heb. 6.The apostle’s design in this 6th chapter was to exhort the Hebrews to progress in the Christian course (vv. 1–3), and to persevere therein (vv. 12–20). The first exhortation is presented in verse 1 and qualified in v. 3. The motive to obedience is drawn from the danger of apostacy: vv. 4–6. His purpose in referring to this second class was, to warn against the outcome of a continuance in a state of slothfulness. Here in the similitude found in vv. 6, 7. First, however, he describes the blessedness of the true people of God.” “For the earth which drinketh in the rain that cometh oft upon it and bringeth forth herbs meet for them for whom it is dressed, receiveth blessing from God; But that which beareth thorns and briers is rejected and is nigh unto cursing; whose end is to be burned” (vv. 7, 8) The two verses quoted above are designed to illustrate and confirm the solemn admonition found in the six preceding verses, therefore are they introduced with the word “for”. In the context two classes of people are in view, both of which were, according to the flesh, Jews. With the first class the apostle identified himself, note the “we” in v. 3; from the second-class Paul dissociates himself, note the words “those” in v. 4 and “they” in v. 6. So, too, two different pieces of ground are now described: first, fruitful ground, truly regenerated, and had received the Word into good and honest hearts. Second, unfruitful ground, and which the apostle was warning the Hebrews; namely, those who bring forth only thorns and briers, who, being rejected by God. “For the earth which drinketh in the rain”. The prime reference is to the Jewish nation. They were God’s vineyard Isaiah 5:7, 8; Jeremiah 2:21. It was unto them God had sent all His servants, the prophets, and last of all His Son Matthew 21:35–37. The “rain” here signifies the Word, or Doctrine which the Lord sent unto Israel: “My doctrine shall drop as the rain” Deut. 32:2, Isaiah 55:10, 11. Note how when Ezekiel his message would “drop” as the rain does Ezek. 21:2, Amos 7:16. The rain is something which no man can manufacture, nor is the Word of human origin. Rain comes down from above, so is the Gospel a heavenly gift. The rain refreshes vegetation, and causes it to grow, so too the Doctrine of God revives His people and makes them fruitful. The rain quickens and the living the Word is the Spirit’s instrument for quickening God’s elect John 3:5; Jas 1:18, who previously had life in Christ. The first reference to rain “For the Lord God had not caused it to rain upon the earth” (Gen. 2:5). All rain is from God, who gives or withholds it at His pleasure. Acts 14:17, Jer. 5:24). “Are there any among the vanities of the Gentiles that can cause rain? Jer. 14:22.” Pink Arthur W. The study continues
