What does Hebrews 6:18 mean?

That by two immutable things, in which it was impossible for God to lie, we might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us: Hebrews 6:18

Explanation

Hebrews 6:18 emphasizes the certainty of God’s promise and His unchangeable nature. In the verse, “two immutable things” likely refer to God’s promise and His oath. The idea being conveyed is that it is against God’s nature to lie or deceive. As a result, believers have a reliable source of comfort and encouragement, especially during trials. The verse reassures them that they can trust in the promise of salvation and eternal hope offered through faith in Jesus Christ. The hope described is metaphorically depicted as an anchor for the soul, steadfast and sure, helping believers to remain steadfast in faith.

Historical Context

The Epistle to the Hebrews was written to encourage Jewish Christians who were facing persecution and pressure to abandon their faith and return to Judaism. The author of Hebrews is unknown, but it was written sometime before the destruction of the Jerusalem temple in A.D. 70, as the sacrificial system is described as still being active. The historical context is critical when studying Hebrews because the addressed community was at a crossroads, weighing the value of their tradition against their commitment to the new covenant inaugurated by Christ.

Theological Insights

From a theological standpoint, this verse demonstrates the concept of the immutability of God, meaning that God is unchanging and faithful to His promises. In theological circles, this doctrine is seen as foundational for understanding the trustworthiness of God. Different denominational viewpoints might emphasize varying aspects of this theology, such as the Calvinist focus on God’s sovereignty and the Arminian emphasis on human response to God’s promises. All, however, agree on God’s consistent and dependable nature.

Practical Applications

The practical application of Hebrews 6:18 is one of hope and encouragement. Individuals are reminded that amidst uncertainties in life, they can hold fast to God’s promises. It challenges believers to trust in God’s word, resist doubts and fears, and sustain hope, especially in difficult circumstances. It also calls for perseverance, as the hope we have in Jesus is a secure foundation upon which we can build our lives.

Cross-References

• Numbers 23:19: “God is not a man, that he should lie; neither the son of man, that he should repent: hath he said, and shall he not do it? or hath he spoken, and shall he not make it good?”
• Titus 1:2: “In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began;”
• Hebrews 6:17: “Wherein God, willing more abundantly to shew unto the heirs of promise the immutability of his counsel, confirmed it by an oath:”
• Hebrews 7:19: “For the law made nothing perfect, but the bringing in of a better hope did; by the which we draw nigh unto God.”

Language Study

The term “immutable” comes from the Greek word “ametathetos,” which means unchangeable or fixed. It implies something that cannot be altered or moved. The phrase “for God to lie” uses the Greek term “pseusasthai,” which means to affirm what is untrue. It suggests the impossibility of deceit or falsehood in God’s character. These terms reinforce the concept of God’s consistent and truth-bearing nature.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

The unchangeability of God contrasts with many ancient myths where deities are often capricious or unreliable. In Greek mythology, for example, gods like Zeus are notorious for deception. The Hebrews’ concept of an unchanging God marked a significant departure from these earlier traditions and presented a deity that was the epitome of reliability and trustworthiness.

Scientific Perspectives

While there is no direct scientific evidence that speaks to the nature of God as being immutable, this concept does find some reflection in the laws of nature, which are constant and reliable, such as the law of gravity or the speed of light. These natural laws are often seen as reflections of the order and constancy that believers attribute to God’s character in the religious sense.

Commentaries

Various Bible commentators have highlighted different aspects of Hebrews 6:18:

• Matthew Henry emphasized the surety of God’s promise and the comfort it provides believers.
• John Calvin spoke of the immutable character of God, which cannot be inconsistent with itself.
• Albert Barnes noted that the security of the believer’s hope is like an anchor of the soul, firm and secure.
• The Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary focuses on the two unchangeable things as being the counsel of God and His oath, which provide strong encouragement.
• The Pulpit Commentary reflects on the legal context of the era, with the oath serving as a form of guarantee, making God’s promise even more certain to the inheritors of the promise.