A Better Understanding of Hebrews 10:25
by David Gibson
For a Bible passage to have the maximum impact, we must see how it connects with the Big Picture. The Scriptures speak of “not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some” (Hebrews 10:25). How does this relate to God’s Grand Plan?
Two verses before, it says, “. . . he who promised is faithful.” Promised what? That we may enter his rest (Hebrews 4:1). That’s why it is so important for us not to fall away, because then we would not receive what God has promised us (Hebrews 3:6, 14; 10:35-39). But what helps us to be faithful and avoid apostasy?
Comparing Two Passages
Perhaps the best commentary on Hebrews 10:25 is Hebrews 3:12-14:
“Take care, brothers, lest there be in any of you an evil, unbelieving heart, leading you to fall away from the living God. But exhort one another every day, as long as it is called ‘today,’ that none of you may be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin. For we have come to share in Christ, if indeed we hold our original confidence firm to the end.”
Compare this with Hebrews 10:23-25:
“Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.”
The Tremendous Value of Assembling
God wisely designed our assemblies for mutual encouragement. We exhort each other to be faithful and active and not to let sin harden and defeat us. But if we forsake the assemblies:
- How can we receive the encouragement we need?
- How can we encourage others?
- How can we hold steadfast to the end?
These are three good reasons to be there whenever the church assembles!
The next time we’re tempted to stay home, remember: Our rest awaits. We need each other to reach the goal!
