So that by two unchangeable things, in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have fled for refuge might have strong encouragement to hold fast to the hope set before us. Hebrews 6:18
How certain are the promises of God? The writer of the book of Hebrews claims that the certainty of God’s promises are guaranteed by God’s own perfectly trustworthy character. To illustrate this and prove the certainty of God’s promises, the writer uses Abraham as an example of one who through faith and much patience inherited the promises of God. As if that illustration was not enough, the writer makes a bold statement about two unchangeable things about God. What are they? And how important are they?
The two unchangeable things are:
- God’s promise/purpose
- God’s Oath
- one deals with the fact that all the promises of God are yes!
- and the other is more like an assurance that he will certainly deliver on what he promised.
Hebrews 6:13 says, “For when God made a promise to Abraham, since he had no one greater by whom to swear, he swore by himself, saying, “Surely I will bless you and multiply you.” Many times we fail to hear this reassurance – “Surely”
Hebrews 6:18 says, “So when God desired to show more convincingly to the heirs of the promise the unchangeable character of his purpose, he guaranteed it with an oath.” Too often we fail to understand that God desires to “convince” us that he will do what he said he will do.
The character of God is holy, and he does not lie. Therefore, all of his promises are sure, and doubly sure when combined with his oath. Oaths were common legal devices in ancient times as in the modern world and they usually required an appeal to some greater authority.
Therefore, the promise of salvation through Jesus’ high priesthood, which, by the way is the subject here in chapter 6, is a secure and trustworthy hope. We can rest assure that he will deliver on that promise – just like he delivered on his promises to Abraham. But the good news here is that every promise God makes is a promise you can believe in and look forward to being fulfilled in your life. All you need to do is stand on those two unchangeable things:
1. It is impossible for God to lie. What he says he will do he does.
2. He always guarantees his promise with an oath. This oath is to reassure you that he meant what he said.
Walter Bright 
Let God be true and every man a liar. Amen and amen!!!!!!
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Amen! How are you Tanara? And how is the reading project coming?
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I’m doing great Walter, thanks for asking! The reading marathon is over (thank God)! I like to read but it was a task to get all those done in that timeframe. Now my brain can rest :-). How are you doing? Have a blessed and fruitful summer!
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I am doing good. You did great! I sure you learned a great deal. Thanks for sharing them with us. I did catch a few out of the 7. I could use some prayer though – for my wife who just lost her dad a few days ago. Stay blessed and a fruitful summer to you as well.
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I’m really sorry to hear that. We’ll be praying for your wife and family.
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thanks!
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There is nothing like His faithfulness, is there?
Maranatha!
\o/
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absolutely nothing…
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Pingback: Castles or Camper-vans? | Dr Ken Baker
I love to think that all of God’s promises will be given to all of us, especially upon death. I look forward to meeting him one day. Even though I felt as if I already have.
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me too… I look forward everyday… what a day that will be… thanks for the comment
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