We come now to what may be the last doctrinal teaching of this letter to the Hebrews. A final statement of truths contained here at the end of this divinely inspired letter. From this point forward, the writer sets forth many imperatives (commands . . . do this), all of which are necessarily based upon the indicatives (statements of truth) which have preceded. There are certainly commands within this portion of the letter, but these verses (Hebrews 12:18-29) primarily set forth doctrine. In fact, as we are nearing the end of the letter, we might consider these verses as a summary, or more accurately, a culmination, of that which the inspired writer has been writing about. Specifically then, this passage proclaims to us that the words of Christ, which describe the only way of approaching the God, must be rightly received, known, understood, and appreciated, in the hearts of men, that the children of God may stand unshakably before Him, who is a consuming fire. |