Hebrews 10:23

2023-12-07 Thursday Hebrews 10:23

English Standard Version

23 Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful.

In the context of reformed evangelical Christianity, comment on Hebrews 10:23 from the ESV. Provide insights and the theology from Hebrews 10:23 for its application to modern Christian living.

ChatGPT

Hebrews 10:23 in the English Standard Version (ESV) reads: “Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful.”

The verse is a powerful encouragement for believers to maintain steadfastness in their faith, emphasising the importance of unwavering commitment to the hope found in Christ. Here are insights and theological points from Hebrews 10:23:

1. **Confession of Hope:** The “confession of our hope” refers to the Christian belief and acknowledgment of faith in Christ’s redemptive work. It involves openly acknowledging and adhering to the promises of God in Christ Jesus.

2. **Steadfastness and Unwavering Faith:** The exhortation to “hold fast” highlights the necessity of a resolute and unwavering commitment to the Christian faith despite challenges, doubts, or external pressures. It emphasises perseverance in the face of adversity.

3. **Basis of Confidence: God’s Faithfulness:** The verse assures believers that the foundation of their hope and confidence lies in the faithfulness of God. God is reliable, trustworthy, and faithful to fulfill His promises, and this assurance strengthens believers in their faith journey.

4. **Application to Modern Christian Living:** In today’s world, where various influences and challenges can shake one’s faith, Hebrews 10:23 calls for an unwavering commitment to the Christian belief. It encourages believers to:

– Maintain a steadfast and confident trust in God despite uncertainties and difficulties.

– Continually confess and uphold their faith in Christ, openly declaring their allegiance to Him.

– Find assurance in God’s faithfulness, relying on His promises even when circumstances seem uncertain.

Applying Hebrews 10:23 in modern Christian living involves fostering a resilient faith anchored in God’s unwavering faithfulness and holding firmly to the hope found in Christ, despite the challenges encountered.

*Confidence Level: High*

Reference: ESV Bible – Hebrews 10:23; Matthew Henry’s Commentary on the Whole Bible (Complete) – Commentary on Hebrews 10:23

Microsoft Bing AI

Hebrews 10:23 from the English Standard Version (ESV) states: “Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful.” This verse is a call to perseverance and faithfulness within the Christian community, emphasising the importance of maintaining hope and trust in God’s promises.

In the context of reformed evangelical Christianity, this verse is often understood as an encouragement to continue in the profession of faith that believers make, particularly in light of the assurance of God’s faithfulness. The “confession of our hope” refers to the public declaration of faith and the hope of eternal life that believers profess, especially at the time of baptism¹. It is a reminder that, despite challenges and temptations, Christians are to remain steadfast in their faith, trusting that God will fulfill His promises.

The theology from Hebrews 10:23 highlights the contrast between the Old Covenant, where sacrifices had to be repeated and could not truly take away sins, and the New Covenant, where Jesus’ sacrifice is sufficient and complete². It underscores the idea that, through Jesus, believers have direct access to God and can approach Him with confidence, knowing that their sins have been forgiven once and for all.

For its application to modern Christian living, this verse encourages believers to:

– **Hold fast** to their faith and hope in Christ, without doubt or hesitation.

– Remember that God is **faithful** and will keep His promises.

– Support and encourage one another in the faith, especially as the return of Christ approaches³.

– Not neglect meeting together for worship and fellowship, as this is essential for mutual encouragement and growth in faith¹.

In essence, Hebrews 10:23 calls Christians to live out their faith with conviction and to support each other in love and good deeds, reflecting the transformative power of the gospel in their daily lives.

Source: Conversation with Bing, 7/12/2023

(1) Hebrews 10:23 Commentaries: Let us hold fast the confession of our hope …. https://biblehub.com/commentaries/hebrews/10-23.htm.

(2) Enduring Word Bible Commentary Hebrews Chapter 10. https://enduringword.com/bible-commentary/hebrews-10/.

(3) Hebrews 10:23 Meaning and Commentary – Bible Study Tools. https://www.biblestudytools.com/esv/hebrews/10-23.html.

(4) Hebrews 10:23-25 meaning | TheBibleSays.com. https://thebiblesays.com/commentary/heb/heb-10/hebrews-1023-25/.

Google Bard AI

## Hebrews 10:23 and Reformed Evangelical Theology

**Verse:** “Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful.” (Hebrews 10:23)

**Insights:**

* **Confession of Hope:** This refers to the public declaration of our Christian faith, both in words and deeds. It’s not a mere internal belief, but an outward expression of our trust in God’s promises.

* **Without Wavering:** This emphasises the importance of steadfastness and perseverance in our faith, even amidst challenges and doubts.

* **He who Promised is Faithful:** This assures us of God’s faithfulness to His promises. He is trustworthy and will bring all His plans to pass.

**Reformed Evangelical Application:**

* **Assurance of Salvation:** This verse offers comfort and security to believers. Knowing God’s faithfulness helps us remain confident in our salvation, even when facing trials.

* **Perseverance in Good Works:** Our confession of hope should motivate us to live a life of good works and obedience. It’s not about earning salvation, but demonstrating our gratitude and love for God.

* **Importance of Community:** The verse calls for a collective holding fast to our hope. This emphasises the importance of gathering together as believers, encouraging and supporting one another in our faith.

* **Living with Purpose:** Our hope in God’s promises gives us a sense of purpose and direction in life. We live with anticipation for the future, knowing that God is ultimately in control and will bring good out of all circumstances.

* **Sharing the Gospel:** Our confession of hope compels us to share our faith with others. We are called to be witnesses to God’s love and grace, inviting others to experience the same hope and assurance we have.

**Specific Applications:**

* **Facing Persecution:** When facing challenges or persecution for our faith, remembering God’s faithfulness can give us strength and courage to persevere.

* **Overcoming Temptation:** When tempted to sin, reflecting on our hope in God and His promises can help us resist temptation and live according to His will.

* **Serving Others:** Our hope in God’s future can motivate us to serve others with compassion and generosity, knowing that our actions reflect God’s love and make a difference in the world.

**Conclusion:**

Hebrews 10:23 provides a powerful message of hope and encouragement for all Christians. By holding fast to our confession of faith and trusting in God’s faithfulness, we can live with purpose and confidence, even in the midst of challenges. As we share this hope with others, we can be a beacon of light in a world that desperately needs it.