[March 3d, 1878.]
The apostle addresses his readers in this chapter, as a general would address his army, engaged in a desperate battle. Every thing depended on their holding their ground. If they broke their ranks, or fell back, destruction was inevitable and direful.
These Christians were exposed to the severest persecutions, and the most insidious seductions. Their situation was analogous to that of the ancient Hebrews surrounded by enemies, who often persecuted and often allured them. The latter form of trial was the more dangerous and the more frequently successful. The one great unpardonable and fatal offence under the Old Testament was apostacy from the worship of Jehovah. This was punishable by death. It admitted of no repentance.
The apostle strives to impress upon his readers, that their danger was the same, their crime if they forsook Christ would be greater, and their punishment far more severe. It was greater, as much as Christ was greater than Moses, and his blood more sacred than that of bulls and goats.
We need this caution and exhortation. A ship sailing rapidly in a smooth sea, among hidden reefs and shoals, is often in more danger than when tossed about by a hurricane in mid-ocean. In the one case all on board are secure and careless, in the other all are watchful and alert.
Our danger is,
-
From within; an evil heart, not to be despised, not to be neglected, but strenuously watched.
-
From the influence of the world, its avocations, its amusements, its spirit, its opinions leading to indifference, latitudinarianism and infidelity.
-
The powers of wickedness in high places.
Our security, is perseverance. This is often insisted on in the Scriptures. When a man is overboard, it is not the first grasp of the rope that saves him. That is essential; but it is equally essential that he hold on. So a soldier in battle. So the Christian. He may hold on through life, but make shipwreck at the end.
This confidence——includes inward faith and hope, outwardly, frankness and confession. Both are necessary. The Christians in the time of persecution were required to confess as well as to believe.
How this is to be secured. Here, as everywhere, the grace is a gift, but must be cultivated. The soldier must cultivate courage—determine to be brave. We must look constantly to Christ, who is our strength.
Great recompense of reward, conditioned on perseverance. It is infinite, i.e., inconceivable, inexhaustible, unending. We shall be like Christ and share his glory.
← 244. But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. 2 Pet. 3:18 · Contents · 246. Occupy till I come →