Hebrews 3:14

Are made. Rather, “have become.”

Partakers of Christ. Or, “sharers in Christ.” The Christian shares in the victory and character of his blessed Lord, and may partake of the benefits and blessing that are his to enjoy as a result of Christ’s great sacrifice upon the cross and His ministry as high priest in the courts above. Union with Christ here and now is a precious experience (see on Gal. 2:20). This is the “rest” into which we are to enter.

If we hold. See on Matt. 24:13; Heb. 10:35, 36.

The beginning. After a time the bright faith that accompanies genuine conversion may tarnish, and the warm heart may become cool. Happy the Christian who preserves his first faith and ardor undiminished throughout life. See on v. 6.

Confidence. Gr. hupostasis (see on Heb. 1:3), a different word from that translated “confidence” in Heb. 3:6 (see comment there). To hold one’s confidence firm to the end is the opposite of hardening one’s heart (cf. vs. 8, 15).

Stedfast. Gr. bebaios, the word translated “firm” in v. 6.

Unto the end. See on Matt. 24:13; Rev. 2:10. The admonitions of the book of Hebrews were originally addressed to believing Jews of the apostolic church, and the messages of the book had their primary application to that group (see pp. 387, 389). It was commonly believed in the church of apostolic times that the promised return of the Lord would not be long delayed (see Additional Note on Rom. 13), but some 30 years or more had now passed since Christ ascended to heaven (see Vol. VI, p. 106) and there was still no sign of His immediate coming. What then doubtless seemed a long and unexpected delay may have found the faith of some on the wane, and perhaps the admonition to be “stedfast unto the end” was intended particularly for this wavering group. A clear conception of the work of Christ as our great high priest in the courts above would provide a firm foundation for their faith by making it possible for them to be “partakers of Christ” (Heb. 3:14). They must understand that a great work yet remained to be done, both for themselves and for others. There might be delay in the return of Jesus, but it was their privilege to enter into God’s “rest” now (see on vs. 7-11) by faith (see on v. 12). The admonition here given the apostolic church is particularly appropriate for the church today.