Does the word 'if' in Hebrews 3:14 mean our salvation is conditional?
No. Hebrews 3:14's 'if' does not make salvation conditional. The believer is made a partaker of Christ on the basis of His righteousness. Once we are in Christ, we will partake and remain steadfast to the end, because God Himself sees to it. The 'if' does not hinge salvation on human effort.
Les explains that Hebrews 3:14 says we are made partakers of Christ, and it is His righteousness that justifies us, if we hold the beginning of our confidence steadfast to the end. Many people jump on the word 'if' and claim it makes salvation conditional. But Les maintains that in spite of the word 'if' in this verse, once we are in Christ, we will partake and remain steadfast. God is going to see to that. He also points to verse 15, which warns against hardening hearts as Israel did in the provocation. Most of that nation that was old enough to respond died in unbelief in the wilderness; only Joshua, Caleb, Moses, and Aaron escaped that judgment. Their unbelief serves as a warning, but for the believer, God ensures perseverance.
For we are made partakers of Christ, if we hold the beginning of our confidence stedfast unto the end;