On what basis does God justify us according to Hebrews 3:14?
God justifies believers on the basis of Christ's righteousness, not their own, because they are made partakers of Christ. This justification is linked to holding the beginning of their confidence steadfast to the end, though God ensures His own remain steadfast.
Les explains that Hebrews 3:14 says, "For we are made partakers of Christ." He emphasizes that it is His righteousness, and it is on that basis that God justifies us. The verse adds, "if we hold the beginning of our confidence steadfast to the end." Les notes that some jump on the word "if" and call it conditional. But he still maintains that once we are in Christ, we will partake, remain steadfast, and God will see to that. This follows the warning not to harden hearts as Israel did in the provocation, where most who came out of Egypt did not believe.
For we are made partakers of Christ, if we hold the beginning of our confidence stedfast unto the end;
What is the basis on which God justifies us?
God justifies us on the basis of His righteousness, not our own. The text says, 'it's His righteousness, and it's on that basis that He justifies us, if we hold the beginning of our confidence steadfast to the end.' This righteousness is partaken of in Christ.
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.
More Questions
Does the word 'if' in Hebrews 3:14 mean that our salvation is conditional?
In spite of the word 'if' in Hebrews 3:14, once we are in Christ, we will remain steadfast and partake of Christ because God will see to it, so the condition does not mean we can lose our salvation.