“Therefore, let us go forth to Him, outside the camp, bearing His reproach. For here we have no continuing city, but we seek the one to come” (Hebrews 13:13-14).
Spiritual neutrality is as deadly as it is impossible. Deciding not to decide is a decision, and it is an unwise one. Twice Jesus declared: “He who is not with Me is against Me” (Matthew 12:30; Luke 11:23).
Several of the recipients of this inspired word of exhortation, it would appear, were trying to be spiritual fence straddlers. But, just as marital bigamy is unlawful before God, so is its spiritual counterpart (Romans 7:1-4). You cannot be married to Moses and Jerusalem’s temple while being the bride of Christ and a temple of the Holy Spirit.
Therefore, the only wise course of action to immediately take is to cling to Christ and whatever reproach your decision causes. This course of action would be akin to the one Moses made by faith (Hebrews 11:25-26). This decision would be akin to the patriarchs whose faith made them strangers and pilgrims on the earth because they desired the (heavenly) city God had prepared for them (Hebrews 11:13-16).
Unlike the temple and the city of Jerusalem (which were razed by the Romans in A. D. 70), the heavenly city sought by Christians is impervious to assault.
Like every spiritual fence straddler, these Christians needed to get off immediately on the wise side of the fence and stay there.
John:
Thank you for so concisely writing your articles on the book of Hebrews. They are well written. I have studied Hebrews my entire life. Even when I had no reason to be studying it so early. It has always been a book of freedom, hope, and redemption. I pray you have had a lot of “Thank You’s” for your writing so concisely, biblical, and up lifting. You are a good student of God’s word. I appreciate that our paths crossed. I have benefited knowing you. You and Kim are in our prayers.
Fraternally,
W. Terry Varner
Terry, It is so good to hear from you. Your kind words are undeserved but very appreciated. Miss Lillie and you are in my daily prayers.
John