A continuation of the exposition of the Epistle of Paul the Apostle to the…

Again, He had newly given an account of his real thoughts and Judgement concerning them and their spiritual condition. And upon his satisfaction therein, as that which was attended with things which accompany Salvation, he had given them assurance of a blessed Issue of their Faith and Profession, from the Faithfulness of God, making therein an Application of the Promises of the Gospel unto them. Hereon he lets them know what by the Appointment of God and the Law of our Obedience, is required of them, that they might answer the Judgement which he had made concerning them, and bring them unto the enjoyment of the Promises proposed unto them. And this was that diligent progress in Faith and Obedience unto the end which he describes in this and the next Verse.

And herein the Apostle with great Wisdom acquaints these Hebrews with the proper end and use of Gospel Threatenings and Promises, wherein men are apt to be mistaken and so to abuse the one and the other. For Threatenings have been looked on, as if they had no other end or use but to terrify the minds of men, and to cause them to despond, as if the things threatened must unavoidably come upon them. Hence some have fancied that they belong not unto the Dispensation of the Gospel as it is to be preached unto Believers; and few have known how to make a due Application of them unto their Consciences. And it is to be feared that the end and use of Gods Promises hath been so far mistaken, as some have suffered themselves to be imposed on by the deceitfulness of sin, and to be influenced by the consideration of them, into carelessness and security, as though, do what they would, no evil could befall them. But our Apostle here discovereth the joint end of them both towards Believers or Professors of the Gospel, which is to stir up and encourage them unto their utmost constant persevering diligence in all Duties of Obedience. And it is no small part of the Duty and Wisdom of the Ministers of the Gospel to instruct their Hearers in, and press upon them the proper use and due improvement of the Promises and Threatenings of God.

And herein the Apostle with great Wisdom acquaints these Hebrews with the proper end and use of Gospel Threatenings and Promises, wherein men are apt to be mistaken and so to abuse the one and the other. For Threatenings have been looked on, as if they had no other end or use but to terrifie the minds of men, and to cause them to despond, as if the things threatened must unavoidably come upon them. Hence some have fancied that they belong not unto the Dispensation of the Gospel as it is to be preached unto Believers; and few have known how to make a due Application of them unto their Consciences. And it is to be feared that the end and use of Gods Promises hath been so far mistaken, as some have suffered themselves to be imposed on by the deceitfulness of sin, and to be influenced by the consideration of them, into carelesness and security, as though, do what they would, no evil could befall them. But our Apostle here discovereth the joynt end of them both towards Believers or Professors of the Gospel, which is to stir up and encourage them unto their utmost constant persevering diligence in all Duties of Obedience. And it is no small part of the Duty and Wisdom of the Ministers of the Gospel to instruct their Hearers in, and press upon them the proper use and due improvement of the Promises and Threatenings of God.