Hebrews 12:25-29 See that you refuse not him that speaks. For if they escaped not who refused him that spoke on earth, much more shall not we escape… I. THE IMMUTABILITY OF THE GOSPEL DISPENSATION. 1. It is the complement and perfection of all prior dispensations of religion; that to which they were but introductory, and in which they were merged and consummated. 2. Its chief and blessed Administrator, our Lord Jesus, is declared as such to be eternal. He shall always stand in this relation to His people. He shall ever be "Head over all things to the Church." 3. Another proof that this kingdom cannot be moved is, that it perfectly answers the end of all religion. II. THE PRACTICAL INFERENCE. "Let us have grace," says the apostle, taking it for granted that all who earnestly desire and properly seek it, shall obtain. It is most liberally offered and most freely bestowed. 1. This grace is to be obtained in order that we may "serve God." We are to return to Him from our alienation; to relinquish our guilty rebellion; and to bind ourselves to Him in sincere and ceaseless allegiance. His laws are to be ever obeyed, His glory supremely sought. 2. To those who thus resolve to give up themselves to God, it must be further shown that we are to " serve God acceptably, with reverence and godly fear."(1) "Acceptably" — in conformity to the ordination of the Lord of this kingdom. Make mention only of the Lord Christ and of His righteousness. Let His love be all your plea; let His passion speak for you. Let all your service, prayer, love, praise, be offered through the ever-blessed Name! (2) We are also to serve with "reverence and godly fear." It ought deeply to affect and impress our minds that the very system which is so full of mercy for us, is also distinguished by its solemn views of God, and its inculcation of the profoundest reverence for His name. He is ever gracious and abundant in goodness and truth; He is also "a consuming fire"! "There is forgiveness with Him"; not, however, that He will be trifled with, but "that He may be feared." God has set His King upon the holy hill of Zion — a King lowly and having salvation; we are therefore "to serve the Lord with fear, and to rejoice with trembling." (John Hartley.) Parallel Verses KJV: See that ye refuse not him that speaketh. For if they escaped not who refused him that spake on earth, much more shall not we escape, if we turn away from him that speaketh from heaven: |
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