The Final Warning
The writer of Hebrews presents his case of Jesus’ superiority above everyone and everything. Jesus is greater than the prophets; above the angels; greater than Moses; greater than Joshua or David; as the King; as a great high priest; as a superior sacrifice; and Judge of all. Others, albeit a remnant, have put their trust in Him. Given the biblical revelation, there really is no comparison between Judaism and Jesus. He is better in every way because of who He is and what He has done.
The writer of Hebrews has issued five warning passages to his Jewish-Christian audience. His case, for faith in Christ, closes with the fifth and final warning (Heb 12:25–29). His admonishment is direct. God has spoken; and the reader/listener must not refuse the Lord by falling away or shrinking back. Simply put, it is a terrifying thing to fall into the hands of an angry God (Heb 10:31), who takes away every branch from the living Vine which does not produce fruit (Jn 15:2, 6; Jude 7).
The final warning in Hebrews alludes to the final judgment of God, who is identified in this passage as “a consuming fire” (12:29). When people, today, even Christians, speak of God, there is a low probability they will choose to discuss/preach/teach this attribute of God. God is love. God is Spirit. God is true. These other attributes predominate because most people are not keen to speak or listen to presentations on the judgment of God. We benefit from considering it, however.
In giving the Law of God to Moses at Mount Sinai, Yahweh revealed His holy presence in a frightening manner (Exodus). Man, even if he has been chosen and called to salvation, is nothing before the Almighty. Man is puny — a mere speck of dust on the earth, which is itself a mere speck of dust in the universe. In contrast, God is in the heavens in the ultimate seat of power (Ps 115:3; 135:6). He is sovereign over all. There is none beside Him (Is 43:11; 44:6, 8; 45:5, 6, 21). Man answers to Him.
Our response to the revelation of God defines who we are as individuals and as citizens of earth or heaven (Phil 3:20). The natural man hates God (Rom 1:30), as he is at enmity with Him because of sin. The kingdom of this world, as the dominion of the ruler of this world (Jn 12:31:14:30; 16:11; Acts 26:18), is operating in open defiance to the Most High God (Rom 1:18–32; 3:10–12, 23; 5:12). As one learns from the book of Hebrews; and Galatians; and also, other passages like Romans 2, ethnic Israel is also in this rebellion against Yahweh.
The only way of peace with the one true God is to be transferred into the kingdom of God’s beloved Son, Jesus Christ (Col 1:13). King Jesus is the King of kings (1 Tim 6:15), the King of glory (Ps 24). He shall reign forever and ever (Ex 15:18; Ps 146:10; Mic 4:7; Rev 11:15). His kingdom has no end. His reign is righteous; and all things are subject to Him who sits at the right hand of Majesty on the throne of God in heaven (Ps 110:1; Rom 8:34; Eph 1:20; Heb 1:3; 8:1; 10:12; 12:2; 1 Pet 3:22). Every knee must bow to Him (Is 45:23; Rom 14:11; Phil 2:10).
The judgment of God is active, today. His wrath is directed against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men (Rom 1:18). There is a day, known only to God (Mt 24:36), when His wrath will be unleashed in its fullness. The Day of the Lord is that day of wrath (Rev 19:11–21). It is the final judgment day when everyone must be brought into account (2 Cor 5:10; Rev 20:11). Criminal debts must finally be paid. The earth has never known a day such as this one to come, nor will it ever know one like this day, again. The Bible calls this day, “terrible” (Mal 4:5) and “awesome” (Joel 2:11, 31).
The earth and heavens will be judged by fire (2 Pet 3:6, 12). Nothing will be spared, as in the days of Noah (Gen 6–9). It will be a righteous judgment as every unclean thing is removed. The writer of Hebrews presents another feature of this judgment. Both the heavens and the earth will be shaken (Is 13:13; Mt 24:29; Mk 13:25). My dear reader, I have no words in my vocabulary to express what that means in truth. Stated in fear and awe, it will be a just violence of indescribable measure.
It should be sufficient for us to trust the Word of God, as it is written in Hebrews 12:25–29. Nothing will remain of earth as we know it, today. It will be burned with a consuming fire and shaken to remove any recognition of what was beforehand (Is 30:30; 65:17). Only one thing will remain on that day — the kingdom of God (12:27–28).
This is the overarching message of the entire Bible, not just Hebrews 12:25–29. Salvation and judgment are major themes, set in contrast with one another, that sum up everything we need to know about our relationship with Almighty God. God, the righteous Judge of all (Gen 18:25; Heb 12:23), is likewise the only hope for salvation (1 Tim 1:1). There is no salvation from the judgment and wrath of God apart from the one and only Savior of sinners, Jesus Christ (Acts 4:12)
Examine yourself, my dear reader. With what you have read here, is your response a refusal to believe? A desire to avoid the subject? Or, are you filled with gratitude? Here is the clear test of who you are in relationship to the living God. Unbelief is set in stark contrast with thankfulness. Unbelievers will be judged in the manner described in Hebrews 12:25–29; while those who give thanks to God for so great a salvation will serve Him in awe and reverence (12:28).
The Christian witness to others is to persuade all men, everywhere, to repent to Yahweh, the God of Israel, the Almighty (Acts 1:8; 17:30). To do this, one must come to God’s only begotten Son (Mt 11:28; Jn 3:16). In order for that to happen, you must be born again (Jn 3:1–8; 1 Pet 1:3). May God have mercy upon you and grant you peace with Himself (Rom 5:1; 9:15–16; Eph 2:14), by sending you His Holy Spirit (Jn 14:26; 15:26) that you may hear His voice calling you out of this fallen world and failed kingdom (Ps 95:7; Is 30:30; Heb 3:7, 15; 4:7). For on the last day, only one kingdom will stand; and this may be your final warning.
David Norczyk
Spokane Valley, Washington
June 25, 2024
Hebrews 12:25–29
