There are three major themes that run throughout Hebrew writer’s thoughts in his third and fourth chapters. First, the consistency of God is highlighted. The God of the New Testament is the same God of the Old; He still provides a leader for his people, He still requires obedience, and He still requires endurance. Second, entrance into the Promised Land has always been based on faithful obedience. God has been gracious in providing the promise and a leader, but He has always required obedience as a condition of inheritance of the promise. Third, neither physical nor spiritual Israel has ever shared in a once-saved-always-saved covenant in this lifetime. Apostasy is legitimate possibility and spiritual Israel must learn from the failures of her sister. The Hebrew writer’s warning in chapter 3 verses 12-15 represent the strongest warning of scripture against falling from grace. May the church heed the warning.
God has always been a God of love and grace, but His love and grace have never negated His demand for obedience. God did not lack in love and grace toward Israel, nor does He lack in discipline toward the church. May the church succeed where Israel failed, and follow her leader faithfully toward the Promised Land. May she also learn to treasure the rich heritage she has shared with God’s people throughout all time.