What is the meaning of Hebrews 10:25?
By Bobby L. Graham

Question:

In the past, brethren have had divergent opinions on the meaning of Hebrews 10:25. What does the text actually teach?

Answer:

Sincere attempts to determine the meaning of any passage in the Scriptures are commendable. While some might arrive at different conclusions about its meaning, diligent study promotes reaching the correct meaning and applying it to our efforts to serve God.

Hebrews 10:25 is a passage which many have quoted and applied, some with an understanding of the context and some without such understanding. In my judgment, the Holy Spirit was appealing to the Hebrew Christians to rescue them from their drifting away from Christ (Heb. 2:1-4; 4:14-16; 5:9-11; 10:35-39; 12:1-2, 25-29; 13:22) in their disastrous return to the Law of Moses (10:19-25). One should get the point here: their assembling with each other, and the beneficial effects noted in verses 24 and 25, was one divine provision for their spiritual strength/stamina, so that they remain faithful to Christ. They needed such assemblies for their spiritual survival, just as the Lord knew all Christians need to remember His death for spiritual survival (1 Cor. 11:24-25, 27- 32).

To assist them in their efforts to stay faithful to Jesus Christ, the Spirit reminded them of certain advantages believers enjoy in Christ: (1) confidence/ boldness in serving Christ (v. 19), based upon (2) the blood of Jesus opening up the way to heaven (v. 20), where we have (3) a great high priest interceding for us (v. 21). In view of these blessings/advantages, he exhorted them: (1) to draw near (v. 22), (2) to hold fast (v. 23), and (3) to consider (v. 24).

The latter part of considering how to stir one another up to love and good works is the point where verse 25 connects. Such consideration of others in Christ demands that we meet together with them, not neglect our meeting together (v. 25). In meeting together, believers should exhort each other in the planned activities of worship (v. 25). Besides an individual disciple’s effort to worship and praise God (i.e., maintain a vertical relation of fellowship with God), he also maintains a horizontal relationship and shares fellowship with other Christians with whom he meets. This relationship/fellowship requires spiritual maintenance so it might thrive, and not merely exist. Each child of God is responsible for building up other members of God’s family (3:13). We supply such maintenance in the gatherings of the saints, according to Hebrews 10:24-25. When a Christian willingly refrains from gathering with the saints, whether once or many times, he ignores the pleading of the crucified Savior and the Holy Spirit. He also neglects the sacred responsibility of considering others in Christ, which he should manifest in seeking to stir them up to love and good works. Let us never forget the dual functions of worshiping our God and edifying our brethren. These are to be carried out in our assembling. It is not an either/or situation, but a both/ and situation!

It matters little to us which day the writer had in mind in verse 25. It could have been Jerusalem’s destruction or the Lord’s second coming (or some approaching day of doom), but the need for encouraging and edifying one another would be the same. Each one was then approaching for them, and the latter is certainly approaching in our case. They and we face a judgment, necessitating our concern for each other being shown in our gathering with each other. They needed the spiritual strength each could supply to the other. Whatever the approaching direful occasion might have been for them, we know what it is in our situation, don’t we? Let us then use all such opportunities to promote the love and good works which will prepare us to meet the Lord when He comes again (2 Tim. 4:8). – Truth Magazine, April 2022. 

ARE YOU MISSING BIBLE CLASS?
By John Clark

Are you one of those who has drifted out of attending Bible class? We are all creatures of habit, good or bad. Form good habits and good things can happen – and of course, vice versa (Gal. 6:7-9). Has it become a habit for YOU to ‘skip’ Bible study but come to worship? Which of the following fits you?

1. I come to Bible study every once in a while.

2. I used to come but have quit.

3. I don’t need to come. I know enough already.

4. I don’t think it’s important.

5. I really ought to come but I’m out of the habit.

6. I really want to come, but just haven’t done it yet.

While you are pondering the categories let’s see if you disagree with or dismiss the following Biblical principles:

1. Every Christian needs to grow (2 Pet. 3:18).

2. God's word causes us to grow (1 Pet. 2:2).

3. In time we should be able to teach others (Heb. 5:12-14).

4. We should grow and help others grow by being together (Heb. 10:24-25).

5. We have personal responsibility to share with others of our time, influence, talents, and knowledge (Eph. 4:16).

It is said that the road to hell is paved with good intentions – never completed. The road to heaven is paved with good intentions, immediate action and consistent effort. Why not get on the right road now? Start attending Bible classes regularly! The soul you save may be your own. 

HELL – A PLACE OF FIRE
By Dennis Abernathy

There are those who do not believe that hell is a real place. They cannot believe that a God of love and kindness will punish the ungodly eternally in hell. A. W. Tozer said: “The vague and tenuous hope that God is too kind to punish the ungodly has become a deadly opiate for the consciences of millions.” Have you read the Bible? Do you believe the Bible? Let’s see what the Bible actually says about hell.

When we think of hell, we think of FIRE! Hell is described as the “furnace of fire” (Matt. 13:42; “eternal and everlasting fire” (Matt. 25:41); “fire that is not quenched” (Mk. 9:44; Matt. 3:12); “the lake of fire and brimstone” (Rev. 20:10, 15); “flaming fire” (2 Thess. 1:8). Thus, hell is described as FIRE! FIRE! FIRE! Revelation 14:11 says: “And the smoke of their torment goes up for ever and ever.” Thus, smoke completes the picture of FIRE!

President Harry S. Truman coined the often-quoted phrase: “If you can’t stand the heat, get out of the kitchen.” But far worse than the heat of the kitchen is the fires of Hell! More problematic than that is the fact that once one is in hell, he will never be able to get out, since it is EVERLASTING!

I have good news. No one has to go to hell. So, my plea to you my friend is: “If you can’t stand the heat, STAY OUT OF HELL!”