Scripture Note: Hebrews 3:1

Hebrews 3:1  •  2 min. read  •  grade level: 8
According to the truth of this epistle, believers are seen as a company of pilgrims-Jesus, the Apostle and High Priest of their profession (confession), being on high—journeying on through the wilderness to the rest-God's rest—which had been promised, and which remained for the people of God. (4:9.) It is to this, in fact, they were "called." This calling is "heavenly," because it comes from heaven and leads to heaven. This is strikingly set forth by the Apostle Peter, who says, "But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto His eternal glory by [in] Christ Jesus," etc. (1 Pet. 5:1010But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you. (1 Peter 5:10)). No doubt there is at the same time a contrast implied. The Jews had an earthly calling, a calling to an earthly inheritance; but the Christian calling, as these Hebrew believers are reminded, is of a heavenly character—one connected with heavenly blessings, a heavenly inheritance, and heavenly hopes. Hence it was that, looking for nothing here, their hearts and expectations being outside of this scene, some of these faithful saints could take joy fully the spoiling of their goods, knowing in themselves that they had "in heaven a better and an enduring substance" (chap. 10:34). In 1 Corinthians 15 we learn that believers themselves are heavenly (v. 48). The first man (Adam) is of the earth, earthy; the second Man (Christ) "out of heaven." (See J.N.D. Trans.) All who belong to Adam follow his order; and all who belong to Christ are after His order. And so completely is this the case, that not only are believers heavenly in character, but they will also "bear the image of the heavenly"; that is, their resurrection bodies will be of the same kind and order as the glorified body of our blessed Lord. (See Phil. 3:2121Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself. (Philippians 3:21).) Nothing short of the recognition of this is Christianity. The inference is evident, that heavenly ways should distinguish a heavenly people; and this will be in proportion as we seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God, and our minds are on things above, and not on things on earth.