Question: Does the expression “heavenly calling” of Hebrews 3:1 include only the church, or is it wider in its aspect than the church?
Answer: The writer of Hebrews is addressing a peculiar remnant. They had been Jews and had come in for all the blessings of a “heavenly calling.” This calling is much wider in aspect than the “assembly which is His [Christ’s] body,” and it takes in all the Old Testament saints, all of whom will have part in the Father’s kingdom (Matt. 13). “The Bride, the Lamb’s wife” will have a higher place in the glory, and we (alone) as “the bride” in spirit now are “in Christ Jesus,” not merely “in Christ.”
There are three normal aspects in which a person may be said to be a “believer” in Scripture:
1. As one who is earthly in hope — a millennial saint, for instance.
2. As one who awaits perfection (actual) in Christ, in a glorified body. This all the Old Testament saints will have (see Heb. 11), as also those who may be slain during “the great tribulation” will have. These receive a supplementary resurrection before Christ appears in glory.
3. As one who has lived on earth at any time from Pentecost till the rapture of the church. Such a one, when sealed, is united to Christ above and will (as being “in Christ Jesus”) have a special portion in the heavenly side of the kingdom as the bride, the Lamb’s wife.
Hebrews, then, is directly addressed to those who had been brought out of Judaism into the church, yet much of the epistle will suit the condition of those who will be slain during the tribulation and even those in the millennial kingdom on earth. The believer in Hebrews is seen on earth, but as looking for Him who “shall . . . appear . . . without sin unto salvation” (Heb. 9:28). Luke 21 gives us this remnant, while Matthew 24 and Mark 13 would include the millennial saints. David’s words, “I shall go to him” (2 Sam. 12:23) are expressive of the thought that he would become a heavenly man, and thus a partaker of the “heavenly calling.” The heir after the flesh has passed away and is sure above. This would bring in the “sure mercies of David” (Acts 13:34).
Adapted from Words of Truth, Vol. 8, pp. 38-39
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