The Two Immutable Things.—Heb. 6: 18.
By N. J. Bowers
WHAT are these unchangeable things mentioned in the passage? They are not defined in plain words, side by side, yet we may conclude pretty certainly from the context. Verse 17 speaks of “the immutability of his [God’s] counsel,” and the confirming or fastening of the same with an oath or a declaration of certainty. The oath relates to the Abrahamic covenant. The Lord made oath by himself. Verse 13. Gen. 22: 16. This promise was to be effected through Jesus. Luke 1: 69–79; Gal. 3: 29. The Lord sware by his holiness that he would not lie unto David. Psa. 89: 35. “As I live saith the Lord,” is a statement of the divine certainty. The Lord has pledged his existence, if we may so speak, that he will fulfill his gracious promises. The most honorable and trusted of men may, by compelling circumstances, violate their promises. The Lord, who is over all circumstances, cannot fail. He cannot lie. The two immutable things of the text seem to be the promise of eternal salvation through Jesus, based upon the simple declaration of redemption, first, and the oath of confirmation, certain as the divine existence that it will be fulfilled, secondly. No wonder the apostle spoke with such confidence and hope of “the exceeding great and precious promises” by which we become “partakers of the divine nature.” 2 Pet. 1: 4. “Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering, for he is faithful that promised.” Heb. 10: 23. N. J. BOWERS.