Interpretation of Heb. 12:1-2
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Came across this from the MacArthur Study Bible….
The reference is to those Hebrews who had made a profession of Christ, but had not gone all the way to full faith. They had not yet begun the race, which starts with salvation. The writer has invited them to accept salvation in Christ and join the race.I have a hard time with this interpretation, exegetically. First of all, the author includes himself in this group (we, let us, etc.). Also, the context includes a discussion on chastisement as sons (vs. 5) which, in my mind, necessitates faith in Christ (John 1:12). I have to say that disagreeing with Johnny Mack makes me a little nervous! What are your thoughts on the text?
MacArthur, J. J. (1997, c1997). The MacArthur Study Bible (electronic ed.) (Heb 12:1). Nashville: Word Pub.
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I’ll just briefly say that I was very disappointed in MacArthur’s Hebrews commentary. His views on which parts were written to which people are eccentric and designed to support his own brand of idiosyncratic Calvinism. It seems that you’ve run into that. Lane’s work in the Word Biblical Commentary series is excellent, and I like the volume in NIGTC if you’re into those. If you’re brave enough, you can even read John Owen.
My Blog: http://dearreaderblog.com
Cor meum tibi offero Domine prompte et sincere. ~ John Calvin
Thanks, Charlie.
I’ve only seen his notes from “The MacArthur Study Bible” and I haven’t been too impressed with his Hebrews stuff. I’ll check out some of the works you referenced.
I’ve only seen his notes from “The MacArthur Study Bible” and I haven’t been too impressed with his Hebrews stuff. I’ll check out some of the works you referenced.
Senior Pastor, Harvest Bible Chapel, Fort Wayne, IN
John MacArthur is beholden to the erring teaching of Calvinism’s doctrine of perseverance, he is given no choice but to err in his interpretation or recant on his Calvinist position of perseverance.
As much insight, at times, that John has provided in his teaching on some topics, he still has demonstrated the unfortunate influence of his Calvinism over objective exegesis in some cases (particularly infectious regarding his “Lordship salvation” doctrine). And here you have discovered this weakness.
As much insight, at times, that John has provided in his teaching on some topics, he still has demonstrated the unfortunate influence of his Calvinism over objective exegesis in some cases (particularly infectious regarding his “Lordship salvation” doctrine). And here you have discovered this weakness.
Jaime, I think you’re right with this one. I’ll reread some of the surrounding chapters in Hebrews - maybe today - but I don’t see how he can make that distinction unless he’s differentiating between verbal professions [without resulting actions] and genuine belief.
I’ll try to download the sermons from there off of GTY and see how he handles it there.
I’ll try to download the sermons from there off of GTY and see how he handles it there.
"Our task today is to tell people — who no longer know what sin is...no longer see themselves as sinners, and no longer have room for these categories — that Christ died for sins of which they do not think they’re guilty." - David Wells
I pulled two of his messages from GTY this afternoon and was able to listen to one on the way home. Basically, MacArthur teaches that there are three groups of people who recv’d Hebrews. The first are Jewish believers, the second are Jews who are considering Christianity, and the third are Jews who are not interested in Christianity. He argues that that when the writer is referring to ‘us’ he is usually referring to the later two groups unless he puts a modifier on it to be clearly referring to believers, and that this exhortation is for them to lay aside the weights of sin, doubt, and fear of rejection/persecution from others and turn to Christ - to get into the race [the analogy] and pursue Christ. Keep in mind that basically Hebrews is an apologia for why Christianity and Christ are superior to the Jewish religion.
I thought it was interesting, but I am not quite sure I buy it. That said, I think it resolves the question of why he’d write that. Keep in mind that all of his books are put together from the messages that he preaches, so most of the notes in the Mac. Study Bible are probably also culled from messages and we may be missing the broader context that explains what he’s referring to and why he says the things he does. I wonder if that’s something that he’ll address whenever they revise the MacArthur Study Bible?
You may want to look at his opening notes on Hebrews - it will probably help you grasp where he’s coming from better and may clarify some of the notes that you may not understand/agree with.
I thought it was interesting, but I am not quite sure I buy it. That said, I think it resolves the question of why he’d write that. Keep in mind that all of his books are put together from the messages that he preaches, so most of the notes in the Mac. Study Bible are probably also culled from messages and we may be missing the broader context that explains what he’s referring to and why he says the things he does. I wonder if that’s something that he’ll address whenever they revise the MacArthur Study Bible?
You may want to look at his opening notes on Hebrews - it will probably help you grasp where he’s coming from better and may clarify some of the notes that you may not understand/agree with.
"Our task today is to tell people — who no longer know what sin is...no longer see themselves as sinners, and no longer have room for these categories — that Christ died for sins of which they do not think they’re guilty." - David Wells
Thanks for the all work! It does help understand his point of view…but I’m still not sure I agree with it. But, like you said, at least we know where he’s coming from! I’ll look for the same messages…post them if/when you get the time.
You’re the man. Thanks!
You’re the man. Thanks!
Senior Pastor, Harvest Bible Chapel, Fort Wayne, IN
Heb 11 gives us a “great cloud of witnesses” who have born testimony that faith is sufficient for salvation and service.
Seeing that we have such a testimony presented to us, let’s get rid of everything that will hinder us in our service as well as that sin (which I believe is the common sin of unbelief) that so easily overcomes and entangles us. Doing this, let’s run the race that is laid out for us, looking to Jesus on whom our faith is centered……He’s the ultimate witness due to His looking ahead in faith to the joy before Him…etc.
Seeing that we have such a testimony presented to us, let’s get rid of everything that will hinder us in our service as well as that sin (which I believe is the common sin of unbelief) that so easily overcomes and entangles us. Doing this, let’s run the race that is laid out for us, looking to Jesus on whom our faith is centered……He’s the ultimate witness due to His looking ahead in faith to the joy before Him…etc.
Jason
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