April 2, 2006
ALL OF ONE
Hebrews 2:11

   "It became Him, for Whom are all things, and by Whom are all things, in bringing many sons unto glory, to make the Captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings. For both He Who sanctifies and they who are sanctified are all of one: for which cause He is not ashamed to call them brethren" (Hebrews 2:10-11). It was even necessary that God, after perfecting the Lord Jesus, as Captain, through suffering, require those He would lead to glory be perfected through suffering.
   Just as it was necessary that one who comes to God "must believe that He is, and that he is a Rewarder of them that diligently seek him" (Heb. 11:6) even so it becomes Him to be the Perfecter of sons being brought to glory. He Who has arranged the creation for His glory has planed that perfection be realized through suffering.
   The idea of reward might seem strange for, "virtue is its own reward," (however true that might be). Yet we should be more Scriptural, and fundamentally more true, for reward is essential, and suffering has a purpose. Even so in our verse, it is becoming of God to perfect sons this way. It was repugnant to Jews because of the traditions of the elders. Yet God sees it fitting and proper. The Lord had said, "O fools, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken: Ought not Christ to have suffered...and to enter into his glory?" (Luke 24:25-26).
   The Lord tasting "death for every man" (2:9) must be understood in context. The word "man" is not in the Greek text and "every" (really all) refers to the "sons" being brought to glory. Nor can it refer to salvation for the fallen race, for Christ is not their Captain. He, the "Sanctifier," is one with the "sanctified" sons. Sanctification, not redemption is our subject.
   Christ is the Captain and Joshua the type. (See 4:8.) Hebrews does not deal with the Passover or redemption from Egypt. Having survived the wilderness Joshua led their triumphal entry into the promised land. This saved people were not called to believe and be saved, but to "go on to perfection" (6:1). The "so great salvation" was for the "sons in glory." Christ, "being made perfect...became the Author (Captain) of eternal salvation unto all them that obey Him" (5:9). "For by one offering He has perfected in perpetuity them that are sanctified" (10:14), "...worshippers once purged should have no more conscience of sins" (10:2).

Ivan L. Burgener