September 3, 2006
PERFECTION OR PERDITION
Hebrews 10:39

   "Let us go on to perfection... We are not of them who draw back unto perdition; but...who believe to the saving of the soul" (Hebrews 10:39). Little wonder that some think believers can be lost with translations like this. Take heart, for the meaning is better than it seems.
   The word "perdition" does not mean the "loss of being," but the loss of well-being. The parallel thought in Hebrews is where Israelites grieved God forty years through unbelief and disobedience and their "carcasses fell in the wilderness" (3:17). These failed to realize their hope of the promised land, but their salvation was not at issue. This example was recalled to exhort "holy brethren" with a "heavenly calling" (3:1).
   This same word "perdition" was translated "waste" where the indignant disciples thought the precious ointment was wasted when anointing the Lord for burial (Mt. 26:8-12 & Mk. 14:4).
   Perdition is not the only problem here for the "saving of the soul" sure does sound like their salvation hung in the balance. Yet this word is never elsewhere translated "save." Its meaning is really "obtaining," and yet "obtaining ones soul" seems a difficult thought. But if we translate "soul" as "life" and remember the words of the Lord, where the one who loses his life for Christ's sake and the gospel, really "saves it unto eternal life." Mark 8:35 reads, "Whosoever shall lose his life for my sake and the gospel's, the same shall save it." What an encouragement along with warning!
   The exhortation of Hebrews is to "go on to perfection" (6:1) and not draw back to perdition (loss of reward), but believe (just ones living by faith) unto the obtaining of their life, even if it leads to a martyr's death!
   In His path of faith, the Lord "endured crucifixion, despising the shame," yet these Hebrews had not "resisted unto blood striving against sin..." (Heb. 12:2-4). Even so there is "great recompense of reward."
   Paul exhorted the Philippians, "as many as be perfect, be thus minded..." and "mark them who walk as you have us for an example." Yet he warned with tears against believers who were "enemies of the cross of Christ, whose end is destruction (perdition) whose God is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame, who mind earthly things" (Phil. 3:14-19). These are those who want "the best of both worlds." This we cannot have!

Ivan L. Burgener