Hebrews 3:14

HEBREWS—NOTE ON Hebrews 3:14 The true Christian will endure to the end. The condition (if indeed) has been understood in various ways. Some have argued that the condition (“if”) indicates that true Christians can lose their salvation. Scripture is clear, however, that true believers cannot lose their salvation (John 6:39; John 10:27; Romans 8:35, Romans 8:38; Ephesians 1:4; Philippians 1:6; 1 Peter 1:3). Hebrews 3:14 should be understood in connection with v. Hebrews 3:13, as is indicated by the linking word For. That is, those who become hardened (v. Hebrews 3:13) give outward evidence that they never have been genuine believers who “share in Christ,” because genuine believers hold on to their original confidence to the end. Of course, Scripture also encourages believers to pray for and seek to reclaim any who have fallen away (James 5:20; 1 John 5:16), in the hope that they will turn back. Still, this passage should be viewed as a sober warning—intended as a means that God uses to keep Christians resolved in faith and obedient until the end.