• Download Video
• Download Audio
• Print
• Email
• Save As PDF

"Holy brethren"

Text: Hebrews 3:1a

THE STANDING OF BELIEVERS

What is the standing of believers now that Christ Jesus has graciously and wonderfully identified with them? The following text provides special illumination.

“Therefore, holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling,
consider the Apostle and High Priest of our confession,
Christ Jesus.”
Hebrews 3:1

1. “Therefore” (hothen)

a) Once again we see the use of an inferential particle.

b) This particle connects us to what Christ has done for us (Cf. Hebrews 2:10-18).

2. “Holy brethren”

a) The word “holy” (“hagios”) comes from the same root word as “sanctified” (“hagiazo”).

b) We are privileged indeed to be addressed in this manner:-

i) We are considered “holy” or “sanctified”.

ii) We are sanctified by what Christ has done for us in granting us salvation.

iii) We partake of His holiness in that it is imputed to us.

iv) We are in God’s sight, “holy brethren” indeed.

RELEVANT QUESTIONS

The following relevant questions may arise:-

1. What if we are not actually living holy lives?

2. What if we stumble badly and falter in our faith?

3. What if we sinned terribly?

Would any of the above cause us to lose the status of “holy brethren”? The short answer to all these questions is quite straightforward. The answer is “No!”

It would be wonderful to attempt to live good and holy lives! But our standing before God as “holy brethren” is a status accorded to us by the Lord Jesus. It was He who called us brethren unashamedly (Cf. Hebrews 2:11)!