“That by two immutable things, in which it was impossible for God to lie, we might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us:”
My Notes
What Does Hebrews 6:18 Mean?
The writer of Hebrews identifies two immutable things — God's promise and God's oath — in which it is impossible for God to lie. Two unchangeable realities stacked together to create the strongest possible foundation for confidence.
The word "impossible" is not hyperbole. It is theological precision. God cannot lie. It is not that he chooses not to. It is against his nature. Lying is ontologically impossible for him.
"A strong consolation" — the word consolation (paraklesis) means encouragement, comfort, exhortation. The two immutable things produce a consolation that is strong — not fragile, not theoretical, but load-bearing. You can put your full weight on it.
"Who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us" describes believers as refugees who have run to God for safety and grabbed hold of hope. The image is desperate — not casual faith but someone running for their life toward something sure.
Reflection Questions
- 1.What does 'impossible for God to lie' mean for the promises you are standing on?
- 2.How does the refugee image — fleeing for refuge — describe your faith journey?
- 3.What 'mutable' things have you been relying on that need to be replaced with immutable ones?
- 4.How does knowing God's promise AND oath back your hope change your confidence level?
Devotional
Two immutable things, in which it was impossible for God to lie. Two things that cannot change, from a God who cannot deceive. That is your foundation.
Impossible for God to lie. Not unlikely. Not improbable. Impossible. The same God whose word created the universe cannot produce a falsehood. His promises are as reliable as his existence.
A strong consolation. When your world is shaking — when everything you trusted has proven unreliable — there is a consolation that holds. Not because your faith is strong, but because what your faith rests on is immutable.
Who have fled for refuge. The image is not a leisurely stroll into faith. It is running. Fleeing. Desperate movement toward the only safe place when everything else has failed. You are a refugee who has found shelter, and the shelter is built on two things that cannot change.
Lay hold upon the hope set before us. Grab it. Hold it. Do not let go. The hope is set before you like an anchor — already placed, already secure. Your job is not to create it. Your job is to hold onto it.
What are you holding onto for hope? If it can change, it is not immutable. If it can lie, it is not God. The anchor holds because the one who placed it cannot fail.
Commentary
Trusted original commentary from respected historical Bible scholars and theologians.
Which hope we have as an anchor of the soul,.... This world is as a sea; the church in it, and so every believer, is as…
That by two immutable things - What the “two immutable things” here referred to are, has been made a matter of question…
That by two immutable things - The promise and oath of God: the promise pledged his faithfulness and justice; the oath,…
The apostle, having applied himself to the fears of the Hebrews, in order to excite their diligence and prevent their…
by two immutable things Namely, by the oathand by the wordof God. The Targums for "By Myself" have "By My Word have I…
Cross References
Related passages throughout Scripture