We have all experienced the letdown of someone failing to keep a promise they have made to us. Just the same, we have likely failed to uphold a promise we made to someone. I would assume that it is never our intent to let someone down, but it still happens. I remember as a child hearing people say things like, “I swear on my mother’s grave.” Or even, “I swear to God.” I say that not to condone it but only to point out this kind of reasoning. Somehow, by calling to a higher authority, it is like our words are supposed to carry more weight.
The Hebrew writer wrote, “For men indeed swear by the greater, and an oath for confirmation is for them an end of all disputes” (Heb. 6:16 NKJV). The oath given is like a final confirmation that what has been promised will be delivered. Knowing the nature of man, God puts Himself on the stand (Heb. 6:13) as evidence for the great hope and confidence we have in Jesus Christ (Heb. 6:17-18). God made the oath for our sake. He doesn’t have anything to prove; His word is strong enough. He is inviting us to check His track record so that we can rest assured He upholds His promises. It is the sureness of His promises that emboldens us and gives us confidence to turn to the God of refuge (Heb. 6:18), who will not disappoint.
Just as sure as God upheld His promises to Abraham (Heb. 6:14; Gen. 22:16, 17), He will uphold His promises with the heirs of the promise (Heb. 6:17). We continue to reap the rewards of God’s immutability because we are of the seed of Abraham (Gal. 3:26-29). Jesus Christ is the greatest gift given to His creation and this Jesus was made heir of all things (Heb. 1:2), who has gone before us and entered in behind the veil (Heb. 6:19). Because of this, He is the forerunner who has gone on before us, providing us this hope, that is the anchor of our souls (Heb. 6:19). If we deny His priesthood (Heb. 6:20), we forfeit the access to God that Jesus provided. Jesus has paved the way to the Father, and where the head goes, so will the body (Eph. 1:22-23).
By: Jerrod Hammond