(Vs. 1) Paul calls the Hebrews "holy brethren," not because of their birth or because of any merit in them, but because of the sanctification of the Holy Spirit (Eph. 1:4; Eph. 5:27; Col. 1:22). We are also partakers of "the heavenly calling" because it is FROM heaven that we are called to Christ, and it is TO heaven that we are called. The old theologians used to talk of an EFFECTUAL call and a GENERAL call. All men receive a general call (or warning) through NATURE (Rom. 1:18-20), by CONSCIENCE (Rom. 2:14-15), and by PROVIDENCE (Amos 4:6-12); but the elect receive an effectual, conquering call (Gal. 1:15; II Tim. 1:9).
"Consider" or take a good look at Christ Jesus, the Apostle and High Priest whom we confess and profess as ours!
1. He is THE APOSTLE because He was sent of God to preach the gospel of redemption (Luke 4:18) and to secure the salvation of His people by His obedience and death (Rom. 5:19; Heb. 9:26-28).
2. He is THE HIGH PRIEST because He enters the holiest with His atonement and intercedes for us with the Father (Heb. 9:11-12; Heb. 9:24; Heb. 10:19-22).
(Vs. 2) As Moses was faithful to the trust and responsibility put upon him by God (for he had the whole house of Israel committed to his charge and care), so Christ, our Mediator and Surety, had committed to Him all the elect of God to bring them to glory. He shall not fail but shall accomplish all that He was given to do (John 6:37-39).
(Vs. 3) Our Lord Jesus is considered worthy of as much greater honor than Moses as the builder of the house has more honor than the house itself. This is said in answer to the Jewish temptation to speak of Moses or Abraham as their father. Christ and Moses are not to be compared any more than the builder of a house is to be regarded on the same level as the house. Moses was but a servant. Christ is the Son, the Lord, the heir (John 9:28-29; John 5:45-47). Moses is of NO VALUE unless he is put in his proper place as Christ's servant.
(Vs. 4) A house does not build itself. Someone must plan it and erect it. The planner and builder of all things is our Lord. The reference here is especially to His church or the body of believers (Matt. 16:18; I Peter 2:5). The greatest saints and apostles (even Moses) are built by and upon Christ and receive all their gifts from Him (I Cor. 3:4-9).
(Vs. 5) Moses was not only a servant, but he was the LORD'S SERVANT; and he was faithful with fear, reverence, and obedience to all that God called him. In his entire ministry of prophecy, type, and writing, he was a testimony to Christ. He WROTE of Christ, he SPOKE of Christ, and he erected the tabernacle, the greatest type and picture of Christ (Luke 24:44-45; I Peter 1:9-12).
(Vs. 6) Christ is not a servant as Moses was. He is the Son, the Master, and the heir of all things. "Whose house are we!" Believers in Christ (whether Jews or Gentiles) are living stones, built up a spiritual house in whom Christ dwells by faith and over whom He reigns (Col 2:9-10; I Cor. 1:30).
"If we hold fast the confidence and the rejoicing of the hope firm unto the end." These words are not to be understood as a condition of sonship, nor do they indicate that sons of God can and will depart from Him; but they are written to distinguish between GENUINE STONES planted by God and counterfeit stones. Living stones will continue; imitation stones will fall (I John 2:19; Matt. 15:13; Col. 1:20-23).