Definition: 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:
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this beautiful verse from Hebrews 6:18. It's a really interesting and profound idea about faith and God’s promises. Here’s a simplified explanation: What it means in plain English: “That by two immutable things – meaning two things that are fixed and unchanging – in which God could not lie, we might have a strong consolation, meaning comfort and reassurance – who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us.” Let’s unpack it word-by-word: “Hebrews 6:18” : This is the verse itself, coming from the book of Hebrews in the New Testament. It's a specific passage within a larger letter about salvation and perseverance. “That by two immutable things…” : This refers to two fundamental aspects of God’s promise – think of them as two solid foundations. "Immutable" means unchanging; it’s not going to change or be altered over time. “…in which God could not lie” : This is the core of the idea. It's saying that God never lies or fails to keep his promises. His word is reliable and truthful, no matter what. It’s a fundamental belief in God’s character. “we might have a strong consolation…” : This means we have a comforting and reassuring feeling because of these unchanging things. It's not just any comfort; it's a strong one. “…who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us” : This is where it gets really powerful. It means that people who believe in God’s promises (and are steadfast in their faith) have actively sought and are holding onto something – a future promise or goal – that God has clearly laid out for them. “Lay hold upon” suggests taking firm ownership of this hope. So, what's the big picture? This verse speaks to the importance of faith in the face of uncertainty. It’s saying that when we trust in God and believe in His promises, we have a special kind of comfort – a feeling of security and assurance – because God is absolutely certain about what he says. It's not just any belief; it’s a belief based on God’s unchanging nature that gives us hope for the future. Why is this important? This idea was particularly significant in the early church, when people were facing persecution and uncertainty. It emphasized that God’s promises are reliable even when things seem dark or difficult. It's a reminder to stay faithful to our faith and to trust in God’s plan. --- To help me explain it better for you , could you tell me: What is your current level of understanding of biblical concepts? (Are you new to this, or do you have some familiarity?) Is there anything specific about the verse that you're particularly interested in – perhaps a particular idea or meaning?