“that by two immutable things, in which it is impossible for God to lie, we might have strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold of the hope set before us” (Hebrews 6:18).
As mentioned earlier in our look at Hebrews chapter one, Hebrews 6:18 involves the Biblical doctrine of God’s immutability. The word “immutable” can be defined as something that does not change. Thus, God’s promises to us are reliable, trustworthy, and unchanging. While there is little debate concerning the immutability of God’s promises, there is a variety of opinion regarding the exact nature of the “two immutable things” referenced here within this verse.
For example…
“The (1) death and resurrection of Christ and (2) His ascension and intercession for us are the two immutable things.” (1)
“The two immutable things are God’s Word and God’s oath. Since God does not lie and since He is all-powerful, He will fulfill all His promises. This unchanging nature of God is the believer’s consolation and encouragement.” (2)
“What are the ‘two things’? Calvin says the two things are, (1) what He says; and (2) what He swears is immutable. Some suggest the two things are: 1. The promise, 2. The oath. Others say two oaths are referred to. 1. The promise – the oath made to Abraham respecting a Son, the Messiah. 2. The second refers to Christ’s priesthood, recorded in Ps. 110:4: ‘Jehovah has sworn and will not repent. Thou art a priest forever after the order of Melchizedek.” (3)
Regardless of the differences between these views, one thing we can say is that God will certainly make good on all His promises. This offers hope and assurance as we seek to meet the challenges of daily life.
In another sense, our relationship with God in Christ is not unlike the cities of refuge that God established when the people of Old Testament Israel entered the land of Canaan. Hebrews 6:18 alludes to this idea in speaking of those “…who have fled to Him for refuge” (NLT).
The Biblical book of Joshua identified six cities where an accused criminal could find safety and protection while the accusations against him were examined and judged. In a similar manner, those who accept God’s offer of reconciliation through Christ have entered a place of safety and protection from the judgment that will ultimately fall upon those who reject their Creator. Thus, a person who comes to God through Christ serves to exemplify the words of Psalm 18:30…
“As for God, his way is perfect; the word of the LORD is flawless. He is a shield for all who take refuge in him” (NIV).
(1) J. Vernon McGee, Thru The Bible with J. Vernon McGee, “Hebrews 6:1-20” Copyright 1981 by J. Vernon McGee
(2) Earl D. Radmacher, Ronald Barclay Allen, and H. Wayne House, Nelson’s New Illustrated Bible Commentary (Nashville: T. Nelson Publishers, 1999), 1645.
(3) Boatman, Don Earl Helps from Hebrews, College Press, Joplin, Missouri p.197