14 For we have become partakers of Christ if we hold the beginning of our confidence steadfast to the end,
Verse 14 expresses the direction that mutual encouragement is to take.
14 For
The “for” here explains the nature of the warning in verse 12. Since the readers have already begun the Christian life, there is an urgent issue for them to address.
we
The human author includes himself in what is said in verse 14.
have become
The Greek word “become” means to become something which did not exist before. When the readers became Christians, they acquired an entirely new condition before God. Their entire state of existence changed; they held the new status as partakers of the status of Christ. Since we have this new status, we take part in Jesus’ house; we belong to the new community called the church.
The tense of “have become” means that the readers became partakers of Christ at a point in the past and remain that way (perfect tense).
partakers [companions, partners] of Christ
The word “partakers” means to stand under. It carries the idea of the foundation of what we believe or the basis of our confidence. This word stands in contrast to “falling away” in verse 12.
Believers share in the dynamics of Christ. We have seen the word “partakers” previously in Hebrews 1:9; 3:1. The Greek tense of “have become” indicates that the Christian shares the same status with Christ timelessly (perfect tense). We are forever partners with Christ. We will not enjoy blessed fellowship with Christ if we do not connect with Him by faith. The readers were genuine participants in Christ; they possessed salvation in Him.
PRINCIPLE:
Christians hold the same status as Christ before God.
APPLICATION:
Since believers hold the same status that Jesus does before God, they have eternal security in Christ. This concept is similar to our status “in Christ” in the epistles of Paul. Since Christ is absolutely righteous in God’s eyes, so are we absolutely righteous in His eyes.
