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Our apostle, having exhorted the Hebrews to great diligence in good works in the former verse, in this verse endeavours to excite and provoke them to it by the examples of deceased saints, who are now reaping the reward of their former pains, and inheriting the promises.
Here note, 1. A cautionary direction given, that ye be not slothful, either timorous and faint-hearted, or remiss and negligent. God having engaged so firmly on his part, to let nothing he wanting which is requisite to enable us to persevere; if we miss of the promise, that is, of heaven, the good promise, we must thank our own sloth for it.
Note, 2. The great duty exhorted to, and that is, to be followers of the saints: be followers of them; that is, vigorously and constantly imitate them in their graces and gracious conversations. The graces of the saints (whether living or dead) are patterns presented to our imitation.
Note, 3. The particular and special graces in the saints which we are to imitate and follow, namely, their faith and patience: their faith, that is, their firm trust in God, and belief of his promises, relying on his word under all trials: and their patience, that is, their perseverance in well doing, and patient expectation under all delays, and constant adherence to him under all difficulties.
Learn hence, 1. That heaven is not ours by purchase, but by promise.
2. That heaven is a promised inheritance, which saints, by faith and patience, have possessed.
3. That by being followers of them in their faith and patience, he may also come with them to inherit the promises.