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Here the apostle acquaints us with the design of God in confirming his promise, namely, to manifest the immutability of his counsel to us; that is, his decree and purpose for our salvation; to the intent, that by his word and oath we might have strong consolation. So unspeakable is the weakness of our faith, that we stand in need of the utmost condescension of God for its confirmation.
Note here, That God has made many promises for the confirmation of his people's faith. God's oath is a surety for his promises; and that God's end, both in his promise and his oath is to give his people the highest assurance, and strongest consolation.
Question, why are we so hard to believe God upon his single word; yea, can scarce trust him upon his oath?
Answer, Because of our guilt; no, guilt is always full of fear, and fear full of suspicion and distrust; and because the way of reconciliation is so rare and wonderful, that we can scarce conceive it, much less believe it; also the privileges of the gospel are so glorious, that they exceed our belief: and because we ourselves are so false and fickle, both with God and one another, that promises, vows, and oaths, are all little enough to hold us. Now we are apt to measure God by ourselves therefore he gives us his oath.
Inference, 1. How ought we to bind ourselves to God by oath, seeing he condescends thus to bind himself to us?
2. How unreasonable is it for the believers to distrust God upon his oath? This is not only to accuse God of a lie, but to impeach him of perjury.
3. How absurd is it for the impenitent sinner not to tremble at the threatenings of God, which are confirmed by an oath, as well as his promises? "I have sworn in my wrath they shall not enter into my rest."
--"Who have fled for refuge, to lay hold upon the hope before us:"
In these words there is an allusion to the cities of refuge spoken of under the law: God appointed six of them for those to fly unto, who were guilty of casual homicide, or killing a man by chance, that so they might avoid the fury of the avenger of blood. Now these cities of refuge were an illustrious type of Christ.
Note here, 1. Christ is the believer's city of refuge, the only sanctuary for distressed souls.
2. That believers do by faith fly unto him for refuge, when the guilt of sin, and the wrath of God for sin, do pursue and follow them. This flying for refuge doth imply diligence and earnestness, as in the case of life and death, yea, unwearied diligence; and it implies continuance in this refuge, when once got into it, not to stir out of it for all the world.
Lord! open the eyes, and awaken the consciences of all impenitent sinners, make them sensible that the avenger of blood is at their heels, and that their damnation slumbers not, if they do not presently fly from the wrath to come, and take sanctuary in thy Son.