DISPUTED DOCTRINES -- Chapter Thirty

QUESTION OF INTERPRETATION

The question here is one with reference to the interpretation to be given to the "cloud of witnesses" in Hebrews 12: 1. This passage reads, "Wherefore seeing we also are encompassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us." The interpretation frequently given to this is, that the "cloud of witnesses" refers to the saints in glory. These, it is thought, are interested witnesses of us as we run the Christian race that is set before us here upon earth. But is such an interpretation tenable?

It must be admitted that their interpretation, which represents the saints in glory as leaning over the battlements of heaven as eager spectators of how we are running the Christian race here upon earth is dramatic and spectacular. It may also be that the idea that "a million eyes are watching them" might be a spur to some in running this race.

But nothing of the kind is said or even intimated in this verse, and the whole idea smacks of spiritualism. Besides, the runner in this race is not said to have his eye fixed on the saints, but on the Lord Himself, as the very next verse shows, which says, "Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith."

As far as the saints in glory are concerned, we do not know whether they have knowledge of anything that is going on in the world which they have left. Certainly they are not omniscient. They know only what God chooses to reveal to them concerning the affairs of His kingdom in this world.

Admit that the saints are such interested spectators of our Christian race and its outcome in each individual case, the next step would properly be for us to give up our opposition to the invocation of the saints and fall in line with our Roman Catholic brethren in requesting their intercession. If they are so interested in us, why should they not be appealed to to help us out in an emergency?

But that this interpretation of the "cloud of witnesses" has no ground on which to stand, appears from the word "Wherefore" by which the verse is introduced. This word, as introducing a conclusion, can only refer to something that has preceded. In the immediately preceding chapter we have a long list of 0. T. saints, who by their conduct, by their sufferings, and by their lives, bore witness to their faith. It is by these that we are encompassed; and the noble examples of these heroes of faith are held before us for our encouragement and imitation. And the word that is used here for "witnesses," far from indicating mere spectators of what others are doing, means literally "martyrs," i. e., witnesses so earnest and sincere that they were prepared to shed their blood rather than give up the faith that was in them.

Jesus Christ is the author and finisher of our faith. Let us run with patience the race that is set before us, looking unto Him, not unto the saints. Let us so run as to please Him, and He will bestow upon us at last the crown of life.

Back to the Table of Contents

Back to Sermons and Papers