The Causes of Men's Being Holy, and of Calling Them So
W. Gouge. Hebrews 3:1 Why, holy brothers, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our profession, Christ Jesus; This excellent prerogative of being holy cannot arise from men's selves. "Who can bring a clean thing out of an unclean? not one" (Job 14:4). "But every good and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights" (James 1:17). This Father of lights communicateth holiness to men two ways. 1. By imputing unto them the righteousness of His Son. Thus we are said to be "made the righteousness of God in Christ" (2 Corinthians 5:21), and Christ is said to "be made of God righteousness unto us" (1 Corinthians 1:30). 2. By conveying His Spirit into us, who altereth our nature and disposition, and enableth us to perform the works of righteousness. In this respect He is not only called the Holy Ghost, but also the Spirit of holiness (Romans 1:4); and sanctification is said to be of the Spirit (2 Thessalonians 2:13), because it is wrought in us by the Spirit of God. Thus this excellent title "Holy" gives no matter of boasting unto man (2 Corinthians 4:7); but it giveth great cause of glorying in God. The apostle here giveth these Hebrews this title not so much in regard of their parentage, because the root from whence they sprouted was holy (Romans 11:16); for the partition wall betwixt Jew and Gentile was now broken down, and all that were of the faith of Abraham were counted to be of Abraham's seed (Galatians 3:7).The apostle therefore here gives them this title — 1. In regard to their profession, whereby they were distinguished from profane persons. 2. In regard of his opinion of them; for he judged them to be true members of the holy Church (1 Corinthians 6:11). Thus he usually styleth all to whom he wrote "saints"; that is, holy ones. How did the apostle know that they were holy? By their holy profession; for the ground of judging others is not certainty of knowledge, but the rule of love (1 Corinthians 13:7). (W. Gouge.) Parallel Verses KJV: Wherefore, holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our profession, Christ Jesus; WEB: Therefore, holy brothers, partakers of a heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our confession, Jesus;