This section of Hebrews gives us the firm basis of our hope. It is in the person and character of God. He uses an example of a promise God made to Abraham to bless Him, “because He could swear by no one greater, He swore by Himself” (13).
We know that an oath is binding. That is why we ask those testifying in court to “swear to tell the truth.” If they lie after swearing this, it is legal perjury and punishable by law.
God swore by Himself. This is the strongest oath He could have taken, as no one is greater than God Himself. Then there is God’s character, one who cannot be tempted to sin (cf. James 1::13). As such, God can’t lie. Since He can’t lie, and He further swore an oath, we know that the promise to Abraham was inviolable.
The Hebrew writer used this example to note that our hope of salvation is based upon these same two immutable things. God’s promise, and His person. As such we “might have strong consolation” (18). God promised it, so we can have certain trust in our hope!
