The phrase “the one who shrinks back” comes from Hebrews 10:38, which is a passage that speaks about living by faith and the consequences of turning away from that faith. The full verse reads:
- Hebrews 10:38: “But my righteous one will live by faith. And I take no pleasure in the one who shrinks back.”
This verse is part of a larger exhortation in the Book of Hebrews encouraging believers to persevere in their faith, especially during times of hardship or persecution. To “shrink back” in this context refers to those who draw away from faith or fall back into unbelief or disobedience, particularly when faced with challenges, suffering, or opposition.
Understanding “Shrinking Back”
- Drawing Away from Faith:
- The phrase “shrinks back” suggests a retreat or withdrawal from trusting in God, which is the opposite of living by faith. In difficult times, believers are tempted to lose heart, abandon their commitment, or even revert to former ways of living.
- Hebrews 10:39 continues: “But we do not belong to those who shrink back and are destroyed, but to those who have faith and are saved.”
- Here, the writer makes a distinction between those who continue in faith and those who turn away, emphasizing that perseverance leads to salvation.
- Reference to Habakkuk 2:3-4:
- Hebrews 10:38 is quoting from the Old Testament prophet Habakkuk, specifically Habakkuk 2:3-4, where God says: “The righteous person will live by his faithfulness.”
- In Habakkuk’s time, this was a call for the righteous to trust in God’s promises even when they couldn’t see immediate results. Similarly, in Hebrews, believers are called to hold firm in their faith, trusting in God’s promises even when they face difficulties.
- Faith vs. Fear:
- To “shrink back” implies acting out of fear or unbelief, which contrasts with faith, which is defined as confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see (Hebrews 11:1). Shrinking back, then, is a failure to trust God and His promises when circumstances are tough.
- Those who shrink back choose the path of fear, doubt, or disobedience instead of pressing forward in faith.
- God’s Response:
- The passage says that God “takes no pleasure” in those who shrink back. This indicates that God desires His people to trust in Him and live in faith, even through trials. Shrinking back displeases God because it reflects a lack of trust and perseverance.
- In contrast, God delights in those who live by faith, enduring and trusting in His promises even in times of uncertainty.
The Call to Persevere in Faith
The context of Hebrews 10 is a reminder for believers not to abandon their faith when faced with suffering or trials. Earlier in the chapter, the writer encourages Christians to hold fast to their hope and not give up:
- Hebrews 10:23: “Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for He who promised is faithful.”
- Hebrews 10:36: “You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what He has promised.”
Practical Application:
- Perseverance in Trials:
- Believers are called to trust God and stand firm in their faith during difficult times. Instead of shrinking back in fear or doubt, Christians are to continue walking by faith, even when circumstances seem discouraging or uncertain.
- Encouragement to Continue in Faith:
- The writer of Hebrews encourages the community of believers to support and encourage one another to stay strong in their faith, saying earlier:
- Hebrews 10:25: “Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.”
- Community and fellowship with other believers are important for persevering in faith.
- Faith in Action:
- Living by faith is not passive but active. It means trusting in God, making decisions based on that trust, and acting in obedience to His will, regardless of the challenges we face.
Conclusion:
The phrase “the one who shrinks back” refers to someone who draws away from their faith in God, especially during times of difficulty, opposition, or suffering. Hebrews 10:38 contrasts this with the life of faith, which pleases God and leads to salvation. Believers are called to persevere, stand firm in their trust in God, and avoid the temptation to retreat into fear or unbelief.