Hebrews 12:1 Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us,
The cloud of witnesses is extensive. We can look at the faith of those who came before us. The heroes of faith mentioned in ch. 11 followed God’s promises, even though at times they did not understand all the details. If they knew the details, then faith diminishes to become intellectual decision making. There is a different between the two. Faith can be supported by careful thinking but is not totally dependent upon it. Looking at those who followed God’s promises gives us strength for our own journey. It is difficult if not impossible to be an isolated Christian. We must make individual decisions and choose to follow God’s promise in Jesus by our ourselves but we need others to support us before and after this decision. The pull and troubles of the world can cloud our vision. Fear may keep us from moving forward. Fear leads to doubt. If our doubts are allowed to grow, they can pull us away from our faith in Christ. The author has already given a strong warning about this in ch. 6 and an illustration with ancient Israel in ch. 3. We must not turn away from God’s promises but go towards them in the obedience of faith.
The problem is the sin that clings so closely to us. It sticks to us like lint. It is just floating around ready to trip us up. The only solution to sin is to look to Jesus. Jesus gives victory over sin. The author is writing about full salvation and total victory over sin. This is the sanctified life which has been completely given over to God in consecration. Looking to Jesus will help us run our race with endurance. If we take our eyes off of Jesus, we will get tripped up, discouraged, and even fall away. This may come at a high cost. Many of the heroes of ch. 11 face significant persecution. The readers of this letter may have been facing persecution. The temptation is to take the easy road, but this road leads to destruction. Jesus is the key to victorious living.
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