12:15
“Falls short of the grace of God” can also be translated “fails to grasp hold of the grace of God”. The grace of God most definitely does not mean that we can live how we like and get away with it. The grace of God works to enable us to be the people God always wanted us to be. Note that yet again we see that we have a part to play. God’s grace works to change us, to make us people who are able to be Christlike. We need to be on our guard against sin and wrong attitudes. Otherwise these can grow and cause much trouble.
12:16
Sexual immorality is warned against in many of the New Testament letters, in fact in most of them. We are sometimes too reluctant to speak about this in church, but we should not be so. Sexual immorality is very destructive, both to individuals and to society at large.
However, holiness and unholiness are not defined just in terms of sexual morality as Esau is mentioned next. His sin was to regard his birthright as essentially meaningless. We rightly react against "pie in the sky" versions of Christianity, but the New Testament has a persistent focus on what will happen when Christ returns and instructs us to look forward to that day. We should regard the return of Christ, the culmination of all things, as absolutely vital, and it gives us a right perspective on life. Otherwise, we too may be tempted to trade our birthright for something that is ultimately trivial.
12:17
The writer of Hebrews has no compunction about issuing severe warnings. Christianity is not a game, but a matter of eternal consequences. Esau later desired to inherit the blessing, but could not do so. This was despite him seeking the blessing with tears, he was extremely earnest. This should also serve as a warning to those who talk of people getting a second chance to avoid going to hell. There is no warrant for this at all in Scripture. We need to decide for God today, and to continue in this commitment. Life is a serious business.
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